Three local youngsters departed Guyana Saturday to participate in the 2019 World Junior Lawn Tennis Under – 14 Tournament in Santa Domingo, the Dominican Republic.
The competition which commenced yesterday and will end Friday will see Vaedenand Resaul, Nigel Lowe and Wayne Baker of the Sheltez Tennis Club participating.
It is the second such appearance for Resaul and Lowe and they will match their skills with juniors from 14 other nations in singles and doubles events.
Last year in Guatemala, Guyana placed 12 out of 14 participating teams.
The players reportedly found it tough adjusting to the conditions, particularly the altitude but this year coach Shelly Daly is hoping for a better showing.
“This time we are in the tropics. It’s Santa Domin-go; the weather is similar so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem and I know this team here, they are fighters. They are hungry. They are passionate and they are ready,” she declared.
“So, it’s just to see them go out there and execute,” the coach of nearly 15 years told Stabroek Sport Friday during the team’s final practice session at the National Racquet Centre.
Daly also revealed that the team has been going through the basics for the last three months, including intense matchups with older players.
Guyana has been represented at the event on six different occasions with their best placement being 8th, six years ago, ironically in Santa Domingo.
President of the Association Samuel Barakat and his deputy Cristy Campbell were also on hand to wish the juniors well as they head off.
