The queen of the court will be decided tonight when powerhouses in the ladies category, Nicola Ramdyhan and Afruica Gentle reach in Ladies Open finals of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Independence Golden Jubilee open tournament at the Bel-Air Park Recreation Centre.
Afruica Gentle
The two teenagers who have fought through all the odds on the way to the final will finally get to display their best effort as Ramdyhan aims to win a fourth successive title while Gentle is in quest for a first.
Gentle is yet to beat Ramdyhan in a completed match but won a ‘walk over’ against her opponent in the Bakewell Junior tournament due to a health issue. Meanwhile Ramdyhan is three from three in the GBTI ladies open finals. Winning the title in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and is looking to continue her winning streak.
The 18 year old sixth form student of The Bishops’ High School said she is hopeful of retaining the title due to her form. “I think I stand a better chance at winning because my confidence level is higher and I am playing better tennis, especially when I compare my form to last year’s ”, the defending champion said.
The game is expected to be a very competitive one with both players holding advantage with their style of play.
However, Ramdyhan said she knows her opponent will be consistent with her plays, especially with her serves and forehand attack. “But I’ll counter attack her serve and match her forehand”, Ramdyhan confidently stated.
On the other hand though Gentle has not won a title, she is not to be underrated as she too is in high spirit and is confident of winning the title. “I have never defeated Nicola, I expect her to play her heart out, but I will be giving the match my all to win the title,” said Gentle
This year’s final will be a repeat of the previous finals where the two players met for the first time in the ladies’ open finals. That match lasted the entire three sets, ending in favour of Ramdyhan 7-5, 6-4, 7-6, (7-0).
Fans are urged to come out early to witness what is expected to be the clash of the tournament. The match is scheduled to start at 16:30 Hrs.
