Exciting Iberostar Tennis Classic looms

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Jamaica's top tennis players and a generous sprinkling of internationals are now fine-tuning preparation for the much-anticipated second staging of the Iberostar Tennis Classic, which will serve off at the hotel's courts in Montego Bay tomorrow.

"The draw has been completed and we are basically ready and raring to go," said tournament director Simon Casserly. "The players are all excited and so are the sponsors and the fans."

The tournament, which will be played over four days and carries a $200,000 prize package, will feature four categories, which are all poised to generate their own excitement. The categories are the men's Open, men's classes 2 & 3 and ladies' amateur Open.

Among the top male players who have been confirmed are former national champions Nicholas Malcolm, reigning national champion Damion Johnson, overseas-based Jamaican Elvis Henry and the exciting Montego Bay-based Kirk Bouland.

Also in the line-up is overseas-based tennis professional Steve Coleman.

Quality line-up

"With such a quality male line-up confirmed we are very excited," Casserly stated. "The Montego Bay players, especially Bouland, who defeated Malcolm last year, are determined to make a majorimpact this year."

The women's section, which includes Lisa Chin and Pauline Hylton, both of whom contested last year's final, as well as the exciting Chantal Blackwood, are expected to generate much excitement.

"Chin and Hylton were both very good last year and we are expecting that they will be in top form again this year," noted Casserly. "Blackwood is currently in very good form and we are expecting a lot from her as well."

Prior to the official start of the tournament, Coleman and Henry will be staging free tennis clinics for Montego Bay's junior players today at the Iberostar Resorts Tennis Courts. They will also be donating equipment to needy players.

"Both players see this as a way of giving back to local tennis and we fully endorse it," Casserly said. "I am sure it will be beneficial to the youngsters."

While cash prizes will go to the professional players, the successful amateurs will be rewarded with complementary weekends at the Iberostar Resort.