In an electrifying Round of 16 match at the Bush Hall Deighton Pa Roach Road Tennis facility on Saturday, the number one seed, Mark ‘Venom’ Griffith, showcased his dominance by crushing Dre ‘Rocket Man’ Smith in straight games.
The rain had the last say on the night as the second interruption ended the night with two more matches left on the cards to play.
The Barbados Road Tennis Open match between Griffith and Smith started with Smith taking an early lead while Griffith struggled to find his range. However, Griffith quickly turned the tables and leveled the scores at 4-4 before going on an incredible 8-1 run.
As the match progressed, Griffith’s pace became too much for Smith to handle. Despite Smith’s brilliant running forehand winners that drew applause from the crowd, Griffith maintained his lead. The scoreline was never in favour of Smith, and ultimately, Griffith prevailed, winning the first game with a score of 21-15.
Entering the second game, Griffith seemed determined to assert his dominance even more. He raced out to an impressive 9-2 lead, outplaying Smith despite glimpses of brilliance from his opponent once again. But glimpses were not enough. Taking full advantage of Smith’s inconsistencies, Griffith continued to extend his lead.
With every stroke from Griffith’s racket, the gap between the players widened. The final point of the game, a powerful down-the-line winner from Griffith, secured his victory, and the undeniably crucial “sow,” and his spot in the quarter-finals, as the Final score read 21-8.
In another exciting match, Emar Edwards faced off against Shamon Weekes. Both players engaged in a close battle as they felt out each other. Edwards managed to pull ahead, leading the score with 9-6, 11-7, and ultimately 13-8.
Edwards showcased his skills, running around to execute a remarkable forehand cracker that thrilled the crowd. As the game progressed, Edwards maintained his lead, going on to win the first game with a score of 21-13.
Moving into the second game, Edwards started strong, taking a commanding 5-0 lead and playing with confidence. However, play was interrupted by light rain at 8:50, causing a brief delay. After 30 minutes there was an allowance for the court to be tested and deemed safe, the match resumed.
Edwards continued to dominate, extending his lead to 13-1 and 14-4. The crowd buzzed with excitement as Edwards showcased his impeccable skills and control on the court.
Although there was a looming threat of rain, officials decided to continue the matches, allowing the players to go to the end of the game.
Despite a valiant effort from Weekes, Edwards prevailed, winning the second game with a score of 21-8.
Earlier in the evening the top female seed in the Barbados Road Tennis Open Kim Holder cruised into the quarter finals of the tournament.
Holder was the first to hit the court and overcame a 6-3 early deficit against Krystal Harewood in the first game with some close out calls going the other way.
It was Holder’s solid service game that allowed her to go on 7-1 run to not only level the scores and take the lead which she never surrendered after that.
Harewood who was known for her slicing got a taste of her own tactic when Holder delivered a sliced backhand and found Harewood underestimating the back spin
The sliced forehand and backhand was not working for Harewood who eventually went down 21-14. Holder wins the game. .
In the second game Holder was in control of the points and game, placing the ball where she wanted at will and with ease.
Harewood managed to go on a run to get out of the ‘Sow’ but could not stop Holder from cruising to a 21-12 victory.
The young and talented Kezia Blunt overcame Estaphine Holder in three games to move into the next round. The match was punctuated with long rallies and it was Blunt who won the first game, 21-15, before Holder bounced back to win the second game 14-21.
In the final game Blunt held on to win 21-17.Sheldene Waldron crushed Rashada Holder 21-7, 21-13, while Asabi Downey had no answers for Maudlyn Blunt stern defense and went down 21-12, 21-13.
The matches which are to be rescheduled due to the rain interruption are Shakeem Nurse facing off against Marson Johnson, while Julian ‘Michael Jackson’ White will battle Davien ‘Force Ripe’ Taylor
(CG)
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