ST LUCIAN JUNIOR TENNIS TEAM RETURNS HOME WITH FIVE TITLES FROM RBC-TTO

Alhil Cyril and Sanjay Lake claimed two  titles ( 1 singles & 1  doubles), Denney Estava, Kimari Felix and Jelani Flermius claimed  doubles title.

The curtains came down on the highly anticipated RBC Junior Tennis Tournament, marking the end of a very competitive event that showcased the talent, skills and spirit of athletes from St Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana and Barbados. 

Alhil Cyril student of the Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School left Trinidad undefeated when he secured impressive straight sets wins in the round-robin phase of the competition.   In the first round of the main draw he breezed past Josiah Hills in straight sets 6-1 6-0, he then faced Jaysean wells in the semi-final defeating him 6-2 6-2. Cyril dominated the finals when he breezed past Jacob Jacelon from Trinidad & Tobago in straight sets 6-1 6-1. In the doubles Cyril  partnered with Jacob Jacelon. The duo faced Josiah Hills and Jack Brown in the final claiming the title in three sets 6-4 1-6 10-7. 

Sanjay Lake student of the Odsan Combined School claimed the U12 singles and doubles titles. Lake also left Trinidad undefeated winning all round-robin matches and was seeded number four in the main draw. In the first round he faced Ryan Steuart winning in straight sets 6-0 6-0, he then faced Sebastien Plimmer in a challenging semi-final, he won the semis in straight sets 6-3 6-3. Lake faced his countryman Denney Estava student of the Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School in the final.   

The two displayed remarkable talent, passion and resilience on the court. Despite the nail biting finish that saw Lake bouncing back in the second set from being 1-4 down saw him bouncing back with Estava challenging him in every game played. It was a very close match but ultimately Lake took the title in straight sets 6-3 7-5. Sanjay Lake was also the recipient of the Most improved athlete of the tournament, last year he did not even make the main draw in the U12, after hard work and dedication he returned Trinidad this year not only making the final but claiming the title in straight sets, his performance was very impressive. 

Lake and Estava partnered in the doubles, they were challenged by Ryan Steuart and Sebastien Plimmer in the final. The first set was went very quickly as the local boys won 6-0, in the second set he Trinidadian duo challenged Lake and Estava, but, they were able to secure the match in the straight sets 6-0 6-4.

The St Lucian U10 boys team team Kimari Felix student of the R.C. Boys Primary School and Jelani Flermius student of the Gros-Islet Primary School also returned home with the boys U10 doubles title. The combination of skillful dropshots from Felix, relentless aggression from the baseline from Flermius made them unstoppable not dropping any sets to claim the title. Losing the semi-final in the singles shifted the momentum for Felix who was determined to win the title. Flermius did not make the U10 main draw kept on motivating and encouraging his partner as the duo played showcased remarkable skills and on court. 

The other members of the team including; Annakie Arlette, Iyana Paul, Amara Jn Marie, Amia Jn Marie, Riley Smith, Joelle Habib, Nefertari Goddard, Samuella Bertrand, Merkisha Justin, Immanuel Charles and Armani Rosemond, despite not  claiming titles as anticipated left Trinidad & Tobago with one goal in mind, and that's to return home and make the necessary commitments to attain them at this event next year.  

The RBC Junior Tennis Tournament not only provided a platform for our athletes to showcase their talents and abilities, but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and friendship among the participating countries. The exchange saw athletes from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and St Lucia come together to celebrate their shared passion and love for tennis. 

The St Lucia Tennis Association wishes to thank the National Lotteries Authority through The Ministry of Sports for your unwavering support shown to our athletes, we also wish to express gratitude to The Oliver Gobat Sports Fund the St Lucia Electricity Services Limited, Massy Stores SLU, The Teachers Credit Union, Royalty Pools International, Blue Waters SLU and Tenderoni Foods Limited.