Winners crowned at BLTA's New Year's Tournament

A quartet of winners were crowned for the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) Under-14 (U14) and Under-16 (U16) New Year’s Tournament which wrapped up on Monday at the BLTA’s National Tennis Centre.

In the U14 Girls category, second seeded Rebecca Bitan won over top seeded Caitlyn Pratt in the final, 6-4, 3-6 and 10-2. In the U14 Boys championship match, number one seeded Chase Newbold defeated Kingston Rees, 6-2 and 6-3.

In the U16 Girls category, second seeded Tatyana Madu defeated top seeded Sarai Clarke in straight sets, 6-2 and 6-4.

Finally, in the U16 Boys division, second seeded Patrick Mactaggart won over Synaj Watkins in straight sets, 6-0 and 6-1.

“Players came out ready to compete and play their best tennis and that they did,” said BLTA President Perry Newton. “We had some highly contested matches with one final, the U14 Girls, going the distance in a three-set thriller. The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association extends congratulations to the talented players; you continue to develop your game, and we wish you all the best.”

There was a strong showing from the players, particularly in the U16 Boys category as that division featured a 32-player draw. Athletes from all over The Bahamas participated.

Newton noted: “The BLTA U14 and U16 New Year’s Tournament is a transition for many of the athletes graduating from either the U12 (Under-12) or the U14 (Under-14) categories. We are beginning to see the maturity and development in the athletes and a more consistent and defined play style, especially in the U16 age category. It is a pleasure to see their continued growth and development. We look forward to seeing their growth throughout the remainder of 2025.

“The BLTA is extremely grateful to God for a safe, successful and enjoyable event,” Newton continued. “The weather was great with cool temperatures and the event was well attended with spectators who came out to cheer on their favorite players. We are thankful to the officiating team for a smooth and well-organized event including umpires Steve Taylor, Stephen Thompson, Philan Bowe, Paula Whitfield, Leonardo Culmer and tournament referee Esther Newton. We also give thanks to all those who volunteered their time behind the scenes to bring the event to fruition.”

The event marked the first junior competition on the BLTA’S 2025 tournament calendar, with many more opportunities for tennis enthusiasts, young and old, to compete. February promises to be another exciting month with the Valentine’s Tournament for adult players set to take place at the Gym Tennis Club, another junior tournament in Freeport, Grand Bahama, and the BLTA’s first national tennis team will see action internationally.

“We look forward to great things in the sport as the successful culmination of the new year’s tournament marked a great beginning of the year,” said Newton.

The tournament winners were presented their trophies by BLTA Treasurer Timothy Dames along with members of the BLTA’s officiating team.