Liguanea Club Tennis Classic gets started today

Over $1 million in prize money will be on the line in the Liguanea Club Tennis Classic, which serves off this morning at the club on Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston.

This will be the first senior tournament this year in the Llockett McGregor Tennis Series and will be sponsored by and Toyota Jamaica. It will run until Saturday, June 1.

Competition will be in the men’s Open, Class Two and Class Three and doubles and the ladies’ Open and Class B events. The top prize money will be in the Men’s Open, where the winner will take home $250,000.

Tournament director Llockett McGregor told The Gleaner that he was pleased with the entries, which numbered nearly 100, and that indications are that the competition will be keen.

Former Jamaica No. 1 player Damion Johnson will be using this tournament to start his year on a high note, but he will face formidable challenges throughout the week from both local and overseas entrants.

In the ladies’ section of the draw, Michaela Stephens and Pauline Hylton will lead the local charge, but a lot is expected from Spanish player Sara Lizariturry, who has shown in practice this week that she will be a formidable opponent.