GBTI Open 2017 starts with a bang

The eight edition of the GBTI Open served off last Friday and marked the peak of competition season on the Guyana Tennis Association’s (GLTA’s) calendar. The tennis community gathered to view, chat and catch in a pleasant environment.

Daniel Lopes, squared off against Jordan Beaton, who started strong and had occasions to take the first set but failed to fend off the 6-4, 6-3 defeat.

Joshua Kalekyezi defeated Surendra Khayyam 6-0, 6-2 while President, Jamal Goodluck defeated Adesh Khayyam 6-0, 7-5. Ronald Murray seeks to topple the seeded players and make his way to Anthony Downes but he first defeated Alexandre De Almedia 6-1, 6-1 and sets up a clash against Andre Erksine who will be a test on the road to the semi-final. Erskine looked lethal in his 6-0, 6-0 defeat of Khalid Gobin.

Rorima club mates Oswin Coggins and Devon Gonsalves showed down in a tight match. It was to the astonishment of spectators the level of growth Gonsalves had made since his GBTI novice debut last year. He tussled with Coggins and displayed exceptional touch at the net but was unable to stay focus at the critical point allowing Coggins to impress his style of play and eventually closing with a 6-3, 7-6(7/3) win.

Khawn Rodney had his challenge against the household name Rudy Grant.  Grant deployed his tactical launch of drop shots an lobs that flustered Rodney in a few games but Rodney was able to shake the nerves off and secure the win at 6-4,6-4

Kalyca Fraser, who has been one to watch, defeated former President, Grace McCalman 6-2, 6-1.

Saturday night primetime had epic matches that lasted until midnight. All eyes were focused on Nicholas Glasgow vs. Sandeep Chand and Alexey Almedia vs. Albert Razick matches. Glasgow showed confident from the strike of the first point against a fearless Chand. He was able to pull off a 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 win because he was able to utilize his weapons of a big forehand, low slices and consistent play which led to a variety of shots. While Chand was able to lift his game in the second set, he was unable to propel that moment in the third.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Brazilian Almedia and American Razick had a match of class, sportsmanship and quality tennis that lasted over three hours and thirsty minutes.

In the Boys round 32, Dominic Skeete defeated young Buxtonian, Tyrese Trim 6-2, 6-4 after meeting twice in less than a month. While on the girls’ side, Kalyca Fraser marches in the semi-final after handling the upcoming junior, Sekai Jones. Alana Chung made her way pass Charlese Adams 6-1, 6-1. Sarah Klautky confidently dismissed Margaret Subryan 6-0, 6-0. Nathalie Ramdyhan looked sharped against her best friend, Ciara Pooran as she also booked a semi-final spot at 6-4, 6-4.

Matches continue at the GBTI Recreational Facility, Bel Air all week from 5 pm.