USVI Cup 1 is underway with some great matches at the Buccaneer Resort on St. Croix. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Tournament is an opportunity to continue the development of tennis in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with local players in the main draw alongside peers from around the world.
Top ranked USVI player and fifth seed Yared Alfred won a great second round match, defeating Ignacio Garnier (CRC) in two sets, by 6-1, 7-5. Alfred also moves on in doubles where he and his partner, Ozzy Odom, face Peyton Barret (USA)/Benjamin Linehan (IRL) at noon.
Girls top seed Laurence Demers (CAN) moves onto the next round as well, defeating Isabela de Mattos Silva (BRA) by 6-3, 7-5.
For the rest of the week, boys and girls will be vying for very valuable International Tennis Federation ranking points to improve their world rankings.
Players, coaches and parents are excited to spend a few weeks in the USVI and are already enjoying the restaurants and activities around the island. Tournament organizers and the island look forward to hosting players and tournament officials from around the world (tournament supervisor Tano Cruz of Mexico and tournament director Andrei Alexe of Canada).