The fact that the underdogs have outperformed the top seeds so far, has made tonight’s two quarter-finals in the United Insurance Clash of the Titans Road Tennis Competition that much more intriguing.
Both matches pit seasoned veterans against younger, up-and-coming players.
In the night’s first game, No. 4 seed Curtis Jones will come up against Shamon Weekes, while the top ranked Julian “Michael Jackson” White will try to stop the fairytale run of junior Emar Edwards.
What has become obvious is that the slow nature of the newly laid court does not suit an attacking style of play.
Therefore, players such as Jones, one of the island’s best attacking players, have been forced to adapt a more patient style of play.
For this reason, Weekes will be a formidable opponent, and his victory over the fifth-seeded Marson Johnson showed he is more than capable of keeping the ball in play and engaging in long rallies.
Although Jones will be strongly favoured to advance to the semi-finals, fitness will play a very important role in deciding the winner of this matchup.
White will then look to put a halt to Edwards’ rampage, with the 16-year-old having already disposed of Victor “Earth” Ward and Kerry “TC” Francis.
With a very cool head on his young shoulders, and his ability to play a patient, low-risk game, many are expecting him to give White a run for his money.
However, the veteran champion showed in his last game against Dario Hinds that he has the ability to switch gears if the need arises.
Having paid close attention to Edwards’ game throughout the competition, one suspects that White will take on the role of the aggressor when the two meet.
He has been one of the few players to have attacked with relative success and will be looking to wrap up victory in straight sets.
