Holder is Queen of the South

Road tennis queen Kim Holder added yet another trophy to her already stacked cabinet when she captured the inaugural Queen of the South women’s road tennis tournament on Easter Monday.

Playing in the final of the competition hosted by the Garrison Historic Road Tennis Academy, Holder defeated arch rival Rachel Smith in three exciting sets 25-23, 19-21, 21-12 to walk away with the top prize of $800 and a trip for two.

The two attacking players were at their sublime best in the opening set, with neither player being able to establish a decisive advantage.

It was Holder, one of the island’s best female players over the past decade, who eventually emerged victorious to take a 1-0 lead in the best of three match.

However, Smith bounced back in the ensuing set to tie the game at 1-1 and force a decisive third game.

Smith put herself in prime position to register her first ever win over Holder, leading 11-8 and in control of the contest.

But in a meltdown of epic proportions, Smith lost 11 consecutive points as Holder took complete control of the game at 19-11.

There was to be no heroic comeback by Smith and Holder comfortably wrapped up the match.

Smith took home $400 for being the losing finalist.

(RB)