Former men’s singles champion Phillip Squires’s return to the local tennis circuit ended in defeat Saturday in a men’s doubles encounter of the annual Trophy Stall doubles competition at the National Racquet Centre courts.
Squires teamed up with former Non-Pariel club member Joseph DeJonge but the pair was beaten 6/1 6/1 by the pair of Anthony Downes and Jason Andrews.
In a men’s Open doubles fixture Oswin Coggins and Stephen Bailey defeated Jamal Goodluck and Darren King 6/4 6/2.
Meanwhile, in the longest match of the tournament Alana Chung and Margaret Subrayan outlasted Diana Bharrat and Kizzy Richmond 7/5, 4/6, 6/3 in a women’s open doubles encounter lasting over three hours.
Former ladies singles champion Shawna Gentle and newcomer Fiona Bushell then defeated Kalyca Fraser/Ciara Pooran 6/3 6/3 and will meet the pair of Afruica Gentle/Cristy Campbell who received a walkover from Amanda Roberts/Deina Sandbeharry.
In the mixed doubles round of 16 matches, Joshua Kalekyezi/Alana Chung received a walkover from Jamal Goodluck/Grace McCalman while in the quarterfinals Heimraj Resaul/Kalyca Fraser defeated Jordan Beaton/Ciara Pooran 6/1 6/4 to advance to the semis.
In a heatedly contested match, Mark McDonald/Nicola Ramdyhan edged past Robert Bostwick/Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan 7/6(7-3) 7/5.
They will meet Heimraj Resaul/Kalyca Fraser in the semi-finals.
In the men’s Over 35 doubles, Leyland Leacock/Ronald Murray secured two wins defeating Albert Razick/Harry Panday 6/1 6/2 and Alex Almeida/Sandeep Chand, 6/4 4/6 6/3.
Matches will continue throughout the week at the National Racquet Centre, the Le Ressouvenir’s Tennis Club and Harry Panday’s tennis courts.
