Mahase, Francis progress in Shell Tranquillity tennis

DEXTER Mahase and Kino Francis advanced in the men’s singles category when the Shell Tranquillity Open Tennis tournament resumed after a long hiatus at the Tranquillity Courts, Victoria Avenue, Port of Spain, on Friday.

The tournament was stopped in early 2020 because of the covid19 pandemic.

Mahase defeated Saqiv Williams 6-2, 6-1 to progress past the round of 32 and Francis outlasted Beckham Sylvester 6-0, 6-2.

Luca Shamsi also advanced to the next round with a comfortable 6-0, 6-0 win over Zachery Byng, and Ronald Robinson got past Adisa Idemudia 7-5, 6-3.

Tim Pasea, Nathan Valdez and Joshua Boyce all moved on by walkover as their opponents failed to show up.

Matches will continue on Saturday from 9 am with matches in the men’s singles round of 16 and quarterfinals. Action in the women’s singles quarterfinals will also be held.

The top four seeds in the women’s quarterfinals will hit the court. Top seed Carlista Mohammed will battle Zara Ghuran, second-seeded Osenyonye Nwokolo will face Maria Honore, third-ranked Cameron Wong will tackle Jordane Dookie and fourth-ranked Aalisha Alexis will compete against Ella Carrington.