Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer
Lauren Vranov-Brown of Jamaica shoots the ball during first round of the ITF championship at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre yesterday. Brown lost the match 7-6 (5), 6-2 to Elisa Celi of Italy. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
It was a tough day for Jamaica's top junior players in the opening round of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) championship at the Eric Bell Centre yesterday, as only fifth-seeded Brandon Burke advanced to the second stage.
Burke defeated Nikita Fomine of Russia 6-4, 6-4 and said he was pleased with his efforts.
"It wasn't an easy victory because it is only one break in each set, but I managed to hold serve throughout the match," said Burke.
"I think I played well because I kept my intensity throughout the match and it paid off for me," added Burke, who attends the American Heritage High School in Florida.
Burke will face Zach Jiganti of the United States in the second round. Jiganti recorded an easy 6-1, 6-1 win over Ibian Hodgson of Aruba.
Burke admits he's expecting a tough match against Jiganti.
"I have seen him play before and he is a left-handed player with a very big forehand. I think it is going to be a tough match. If I play well, I think I can beat him," Burke noted.
The female players were outclassed by their more experienced counterparts, as none of them was able to secure a victory.
Sicquena Sinclair was beaten by Sachia Vickery of the USA 6-0, 6-0; Jahvair Mullings lost 0-6, 1-6 to Blake Brookman of Australia; Shantel Black went down 0-6, 0-6 to Xue Zhang of China; and Lauren Vranov-Brown also lost 6-7 (5), 2-6 to Elisa Celi of Italy. Simone Vranov-Brown, the younger sister of Lauren, went down 5-7, 2-6 to Fausthyara Pietersz of the Netherlands Antilles.
Douglas Burke, technical director of Jamaica's team, said despite the performances, he was pleased with the team's progress.
"We have a number of young players playing against international players who are much older and more experienced and so I believe this is good experience for them," said Burke.
