This past weekend, many Anguillian children participated in the Anguilla National Tennis Tournament (ANTT). The tournament was run by Jason Allen, Director of the Anguilla Tennis Academy and, conducted at Temenos Villas. Its purpose was to develop competition and camaraderie among children in various age groups.

Jason Allen presenting a brand new Wilson tennis bag to the winner of the boys 18 and under division Vallan Hodge

The divisions were constructed to model the ITF format so that the children can prepare for future tournaments sanctioned by the ITF throughout the United States and the Caribbean. In the boys’ 18 and under division, the competition was tough. Keithroy Proctor defeated Denny Derrick 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, in a long three set match to reach the finals against Vallan Hodge. Vallan experienced a close semi-final match defeating Calyde Hughes 6-4, 7-5.

The final match was exciting but, in the end, Vallan Hodge took first place defeating Keithroy Proctor 7-6 (7-5), 6-4. Out of this division there will be a ladder ranking system in which the various children can challenge each other in order to move up in the rankings. The ladder now stands as follows:
1. Vallan Hodge
2.Keithroy Proctor
3. Denny Derrick
4.Calyde Hughes
5. Denvil Ruan
6. Devin Hodge
7. Jelani Banks
8. Ron Connor
Any children who did not participate can join the ladder at any time.

In the girls 16 and under division, Krystal Webster came out on top defeating Shinelle Proctor, Veneshaw, and Sangrena Harris. The format for this, and all subsequent divisions, was a round robin where every player played each other once. In the girls 12 and under, first place went to Olivia Geyer. She defeated Nina Andrews, Janielle Proctor, Sharona Proctor, Aline Geyer and Nzingha Banks. Finally in the boys 14 and under, Ojumiri Lake won first place defeating Daniel Andrews. If there is more response from the younger divisions, a ladder will be initiated for them as well.

The tournament was a success and the children had a wonderful time. Water, drinks, and sandwiches was provided along with full lunch on Saturday. Jason Allen commented, “We have a great group of tennis players who are ready and willing to go to the next level. I see a great deal of potential and I feel proud to be involved with these world-class children. I enjoyed watching them all play, running the tournament and preparing the sandwiches. I would like to personally thank Brian Schultz for permitting the ATA to utilize the tennis facility at Temenos Villas. It truly is beneficial for the children to play on top-notch courts.”

On a different note, the ATA after school tennis program began on Monday, September 5 and the turnout has been wonderful. Mitchelle Lake, President of the ATA, commented, “I am happy to see that the children want to become involved with the ATA program. It is important that our community invest in programs that provide positive experiences for our children. I trust that parents will continue to support our program and help us grow from strength to strength.”

The ATA will still be accepting registration forms throughout September but there is a limit of 70 participants. For more information, contact Jason Allen at 476-0697 or Mitchelle Lake at 476-3234.

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