Special prizes up for grabs in Douglas Burke tennis finale
SEVERAL pairs will be on the hunt for major prizes at the fourth staging of the 2016 Supligen/Serge Island Douglas Burke Doubles Tennis Tournament Series, which has its finale today and tomorrow at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre, Picadilly Road, beginning each day at 9:00 am.
Burke, who was Jamaica’s national coach and also non-playing captain of the Davis Cup team for many years, will be in the island to make a number of special presentations to the winners of the eight age group categories.
Burke is currently based in Canada where he is the chairman and founder of the Ace Tennis Academy and is also involved in coaching many young players in the North American country.
He also is expected to donate tennis equipment for the champion pairs that accumulate the most points in the series in the respective categories.
Meanwhile, Tournament Director David Sanguinetti said the SOS Children Village boys’ and girls’ teams from Montego Bay, which could not make last month’s tournament, are expected in their numbers and to pose a strong challenge, especially in the 18 and under age group.
“We are expecting over 100 Jamaica’s top junior players to participate as they will be looking to come out victorious to capture the major awards,” Sanguinetti said
He added that the series was very successful this season and all the players are looking to close out this year by coming out as champions of their respective categories.
Sanguinetti said in the 18 and Under Boys’ doubles, the pair to watch is Alex Rose and Miguel Rose (not related), who won series two from the SOS Children’s Village from Montego Bay.
A strong challenge is expected from the Wolmer’s pair of Mario Campbell and Gregory Spencer, last month’s winners of series three.
Selena Blythe and Kobi Walcott should be challenged by the pair of Michaela Stephens and Shea-Ann Kameka in the girls 18 and under doubles.
The Boys’ 14 and Under doubles should be contested between the pairs of Nathaniel Chin and Jordan Vaz, winners of series three, as Ryan Muir and Joshua Graveney who to them will be seeking a revenge victory.
Meanwhile, the categories to be contested today and tomorrow are Boys’ and Girls’ 18 and Under hard ball, Boys’ and Girls’ 14 and Under hard ball, 10 and under unisex (mixed pair), Boys’ and Girls’ 12 and Under Dot Ball, and Girls’ Open Dot Ball.
