Phillips and Denton claim Under-14 titles

Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

JAMAICA'S ROLAND Phillips and Michaelann Denton captured the International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior boys and girls Under-14 singles titles at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre yesterday.

Phillips recorded an easy 6-3, 6-3 victory over Christian Cargill of the Bahamas and Denton scored a 7-6, 6-2 win over compatriot Sheleta Haughton.

Pleased with play

Phillips said he was delighted with his performance.

"I feel really happy. I really wanted to win this tournament because two years ago I lost in the Under-12 final," said the Campion College student.

"It was very hard because he is a very good player, but I was a lot more consistent throughout the match and this is what I used to get the better of him," Phillips said.

Phillips will leave the island next Friday for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) tournament in Mexico.

Denton, a student at Immaculate Conception High, was also happy with her first singles title.

"I am feeling really good," said Denton. "It was a very tough match and the sun was also very hot, but I managed to pull myself through for the victory," she said.

"I was always confident that I was going to win because I have beaten her and I knew I could do it again," said Denton.

Meanwhile, Brandon Burke will oppose his doubles partner and third-seeded Darian King in today's quarter-finals of the boys' Under-18 competition.

Burke, who is seeded fifth in the tournament, said he is looking forward to an exciting match with his opponent.

"I plan to play to the best of my ability and make sure I do what I have to do to win the match," said Burke, who attends American Heritage High School in Florida.

"He is a good player and I am expecting a very tough match from him," he said.