THE Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) will kick-start its 2013 season with the inaugural ‘Assuria Invitational Classic’ today.

The invitational tournament is being sponsored by the Surinamese national: Assuria Weisenager and would comprise three categories – Men’s and Women’s Singles and Men’s Over-35 singles. The tournament would be played on a round-robin basis with the top two progressing to the final in each category.
The tournament, the first of its kind in Guyana, would be played at two venues around Georgetown, beginning at the Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue and at the Diamond Tennis Centre, Diamond. The tournament will be played this weekend and next weekend, 13th and 14th.
Some of Guyana’s top senior players, such as Jeremy Miller, Carlos Adams, Carol Humphrey, Duanne Lopes, Leyland Leacock, Harry Panday, Shawna Gentle are expected to participate.
The vibrant association is seeking to have more tournaments added to the tennis calendar for 2013, while seeking to develop the sport within the country.
First vice-president Grace McCalman noted that this is one of those tournaments where most of Guyana’s top players will be on show in exhibition-style. She called on lawn tennis supporters around the country to come out and support their favourite players.
She pointed out that the tournament’s main aims are to build and create awareness and set a platform for tennis on the East Bank of Demerara. She said this would begin a great work relationship with the Diamond tennis club officials.
The action begins at 09:00hrs in the Over-35 category as Harry Panday faces Mario Niamatali while Anthony Downes opposes Leyland Leacock simultaneously in the Men’s Singles. Jeremy Miller then challenges Gavin Lew and Anthony Downes clashes with Daniel Lopes.
Carlos Adams is scheduled to battle with Rudy Grant while Godfrey Lowden goes head-to-head with Harry Panday.