Top seeds clash in Boys' 18 final

Andrew Harris, Gleaner Writer

No. 2 ranked Under-18 player, Andrew Bicknell, said yesterday that he expects a tough final when he faces top-seed Dimitri Bird in the Gore Homes Blue Mountain Open Junior Tennis Championships today at the Liguanea Club.

"This is going to be a tough match as I know Dimitri has been training really hard," said Bicknell.

Bird defeated Blaise Bicknell 6-3, 6-1 to advance to today's final while it was more competitive for Andrew Bicknell who defeated his cousin, No. 3 ranked Jacob Bicknell, 7-5, 6-3.

"Jacob really held out on me and I must say this semi-final was tough," added Andrew. "Hopefully, I can come out victorious in today's final."

Jenna Harrison, the No. 2 seed in the girls' Under-14, defeated Selena Blythe 7-5, 6-2 to move on to the final where she will face No. 1 ranked Mickhala Stephens. Stephens beat No. 3 ranked Emma Dibbs 6-1, 6-4 in their semi-final clash.

"I feel like it is going to be a difficult match against Mickhala, as I know she is a tough player," said Harrison.

"She has beaten me before, in Tennis Jamaica Championships and at the Junior Championships," added Harrison.

Today's finals

9 a.m: Boys' 12 - Karan Chatani vs Walters.9 a.m: Girls' 14 - Jenna Harrison vs Mickhala Stephens.9 a.m: Boys' 14 - Jean Phillipe Murray vs Upkioronfo Ikolo

10 a.m: Boys' 18 - Dimitri Bird vs Andrew Bicknell11 a.m: Girls' 16 - Jade Wilkinson vs Jenna Harrison.