Leyland Leacock and Godfrey Lowden fashioned similar victories as they took the titles in the Men’s Over 35 and Over 45 categories respectively in straight sets. The first set went to a tiebreak where Lopes committed several costly forehand errors which allowed Leacock to win 7-3. Leacock served consistently and though surprised by the occasional winner from Lopes was able to win the title in straight sets 7-6(7/3) 6-4. Both players are in line to capture two medals as they are competing in Doubles finals as well.
In the Men’s 45 Finals, Alexley Almeida’s streak of coming back from a set down was halted by Berbician Godfrey Lowden who completed a straight sets win, but not without some drama at the end. In the first set Lowden who likes a fast paced game steamrolled Almeida 6-1 who tried to match his opponent unsuccessfully. In the second set Almeida threatened to make it a 3 set affair yet again as he slowed the pace and took the set to a tie-break. Leading 8-7 with set point, he suffered a dubious call and lost composure and the set eventually at 11-9. It was a deserving win for Lowden who has been a stalwart over the years and still has the game and fitness to take on all players.
In the Boys 18 category, the expected showdown between top players Heimraj Resaul and Jordan Beaton did not materialize after Resaul had to forfeit due to an injury he picked up. Jordan who benefited from the walk-over took full advantage of the opportunity of being in the final and completed a 6-2 6-1 win to take home the title over Joshua Kalekyezi who was also debuting in the 18’s final.
In the Girl’s 18, top seed Kalyca Fraser proved to be too good for Sarah Klautky who she defeated in straight sets 6-1 6-1. Fraser is one of several promising junior girls’ players such as Klautky, Alana Chung, Nathalie Ramdyhan, Ciara Pooran and Afruica Gentle who have all held their own in the tournament over the past two weeks. Fraser had wins over Sekai Jones and Alana Chung in the earlier rounds whilst Klautky took care of Margaret Subryan in the first round and edged Nathalie Ramdyhan in the semi-finals.
In Men’s 35 Doubles action Andre Lopes/Sandeep Chand all but clinched the title with their third victory in the round robin format when they overcame the first time pairing of veterans Godfrey Lowden/Ronald Murray 6-1 6-3. Lopes/Chand played their best match of the tournament with consistent serving and strong net play and never allowed Lowden/Murray to gain any momentum.
Matches will continue until Wednesday when the tournament will culminate with the Men’s Final.