Byera Hill tennis player champs in Antigua tournament

Antonio Cain brought pride and joy to the community of Byera Hill in the North Central Windward constituency last Monday, as he copped the boys Under-12 singles title of the Second Caribbean Invitational Junior Tennis Tournament,{{more}} held in Antigua and Barbuda.

Putting his skills on show at the Halcyon Cove by Rex Resorts courts, located at Dickenson Bay, Cain stopped Max Williams of St Lucia, 6-3, 6-2 in the final.

It was sweet revenge for Cain, who was beaten by Williams in the St Lucia Easter tournament, as the Grassroots Tennis Club yachted over to be part of that island’s tennis action.

In reaching the final, Cain overcame Kyle Kerri 4-2, 4-0 in the quarter-finals and went on to get the better of Heinraj Resaul of Guyana in the semi-finals 4-2, 4-1.

Apart from the title, Cain was voted most improved player of the tournament, as well as the player who displayed the best sportsmanship.

The soft-spoken Cain, in assessing his efforts in the tournament, said he simply put into practice what he was taught by his coach Trevor Sam.

Sam, who was at hand to guide Cain in the tournament, noted that his young charge was very focused, especially in the championship match.

Apart from Cain, the Grassroot Tennis Club’s other representative in the tournament was Akeil De Roche, who lost to Justin Marcano of Antigua 5-3, 5-3.

Both had met in the group stage, with De Roche coming out victorious.

Commenting on the achievement of Cain especially, head of the GTC Grant Connell said it is a manifestation of the seeds which were planted four years ago at the Haddon Hotels courts on Murray’s Road, the home of the club.

“Cain was among those who were introduced to the sport four years ago. Here he is now beginning to win titles not only here in St Vincent, but beyond the shores,” Connell interspersed, with a grin of gratification.

“It is this sort of vision that we at the club have. It is this sort of vision that the Da Silva brothers had when they offered their premises to make that nexus possible… We at Grassroot are letting the racquets talk,” Connell remarked.

Connell revealed that plans are in the pipeline to have Cain and others get more regional exposure in the very near future. (RT)