The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN junior tennis players Donte Armbrister and Sydney Clarke continue their impressive run through the Tobago Junior International Tennis Federation’s Championships.

In their quarterfinal matches on Thursday, Armbrister won 6-2, 6-1 over American Ty Switzer in the boys draw, while Clarke, the top seed on the girls draw, knocked off American Sifa Butcher 6-3, 6-2.

For 16-year-old Armbrister, it was a pretty good performance.

“I was up 3-1 in the first when we had our first rain delay. It was tough with the momentum,” he said. “So I just had to stay focused and get my mind together so when we go back on the court I would be ready.

“In the first set, I played extremely well, a clean match. I was able to break him and my serve helped me through the match.”

Momentum

After winning the first set, Armbrister said he rode the momentum in the second set.

“I just thank God for the win and I’m just happy to be able to play my second semifinal match tomorrow (Friday) against Paul Colin from France,” Armbrister stated.

“This is the same player I played two weeks ago in St Lucia. We had a tough match. I lost 7-6 (3), 6-4 and I hope to take the win tomorrow.”

Clarke, also 16, said she simply did what she had to do to prevail with another victory.

“I felt I played good. I just need to be more focused in between some points,” said Clarke, of her performance. “Sometimes I had some errors, but overall I fought to the end. I played like I wanted to win.”

Clarke, a runner-up at the last tournament in St Lucia, said her goal is to get into the final on Saturday.

Both Armbrister and Clarke and also playing doubles with their respective Barbados partners. Armbrister is teaming up with Romani Mayers, while Clarke is paired with Tangia Riley-Codrington from Barbados.