The Tribune

AFTER a week of great competition, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) concluded its Senior Nationals in grand fashion.

The finalists took to the courts all vying to be named national champions.

Both men and women participated in singles and doubles categories in their various age divisions.

The title sponsor of the event was Fidelity Bank Bahamas Limited.

The federation commended Cory Francis, who was the only participant in the tournament to advance to three finals.

Francis took home two championship titles and a runner-up placement.

The sportsmanship trophies (male and female) were determined by the players themselves and were awarded based on the highest vote-getters in the tournament.

Patrick Fernander and Esther Newton captured the male and female awards respectively.

The double crown winners include Tara Mactaggart, Stephen Thompson, Alexander Murbach and Ivan Hooper.

The Senior Nationals Champions and Runners- Up are as follows:

Women’s 35 - Champion: Sh’Ron Saunders.

Runner Up: Esther Newton.

Men’s 35 - Champion: Alexander Murbach.

Runner Up: Bjorn Ferguson.

Men’s 45 - Champion: Ivan Hooper.

Runner Up: Shaun Mahelis. Men’s 55 - Champion: Cory Francis. Runner Up: Ken Kerr.

Mixed Doubles - Champions: Neil and Tara Mactaggart. Runners Up: Chigoze Ijeoma and Marsha Williams.

Women’s Doubles - Champions: Sarah Beukes and Tara Mactaggart.

Runners Up: Sh’Ron Saunders and Ellie Brown.

Men’s Doubles 35 - Champions: Ivan Hooper and Alexander Murbach. Runners Up: Stephen Thompson and Cory Francis.

Men’s Doubles 55 - Champions: Stephen Thompson and Cory Francis.

Runners Up: Larry Rolle and Patrick Fernander.

BLTA president Perry Newton expressed his gratitude to Fidelity Bahamas Bank Limited for their sponsorship and CEO Gowon Bowe for assisting with the trophy presentations.

Newton also extended thanks to those who worked hard to ensure the tournament was a success, including Esther Newton, vice-president Chilean Burrows, Darnette Weir, Mickey Williams and Cory Francis. “You all did a splendid job,” Newton said.

This year the tournament was named in honour of Wesley Rolle. His son Willis was on hand to accept the award on behalf of his father.

“Mr Rolle’s contributions to tennis will continue to bear fruit,” Newton explained.

“We thank each player who participated in this year’s Senior Nationals as we saw a wonderful display of tennis skills. God’s willing, we look forward to 2023 as the competition continues to grow.”