LEWIS AND PAUL CHAMPIONS OF THE OPEN- TOGS LUCELEC NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE TENNIS TOURNAMENT 2019

UNSTOPPABLE VERNON LEWIS  IYANA PAUL YOUNGEST CHAMPION OF WOMEN'S OPEN 

The Open category is always the most exciting and competitive to watch in all national events played at the Tennis Centre. It was no different at the TOGS LUCELEC National Independence Tennis Tournament when sixteen men and ten women vied for the respective titles. There were at least eight juniors playing in the open.

Vernon Lewis recipient of the prestigious Davis Cup Commitment Award from the International Tennis Federation and Coach of all top junior players on island was at the top of his game and the mens' draw cruising to the finals in the tournament. In the first round of play Lewis made light work of Randolph Rosemond in straight sets 6-0 6-1, he then went on to defeat agile & talented Clent Mitchel in straight sets. It was Maxx William national 18 & under player to face Lewis in the final. William put on a great fight, but that was no match for Lewis who is his Coach. Lewis won in straight sets making him the 2019 Mens' Open Champion.

On the womens' side Iyana Paul youngest player to register in the women's open was unbeatable snatching the title from veteran players Scyla Murray, Dara Sidoine and Iesha Emile former champions and finalists of this tournament. Paul played in the qualifying round defeating Catherine Morille in straight sets 6-0 6-1. She went on to defeat Netanya Faissal in straight sets 6-4 7-6 (7-4). Paul made it to the final facing Jorja Mederick for the championship. Paul won the first set easily 6-2. Mederick was very determined facing many challenges at the time took the second set 6-0. The deciding set could have gone either way. Victory was claimed by Iyana Paul securing the set 6-2 making her the youngest player on island to win the Women's Open Title at a National Tournament.