In-form Johnson faces Malcolm in semi showdown

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Number-one seed Damian Johnson will seek to continue his fine form at the Jamaica National-sponsored All-Jamaica Open Tennis Championship, when he takes on number-four seed MaCoy Malcolm in semi-final action at the Police Officers' Club today.

Johnson, who on Tuesday qualified for today's clash after overcoming the challenge of Matthew Rodriquez 6-3, 6-3, is expected to face a stiff challenge against the Montego Bay-based Malcolm, given his experience and reputation of going all the way in major local tournaments.

Malcolm, whose brother, Marcus Malcolm, is also through to the final four, recorded a convincing 6-2, 6-2 win over Dave Vernon in the quarter-finals.

The second semi-final will see number-seven seed Marcus, who surprised number-two seed Cadren Todd 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, going up against number-three seed Yussuf Migoko, who stopped unseeded Orick Angus 6-2, 6-2 in his quarter-final.

"Things have been progressing well thus far," explained tournament director, Chris Taylor.

"We have been getting good support from all involved; players, sponsors and spectators. Also, the tennis has been of a high quality and we expect that come weekend the enthusiasm and quality of play will increase threefold."

Semi-final action

The first game will serve off at 3 p.m. and the last at approximately 9 p.m.

There will also be semi-final action in Classes Two and Three, as well as in Open and Class Two doubles.

In Class Two, number-one seed Gordon Chuck will face off with number-six seed Stephen Jones in one semi-final, while in the other, number-two seed Steven Shirley will square off with Ransford Hamilton.

Class Three, in the meanwhile, will see number-one seed Leo Fung Fang battling number-four seed Junior Haldane and number-three seed Terrence Forrester challenging number-two seed Richard Harris.

The championship, which attracted more than 100 participants - some coming out of retirement - is without a female segment because to a lack of entries to properly formulate a draw.

The finals will be played tomorrow at the same venue, beginning at 3 p.m.