Vincy Junior Tennis girls shine in the ITF Tournament

The 25th ITF Junior Coco Cola Tennis Tournament was held at the St. Lucia Racquet Club Courts from Friday 1st – 9th August, 2008.{{more}}

St.Vincent and the Grenadines was represented by Fabrice George, Kevin Huggins, Shane Huggins, Omarlie John, Shane Latchman, Jonathan Perry, Jannick Tash, Duwane Thomas, Daneya Charles, Danielle Cupid, Michelle Gun-Munro, Chelsea Haslam, Olivia Haslam, Roberta Haslam, Halima Michael, Paige Veira and Simone Veira.

The girls took the limelight with Daneya Charles remaining focused to earn a place in the Girl’s 14’s Singles Final. However, she was defeated by her long time rival Cassidy King, of Antigua, who was crowned Girls 14’s Singles Champion. Her doubles partner, Halima Michael, having not qualified for the main draw, was awarded Winner of the Girls Consolation with an 8-0 defeat of Shivornelle Williams, of Trinidad. In a similar situation, Jonathan Perry won the Boys 14’s Consolation Final with a 8-3 defeat of Shakin Elvin, of Antigua. Paige Veira reached the finals in the Girls 12’s Consolation Singles and was stopped short by Shenika Gibbs, of Grenada, to take the top spot.

Creditable performances also came from Roberta Halsam who reached Semi Finals in 12’s Singles and was awarded – Best Sportswomanship. Chelsea Haslam reached Quarter Finals in the Girl’s 12’s singles and was also awarded- Most Promising Girl Player.

The Vincentian girls also performed creditably in the 12’s and 14’s Doubles categories. In the Girls 12’s Doubles, Roberta Haslam and Paige Veira made it to the Finals but were defeated by J. D’Auvergne (St.Lucia) and J.Hall (Barbados), 4/6, 4/6. In the Doubles Girl’s 14’s, Daneya Charles and Halima Michael went on to Semi-finals but were defeated by K. Armstrong and C. King, of Antigua. Olivia Haslam teamed up with Naomi Brathwaite (Grenada) to also reach the Semi-finals, but were defeated by T.Calder (Grenada) and S.Roheman (St.Lucia).

Michelle Gun-Munro put in a creditable performance, making it to the second round in the competitive Girls 18’s competition. Shane Huggins and Duwane Thomas made it to the Boys U18 main draw but were defeated in early rounds.

A four member team comprising #1 and #2 seeds Daneya Charles and Halima Michael, respectively, along with Omarlie John, went on to Antigua on Sunday 10th to participate in the ITF 13U Development Programme from 11th-16th August, 2008. Onike Spann, ITF Level 2 Coach, is the team travelling Coach and Manager.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association congratulates the hard work of the junior players and wishes them future success.