Bermuda got off to the perfect start competing at the International Tennis Federation/Central American and Caribbean Tennis Confederation Under-12 tournament in the Dominican Republic yesterday.

Competing in pool A, Bermuda’s team consisting of Jaden Jones, Tristan Pettit and Dexter Snaith cruised to an emphatic opening 3-0 victory over Jamaica to lay down a marker to the rest of their group, which also includes Dominican Republic I, Trinidad & Tobago and St Lucia.

Pettit kicked off proceedings in the singles with a comprehensive 6-0, 6-0 win, before Jones doubled Bermuda’s advantage with another straight-sets victory, winning 6-2, 6-1. The pair then joined forces in the doubles, and claimed a 6-2, 6-1 success to wrap up an impressive opening day of the tournament.

“It felt great to win my first match playing for Bermuda and staying undefeated for the day,” Pettit said. “I felt good in my singles match. I was pleased not to make many unforced errors and not to lose any games.”

Jones was also left delighted with his endeavours throughout the day.

“I felt really good about the matches,” he said. “I felt really comfortable in my singles match and didn’t make many unforced errors. My opponent got a little frustrated with his forehand and missed a lot more than he should, but I felt I played really well.

“I also feel I played really well in the doubles, especially hitting an ace, which was really nice.”

Coach Gavin Manders, hailed the performance of his side, who will now look to build on that opening day momentum, when they face group favourites Dominican Republic I today.

“It was a great first day for the Bermuda team,” the head coach said. “Tristan got us off to the perfect start with a brilliant match and then Jaden was brilliantly steady to break his opponent down.

“Overall it was just a brilliant day and hopefully we can take that momentum into tomorrow’s matches against the top-ranked side. If we can get another victory there, it will put us in a great position.”