Top seeds cruise at Bounty Invitational

AS WAS expected, the island’s top contenders motored through the rounds to book their place in the final four in the men’s open category after day two action in the Bounty Invitational Tennis Classic being contested at the Couples Resorts Tower Isle and San Souci Tennis courts yesterday.

Number-two seed Randy Phillips easily took care of Kosei Gibbs 6-1, 6-1 in the second round and then came back late evening to brush aside big-serving Montegonian Davian Burrell, 6-3, 6-1.

Phillips set up a mouthwatering semi-final clash with defending champion and number three seed David Goldsmith, who first defeated Blake Shoucair 6-2, 6-4 and then stopped Javaughn Nembhard 6-0, 6-3 in their quarterfinal clash.

Phillips was pleased to have overcome the unfamiliarity of the surface to book his spot into the final four.

“It was a fun challenge trying to figure out the pace and bounce of this surface because the ball comes low and fast on this court. It’s fun to be out on the grass, and it’s a pretty nice tournament so far.”

Number-one seed Blaize Bicknell made light work of Adam Harris late in the evening under lights. After brushing aside Jamar Patterson, 6-0, 6-1, in his opening-round encounter, Bicknell barely broke a sweat to topple Harris 6-1, 6-2.

“It was a bit tricky out there on the grass, but it was a good vibe, with people coming to watch some good tennis.”

Bicknell will next face Matthew Rodriquez, who took care of Janoi Scott, 6-1, 6-1, in his quarterfinal match.

In the men’s Class Two, defending champion Michael Sutherland advanced after seeing off Bruce Hart 6-2, 6-2. There were also wins for Kyle Millwood, Andre Spence, Seretse Bell, and Seth Grennell.

In the men’s Class Three, Simon Lee had a 6-0, 6-0 quarterfinal win over Mark Holness, with victories also recorded by second seed Francis Stephenson, Mark Holness, and number-one seed Kenrick Picknight.

In the meantime, there was a huge upset on the women’s side as number-one seed Daniella Silvera was knocked out by Kimloy Seraton Wint, 6-2, 0-6, 10-7, in their quarterfinal fixture.