-Erskine defeat Osbourne in epic Men’s Open Singles quarter-final clash

TOP seeded female player Cristy Campbell produced another dominant display en route to being crowned the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Ladies Champion at the Diamond Tennis courts, on the East Bank of Demerara.
The five-time national champion easily disposed of up-and-coming player Renola Jordan 6-0, 6-1 recently in the final of the event.
Campbell, who used her speed and consistency to outmatch her opponent, who continues to improve.

MEN’S OPEN SINGLES
Meanwhile, the quarterfinals clash of the Men’s Open Singles between number two seed Benjettan Osbourne and Andre Erskine proved to be the most gruelling and entertaining match of the tournament thus far. The pair battled over two days due to bad light, but in the end, it was Erskine who held on physically and mentally to topple number two seed Osbourne to advance to his first men’s semifinal. Erskine, who is the coach and founder of the Rebel Tennis Club, credited his students for his victory.
“This match was the most mentally exhausting match I’ve played. This is my first semifinal at GBTI, so I’m super excited to reach this stage. My students are my biggest supporters. This win is a result of their confidence in me.” On day one, the fierce competitors traded breaks in the first two games, then both held as it seemed as if they were settling into the match. Osbourne, who was no stranger to the GBTI quarterfinals round, secured another break in the seventh game, and served out the set to take it 6-3.

Erskine stayed determined and returned as the more aggressive and consistent of the two. He raced to a 5-0 lead in the second set. Osbourne though held serve in the sixth game and had two break points in the seventh game. A refocused Erskine quickly shut down Osbourne’s hopes and closed out the set 6-1. The momentum shifted once again as Osbourne raced to a 3-1 lead in the deciding set. With the support of his students, Erskine saved his sixth breakpoint in the third set, but it was Osbourne with the slight advantage. Due to poor light, play was suspended with Osbourne leading 3-2 (15-15). The players returned refreshed the next day and Erskine won three consecutive games to take a 5-3 lead. Erskine served for the match, but unfortunately, Osbourne retired on match point down. The final score was 3-6 – 6-1 – 5-3 (40-0) ret. to Erskine.