Unwarranted attack

THE EDITOR: The very last game of the recent Davis Cup tournament saw Trinidad and Tobago matched in the Doubles against Guatemala, the highest ranked team in the region. Both teams were in a must-win situation as the loser would be relegated to Group 4.

This turned out to be a very close, hard fought game and the Stone brothers, with a lot of skill and determination, brought the match home for their country. It was a tremendous achievement performed under high pressure and done in the name of Trinidad and Tobago. So it was really quite surprising and disappointing to read Shirley Kelsick’s recent letter to the editor, which amounted to a scathing attack on the Stone brothers for “indiscipline and lack of fitness”. For sure, seeing players arguing over rules and line calls is uncomfortable and upsetting. But while the other teams were able to protest through their coaches, TT’s coach was relatively quiet and inconspicuous throughout the entire tournament, leaving the players little choice.

This, along with the fact that the vast majority of questionable calls seemed to go against the home team, significantly increased the pressure on the players, thereby inciting their reactions. How much better if this emotional energy could have been put to more productive use in actual play. The victory in that final doubles match was just reward for the Stones and for Shane in particular, who played five singles and four doubles matches during the 5-day tournament; so much for lack of fitness. It has become a common failing of our people to belittle the achievements of our countrymen, only focusing on the negatives. Only when we can criticise constructively and also give praise lavishly will we begin to take pride in the many positive contributions made by our national sporting heroes. So my congratulations go out to Shane, Troy, Ivor and Dexter and I look forward to greater success in the future.

CLIFFORD MURRAY
Westmoorings