KEYONDRE Clarke and Alicia Pairman captured the 16 and under boys and girls titles, respectively, at the seventh staging of the two-day 2018 Mayberry Investments Limited Open Junior Tennis Championships which ended at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre on Sunday.

Clarke defeated top seed Damani Cain 8-6 to win his four matches in the boys’ 16 and under round-robin competition. It was a surprising win for Clarke who had lost on several occasions to Cain who is the current number one player in both the boys’ 18 and 16 under age groups.

His other three wins were against Joshua Graveney 8-3, Cole McNair 8-5, and Keymani Anderson 8-0. The singles matches were played for one set instead of two sets with the first player reaching eight points winning.

Cain had won his three matches before losing to Clarke. He had defeated Anderson 8-0, Graveney 8-4, and McNair 8-3.

Clarke said he was very happy for the win.

“It was a good match and I played very well as I felt very good. Overall, I think I played pretty well and was also very consistent as I was confident going into the match against Cain. I hope when we meet again I can win again,” Clarke said.

Meanwhile, Cain said Clarke played very well. “I will go back to the drawing board and train hard that when we meet again I will come out victorious.”

Pairman defeated Peta-Gaye Graham in a thrilling three-setter 7-6, 6-7, 7-6 in the girls’ 16 and under singles. She then beat Thandie Sampson in her next match 7-5, 6-2 to clinch the title.

Pairman said she was happy for the win. “The first set was close but the second set I was more consistent with my game although my opponent was playing fast and I had to slow it down and take control from then onwards to win comfortably.”

Jason Duval defeated Arjan Trehan in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 to capture the boys’ 14 and under singles title.

Eva Pinchas won the girls’ 14 and under singles title by winning her three matches, beating Kalila Morris 8-1, Courtney Chin 8-2, and Julie Madden 8-4.

The boys’ 14 and under consolation singles was won by Joel Villoria, who beat Jahmarie Swan 8-2.

Tournament director Llockett McGregor said it was a well run and competitive championships, and those who did not win should keep training hard for success.

Anika Jengelly, assistant vice-president, marketing from Mayberry Investments Limited, said her company was looking forward to continue its relationship with the tournament.

“We have decided to partner with Tennis Jamaica for the development of the sport in Jamaica as we love the sport and will be there to give our support for many years to come,” Jengelly said.