Competitors in round of 16 decided

By Morissa Lindsay

Kim Holder, one of the top female contenders in the Barbados Road Tennis Open tournament did not have to break a sweat as she won by default over Deanna Grant when the round of 32 concluded last night in Silver Hill, Christ Church.

Shawntel Blackman also advanced to the round of 16 expected to begin this weekend after her opponent Julia Morris-Young who won the opening set 21-14 and comfortably led 20-11 in the second stanza decided to retire. It was a decision taken by Morris-Young who has to travel this weekend for the Commonwealth Games and would not be able to compete.

Two of the three matches went down to the wire as Marvalene Neblett came from behind to defeat another strong opponent in Asabi Downey 13-21, 22-20 and 21-15in the two best of three sets showdown. Similarly, Adrianna Johnson- Leacock held her nerves for victory over Madison Gibson 21-8, 18-21 and 21-5 when they clashed.

The men also competed as there were eight matches contested on the night and Dwaine ‘Hopey’ Hope made light work of Tyrease Holder 21-16 and 21-16. Jeffrey Layne made his matchup look even easier winning 21-12 and 21-12 against Darius ‘Barrackus’ Gaskin.

Shawn Spencer also did the same with a dominant 21-6 and 21-9 result when he came up against Anthony Harris. Matthew ‘Chopper’ Grazettes advanced when he competed against Shawn Boxill, 21-6 and 21-18.

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb