DEFENDING champions SOS Village from Montego Bay will journey to Kingston to defend their 18 and Under Boys’ doubles title at the fourth staging of the Supligen/Serge Island Douglas Burke Invitational Doubles Tennis Series Tournament to be played today and tomorrow at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre, starting at 8:00 am each day.

The Montego Bay pair, winners of the 18 and Under Boys’ doubles title, are expected to be the top seeds.

Meanwhile, over 100 boys and girls are expected to participate in the doubles tournament involving 10 and under boys and girls; 12 and under boys and girls; 14 and under boys and girls; and 18 and Under boys’ and girls’ doubles.

Tournament Director David Sanguinetti said it is very important that the players get accustomed to playing doubles, as there are no doubles tournaments being played in Jamaica, only singles.

“We have to start, especially the younger players from now, to play team doubles, as it is always very crucial in Davis Cup, Fed Cup and team competitions. Jamaica has always lost out to their opponents in doubles, as they are not familiar with the game,” Sanguinetti lamented.

“By playing doubles on a regular basis, the players won’t be surprised when they are playing doubles tournaments. They should also choose the best players as their partners and practise on a constant basis to get acquainted on how he or she plays,” said Sanguinetti.

Sanguinetti added that playing doubles with the same partner on a regular basis will allow both players to know each other’s playing styles and what needs improvement to perfect their game and teamwork.

Meanwhile, the 10 and under for boys’ and girls’, and the girls’ open dot ball will begin today at 8:00, to be followed by the presentation of trophies.