Good opening day for top males

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

The tournament's number one seed Damian Johnson did not have to break a sweat in advancing to the second round of the four-day Iberostar Tennis Classic which started in Montego Bay yesterday, as his opponent Matthew Bennett failed to show.

"Johnson is oozing with confidence and was ready to play today (yesterday)," said tournament director Simon Casserly. "I know he is already making plans how he will spend the $80,000 that will go to the male open champion."

Despite his confidence, Johnson will definitely not have things easy as the much-feared Malcolm brothers, Nicholas, Marcus and Macoy, are on his side of the draw.

While Johnson was inactive yesterday, visiting professional Steve Coleman scored an easy 6-2, 6-2 win over Horatio Ludford, the number one junior player in Montego Bay, to advance to the second round.

Elvis Henry, the tournament's second seed, decimated young Shavtai Pinchas, spanking him 6-0, 6-0 to seal his place in the round of 16. The highly fancied number three seed Kirk Bouland had to work hard in turning back the challenge of Orick Angus 6-4, 6-2.

The tournament, which carries an overall J$200,000 prize tag, will move into top gear today as the ladies and the amateurs will bow into action in the tournament, which features four categories - men's Open, men's Classes 2 & 3 and ladies' Amateur Open.