Jamaican top seeds reach Top-16 ‘semis’

The left-handed Russell, the number one seed, outplayed US-based Trinidadian teenager Michael Clarke in straight sets, but second seeded Smith was forced to rally from a first set loss to another local player Ivor Grazette at the Tranquility Club.

American Richard Brown and St Lucian veteran Vernon Lewis also won their quarter-final matches.

The 22-year-old Russell tamed a spirited challenge from the 16-year-old Clarke, who tried to pressure the more experienced Jamaican with an assertive shot-filled game.

But Clarke was not steady enough and Russell took the win 6-2, 6-3 and secured a semi-final meeting Saturday with Brown, who is based in the USA and has a Trinidadian mother.

Brown, the number three seed, easily outplayed St Lucia’s Sirsean Arlain for a 6-0, 6-1 triumph.

Grazette tested Smith, who plays Davis Cup tennis for Jamaica with Russell, in his game.

The local number one grabbed a first set lead but Smith, aided by his powerful serve, rebounded to claim the victory 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

And the 40-year-old Lewis, who had upset the fourth seed Elvis Henry, of Jamaica, on Thursday, played a steady game to defeat Trinidad and Tobago’s Dexter Mahase 6-3, 6-4.

Lewis will tackle Smith in one semi-final, while Russell meets Brown.