By Morissa Lindsay
The crowned prince Shakeem Nurse is among a group of talented junior players in Barbados that has advanced into the semifinals of the inaugural Zeemoney Independence Road Tennis Youth Development Tournament scheduled to play on Wednesday, November 30th at the Wildey Gymnasium.Â
During the quarterfinals played yesterday afternoon in Belfield, Black Rock, the 17-year-old Nurse, currently the best junior player in Barbados and definitely the favourite to win the 16 to 21 age group category was victorious in straight sets 21-18 and 21-12 against Deontae Chapman.
Shakeem Nurse booked his semifinal spot and is among the favourites in the 10 to 15 age group of the Zeemoney road tennis competition.
 Also in the same age group, Tyrease Holder and Dre ‘Rocket Man’ Smith played a thriller and in the end it was Smith who kept his composure and won 21-9, 14-21 and 21-15 against Holder who showed resistance at crucial moments of the game.
 During the encounter, Smith brought some flair along with great intensity but Holder, related to the talented Kim Holder who for years has been a household name in women’s road tennis, showed that he is no walkover and strategically worked his way back into the contest during the second set where he managed to level the contest 1-1.
 Despite humid weather conditions, the players kept battling strong as they tried not to make too many errors especially in the decisive third stanza in which Smith looked focused against Holder, a member of the Road Tennis Elite Academy. As they battled well, Smith lived up to his alias as the Rocket Man because he got away quickly from Holder and claimed victory by six points in the final third set.Â
 In other matches played for the 16 to 21 age group, Shaquan Henry was impressive as he trounced Kemar Sherman 21-12 and 21-11 in an exchange filled with some wonderful shot selections. Meanwhile in the opening clash of the afternoon, Ezekiel Ward stamped his authority 21-8, 21-7 against Jayden Mayers.
The stylish Jael Greaves advanced into the semis after he held his nerves and ensured victory in the quarterfinals of the boys 10 to 15 division. (Pictures by Morissa Lindsay)
 The younger age group in the Zeemoney competition comprises players that are ages 10 to 15 and Raheem Nurse, the younger brother of Shakeem is a favourite in this group. However, it will not be an easy feat for the 14-year-old who won his quarterfinal match yesterday 21-16 and 21-15 against Tyrico Brathwaite but will need to up his game in the semis.
The flashy Jael Greaves won his encounter 22-20 and 21-17 but his opponent Zion Moore did not make life easy for him. There were two byes in this particular division as Kenojah Belgrave and Ahijah Blunt both won by default after their opponents were a no show and allowed them both to easily advance into the semifinals.
 The tournament is a collaboration between sponsors Zeemoney, National Sports Council, Barbados Road Tennis Association and the Division of Youth Affairs. The semifinals and finals are set for Wednesday, November 30th between the hours of 10 am to 5 pm and the organizers must be commended for putting on a professional tournament so far.Â
morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bbÂ
