BERBICE veteran tennis player Godfrey Lowden who was crowned Assuria’s Men’s Over-35 Singles champion just two days ago, engraved his veteran champion seal when he took the Assuria Men’s Over-45 Singles champion title from Carlos Adams once again last Wednesday at the Nash Tennis Court. 

There, the two players treated the small gathering of spectators once again to a display of heavy tactical and aggressive play.
According to a release, Adams strategically tried to anchor his game at the centre of the court and net, playing deep cross courts and forcing Lowden to move about on the baseline. This strategy paid off since Adams initially won more points volleying at the net.
However, Lowden’s aggressive ground strokes made his game more solid. He had 17 winners (10 on the forehand and 7 on the backhand) and a margin of 6 unforced errors while Adams had 6 winners and 11 unforced errors. Overall Lowden made full opportunity of Adams second serve and consistently attacked it.
In the first set, Lowden took a commanding 5-1 lead but Adams was able to advance with a more consistent serve to win the next two games. Lowden made no hesitation and used his version of big serves to close the set with a love service game, giving him the first set at 6-3.
The second set provided similar excitement. Lowden’s service game was pushed to breaking point with six deuces but Adams failed to convert the break point and Lowden took a 2-0 lead.
Adams, who is in his 60s, came up with excellent footwork and placement to launch a shift in momentum to even the score at 3-3. However, Lowden took control and secured the second set at 6-3, to clench yet a second championship title, the Assuria Men’s Over 45 Singles.
It was remarkable to see players in their 50s and 60s compete with great agility and fitness. With the evolution of the game more players guard the baseline and aim to hit power shots but the veterans showed the classier, gentleman style of the game.
There was a mixture of slices, approach shots and much volleying which seems to be a dying form of the game.
The release went on to state that the camaraderie and the love of the game were evident in the post-match as both were gracious in their comments.
Adams has been playing since the early 60s and accredits lots to tennis. He had minor injuries but he played the second final and made a show of it. Lowden who travels from Berbice to play matches says he does it for the love of the game.
He congratulated Carlos on a good game but he knows that there can be a higher level of play by his friend and looks forward to more finals in the near future.
The Men’s final was scheduled to be played last evening at Harry Panday’s tennis courts, followed by the closing ceremony.