Gentle, DeNobrega dominate GTA/MCYS 60th Independence Open
Nathan DeNobrega makes a shot during his championship final on Sunday.
DeNobrega crowns stellar campaign with Men’s Open title at Independence Tennis Open
Nathan DeNobrega capped off an impressive run at the 60th Independence Tennis Open by claiming the coveted Men’s Open Singles title when the tournament concluded on Sunday at the National Park Hard Courts.
In what was one of the headline clashes of the championship, DeNobrega proved too strong for Gerald Scotland in the men’s marquee final, stamping his authority to walk away with the top honour.
The tournament, which brought together players across multiple age groups and divisions, also saw Afruica Gentle emerge as the queen of the courts after securing the Ladies Open crown. Gentle outplayed Tisel Patterson in the women’s championship encounter to add her name once again to the winners’ list.
Veteran Phillip Squires also produced a polished performance to clinch the Men’s 35 Singles title, overcoming Benjettan Osborne in their showdown.
Meanwhile, the novice categories produced fresh champions, with Harry Wu capturing the Novice Men’s title after getting the better of Shamar Henry, while Jahdiel Harry triumphed in the Novice Women’s division ahead of Akila Peters.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr (centre), Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle (extreme left) and President of the GTA, Cristy Campbell (third from right) and other GTA executives pose with the champion Nathan DeNobrega and Runner-up Gerald Scotland (second from left) after the final.
The junior segment also showcased some exciting young talent. Israbella Grannum rose to the occasion to win the Girls Under-12 title after defeating Breyanna Younge, while Zion Hickerson battled his way to the Boys Under-12 championship, finishing ahead of Hayden Chan.
At the closing ceremony, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., had high praise for the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) highlighting the importance of the Ministry’s partnership with the GTA.
Additionally, Ramson commended the players for their talent, noting the level of “improvement” that he witnessed during the final, declaring tennis a “core” sport in Guyana.
“I have seen some really exciting stuff today and I want to congratulate all of the players who have done so well. The skill level has improved over this period of time and it will only continue to get better,” Ramson stated.
The Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle in his address to the players at the closing, offered his “congratulations” on their efforts while stressing the importance of having quality facilities to play on that provide a space for continued growth and improvement.
Meanwhile, President of the GTA, Cristy Campbell “thanked” the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission, and the Government of Guyana for their “inclusion” in the Diamond Independence celebrations and continued support and partnership to the tennis fraternity.
The GTA/MCYS 60th Independence Open was fully funded by the Government of Guyana.
