Sports
Philip Major Jr. and Justin Roberts In Top Form Tennis Play‏
By Perry E Newton
Jun 7, 2016 - 10:29:21 AM

From the tennis beat, we have a number of our outstanding tennis athletes playing on the American Circuit.  Over the weekend Philip Major Jr. who made the main draw on the European Circuit a few months ago now turns his attention to some US matchplay  in Lynchburg, Virginia.  Philip along with fellow Bahamians Joshua Turnquest, Michael Cooper and Iesha Shepherd participated in the Central Virginia Invitational Tennis Tournament (CVITT). In the main draw, Philip defeated Eric S Collier 6-0 6-1.  He then went on to defeat Christopher Vrabel 6-2 3-6 6-3.  He continued to blaze forward by winning over Jason T Kros, 4-6 6-3 6-1.  In the quarterfinals Philip lost to Maskim Tikhomirov 3-6,3-6.  In women singles match Iesha Shepherd  played well and made it to the quarterfinals but was defeated. Joshua Turnquest and Michael Cooper also played well in this tournament but lost in the first round and second round respectively.
 
In doubles play, Philip partnered with Elyse Lavender from the United States to defeat his fellow Bahamains Michael Cooper and Iesha Shepherd 6-0 6-0.  The duo of Major/Lavender had a convincing win over Butler/ Koontz 6-2 6-2.  In finals double play Major and Lavender was very successful and defeated Harris/Jenkins 3-6 6-1 10-7.  In an interview with Phillip after his great play he stated that he is continuing to work on his fitness and has seen great progress in his intensity and footwork.  He has intentions to participate in some more future tournaments.
 
On the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Circuit is Bahamian Justin Roberts.   He is playing in the ITF Men's tournament in Charlottesville, Virginia.  In singles qualifying play Justin who is seeded 4th received a first round bye.  In his first match Justin won over Drew Van Orderlain   6-3 7-6(5).  He then went on to defeat  Christian Langmo the 13th seed in the qualifiers 6-4,4-6 and 7-5.  With this win Justin advances to the main draw.  Justin who is on summer break from college continues his excellent play.   Justin has expressed that he is looking forward to getting as many matches as possible in this summer. Justin will play Takayani in first round main draw play.
 
The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association highlights the tremendous effort of all these athletes as they remain committed to the sport of tennis and to elevating their game on the Professional Circuit.
 
Please see links below for further information on the tournaments.
 
https://s3.amazonaws.com/ustaassets/assets/1/15/qualifying_draw521.pdf
 
http://www.lynchburgtennis.org/news/cvitt/
 

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