The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN their bid to provide some excitement in the community this Christmas season, the Southwest Tennis Club is scheduled to hold its Holiday Invitational Tennis Tournament, starting this weekend at the Flamingo Gardens Tennis Courts.

The round-robin format event, designed for adults male and female at a price of $30 each and $20 per team, will commence play on Saturday and continue on Sunday. However, the finals will not be played until Sunday, December 26.

According to Michael Butler, the director of the Southwest Tennis Club, the tournament is being held as a continued commitment on the part of their mandate to promote the sport of tennis in the greater community of Carmichael.

Butler said men’s defending champion Cory Francis has already confirmed his participation, along with several top junior players on the men’s side.

As for the ladies, he noted that a few new talented players from the other tennis communities are scheduled to compete, so they’re looking forward to a keenly contested showdown.

Bahamian Billie Jean King Cup national team player Sydney Clarke, home for the holidays from the University of Arlington at Birmingham, will be on hand to provide some tips about the game and the requirements for players to obtain athletic scholarships available in tennis.

Clarke, 20, has been coached by Butler prior to heading off to college.

“Our expectations are to unite the community and hopefully foster a good long-lasting working relationship with all community stakeholders including present and future representatives,” Butler said.

Persons interested in participating can register by calling 544-8576.

COVID-19 protocols will be strictly enforced.

The tournament is being played just before the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association starts its Giorgio Baldacci National Open Invitational tennis tournament at the National Tennis Centre, starting on Monday and concluding on Saturday.

A field of eight females, including Clarke, and 17 men, led by Kevin Major Jr, are expected to participate as the top two players will earn the rights to play on the Billie Jean King Cup and for ladies and Davis Cup for men next year.

So, according to Butler, there will be a high level of tennis played on the island for the next week.