Downes, Ramdyhan crowned Champions in GBTI OPEN

Jul 08, 2014 Sports

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Three time tournament champion Anthony Downes kept his composure amidst a fierce comeback warning from former #1 seed Phillip Squires to cop the Men’s Open Singles title for the fourth time at the GBTI Open Tennis Tournament on Friday last.
Both players held strong serves for their first game but after Downes broke Squires to go up 2-1, he capitalized on momentum gained with his powerful ground strokes to eventually lead at 5-1. Squires then broke back to save the set at 5-2 but it was Downes who was able to win his service game to win the set at 6-2.

In the second set, Downes again was able to break Squires early to go up 4-1 even as Squires showed signs of regaining his form. But Squires, being the tactically stronger player, was able to hold and break Downes again to take the score to 4-3. But Downes continued to drill ground strokes and broke back to go up 5-3. At this time, Squires seemed to better handle Downes power and broke to put himself in position to potentially take the second set. But Downes wasted no time breaking Squires again to take the title after a second set 6-4.
In the Ladies Singles Final, the 15yr old Nicola Ramdyhan had to endure three sets to hold off former champion Shawna Gentle who at times used tricky slices to slow down the match. The two young players entertained spectators with their long rallies where Gentle ensured that she dished out a fair share of loopy balls which forced aggression from Ramdyhan to finish points quickly. Ramdyhan was able to clinch the first set at 6-3 after which she seemed to be frustrated about the lack of pace from Gentle.
That strategy earned Gentle the second set at 1-6 but Ramdyhan mentally reprogrammed herself to take the final set and championship at 6-3.
Other final results are; two time Champion pair Anthony Downes/Jason Andrews defeating Gavin Lewis/Daniel Lopes 6-1 7-6 to take the Men’s Doubles title.  Ladies Doubles Final: National Coach Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan and daughter Nicola Ramdyhan defeated Shawna Gentle and Afruica Gentle 7-5, 6-3.  Mixed Doubles Finals: Anthony Downes/Rebecca Mitchell made light work of Jason Andrews/Afruica Gentle 6-0 6-1.  Men’s 35 Singles Finals: Godfrey Lowden def. Chetan Narayan 6-1, 3-6, 10-4.  Boys 18s Finals: Khalif Gobin def. Craig Campbell in a three hour epic 6-4, 6-7 and 10-7. Novice Medley Doubles: Orande Dainty/Robert Bostwick def. Charlie Adams/Kizzy Richmond 7-5. Novice Men’s Singles: Orande Dainty def. Charles Adams 7-5. Novice Ladies Singles: Cristy Campbell def. Denise Barrington 6-3.
In his closing remarks, CEO of GBTI, John Tracey, a former tennis player and member of the GLTA executive, expressed his appreciation to the GLTA for preserving the GBTI OPEN as a significant tournament in their calendar. However, he lamented the lack of emphasis on the promotion of sports nationwide especially to highlight players with potential and to provide substantial coverage of video for television. He noted sister countries in the Caribbean making sports a priority for development even if the economy shows signs of slippage.
In this regard he gave charge to the GLTA to invest in a professional camera to be used for public relations and for player development.  He also graciously extended the use of his facilities amidst loud cheers, for the hosting of Guyana’s first international tennis tournament in several years, the Inter Guiana Games which will be held in late October.
President of the GLTA Grace McCalman in her remarks congratulated the GBTI for ensuring that their corporate support goes beyond the usual provision of a sponsorship cheque for a sport that needs much more. The upkeep of facilities to ensure that the sport is substantially supported is most welcome and appreciated. She recounted developing a love for tennis as an employee of the bank at the same courts under the management of the late Ms. DaSilva many years back and reminded members of her executive that it is ones innermost motivation that brings about real assistance and not instructions from the President of the day.
She noted the decline of the veteran categories but reminded all that strong clubs form the basis for increased participation in tennis activities. The fact that novice players have been steadily improving from the inception of that category supports their interest now for playing in the Open Categories.
The interschool competition that was recently held is also testament to the continued effort of the GLTA to ensure that a new crop of juniors keep coming, especially girls. She further urged coaches present to take information away from the tournament about their players to strengthen them during practice so that the quality of the tournament can improve for the next year.

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