Ja’s Harris upsets at ITF Junior event
JAMAICA’S Daniel Harris pulled of a stunning upset by defeating Felipe Oyarzun of Chile in an exciting three-setter, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, to advance to the second round of the Boys 18-and-under singles at the 2012 International Tennis Federation (ITF) Jamaica Junior Tournament at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre, Piccadilly Road yesterday.
Harris, a wild card who gained a place into the main draw of 32 players, knocked out the higher-ranked qualifier Oyarzun on the Junior Circuit. He, however, had to come from a set down before disposing of his opponent.
The Jamaican became the first player in some three years to advance to the second round as a result of not qualifying into the main draw from defeats in the Qualifying Round.
Other Jamaican players who gained wild cards into the Boys 18-and-under singles main draw were beaten by their opponents.
Simon Levy was beaten in straights set by eighth-seeded Gian Issa of Suriname, 6-2, 6-3; Ryan Simms was easily outplayed by third see Ryoaro. Matsumura of Japan in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.
Jovaughn Mullings of Jamaica went down 6-1, 6-1 to Kevin Major of the Bahamas, while William Berry lost in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.
Meanwhile, top seed in the Boys 18-and-under singles, Ivar Jose Aramburu Contrekras of Mexico, moved into the second round with a hard-fought 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 win over Sunay Bhat of the United States.
Second seed Farzin Amiri of the United States eased past Yannik James of Grenada in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1; fourth seed Adriano Tenreiro of Venezuela whipped Lucas Koelle of Brazil in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1, and fifth seed Rogello Siller of Mexico defeated Romal Ugarte of Chile, 6-4, 6-2.
Jamaica was not successful in the Girls 18-and-under singles as all four wild card entries were beaten in their first-round matches. Shantal Blackkwood was beaten, 6-0, 6-0, by second-seeded Ellie Halbauer of the United States.
Shaddae Findley lost, 6-0, 6-0, to Allzee Michaud of France; Michaelaan Denton was beaten, 6-1, 6-1, by Lauren Proctor of the United States; Phadria Kepple lost, 6-1, 6-4, to Miranda Ramirez of the United States and Danielle Grant suffered a 6-0, 6-0 lost to third-seeded Anita Safronenka of Belarus.
Top seed Madrie Le Roux of South Africa beat Sofia Dao of Venezuela, 6-10, 6-0.