TODAY, the first ball will be served to signal the return of international tennis competition on these shores. Three countries – defending team champions French Guiana, Suriname and host team Guyana battle over two days for the Inter-Guiana Games title.

Guyana last saw international play some three decades ago, and it comes a decade after the Guyana Tennis Association was resuscitated with Grace McCalman at the head.
Each team will present 12 players on show for the Guyanese public, divided into four different age groups, namely, Under-12, U-14 and U-18 divisions.
An enthusiastic McCalman told the players, guests and parents ‘This is very special for the GTA and it tells a story that we’re moving upwards’.
Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony, who declared the event open, hopes for continuity and the building of friendships.
“It’s not only playing the games, while we can have friendly competitions and try to develop our skills, it opens up opportunities for us to learn more about each other’s country and its culture.’
Dr Anthony also urged the teams to ‘show the spirit of sportsmanship’ as he said international tennis is making a return in a ‘big way’ to Guyana.
The IGG tennis tournament was restarted three years ago in Suriname. Last year it was held in French Guiana.
Today, there will be 36 Singles matches – Girls at GBTI Bel Air and the Under-12 Boys at the Panday Court also in Bel Air. The Under-14 and U-18 boys are at GBTI Diamond. Tomorrow, 18 Doubles matches are to be contested, with a venue switch for the sexes.
Matches begin at 08:30hrs at both venues and the Guyana team comprises 11 players: Boys U-18: Daniel Lopes, Khalif Gobin. Boys U-14: Keenan Persaud, Mark McDonald. Boys U-12: Jordan Beaton, Hemraj Resaul. Girls U-18: Nicola Ramdyhan, Aretha Dey. Girls U-14: Afruica Gentle, Shivanie Persaud and Girls U-12: Kalyca Fraser, Sarah Klavtky.

(By Leeron Brumell)