Downy Tennis serves off in the west

Mackaiba Thomas, Jason Duval and Kahj Clarke were winners in the men’s open category as the inaugural staging of the Downy Tennis Classic served off yesterday at the Tryall Sports Club in Hanover.

Thomas needed three sets to defeat Kyle Clarke 6-0, 4-6, 10-5; Duval whipped Daniil Moe 6-3, 6-2 and Kahj Clarke beat Michael Nickel 0-6, 6-2,10-3.

In Class Two Richard Deenah beat Adam Epstein 6-4, 6-3.

The men’s open contest will showcase some of the top local talents, such as Dwayne Pagon, Duaine Miller, David Goldsmith and Matthew Rodriguez with the players battling for the $100,000 first prize.

With professional tennis absent for some time, tournament organiser Simon Casserly believes the Downy Classic could lead to other top-class tennis events.

“I did a tournament 11 years ago and it has been a while since Montego Bay Tennis has done any tournaments there.

“There has been an absence of professional tennis for a while largely due to COVID-19 and we are happy that we can add another tennis event to the calendar,” he commented.

He said their host (Tryall) was very enthused and he anticipates a weekend of top action.

“When we approached them if they could host the tournament they agreed right away. So we knew it was going to work because it is a lovely place to play tennis. I am looking for top-class action in all of the events. Definitely the men’s open is looking very hot. But even the amateur events look as if they are going to be keenly contested,” Casserly said.

Five categories including the men’s open, men’s amateur classes 2 & 3, ladies’ amateur and mixed doubles are being contested.

Title sponsor Downy fabric softener has put up $240,000.00 in prize money, with the runner-up to take home $50,000, semifinalists $30,000 and quarter-finalists $15,000.

For amateur events the top performers will receive special gift packages from Island Routes, Royalton Resort and Pier One.

The tournament continues today and ends tomorrow. Play starts at 4 p.m. each day.