-sponsors, journalist receive awards for contributions to the sport
The Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) honoured two of its major sponsors during the presentation of prizes to the outstanding players of the just-concluded Tropical Mist Banks Masters Invitational Tournament Tuesday evening at the Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel.
Banks DIH Limited and the Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel were awarded plaques in recognition of the two companies contribution to the development of the sport in Guyana over the past two decades.
On the night of awards, Philip Squires and Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan, winners of the Banks Masters men and women’s titles, were presented with their championship trophies by Tropical Mist Brand Manager Errol Nelson.
Squires had beaten Ezra Sue-Ho 6-4, 6-3 while Daly-Ramdyhan overcame nemesis Carol Humphrey of Berbice 7-6, 6-7, 6-2 in a gruelling encounter in the finals played last Sunday at Pegasus courts.
Also receiving prizes were Squires and Godfrey Lowden who teamed up to beat Jeremy Miller
and Jonathan Antczak 7-6, 6-4 in the men’s doubles finals and Sue-Ho and Shawna Gentle, winners of the mixed doubles title against Lowden and Humphrey in which they won 4-6, 7-5, 7-6.
Anthony Downes, who defeated Jeremy Miller 6-3, 6-2 in the boys 18 and under singles, was also the recipient of the winners trophy while Shawna Gentle, who got the better of Aruna Ramrattan 6-2, 2-6, 6-4, copped the winners prize in the girls under 18 division. Gavin Lewis claimed the boys 14 years and under singles title from Daniel Lopes 6-3, 6-1 while Krystal Sukra had beaten Nicola Ramdyhan 6-2, 6-2 in the girls under-14 singles.
Also receiving awards were Marian Academy for its promotion of lawn tennis in the school and P&P Insurance Brokers and Nigel’s Supermarket for their support for the junior tennis programme.
Kaieteur News’ sports journalist, Rawle Welch, received an award for his coverage of the sport.
Christopher Ram, president of the GLTA, expressed gratitude to Banks DIH and Pegasus for their continued support. Ram, who took over the presidency of the GLTA two months ago, said lawn tennis has survived largely due to the dedication and commitment of a handful of coaches, some private sector actors and a number of individuals but cited the need for the sport to build on its slender resources.
He outlined a 10-point programme that will be presented at the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) next year with a view to taking the sport forward.
Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters, highlighted his company’s contribution to lawn tennis over the years and expressed continued support to the GLTA in its future programmes.
New owner of the le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal, also offered his continued assistance to the GLTA and challenged the association to stage a Guyana Open tournament next year that the hotel will be keen to support.
Tournament Coordinator Rawle Sue-Ho presented a tournament report while veteran tennis administrator Duane Lopes moved the vote of thanks.
