The Tribune

BAHAMIAN Philip Major dominated the field at the US Open National Playoffs Southern Sectional Qualifying Tournament.

In the finals match, Philip faced home town favourite Trey Yates. Despite the fact that the crowd was on American Yates’ side, Major was able to break serve and overpower his opponent with a convincing victory of 6-4,6-2.  

“It is the small things that count,” Major said. “I have worked on being better prepared on and off the court. I have also  worked on my mental game and how to better position myself with a view to remaining positive.”  

Major credits much of his success to his new coach Jim Lavender. Philip said he will continue to train and to prepare himself and plans to participate in another tournament in July. 

Lavender said Major’s game is improving and he was impressed with his serve, composure in tight moments and shot selection. Last year, Lavender was invited to hold a tennis clinic under the direction of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA).

During the current year, Lavender also held two developmental clinics in the Bahamas. On the international stage Lavender has sought to hone some of the great Bahamian talent in the persons of Major, Joshua Turnquest, Jody Turnquest and Iesha Shepherd.