Barbados promoted to BJK Group II

Barbados’ women’s tennis team made history on Saturday by advancing to Americas Group II of the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua, Trinidad & Tobago.

The quartet of Serena Bryan, Gabrielle Leslie, Cherise Slocombe, and Hannah Chambers swept the board in group play. They defeated Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Those victories earned them the right to go up against El Salvador at the weekend in the Promotional Play-Off. Barbados came in ranked 92, whilst the Salvadorans are ranked 83

It took 19-year-old Michelle Irigoyen, a veteran of 14 ties, a little more than 60 minutes to defeat Bryan. Bryan, 18, moved to 5-5 in singles outings in the BJK Cup.

Leslie wasted just as little time in disposing of Sara Valentina Cruz Bonilla, 6-1, 6-2. Leslie is on to six wins in her 11 singles matches in this competition. She was unstoppable and unbeaten in Trinidad & Tobago.

With the tie knotted up at one apiece, it was down to the doubles specialists, Slocombe and Chambers, to wrap things up.

Going up against Bonilla and Irigoyen, the Bajans were off to a strong start, winning the opening set 6-3. But the Salvadorans responded swiftly, winning the second set 0-6. Down to the tiebreak, the Bajans held on for an 11-9 win to take the tie.

Slocombe, 27, is now 10 of 20 in doubles play, whilst she has not won in four tries in singles competition. Herself and 20-year-old Chambers played all five doubles matches in this year’s tournament, losing just once.

The Barbados Tennis Association, via its Instagram page, offered congratulations to the successful team upon their return home.

“Gabrielle Leslie led the charge, winning all five of her matches at #1 singles. Serena Bryan showcased her resilience with fiercely contested comeback victories. The rock-solid doubles pair of Cherise Slocombe and Hannah Chambers clinched crucial must-win matches.

“Masterfully captained by Seanon Williams, the team now looks forward to competing at a higher level next year.”

Costa Rica will join Barbados in Group II after beating Jamaica 2-1 in the other playoff.

(TF)