The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

TEAM Bahamas is now 0-2 in group play as they attempt to qualify among the top teams in the region for the World Junior Tennis Championships.

Sierra Rodgers, Kaylee Kanuka and Jianna Munroe suffered a 2-1 loss to Haiti yesterday at the Girls’ Under-14 North/Central America and Caribbean Pre-Qualifying event in Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic.

Rodgers got the team off to a promising start with her win in singles. She defeated Laurie Euzerbe 7-5, 6-4.

Kanuka fell to Haiti’s top ranked player Richardlyne Francois 6-0, 6-0.

In doubles play, Rodgers and Kanuna lost to Francois and Checania Appolon 6-3, 6-1. On opening day, Team Bahamas lost 3-0 to the Dominican Republic.

Rodgers suffered a 6-0, 6-1 loss to Rosario Elmudesi while Kanuka followed with a 6-2, 6-1 loss to Rocio Espinal. In doubles play, Kanuka and Jianna Munroe lost 6-1, 6-1 wo Elmudesi and Abby Candelier.

The ITF World Junior Tennis competition, the international team competition for players aged 14 and under, was started by the ITF in 1991.

The top 16 boys’ and girls’ teams from regional qualifying compete for the title with over 100 countries represented in the opening stages of the competition.

The 2018 Finals were held in Prostejov, Czech Republic.

The current champions are USA boys and Russia girls.

A number of the past participants have gone on to become household names on the ATP and WTA tours.

Former winners in the boys’ event include Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, while Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters have all appeared in the girls’ event.

In order to reach the Finals, every nation - with the exception of the host nation - must win through regional qualifying. There are five qualification zones: Africa, North/Central America, South America, Europe and Asia/Oceania.