The Tribune

PHILIP Major Jr, who made the main draw on the European Circuit a few months ago, turned his attention to some US match play  in Lynchburg, Virginia, over the weekend.

Major Jr along with fellow Bahamians Joshua Turnquest, Michael Cooper and Iesha Shepherd participated in the Central Virginia Invitational Tennis Tournament (CVITT).

In the main draw, Major Jr defeated Eric S Collier 6-0, 6-1. He then went on to defeat Christopher Vrabel 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. He continued to blaze forward by winning over Jason T Kros, 4-6, 6-3 6-1. In the quarterfinals, Major Jr lost to Maskim Tikhomirov 3-6, 3-6. 

In women singles match, Iesha Shepherd played well and made it to the quarterfinals but was defeated. Joshua Turnquest and Michael Cooper also played well in this tournament but lost in the first round and second round respectively.

In doubles play, Major Jr partnered with Elyse Lavender from the United States to defeat his fellow Bahamians Michael Cooper and Iesha Shepherd 6-0 6-0.  The duo of Major/Lavender had a convincing win over Butler/ Koontz 6-2 6-2.  In finals doubles play, Major and Lavender were very successful and defeated Harris/Jenkins 3-6, 6-1, 10-7. 

In an interview with Phillip after his great play, he stated that he is continuing to work on his fitness and has seen great progress in his intensity and footwork. He has intentions to participate in some more tournaments in the future.

On the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Circuit, Justin Roberts is playing in the ITF Men’s tournament in Charlottesville, Virginia.  

In singles qualifying play, Roberts, seeded 4th, received a first round bye. In his first match, Roberts won over Drew Van Orderlain 6-3, 7-6(5).  He then went on to defeat Christian Langmo, the 13th seed, in the qualifiers 6-4, 4-6 and 7-5.  With this win, Roberts advanced to the main draw. 

Roberts, who is on summer break from college, continues his excellent play. He has expressed that he is looking forward to getting in as many matches as possible this summer. Roberts will play Takayani in first round main draw play.

The BLTA highlights the tremendous efforts of all these athletes as they remain committed to the sport of tennis and to elevating their game on the professional circuit.