5 participate in USTA Caribbean Junior Development Tournament

September 2, 2019 by
Deandrea Baijnauth playing in Boys 14 placed third in the USTA Caribbean Junior Development tournament in Peurto Rico, August 23 – 25, 2019.

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
Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, Tennis, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

VI’s Junior Tennis Players inspirational at regional tournaments

May 17, 2018 by

Source: BVI Tennis Association

Colesha Corea, Kaleik Ross and Zoe Richards represented the territory at the 6th annual Caribbean 12 & Under Junior Invitational Tennis Tournament hosted by the at the National Tennis Center in Campsite, St. Johns, Antigua from May 4-8, 2018. Photo: BVITA Face Book

Within the eight months of recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Virgin Islands’ junior tennis players’ performances at regional tournaments have been inspirational.

Three of the  BVI Tennis Association’s juniors recently competed in the 6th annual Caribbean 12 & Under Junior Invitational Tennis Tournament hosted by the National Tennis Center in Campsite, St. Johns, Antigua.

Colesha Corea, Kaleik Ross and Zoe Richards represented the territory from May 4-8, 2018 at the Eastern Caribbean tournament which saw 35 young players from 7 countries represented to include BVI, St Lucia, St Vincent, France, Trinidad & Tobago, USA, and host country Antigua & Barbuda.

On day one of the tournament, Team BVI played five matches securing two wins and losing three. Zara Ghuran of Trinidad & Tobago defeated Zoe Richards 4-0, 4-4, Kaleik Ross defeated Youri Rassat of St.Baths (France) 4-0, 4-1, Camille Rondy of St.Baths (France) defeated Colesha Corea 4-0, 4-1, Zoe Richards defeated Sydney Kentish of Antigua, 4-1, 4-2, James Haden of Trinidad defeated Kaleik Ross 4-2, 4-2.

Round Robin matches followed the next day. Of the pool of 18 girls Zoe placed 10th, advancing to the main draw and Colesha placed 16th but did not make the main draw.

Kaleik placed 12th out of 17 boys. His results were not enough to advance him to the main draw.

In the Consolation First Round Colesha Corea defeated Mahkya Suffren of St. Lucia 3-4, 4-0 (10-6), Kaleik Ross defeated Clement Peuchot of St.Baths (France) 2-4, 4-2 (10-5) and Colesha & Zoe won their doubles match defeating the St. Lucia #2 team, 4-0,4-2..

In the Main Draw, Ariel Kelsick of Antigua defeated Zoe Richards 4-1, 4-2.

Jaiden Julien of Antigua won the Boys’ Championship with Jace Quashie from Tobago taking the title of Boys’ Finalist

Brasha Dyer of Antigua won the title of Girls’ Champion with Ariel Kelsick also of Antigua coming in second as the Girls’ Finalist.

VI represented in Barbados
Competing from March 31 – April 5 in the 2018 C. O. Williams COTECC U14s International Junior Tennis Tournament in Barbados, Deandrea Baijnauth played successful Round Robin Matches defeating Bajan players, Neil King (4-0,4-0)
and Christian Goddard (4-1,4-1) to qualify for the Main Draw.  Deandrea was ultimately defeated by Christian Gill of Barbados 6-3, 7-5.

All four promising juniors have signed up to attend the Celsius Tennis Academy in Sarasota, Florida (August 6-10, 2018).

The BVI Tennis Association extends appreciation for support to the BVI Olympic Committee, BioSafe Treatment, the BVITA tennis coaches, Celsius Tennis Academy, Guana Fund, Hon. Mark Vanterpool and several parents / guardian including Mr. & Mrs. Baijnauth, Mr. & Mrs. Corea, Ms. Pat George and Mr & Mrs. Richards.

Filed Under: Tennis Tagged With: , , , ,