Bajan juniors find going tough

A wonderful run in the Under-14 Boys Division has come to an end for junior national player Dimitri Kirton who was Barbados’ last hope of reaching the final for that age group in the C.O Williams Barbados Junior International Tennis Tournament.

Contested at the Barbados Tennis Association in Wildey, the 11-year-old Kirton played way above his age group and held his own with the big boys but just was unable to get past the number two seed Thomas O’Neill in today’s semifinal.

O’Neill who is a Barbadian resident but representing Canada won 6-2, 6-4 against the diminutive but talented Kirton who must be commended for his efforts and determination at this level. This International Tennis Federation tournament has some of the best junior players from around the world. O’Neill booked his spot in the Under-14 final where he will play the number one seed Dalla Costa of Trinidad and Tobago.

Costa emerged triumphant 6-3, 6-1 against another Barbadian resident Xzavier Hastick who is also representing Canada. It was a tough ask for Hastick to get past the tremendous abilities of Costa.

Kirton and Hastick will have to wait their chance next year to hopefully reach the final. However, they definitely will cheer on O’Neill in his Under-14 Boys singles final against Costa which is expected to serve off at 10 a.m. tomorrow.   

Similarly, the Under-12 Boys final will be contested tomorrow between the number one seed Denney Estava and the number four ranked Alhil Cyril, both of whom are from St. Lucia.

Estava registered a hard-fought 7-5, 3-6, 10-3 victory in the semifinal against Barbadian Zane Kirton. Meanwhile, in the other semifinal exchange, Cyril won 6-1, 6-0 over another Barbadian Zach King.

Trinidad and Tobago have been consistent throughout the tournament and Em-Miryam Campbell- Smith won the Under-14 Girls final 6-2, 6-2 today. She defeated fellow Trinidadian Brianna Harricharan to take home the top prize.

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb