Main Draw for the Under 16 Junior International Tennis Championships (JITIC) began July 25th in San Salvador, El Salvador. On the Girls side Sydney Clarke and Afrika Smith both played well in prequalifying rounds and were able to advance to main draw today. Afrika played well against Erika Barquero from Puerto Ric0 but lost 3-6, 2-6. Afrika continues on in main draw consolation against Ana Seguro of El Salvador.

Sydney Clarke played well and was victorious over Puerto Rico’s Angelica Garcia 6-3, 6-2. Sydney continues on in main draw competition against Guatemalian, Gabriela Rivera. In doubles play Afrika and Sydney played Etiene and Melendez from Puerto Rico 6-26-3.

On the Boys side for The Bahamas Kofi Bowe, (our youngest entrant at 12 years old) in the U16 competition lost in consolation play to Russell Armstrong of the US Virgin Island 6-0 6-2. Donte Armbrister who is seeded third in main draw received a bye and will play Guillermo Torres from Puerto Rico tomorrow. In doubles play Donte and Kofi were very competitive but lost to Amstrong and Kupers of US Virgin Islands 7-6, 7-5.  

Donte Armbrister and Sydney Clarke are both playing in the second round of singles main draw competition tomorrow and a win will place them in the quarterfinals of the competition!

The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association(BLTA) highlights the great matchplay by Sydney, Donte, Afrika and Kofi so far in the regional competition. In order to qualify in this arena you must already standout in your respective country and be in top tennis form. As our players advance in tournament play it is a testament to the resilience and skills we have locally in The Bahamas as we compete and stand out on the international stage. We continue to focus on developing and honing this talent.

The JITIC competition has the top juniors in the Caribbean and Latin America competing for the title of the ‘best of the best’ in Junior Tennis in the region.

By Perry E. Newton