Jamaica’s tennis star Blaise Bicknell recorded a hard-fought 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Barbados’ Kaipo Marshall in their Davis Cup Cup Group Two play-off encounter at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre in Kingston on Saturday.

Bicknell, the highest-ranked player in the championships at 319, expressed satisfaction with his performance.

“It was a good match, but I think I could have done some things better because there were times when I was trying to over hit and not relax. However, I thought I played a great first and third set and got a comfortable win,” said Bicknell.

“I am happy for this win, and I am looking forward to tomorrow’s (today) match against Darian King. It is going to be very tough because he is a veteran player with a lot of experience, but I am going to be ready for it,” he added.

Bicknell dominated the first set, swiftly jumping out to a 3-0 lead. Despite Marshall reducing the lead to 4-1, Bicknell, in excellent form this season, fought back to win the next two games and the set.

Marshall came out strong in the second set, securing a 3-0 lead. However, Bicknell rallied to reduce the lead to 3-2. Marshall, playing confidently, outplayed his opponent to win the set 6-3.

-Robert Bailey