THE eighth edition of the GBTI Open served off last week Friday, and marked the peak of competition season on the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association’s (GLTA’s) calendar.
In the Men’s Round 32, Daniel Lopes defeated Jordan Beaton, 6-4, 6-3, Joshua Kalekyezi defeated Surendra Khayyam 6-0, 6-2, while President, Jamal Goodluck defeated Adesh Khayyam 6-0, 7-5.
Ronald Murray first defeated Alexandre De Almedia 6-1, 6-1, and set up a clash against Andre Erksine. Erskine looked lethal in his 6-0, 6-0 defeat of Khalid Gobin.
Roraima club mates Oswin Coggins and Devon Gonsalves played the match of the evening, as Gonsalves displayed exceptional touch at the net, but was unable to stay focused at the critical point, allowing Coggins to press his style of play and eventually close with a 6-3, 7-6(7/3) win.
Khawn Rodney had his challenge against the household name Rudy Grant. It was the joy of the tennis family to see the effort and love for the game displayed by Grant.
Grant deployed his tactical launch of drop shots and lobs that flustered Rodney in a few games, but Rodney was able to shake the nerves off and secure the win at 6-4,6-4
Kalyca Fraser, who is one to watch, defeated former President Grace McCalman 6-2, 6-1.
Saturday night primetime had epic matches that lasted until midnight. All eyes were focused on Nicholas Glasgow/Sandeep Chand and Alexey Almedia/Albert Razick matches.
Glasgow showed confidence from the strike of the first point against a fearless Chand. He was able to pull off a 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 win.
Members of the diplomatic corps, Brazilian Almedia and American Razick had a match of class sportsmanship and quality tennis that lasted over three hours. The senior players made full use of the court strategically and were examples of mental toughness.
However, Almedia was able to get the upper hand to defeat Razick 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
In the Boys’ Round 32, Dominic Skeete defeated Tyrese Trim 6-2, 6-4 after meeting twice in less than a month.
While on the girls’ side, Kalyca Fraser marches into the semi-final after handling the upcoming junior, Sekai Jones.
Alana Chung made her way past Charlese Adams 6-1, 6-1. Sarah Klautky confidently dismissed Margaret Subryan 6-0, 6-0. Nathalie Ramdyhan looked sharped against her best friend, Ciara Pooran, as she also booked a semi-final spot at 6-4, 6-4.
Matches continue at the GBTI Recreational Facility, Bel Air, all week from 17.00hrs.