Barbados’ self-proclaimed number one chopper, Jason ‘Pipey’ Parris now has 1400 reasons to smile.
For the second straight year, Parris chopped his way to the Kirk Humphrey St Michael South Christmas Road Tennis title, which climaxed on Boxing Day in Chelston.
Parris came from a set down to defeat the in-form Deontae ‘Laga’ Chapman 12-21, 21-17, 21-18, 21-17, before an appreciative crowd to claim the ‘A’ class title and the $1400 first prize.
The teenaged Chapman, who just 24 hours earlier had captured the General Bailey Xmas Shotgun Tournament at the same venue, took home $800.
Chapman, who caused an upset by dumping John ‘John Wick’ Chandler out of the tournament at the semifinal stage, started brightly in the opening set.
A seemingly nervous Parris committed several unforced errors, which together with the confident play of Chapman, saw the latter rush out to an 8-2 lead.
Chapman then produced the shot of the night – and possibly the tournament – when he whipped a powerful crosscourt winner pass a hapless Parris on the next point, much to the delight of the spectators.
The deficit was one which Parris would never recover from, as Chapman easily took the opening set.
Jason ‘Pipey’ Parris accepts his prizes from Member of Parliament for St Michael South, Kirk Humphrey (center) and organizer Tony ‘Steppa’ Francois. (GP)
However, from thereon it was all Parris who took control of the next three games.
And while Parris settled to play some controlled tennis, it was Chapman’s play which eventually led to his own demise, as he constantly found the net or outside the court as he tried to attack his opponent.
With Parris rebounding the win the next two games comfortably, the writing was on the wall when Chapman sent a backhand shot into the net to give his opponent match point at 20-17.
After an intriguing rally, which saw Chapman curb his attacking style, he sent a forehand into the net to give Pipey his second title after also winning the tournament in 2022.
Chandler earned $500 after beating Ryan Holder in the third placed game.
In the ‘B’ class division, Paul ‘Big Paul’ Griffith was crowned champion after defeating Ricardo Grazette in straight sets 21-16, 21-18, 23-21.
Griffith won $800, while Grazette walked away with $400.
Mark Grandison earned $250 for placing third after winning by default over Junior ‘Bambi’ Bennett. (RB)
