Malcolm, Williams win Downy Tennis titles

The action may have gone late into Sunday evening but no one was complaining, because the level of competition lived up to the billing as the Downy Tennis Classic came to an enthralling end at the Half Moon Resort tennis courts in Montego Bay.

While the sun faded, men’s Open champion Macoy Malcolm surely did not, as the Montego Bay native pulled out all the resolve to claim a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 win over Dwayne Pagon to seal the title.

The number-four seed almost did not complete the match, as he started to have severe cramps after winning the first set and faded badly in the second set.

A bathroom break and some rehydration seemed to have done the trick, as Malcolm dug deep to conjure up a good display of grit to beat the number-two seed Pagon.

The repeat of last year’s final saw Malcolm getting one over on his fierce rival, and he was pleased that he was able to hang on to claim the title and the $100,000 winner’s prize.

“I started off good, but the sun had me for a bit and I started cramping in the second set; but I had to dig deep and pull off the victory,” said Malcolm.

Malcolm had earlier defeated the number-one seed David Goldsmith in the semi-finals 3-6, 6-4, 7-10, while Pagon got the better of number-three seed Jeremy Miller 6-1, 6-1.

In the meantime, Mandeville-based Maureen Williams turned back the challenge of Kemi Richardson 6-1, 6-1 to claim the ladies’ amateur title.

The number-one seed Williams had to battle the elements to pull off the win.

“I was pleased with my effort as it was a tough battle. I was cramping up, so I had to dig deep and push to the end.”

Meanwhile, number-one seed Bryan Robinson secured the men’s class three title after leading 6-0, 2-0 before his opponent, Carlington Burrell, had to retire.

The men’s class two title went to number-two seed Michael Sutherland, who had a 6-4, 6-2 win over number-one seed Seretse Bell.

The mixed doubles title went to Jason Baker and Williams.

Tournament director Simon Casserly praised the effort and patience of all the players who had to battle the elements and the rescheduling of matches to get through the tournament.

“We are happy as to how the tournament played out at our new home of the Downy Tennis Classic, the Half Moon Resort. There was a good vibe throughout the event, with good friendly camaraderie and fair play, which was pleasing to see. With the oversubscription of this year’s tournament, we may very well have to have an earlier start next year,” Casserly said.