Easy wins for fancied players as Downy Tennis serves off

Number seven seed Davian Burrell kicked off the 2024 Downy Tennis Classic in scintillating form, as he easily booked his place into the second round as action got under way on day one at the Half Moon Tennis Courts in Montego Bay yesterday.

In steamy hot conditions, Burrell quickly brushed aside David Auden 6-1, 6-0 to move into today’s second round where he will face Jonathan Golding who took care of Ronaldo Cross 6-1, 6-1.

Burrell, who made it to the quarterfinals last year, says he has adjusted his game to better cope with the rigours of this year’s tournament.

“It was good to get out and get a feel of the court. This year, I plan to come with better focus and relax more in the big moments, because I know I have the game to do well,” he said.

In other round one matches, Simon Neary defeated Jonathan March 6-2, 6-1 and will next face number six seed Matthew Rodriquez. Kirby Grizzle had a comfortable 6-2, 6-1 win over Shavtai Pinchas. Grizzle will next take on number eight seed Yussuf Migoko.

Twelve-year-old Michael Nickle outlasted Gavin Hall 6-1, 6-4 and will face a much sterner test today when he takes on number five seed David Goldsmith.

In the meantime, number one seed Randy Phillips will bow into action today at 9 a.m. against Martin Vernon.

Other top seeds that will get their first action today are number two seed and defending champion Macoy Malcolm, number three seed Dwayne Pagon and fourth seed Jeremy Miller.

The men’s Class Two should see yet another fierce battle with number one seed Richard Dinah facing stiff competition from number two seed Michael Sutherland and number three seed Seretse Bell.

The men’s Class Three event will feature the likes of top seed Kenrick Picknight, number two seed Martin King and number three seed Carlington Burrell.

On the ladies’ side, number one seed Chandie James is set to battle it out for top honours against number two seed Kemi Richardson and number three seed Marie Imbault.

The men’s singles winner will take home $150,000 this year with the runner-up pocketing $75,000.