IBM tennis caravan rolls in

JUNIOR tennis players from 33 overseas countries are expected in Trinidad and Tobago for the IBM sponsored International Junior Championships from April 21 to 26.

Sanctioned by the International tennis Federation (ITF) the competition forms part of the Caribbean Junior Circuit and is the most prestigious junior tournament on the local tennis calendar. Based on their performances players are awarded points which go towards their world rankings. Organised by the Tennis Patrons Association (TPA), the competition was officially launched yesterday at the PSA Tennis Centre, Long Circular Road, St James.

In attendance were Vincent Pereira, president of the TPA; tournament director/co-ordinator Jean Merry; TPA secretary Christine Alexis; Tennis Association president David James; Clyde Alleyne, General Manager IBM World Trade Corporation; Leslie Welsh, Manager Human Resource at IBM; and Melville Black. Pereira said yesterday the Tennis Patrons, a non-profit organisation, owe much of their success to their hard working committee members and stressed their commitment to providing the best opportunities for the young players to excel at the highest levels. He expressed his appreciation to IBM who have been benefactors of the tournament now celebrating its 10th year, heralded by the publication of a special brochure to commemmorate the auspicious occasion. IBM’s Alleyne highlighted the information technology giant’s involvement worldwide in social, cultural, sporting and charitable causes with a presence in Trinidad and Tobago dating back three decades.

Alleyne committed IBM to the tournament in future  and promised that this year’s show will be the best ever judging from the overwhelming response from overseas and local entrants despite what he described as “a difficult world environment”. He said with so many impressionable minds converging on Trinidad and Tobago, it was an excellent opportunity to promote awareness of the twin-island state and also to expose local players to the high standard of play of the visitors. Tennis Association president James praised the marriage of the Tennis Patrons Association and IBM which he said has spawned exciting TT talents like Winnington Grazelle, Kiran Perreira and others. He said his association is currently in “development mode” and the IBM tournament complements the objective of the national organisation to put this country on the international tennis map.

Apart from the multi-national contingent coming from the latest leg of the circuit in Barbados, players from the world famous Chris Evert Academy and the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida, USA will also be here. Competition will be in the Under-18, Under-14 and Under-12 Categories for Boys and Girls playing at the PSA Tennis Centre; Country Club, Maraval; and the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo. Among the top local players in the fray are Ryan Lorimer, Winnington Grazette, Stuart Perkins, Michael Clarke (18 and Under Boys); Nicole Agostini, Anastasia Weedon, Brittany Delaney (18 and Under Girls); Jonathan Drew, Richard Chung, Lendl Smith (14 and Under Boys); Olivia Bennett, Yolande Leacock, Kiran Perreira (14 and Under Girls); Seve Day, Liam Gomez, Leon Fraser, Jovani Lewis, Christopher Brash (12 and Under Boys); Nicollette Leacock, Rayeann Sandy (12 and Under Girls).