Gentle is youngest female champ, Downes romps to sixth title triumph

Anthony Downes

Anthony Downes and Afruica Gentle won the male and female divisions of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Independence Jubilee Open tournament held recently at the GBTI Sports Club court.

For Downes, the five time and defending champion, it was his sixth title as he defeated Lopes in straight sets 6-1, 6-2.

Anthony Downes
Anthony Downes
Afruica Gentle
Afruica Gentle

After 1-1 in the first set, Downes reeled off five consecutive games to take the first set easily.

He continued his momentum in the second set rushing to a 4-0 lead before a visibly frustrated Lopes, urged on by the spectators, held serve.

Downes, however, was able to close out the second bet 6-2.

Downes also teamed up with Afruica Gentle to win the mixed doubles Open title from crowd favorites and defending champions Lopes/Aretta Dey 6-1, 6-1.

Gentle then wrote her name in the history books by becoming the youngest ladies Open singles champion in the GBTI tournament by defeating former three-time winner Nicola Ramdyhan, 6-4, 6-1.