Top players set to shine at Bounty Invitational Tennis

Jamaica’s number one tennis player Blaise Bicknell and the nation’s top Davis Cup player Randy Phillips are set to grace the stage at the 2024 Bounty Invitational Tennis Tournament which got underway at the Couples Resorts Tower Isle and San Souci courts yesterday.

Number one seed Bicknell, who got a bye into the second round of the men’s open, is set to bow into action today against Jamar Parkinson at 9 a.m. Phillips, who is seeded number two, will face either Kosei Gibbs or Ronaldo Cross at 8 a.m.

Defending champion David Goldsmith, the third seed, will face Blake Shoucair who got the better of Makaiba Thomas 6-2, 6-4 in one of the earlier matches on court one at the Couples Tower Isle yesterday.

Number four seed Damion Johnson will face Janoi Scott today. Perennial contender Matthew Rodriquez was also one of the players that bowed into action yesterday and he had a 6-1, 3-2 victory over Garnett James who had to retire.

The men’s Class Two is also an exciting affair with number one seed Michael Sutherland set to kick off his title defence against Bryan Robinson today.

Number two seed Seretse Bell will have Jermaine Case as his opening-round opponent while number three seed Seth Grennell will battle Winter Bradley.

In the earlier Class Two match that served off yesterday, Kyle Millwood got by Vivek Chadiram 6-0, 6-1 while Zachary Chung had walkover. He was due to play Ruddy Armstrong.

The men’s Class Three should feature number one seed Kenrick Picknight and number two seed Francis Stevenson. The ladies’ amateur section will feature Daniella Silvera and number two seed Simone Hudson battling for top honours.

With a 20 per cent increase in the men’s Open prize money, tournament organiser Simon Casserly anticipates a fierce battle from the top-ranked players in the nation.

“Our stocks have soared this year as our finalists last year are now seeded three and four this year with the inclusion of top players Blaise Bicknell and Randy Phillips and it is going to be a tough competition for top honours in the men’s Open which promises to be hot.”

The men’s Open champion is set to take home $120,000 with the runner-up getting $60,000. Action is also slated in mixed doubles and the men’s 45 doubles.