The first Bahamas Lawn and Tennis Association sanctioned junior tennis tournament of the year took place this past weekend (February 19-22, 2010) at the Gully Bowe Tennis Center at the Lucayan Bath & Racquet Club. The Grand Bahama Tennis Association hosted 35 junior tennis players from Nassau, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama for several days of healthy tennis competition with several hundred spectators in attendance during the 4 day event.
Tournament director Gully Bowe said that this year’s event was very competitive and a great success. “I enjoyed the tournament and I know that the young tennis players did as well,” he added. “This year’s players displayed a high level of competiveness and good sportsmanship as they vied for the first place trophies in the various age categories” remarked Bowe.
He thanked all the participants, parents and coaches for their contributions to the tournament. He expressed special thanks to the tournament sponsor, Shuffel Hepburn and Subway. “Despite the economic challenges being faced by many, Mr. Shuffle Hepburn, owner of SUBWAY restaurants, continues his commitment to youth development in sponsoring this year’s tournament once again” commented Bowe.
President of the Grand Bahama Tennis Association, Mrs. Charmine Wallace, dubbed this year’s tournament a huge success and extended sincere appreciation to Mr. Shuffle Hepburn of Subway restaurants, the players and their parents for contributing to such a successful tournament.
The tournament results are as follows: Girls under 12 Singles: Iesha Shepherd d. Lily Evert 5-7, 6-0, 6-3; Girls Under 14: Gabriella Bowe d. Lily Evert 6-1, 6-0; Girls Under 16: Gabriella Bowe d. Dominique Mortier 6-0, 6-1; Boys Under 10: Cole Majra d. Kofi Bowe 6-0,6-0; Boys Under 12: Oneil Mortimer d. Ashton Major 6-4, 6-0; Boys Under 14: Philip Major d. Rasheed Carey 6-4, 6-0; Boys Under 16: Kevin Major d. Ondre Cargil Bye; Boys Under 18: Johnathan Taylor d. Kevin Major Bye; Girls Under 14 Doubles: Shaytonya Missick & Gabriella Bowe def Lily Evert & Iesha Shepherd Bye; Boys Under 14 Doubles: Shannon Francis & Ashton Major d. Oneil Mortimer & Malik Jones 8-3; Boys Under 18 Doubles: Hubert Russell & Philip Major d. Johnathan Miller & Dirnaj Saunders 8-1.
Bahamas tennis fans can see a full gallery of photos from the event at www.bahamastennis.com