Downy Tennis Classic serves off at Half Moon today

All is set for today’s start of the Downy Tennis Classic, which serves off with the Open event at the new Half Moon tennis courts venue in Montego Bay.

Defending champion and number two seed Dwayne Pagon, along with the Bounty Open Champion and number one seed David Goldsmith, on the men’s side, are back to highlight an oversubscribed field, which should produce some pulsating tennis over the weekend out west.

The men’s Open winner will receive $100,000, and the runner-up will collect $60,000. There will also be cash prizes for the semi-finalists and quarter finalists.

The women’s side should also feature some fireworks, with Maureen Williams expected to get some stiff competition from former World 100-metre hurdles champion Brigitte Foster-Hylton as well as Chandie James.

There will also be action in class two with number one seed Seretse Bell facing a big challenge from media personality and avid tennis player Ricardo Chambers.

The men’s class three field will feature number-one seed Bryan Robinson as well as number-two seed Carlington Burrell.

Tournament organiser Simon Casserly outlined that this year’s event is expected to be the best yet with the oversubscription of the event.

“The entries for this year’s tournament have been overwhelming, and we have had to reject some entries. We are all set with a lot of enthusiasm with new sponsors and the quality of competition on show,” said Casserly.

With the serious nature of the tennis comes the fun element, according to Casserly, who has organised a lucky losers wine bar to add some excitement to the extravaganza.

“Each losing adult player will get the chance to indulge in some Pinot Nior or Pink Moscato wine courtesy of our sponsors, and this should add some fun and excitement to our event, which continues to be the premium tennis event on the island,” said Casserly.