www.bviolympics.com Tennis Anselm, who had a surprised test from Damon Wilson in his opening match last Sunday, polished off Scott Bryson in straight sets, 6-0, 6-3, to nab the title. “Well, it’s good to be back. Good to be a champion once again,” Anslem said. “It wasn’t a big challenge because Percy (Rhoden) wasn’t there and Sheldon (Walters) wasn’t there either, so basically, I had an easy ride on to the championships.” BVI 1984 Olympic Games sailor Keith Thomas who has been runners up in the plate division before, claimed his first victory in the “B” singles, with a 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Terrance Gumbs. “This was one of the better organized tournaments and I had a lot of fun and enjoyment playing over the last week,” Thomas said, noting his biggest challenge was adjusting to playing under the lights. “Winning this one was great but I’m hoping to win more. I always enter the tournament mainly to support the club rather than being the highlight of the game, but, winning is also important and I’m happy to have won this one.” Poole who did not play last year when Katerina Stecova bested Carol Mitchell for the women’s crown, pulled out a straight set 6-3, 6-1, win over Sally Rochester. Anselm and Linda Romney-Leue, won the mixed doubles by default after Roxie Romney pulled out because of an injury sustained in the semifinals. Romney was paired with Curtis Davis. “I’m extremely pleased with the way the tournament came off and it was my first time doing it as the Tennis Captain at the Tortola Sports Club,” said Humphrey Leue. “I could not have asked for a better tournament all around. We started on time. The matches were of a high caliber. The players were very good with each other and we did not have any incidents, accidents or any controversy. I think at the end of the day, judging from the reaction I received from players and spectators alike, everybody really, really enjoyed it so I’m very pleased.” Leue said the tournament attracted 53 players and 67 matches were played during the week long event. With the tournament now in its third year, he said he hopes it will attract more players annually as it has shown growth each year. “With the popularity of Tennis growing especially among the younger male and females, with other persons of all standards and levels coming out, hopefully, we can grow to 70, 80, 90, even 100 players coming out,” Leue said. “We have the facilities at the Tortola Sports Club and there are other facilities that have been made available around the BVI. Hopefully, we can continue to grow, get the schools involved at some point. I don’t see a reason why we can’t continue to really encourage people to take Tennis seriously in the BVI.” © Copyright 2007 BVI Olympic Committee |
