It was another amazing week of tennis at the National Tennis Centre as top juniors around the world participated in The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association International Tennis Federation(ITF) J30 Tournament. Players from over 11 countries competed including The Bahamas, Hong Kong, Korea, Australia, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, US Virgin Islands and Canada.
The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) was pleased to organize and host a very successful International Tennis Federation Junior tournament after a Covid-imposed break. Bahamian juniors took full advantage of this wonderful opportunity provided by the BLTA as 22 Bahamian juniors competed, 12 Males and 10 Females.
Breann Ferguson, Jalisa Clarke, Rachel Thompson, Marlee Martin, Takaii Adderley, Kaylee Kanuka, Sarai Clarke, Aryauna-Skye Davis, Sierra Rodgers and Saphirre Ferguson competed on the girl’s side. Jerald Carroll, Patrick Mackey Jr., Michael Major Jr, Khai Rees, Spencer Taylor, Anthony Burrows Jr, Savano Hanna, Jack Boals, Jackson Mactaggart, Dentry Mortimer Jr, Theo Weir and Cohen Knowles showed up in full force on the boy’s side.
Advancing to the Singles Quarterfinals were Sarai Clarke, Sierra Rodgers and Jackson Mactaggart. Sarai was playing in her first ITF at the age of 14. Jackson Mactaggart was the sole male that made it to the singles quarterfinals. Marlee Martin won her first-round singles ITF match in her debut appearance. On the boy’s side, Michael Major Jr. and Jerald Carroll made it to the R16 in singles.
In doubles many of our players advanced including Jalisa Clarke, Rachel Thompson, BreAnn Ferguson, Michael Major Jr, Savano Clarke, and Takaii Adderley with two players making it to the Finals: Jerald Caroll and Jackson Mactaggart! The BLTA congratulates all those who played. Many of our juniors were able to earn their maiden ITF wins and points and others were able to experience their first ITF tournament! We are thankful to be able to provide them with this opportunity and to invest in our juniors. Special congratulations to the finalists and runners-up, Jerald and Jackson. You both played great.
The Champions crowned were:
Girls Singles
Champion: Natalie Oliver (USA)
Runner-up: Dain Lee (Korea)
Boys Singles
Champion: Benjamin Willwerth(USA)
Runner-up: Cruz Hewitt (Australia)
Girls Doubles
Champion: Natalie Oliver & Alexandra Wolf (USA)
Runner-up: Giana Graci & Kaya Baker(USA)
Boys Doubles
Champion: Ben Willwerth and Tommy Rainyn(USA)
Runner-up: Jackson Mactaggart and Jerald Carroll(USA)
Benjamin Willwerth and Natalie Oliver were double crown champions. We extend thanks to the Tournament Referee Kevin Clarke and the Tournament Director Tara Mactaggart. The tournament was sponsored by RMS Insurance Agents and Brokers, Powerade and Dasani. We also wish to thank the officiating team who continue to serve and contribute to the tennis landscape.
With the successful completion of this international event on the heels of a very participatory Junior Nationals, we now turn our attention to the Bahamas Games (Tennis).
The work and the growth continue.
Original Post Date: 7/4/2023
