Grant returns

The Prodigal son is back with a bang.

Deron Grant overcame his self-imposed two years hiatus from the game to capture the National Lotteries Authority Open Championship with an impressive 6-3, 6-4 straight sets win over the veteran Trevor Sam last Saturday June 24, at the National Tennis Centre at Villa.{{more}}

Grant who was also champion when the National Championship was last held in 2002, told SEARCHLIGHT after his comfortable victory that his only concern was his match fitness because of his long absence from competitive tennis.

Grant’s hibernation was a protest of what Grant considered a lack of planning for seniors once they are out of the junior stage. Constrained by the forced inactivity, Grant said that he used the time to concentrate on coaching but was very excited to be back in action.

This title also means that Grant along with female Triple Crown champion Lerissa Morris will represent St Vincent in the OECS championships later this year in Antigua.

“I am hungry for success” said the twenty-three year old, hinting that there is a desperate need for sponsorship if he and other young tennis stars are to maximize their true potential in the game. Grant suggested that it could cost over US$100,000 per year to prepare a professional tennis player but quickly added that he would be grateful for sponsorship of any amount.

In other results Kebejah King turned back the clock, defied the energy-sapping effects of the sun to capture both the over 40 and over 50 crowns in the two finals which were played back to back. The Excel Tennis Academy coach who has been involved in the game for over twenty-five years defeated both James Bascombe and St Clair Robinson 6-3, 6-1 respectively to capture both titles. He was also the doubles champion in both categories.

Trevor Sam teamed up with Lerissa Morris and Onike Spann to walk away with the mixed and men’s doubles tiles respectively. Lerissa and Roxanne Williams were the Women’s Doubles Champions.

The Tournament attracted over 60 participants.