Bicknell tops Real Equity Open

Jamaica’s top-ranked tennis player Blaise Bicknell produced a solid all-around performance to capture the men’s Open singles title at the Real Equity Open Tennis Championships on Saturday at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston.

Bicknell, who is currently ranked 490 in the world, defeated Rowland ‘Randy’ Phillips 6-3, 7-5 in a highly competitive final. The 24-year-old, who is set to represent Jamaica in the Davis Cup Group Two play-offs next year, expressed satisfaction with both the victory and the overall quality of the tournament.

“It was a tough game because Randy played extremely well and I really had to fight from start to finish, but I am happy that I was able to come away with the win in two sets,” said Bicknell.

“It was a great tournament overall because the sponsors, Real Equity, did a great job, and Llockett McGregor did a good job of putting on an excellent tournament,” Bicknell said.

He added that the win comes at an ideal time as he prepares for the upcoming Davis Cup, which will be held in Jamaica in February of next year.

“I have the Davis Cup in February against Uruguay, and so this is a good warm up for that,” said Bicknell, who also noted that his physical condition and consistent match play throughout the year have contributed to his strong performances.

“I am feeling good because my body is healthy and I have been competing a lot this year and overall, I am just really happy with my performances this year; and I am going to use this to build for next year.”

Tournament organiser Llockett McGregor said he was pleased with the turnout and competitiveness of this year’s championships, noting that the event continues to grow in stature.

“It was a very successful tournament because everything went as planned, and we had most of the country’s top players competing and the matches were very competitive,” he said.

McGregor also said that all proceeds from this year’s tournament will be donated to assist victims of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.

In other results, Richardo Chambers captured the men’s Class Two title after edging Chevaughn Crawford 6-4, 5-7, 10-8. Craig Grant claimed the men’s Class Three crown with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Bradley Delapenha. In the women’s amateur singles final, Kemila Whitby delivered an impressive performance to defeat Simone Hudson 6-2, 6-2.