The US Tennis Association (USTA) Caribbean Junior Development tournament for Boys & Girls 10, 12, 14 and 18 took place in Puerto Rico, August 23 – 25 and drew 136 participants including 5 from the BVI and 5 from St. Croix. The round-robin format of pro-set (4) games placed players in groups of four with the top two players advancing to quarter final & semi- finals.
Deandrea Baijnauth, playing in Boys 14 placed third after he won his match against Sofian Baibeche (4-3), lost to Jose Desiderio (2-4), defeated Javier Marrero (4-2) and Brian M Quinones Arroyo (4-2) to advance to the semi finals. He played against Juan Arill in a competitive match but eventually lost (2-4 , 4-3, 7-5). He defeated Guillermo Mendez (4-1) to secure his podium finish.
The Boys 10 matches were played on a 60′ court and it proved to be a learning experience for Declan Wheatley who had never competed on that sized court before. He lost (0-3) in matches played against Edwin Rivera Mendez, Omar Jayden Davila and (0-3) Marco Ramson.
Amia Wheatley competing in Girls 12 won two out of four of her matches but did not place. Amia’s wins were 4-1 against Yanielz Andino and 4-3 against Adriana Fegueoa Peze. She lost 0-4 to Lara Rodriquez and 3-4 Natalia Aponte.
Zoe Richards in Girls 14 also played four matches but did not place. Her first opponent retired with a 2-1 lead for Zoe. She won (4-3) against Elena Pietrantoni and lost to Mardi Roques (1-4) and Victoria Cajigas (2-4).
Mikyle McMillan played Boys 14 but did not place after he lost both his matches. He was defeated by Fabian Colon (0-4) and Angel Burgos (0-4).
“We are grateful to the BVI Olympic Committee for financially making it possible for the players to participate; supporting the development of our youths and sport,” said Mrs. Carol Mitchell, President of the BVITSA.
The tournament was open to beginner and intermediate players, seeking to provide them with on-court experiences following the recommended progression: Orange Ball (10U), Green Dot Ball (12U) and regular ball (14U and 18U).
Puerto Rico is the only Caribbean Island hosting Junior Development Tournaments using all three balls the same time and because of the geographical location, it’s ideal for the VI’s juniors who are recreational players.
Mikyle McMillan (l), Boys 14 
Amia Wheatley (r) Girls 12 
Zoe Richards (l) Girls 14 
Declan Wheatley (r) Boys 10
