ACTION in the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GTA)-organised, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI)-sponsored Tennis Open competition continued last Friday evening at the Bank’s Bel Air Park courts, with contrasting fortunes for two veteran players on the local circuit. In the opening match, 15-year-old Khalid Gobin had to battle hard to overcome the wily and consistent veteran Harry Panday in three sets.
Panday surprised the big-hitting Gobin in the first set winning 6-4, as he drew his opponent into his game with well-placed shots, before Gobin, who served well throughout the contest, easily took the second set 6-1.
In the third set, Gobin raced off to a 5-1 lead and had to stave off a comeback from Panday before finishing the set 6-3, to move to the next round where he will be facing defending champion Anthony Downes.
Popular musician Rudy Grant who has been playing tennis locally over the last couple of decades showed he still had skills as he prevailed over his younger opponent Kris Jugdeo who retired due to an injury sustained whilst trailing Grant 6-4, 5-4 .
Grant will face 15-year-old Gavin Lewis who represented Guyana in the Junior Davis Cup in his second round encounter.
Bishan Dalip in his first round encounter surprised everyone as he easily defeated junior Judah Stephney 6-2, 6-2 in their first round encounter in the Men’s Singles. Dalip utilised his strong serve well and minimised on errors to prevail over his 14-year-old opponent, who trains in the junior squad.
Another junior campaigner in the Men’s category, Craig Campbell, put up a brave fight as he traded groundstrokes with the big-hitting Ronald Murray before he lost 6-4, 6-2 in a highly entertaining match. Both players served well and in the end it was the experience of Murray which prevailed.
Another veteran Gilbert Barckoy had an easier time in defeating newcomer from Diamond Tennis Club, Deochand Singh, in straight sets 6-1, 6-1. Barckoy will take on Dalip in his second round encounter.