By Derek deChabert

David Thomas was named as the top player on the Island when the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association announced its season-ending rankings.

Thomas claimed the top spot for the first time in his career, courtesy of wins in the Coral Beach Championships and William Way Memorial.

He lost to Gavin Manders, the previous No?1 in the final of the Deloitte Open, the only event that Manders competed in this season owing to a laboured recovery from an accident that resulted in serious injury to a foot. The final rankings have Thomas on 1,680 points, 680 more than Manders.

Thrilled with overhauling his long-time friend, Thomas said it was an honour to claim the No?1 spot after the hard work he had put in throughout the season.

“This is the first time that I’ve been ranked No?1 in Bermuda,” Thomas said. “It’s gratifying and not something I take lightly.

“I’m well aware of the guys before me who have been ranked No?1 in Bermuda, and to join that list is humbling.”

Not resting on his laurels, Thomas is already plotting his path to retaining his status next season.

“Going forward, I think the bigger accomplishment will be maintaining the No?1 spot,” he said. “I look forward to pushing the top guys in Bermuda to push me, both in training and in competition. “That’s really the only way we will progress and push Bermuda tennis to the highest heights.

“We have a very capable group of guys that all have the ability to do big things. Unfortunately, we don’t have as many adult tournaments as in years gone by, but next year I’ll be in every local tournament possible.”

The 24-year-old had an encouraging season internationally, claiming a silver medal in the men’s doubles and bronze in the men’s team event at the NatWest Island Games in the summer.

Thomas said that winning the William Way Memorial singles title was his season highlight. He also achieved the “triple crown” at that competition, teaming up with Chris Weeks to capture the men’s doubles and Jacklyn Lambert to win the mixed doubles.