In the challenging world of tennis at the Inter-Guiana Games (IGG), Guyana’s team faced tough competition on Suriname’s courts, ultimately securing a commendable third place.
Suriname emerged as the gold medalist, while French Guiana claimed the second spot.
Despite the intense competition, Guyana showcased notable performances, particularly from Kimora Erskin and Paula Kalekeyzi.
The under-18 girls’ team from Guyana faced formidable opponents in both singles and doubles matches. Despite the challenges, they secured morale-boosting wins.
In the singles matches, Kimora Erskin exhibited her skill by defeating French Guiana’s Alicia Garrido and Suriname’s Zaira Satahoo with scores of 7-5, 6-4.
Naomi Erskine also contributed with a dominant victory over Surinamese Illen Bruining with scores of 6-0, 6-0. Paula Kalekeyzi displayed her prowess, securing a 6-1, 6-1 victory over French Guiana’s Mila Bellony and overcoming Surinamese Guilliane Koelemaij.
The under-12 girls’ doubles proved successful for Guyana, with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 win against their Surinamese counterparts.
On the boys’ side, the doubles matches were more challenging, resulting in a 7-6, 6-2 loss in the under-18 category. In the under-12 boys’ doubles, Suriname edged out Guyana with scores of 7-5, 6-1.
The under-12 mixed doubles saw Jonathan Jordan and Naomi Erskine facing defeat against Lloyd Jully and Angie Fleming.
In the boys’ singles matches, Elwyn Levius faced a tough match, losing 7-5, 6-2 to Suriname’s Rahil Chablani.
Other Guyanese players experienced defeats, with Denzel Luther, Alexander Parkinson, and Gerald Scotland encountering formidable opponents.
Despite the challenges, Guyana’s tennis team demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the competition.
The team’s performance at IGG reflects the growing competitiveness of Guyana in regional sports events.