Only six of the eight play-off games carded in the Barbados Road Tennis Open 2024 were played last night when the action got underway on day one of the island’s premier road tennis tournament at Belfield in St Michael before a sizeable and appreciative crowd.

All told there was just under three hours of tennis which resulted in straight set victories for five persons, with the final set spanning three games.

In the opening game,  the ladies got the action underway with Samantha Rogers proving too good for Rashida Holder winning 21-18, 21-16, in 23 minutes.

In the second encounter, Terry Smith then cruised past  Shaquille Lucas 21-10, 21-12, while Suave Clarke dismissed Zachary Taitt 21-3,  21-14.

Shamon Weekes trounced Winslow “Coach” Birkett  21-8, 21-4, and Seth Best outclassed Winston Griffith winning  21-8, 21-8.

Last night Tavio Norville also won by default over Shawn Boxill, whilst neither Shawn Husbands nor Stephen Payne turned up for their match-up.

In true Vanessa Williams fashion, the organisers “saved the best for last”  as the crowd came alive in the nightcap between  Tyrease Holder and Shaquan Henry, which saw some enthralling tennis on display in three exciting games.

Henry took command in the first game and looked all over the winner before Holder tied it up at 20-20.

But Henry kept his cool and composure to win 22-20.

However, Holder roared right back in the second game to take that in decisive fashion  21-11.

With all to play for in the third game,  the game see-sawed before Henry built up a 12-9 lead with some fascinating shots exhibited.

In the end, Henry held his nerve to win the decider and the set 21-18,    to overcome Holder 22-20, 11-21, 21-18 in 40 minutes of pulsating tennis.

The action in the round of 64 in the BRTO Open 2024 switches to Gall Hill St John on Saturday 3rd August, 2024 at 7pm and Diamond Corner in St Peter on Sunday 4th August, 2024 at 6:30pm.