The men’s number two-seeded Donnie Anderson survived a see-saw battle against the skilled-lefty, Ronald Murray, in a highly entertaining match on Monday at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) courts and notched a hard fought 4-6 / 6-2 / 6-4 win.
Anderson, a semi-finalist last year, dropped the opening set after leading 2-0. The 19-year-old appeared to be in his comfort zone and was a point away from securing the early break for a 3-0 lead, before Murray fired a return winner to level the game at deuce. The third game went to numerous deuces before Murray blasted two forehand winners to immediately get the break back.
Murray’s hard-hitting and sharp angles troubled the number two seed and awarded him the opening set 6-4.
With the match being postponed to the following day due to inclement weather, Anderson opened the second set with a love service hold. The former boy’s champion displayed some brilliant tennis to break Murray three times and take the second set 6-2.
Anderson carried the same momentum into the final set and fended off a spirited fight from Murray to eventually prevail 4-6 / 6-2 / 6-4.
Other notable results:
Men’s Open Singles:
2018 finalist, Jonathan Fagundes defeated Delon Fraser 6-2 / 6-0 to make his first quarterfinals in three years.
Harvey Stoll dominated Matthew Sing 6-1 / 6-0, and Saevion David-Longe battled past Philbert Clarke 6-4 / 6-2. Both winners are advancing to their first round of 16.
Ladies’ Open Singles:
Last year’s finalist and number one seed, Renola Jordan dispatched Karen Hulefeld 6-0 / 6-0 in the quarterfinals.
Men’s 35 & Over Singles:
Steve David-Longe advanced to the semifinals with a 7-5 / 6-0 victory over Surrendra Khayyam.
