Top-class field for NCB Open

Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Despite the best wishes of Tennis Jamaica president Aubyn Hill, it could be a tough task for local talent to hold on to the almost US$20,000 in total prize money up for grabs when the NCB Capital Markets Tennis Open gets under way next week, with a few exceptional overseas players expected to participate.

While entries are still open, it is estimated that some 30 overseas players could flock to the island to take part in the tournament, which will run from November 16-20 at the Liguanea Club. Among them are Haiti's best player Oliver Sajous, who is ranked 512, George Jecminek of Canada, Barbados' Darien King, doubles partner of local boy Brandon Burke and his compatriot Haydn Lewis.

Last year's champion, Devin Mullings, who was quite dismissive of top local player Demar Johnson in last year's final, will, however, not be able to defend his title, having recently undergone surgery.

Despite the obvious threat posed from the international players and the real possibility of the cash heading back abroad, Hill looked forward to the tournament and lauded NCB for their support.

"Tennis is an international sport, you cannot stop top players from going where they want to. A Wozniacki (Caroline), Serena Williams, they go over and it is good for the sport," Hill said at a press conference that launched the event at the NCB Wellness and Recreation Centre yesterday.

Train as hard as possible

"But we encourage our players to train as hard as possible because the competition will be there and it would be good to see us succeed on local soil," he added.

The top prize for the men's title will be US$6,000, while the runner-up will pocket US$2,250. Players will get US$1,000 each for reaching the semis and US$500 for reaching the quarters.

On the women's side, the prize winner should receive US$1,000. However, that is if the tournament receives at least eight female players of a satisfactory calibre. If not, it is possible that tournament could be scrapped in favour of a doubles event.

Vernon James, vice-president, Client Services, NCB Capital Markets, expressed his company's delight at being involved in the tournament.

"NCB Capital Markets has a long tradition of supporting not only mainstream sports, but others that are developing like tennis. We look forward to supporting the players, watching them compete and, in our role as title sponsors, elevate the sport and raise awareness for the game."

Jamaica's attempt at capturing the crown will be led by top talents Johnson, Dominic Pagon, McKoy Malcolm and Dwayne Pagon.