History was made over the past weekend as a strong Guyana Junior tennis team was able to finally turn the tables on rivals Suriname and French Guiana in their annual meet.
It was a decisive win for the Guyanese team who played with passion and a high degree of discipline as they overcame all odds and were finally able to win the inter country competition for the first time in over 10 years of competition.
Now rebranded as the Cup of the Guianas (formerly Inter-Guiana Games), the tournament attracted top junior players from Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana who competed in the Under 12, Under 14 and Under 18 categories.
A total of 56 matches were played over three days that included singles and doubles matches at the GBTI Recreational Centre and the Harry Panday court. It was an event which was thoroughly entertaining as it was competitive.
Guyana was dominant this year as it copped an unprecedented five gold medals and one silver in the six categories, with Suriname coming in second (five silver and one bronze) while French Guiana took third (one gold and five bronze). The final tally placed Guyana with 29 matches won 16 matches to Suriname and nine matches to French Guiana.
Outstanding performances at the tournament came from Jeremiah Kalekyezi and Vadeanand Resaul winning all six matches in the Under 14 category. Afruica Gentle and Kalyca Fraser also secured all wins in the Girls 18.
The outstanding players for French Guiana were Sael Geer and Julien Gaillot in the under 18 boys won gold for their country. For Suriname, the Under 14 boys Yannick Issa and Shane Hermelijin secured the most win for their country.