Shawna Gentle, elder of the Gentle sisters defeated her sibling Afruica Thursday in the most anticipated match of that evening as the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA)/Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Open tournament continued at the GBTI Recreational Facility in Bel Air.
Although there was a late start due to the weather, the evening turned out to be an eventful one with fans being treated to several exciting matches. The headline match, the showdown of the Gentle sisters, ended 6/2 2/6 6/2 in favor of Shawna. Playing for a spot in the final, the Gentle sisters battled it out in the semifinal in a similar fashion to U.S. International tennis siblings, Venus and Serena Williams. Early in the first set, the momentum shifted back and forth as both players displayed their power. Shawna managed to clinch an early break at to go ahead 3-2 with her solid returns and net play. She then went on to wrap up the first set 6/2.
In the second set, Shawna jumped to a 2/0 lead. However, the younger Gentle showed no signs of capitulating. Afruica applied a new, yet archaic tactic to easily win the next six games and take the second set.
In the deciding set, the juvenile took an early 2/0 lead and left her elder sister searching for answers. Afruica seemed to be in full control of the match, until Shawna exhibited her years of experience to regain control and take a 4/2 lead. The sisters traded ground strokes from the baseline. However, it was the younger sibling who cracked under pressure with inconsistent play. At times she seemed to lack the temperament needed to close off the match. Shawna Gentle sets up a must-see match against defending champion Nicola Ramdyhan. The 16-year-old Ramdyhan is seeking to defend her first ladies’ title and maintain her number one ranking against Gentle.
In the men’s open, number one seed, Anthony Downes faced veteran player, Chethan Narayan in a display of power serves, strategy and superb points. Narayan fought valiantly to set up winning points and kept Downes moving on the baseline. However, Downes strength, agility and timely soft touch volleys aided him in taking the first set 6/2. The second set had clenching points. Downes was up 5/1 serving for the match and had a match point but Narayan was able to win the point and bring it to deuce. He eventually broke Downes’ service game to put the score at 2/5 and duly held serve. Narayan’s next service game saw him at 30 love when Downes accelerated the pace of the game to set up a second match point and win the set. The game closed at 6/2 6/2 to Downes.
On court two, Leyland Leacock who faced Downes in the final last year played Viraj Jugdeo. Jugdeo played excellent shots to record some winners but the number two seed, Leacock was able to defeat him with his slices, drive volley and experience. Despite the numerous unforced errors Leacock secured the game at 6/0 6/1.
