Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

President of Tennis Jamaica, John Bailey, anticipates a very exciting six days of tennis at this year's staging of the NCB Capital Markets Jamaica Open Championships.

The tournament will be held at Liguanea Club, New Kingston, from November 19-25 and has attracted some of the top players in the region. NCB Capital Markets reaffirmed their sponsorship of this year's competition to the tune of $1.5 million.

"Come out next week because you are going to see some amazing tennis," said Bailey during the press launch at the NCB Wellness Centre at Phoenix Avenue yesterday.

"We are also expecting more overseas players and so it should be good competition," he said. Bailey added: "We are expecting it to be more competitive in the female section."

Bailey also expressed gratitude for the sponsorship.

Strategy

Julian Patrick, sponsorship and promotions manager, NCB Capital Markets, said, "It is the most lucrative tennis tournament in the Caribbean in terms of cash, and we believe in doing so we will attract more people to Jamaica that participate, and in terms of the development of our local players and also support the development of our economy."

Defending champion Hayden Lewis of Barbados will have as his major title challengers Brandon Burke, Damion Johnson and Dominic Pagon.

On the other hand, five female players have so far been confirmed for the championships.

The male winner of the championships will receive US$4,000, the runner-up will collect US$2,000, while each semi-finalist will get US$1,000.

The female champion will collect US$1,100, while the runner-up will pocket US$500.