Persistent showers delayed the climax of the Lions And Leos Oof Barbados 30 And Under Road Tennis Tournament at the Deighton “Pa” Roach Tennis Facility on Friday night but not before some of the finalists scored impressive victories.
One of the most captivating was southpaw Ezekiel “Ezee” Ward’s come-from-behind win over Shaquan Henry to claim the 13-16 title, 13-21, 21-13, 23-21.
Henry of the Ellerslie School had taken the first game before Deighton Griffith’s Ward stormed back to even the contest. In the decider the scores were locked at 14 before Ward moved to 16-14. He then faltered for Henry to take the lead 17-16 before easing to game and match point 20-18. But with tremendous calm and skill, Ward locked the scores at 20 and then 21 before taking the battle with some driving plays.
The experienced Emar Edwards took the 17-20 crown as expected, as he blunted an entertaining challenge from Brandon Arrendell 21-7, 21-18. The slippery condition of the court resulted in Edwards and Arrendell frequently falling after trying to recover balls placed in the wide corners.
Earlier, Abilla Clarke and Shakeem Nurse ensured that the 7-12 titles would head north.
Alexandra student Clarke destroyed Ranesha Stewart 21-9 in their first game before having to battle to the win 22-20 in the second game. The confident Nurse of Daryll Jordan easily disposed of national Under-13 champion Tyrease Holder of Lester Vaughan 21-8, 21-10.
Table tennis queen 16-year-old Janae Lewis, of The St Michael School, added the 13-16 crown to her treasury by beating Marissa King 21-12, 21-16.
Last night, the 21-30 matches were to be played, with Rachel Smith meeting Abigail Haynes and Dario Hinds battling Darius “Baracus” Gaskin. (KB)
