Jamaican sizzles at CAREBACO Open

Samuel O’Brien Ricketts of Jamaica played superbly as he secured berths in the CAREBACO Open semi-finals of the Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles categories on Wednesday evening at the National Racquet Centre, Tacarigua.

Ricketts, a 21 year old student of Loughborough University in England, is currently on a four year international scholarship. Loughborough, a division one college, has given Ricketts the opportunity to play at the highest level against other universities and colleges, as well as being able to participate in county championships.

The player has attributed his progress to a more controlled style of play in which his shot selection and composure on the court has improved his results. This was evident in his matches as he first dispensed with the CAREBACO Under-19 International champion Giovanni Toti from Italy, 21-9, 21-10. This was followed by a straight sets victory in the Men’s Doubles as he, along with his partner Gareth Henry, beat the No. 1 seeds from Peru, Jose Guevara and Daniel La Torre Regal 21-15, 21-17.

The last match proved the toughest for the Jamaican as he and partner Katherine Wynter wore down the other Peruvian pair of Nairoby Jimenez and Cesar Brito Gonzalez 22-20, 11-21, 21-19 to cap a triumphant night for Ricketts.

The lone Trinidad and Tobago representation in the quarter-finals came in the Women’s Doubles where Latoya Walrond and doubles partner Leanna Castanada had a tough time against Ariel Lee and Sydney Lee, of the United States, bowing out of the tournament 21-11, 21-5. Another upset on the night included the No. 3 seed Soren Opti, of Suriname, when she was dumped out of the tournament by Peru’s Jose Guevera 21-8, 10-21, 21-19. Barbados’ Corey Fanus and Dakeil Thorpe also disposed of second seeds, William Cabrera and Nelson Javier, representing the Dominican Republic 21-16, 14-21, 21-18 during the Men’s Doubles.

In the Men’s Singles, Karan Rajan Rajarajan of India easily defeated William Cabrera of the Dominican Republic 21-12, 21-12. Kevin Cordon of Guatemala was triumphant against Jamaican Dennis Coke 21-6, 21- 18. The Women’s Singles saw Jamie Subandhi of the United States cruised past Bajan Sabrina Scott 21-4, 21-6 and Peru’s Daniela Macias got past Noemi Almonte of the Dominican Republic 21-2, 21-8.

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"Jamaican sizzles at CAREBACO Open"

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