NADI’S Raynal Singh carries Fiji’s hope in the men’s open division of the Easter Open Championship at the Regional Tennis Complex in Nadovu, Lautoka.
Singh is the lone local player to reach today’s semi-finals.
The quarter-finals yesterday were dominated by the regional players.
Singh defeated fellow country mate Krishan Raju 6-2, 6-3.
Another of Fiji’s hopes Deverath Narayan, bowed out in the quarter-finals. Narayan lost to Graham Mani of the Solomon Islands 6-3, 6-2.
Top seed Luke Paeni of the Solomon Islands cruised through to the semi-finals. Paeni defeated Fesaitu Kamoe 6-3, 6-4 in the quarter-final.
Junior Benjamin, of the Solomon Islands proved too strong for Marlin Hannam of Vanuatu winning 6-4, 6-2.
Junior players have shown big interest in the annual event which started on Friday.
The local juniors have been joined by a contingent from Vanuatu as part of the grassroots development program.
Close to 100 players are participating in the four-day tournament.
The championship serves as the start of the build up to the Mini Pacific Games which will be held in Port Vila in December.
Tennis Fiji secretary Sachin Reddy said the under-10 players were participating in the red, orange and green court events which were mini tennis versions to keep the beginners in the game.
“There are junior categories for boys and girls in the U12, U14 and U16,” Reddy said.
“There is singles and doubles for open men, open women, social men, veteran singles and mixed doubles.”
Reddy, who is also the tournament controller said there was a tight schedule because of the large number of entries.
“This will be one of the biggest tournaments for me to be in charge,” he said.
“We started off with the juniors just to get most of their matches out of the way before the seniors got on to the courts.”
The tournament recommences at 9am today.
The winners will receive their trophies after the finals tomorrow.
