Favourites book spots in road tennis quarter-finals

The favourites in the Harris Paints Electing A Champion junior road tennis competition all predictably advanced to the quarter-finals when action continued on Sunday at the Belfield Courts.

In the highly competitive boys’ 15-17 division, Ahijah Blunt was pushed all the way by Amari Savoury but still emerged victorious in straight sets 21-18, 21-18, while Deontae ‘Laga’ Chapman was in a no-nonsense mood as he dismissed Shavari Greenidge-Lewis 21-9, 21-11, to book his spot.

Also qualifying for the last eight were brothers Azarie and Suave Clarke, with both of them handing their opponents ‘sows’.

Azarie, the younger of the two, wasted little time in disposing of Khalon Campbell 21-7, 21-12, while Suave was even more ruthless in his 21-7, 21-9, dismantling of Jaden Griffith.

Raquan Clarke was also in winners’ row, defeating Azarie Weekes 21-15, 21-10.

Jazara Payne is a picture of concentration as she plays this forehand shot. (Photos by Zahir Motara)

Meanwhile, in the boys’ 18-21 division, Shakeem Nurse and Tyrease Holder both advanced to keep on pace for a blockbuster showdown.

Nurse, the losing finalist in last year’s Barbados Road Tennis Open, came out firing on all cylinders to dispatch Khalil Clarke 21-6, 21-7, while Holder made light work of Zachary Taitt 21-12, 21-11.

Jaden Mayers also advanced to the quarters with a 21-14, 21-16 win over Kobi Hope, while Kyreke Alleyne won by default over Shakeal Cumbermack.

In the girls’ 16 and Under division, Jazara Payne edged Kiara Clarke 21-19, 21-17 and Rakala Grant dominated Azariah Howell 21-10, 21-13. Azalea Morgan progressed after A’nya Rollins-Best was a no-show.

Among the boys’ 11-14, Shalon Howell beat Daniel John 21-8, 21-3; Jacobi Ellis won 21-16, 21-6 over Ajani Griffith and favourite Kenoja Belgrave defeated Kelanni Ellis 21-14, 21-15. (RB)