The founder of Manders Tennis Management hailed the completion of the Easter Bowl at the Fairmont Southampton yesterday as another example of the benefits the sport can have during a sustained period dominated by public health regulations.

After a low-key conclusion to the Easter Bowl, with the A final lasting only six games before Jovan Whitter was forced to stop at 3-3 against Tariq Simons because of a recurring back injury, Gavin Manders was quick to accent the positive.

“Another spectacular safe week of tennis delivered by MTM at Fairmont Southampton Tennis Club,” Manders said. “We pride ourselves on our ability to continue to promote physical and mental health through tennis during these unprecedented times. Our passion for the game will not be deterred because of the current conditions. Instead, we separate ourselves from any other club or sport by following all government guidelines and delivering a safe tennis tournament.”

Aside from Simons, the Bermuda No 1, continuing his dominance in the Open A division, Antonio Warner ended a long delay in local competition by taking home the Elite B title.

Elsewhere, Alex Wriedt beat Somerset Cup Match and Bermuda cricketer Tre Manders in straight sets in the Open B final for his first B title. In the Green divisions, both Tobiah Goodchild and Shannon Burchall won their first titles, with the former taking Green 1 and the latter Green 2.

“It was a special week for Bermuda tennis and all those who were able to get out and not only test their skills, but more importantly have the opportunity for a mental release during these difficult times,” Manders said. “We had 67 entries across five divisions that battled it out over a seven-day period, and we appreciate everyone who supported this event.”

Whitter, the tournament director, added: “We had a great week of high-quality, high-intensity tennis. Thank you to everyone that participated in these times of uncertainty. Due to the Covid-19 guidelines, there was an added layer of adversity to the event, but MTM was prepared and equipped to handle it.

“We have an influx of new adult competitive players who are not traditionally tennis players. They are adults from other sports who have turned to tennis as a safe alternative and they are turning the tennis world upside down. They are forcing our teenagers to problem-solve and manage adversity at a level and speed that they’ve never experienced before. It’s great for the sport as a whole and even better for the future of our tennis stars.”

Results

Green Ball 2 Final: Shannon Burchall bt David Chantreau 6-3

Green Ball 1 Final: Tobiah Goodchild bt Jonah Faria 6-2

Green Ball 2 third place: Shentoine Lambert bt Ayalnesh Dubale 6-1

Green Ball 1 third place: Annika Wriedt bt Robert Richardson 6-3

Elite B final: Antonio Warner bt Wilfred Gonsalves 1-6, 6-0, 10-3

B Final: Alex Wriedt bt Tre Manders 6-2, 6-1

A Final: Tariq Simons bt Jovan Whitter 3-3, retired

A third place: Denzel Hollis wo Hugh Seymour