Downes, Ramdyhan claim GBTI Open Singles crowns

Jul 13, 2015 Sports

There were mixed emotions of happiness and sadness as the last match of the GBTI Open 2015 got underway. When the last point was won, it dawned that this special tournament was over.

Ladies’ Champion: Nicola Ramdyhan

Men’s Champion: Anthony Downes

Memories, friendships and dreams were made while some players returned to the drawing board to improve for next year’s shot at glory on the court. The Ladies’ and Men’s Finals closed in fine style with one of the tightest match being played on court 1 with the ladies taking each other to their breaking point both physically and mentally.
Anthony Downes clinched his 5th straight GBTI Open title in 46 minutes from Leyland Leacock to solidify his place in Guyana’s tennis history.
Leacock did his utmost to ruffle the feathers of Downes and stay in the match but was outplayed 6/1, 6/1. Downes had the upper hand at the baseline and was able to dominate the point from that vantage point while Leacock played smart to finish the point at the net.
However, he racked up 30 errors and only 4 winners compared to 22 errors and 22 winners from Downes. These margins of error ultimately lead to his defeat which was compounded by Downes’ biggest weapon, his serves.
Each player must have an arsenal in their game to dig them out of trouble when it is pressure time. Downes was able to stack an 89% first serve and 63% receiving points won, on the other hand, Leacock had 79% first serve and 24%recieving points won.
The Ladies’ singles was nothing short of two ‘gladiators’ sharpening their skills in the arena. The defending champion, Nicola Ramdyhan, was pushed to the limit by first time finalist, Afruica Gentle.
Both players discovered parts of the courts they never knew existed as they scrambled from every corner of the court. The players and spectators will forever remember the 3 sets that lasted 2 hours and 36 minutes.
Ramdyhan took a close first set 7/5 and Gentle took the second set 4/6. The deciding set had tension that cut the night’s air with every grunt and strike of a ball. Gentle took a 4/2 lead but the defending champion held the next three games to take the lead at 5/4 and create a championship point on Gentle’s serve.
If you thought Victoria Azerenka at this year’s Wimbledon had will power and an emphatic means of encouraging herself, then you had to see Gentle bellow after saving championship point to even the score at 5/5.
There was another close brush of defeat when Ramdyhan had 3 more match points, nevertheless Gentle by some means was able to erase them and take the match to a tiebreaker.
Knowing what was on the line and being in this position before propelled Ramdyhan to waste no more opportunities in the tiebreak and closed it out at 7/0. The two competitors staggered their way to the net to embrace as the fans stood and applauded.
The battle wounds will heal but the memories of that showdown will be talked about for years to come. Ramdyhan takes her 3rd consecutive win at 7/5, 4/6, 7/6(7-0).

Pics below –

Ladies’ Champion: Nicola Ramdyhan