After teaming up with Jason Andrews to win the men’s doubles title on Friday, Jeremy Miller will, this afternoon, face off against reigning GBTI Open men’s singles champion Anthony Downes in a battle for the men’s singles title from 5.30pm on the courts of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Recreational Centre.
And Miller says he is all worked up to reclaim the title which he lost to Downes last year.
Previously Miller’s biggest threat had been Phillip Squires but Downes made a return to local tennis last year and was in fine form on his way to scoring a thrilling upset win over Miller.
Despite a heated fight from Miller, Downes overcame him 7-6 (5) 4-6 6-3. Yesterday, Miller said his biggest mistake last year was losing focus and not capitalising when he had the lead, a mistake he said he will not be making this time around.
“I’m really excited about it, to have another crack at the title. Last year, I think the fact that I was up three love [3 – 0] in the third set and lost, I think that I lost focus and that is where I lost intensity last year. Since last year, I’ve improved big time on my serve, hopefully that is one of the factors that will help me throughout the match tomorrow,” Miller told Stabroek Sport.
Downes, however, could not be reached for a comment but both men are expected to be fully up to their game when the match rolls around this afternoon having shown great form throughout the tournament.
Downes was scheduled to be on the court last evening partnering with Rebecca Mitchell to challenge Carol Humphrey and Leyland Leacock for the mixed doubles title.
Also on the court today at 3:30pm, will be Shawna Gentle and 2010 ladies’ singles champion Humphrey, who will clash for the ladies’ singles title. Girls’ junior champion Gentle will have her work cut out for her as she takes on Humphrey who is gunning for the title and who exacted revenge on last year’s champion Aruna Ramrattan two Saturdays ago.
Ramrattan, who had last year won the title from Humphrey went down 1-6, 4-6.
In the men’s doubles on Friday, Andrews and Miller complemented each other as they took down Leacock and Gilbert Barckoy 6-3 5-7 6-0.
Today’s matches will bring and end to the two-week long tournament.
The presentation ceremony for the tournament will follow the two individual finals today.
