Malcolm cops Rankine Invitational tennis title

Paul Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Western Bureau:Jamaica's Davis Cup player Macoy Malcolm walked away with $20,000 and the male professional singles title on Sunday when he emerged victorious in the Rankine Invitational Tennis Tournament played at Sea Garden Beach Resort Tennis Club in Montego Bay.

The hard-hitting Malcolm, who displayed vintage form throughout the one-day event, hardly broke a noticeable sweat in defeating Atton Burrell, 6-0, 6-3 in the final, which was lacking in excitement.

"Playing in these tournaments is my way of keeping active ahead of the bigger tournaments," said Malcolm. "I must commend the organisers for their sustained efforts to help keep tennis alive in Montego Bay."

Despite his less-than-auspicious showing against the more seasoned Malcolm, Burrell walked away with $15,000 for his losing effort.

Malcolm recently played an exhibition match against Jamaica-born German tennis player Dustin Brown at the Jack Tar Courts, and while he lost the game, he played well enough to impress Brown.

Playing well

"Macoy is playing very good tennis, and with the right opportunities, he could go places," said Brown after the game.

In the other games on Sunday, the results were as follows:

Pro-Am Doubles - Paul Campbell and Errol Chattoo lost only four game points to beat the pair of Marie Imbault and Joshua Bailey 6-0, 6-4.

Open Doubles - O'Shane Wright and Romario Jarrett turned back Mario Malcolm and Horatio Ludford.

Amateur Singles - Ffion Fletcher beat Noel Nickle.

Boys' Singles - Krystian Dear had the better of Donte Welch.

Girls' Singles - Sherita Haughton defeated Shaeda Nickle.

Abigail Perue took top place in the Future Stars section, ahead of Abishek Moorgami (second) Rin Gyles took third place and Adam Cooper took fourth.

The next tournament is scheduled for May 23-26, 2013, at Sea Garden Beach Resort Tennis Club.