V.I. Open Tennis Tourney to feature top talents
Published: January 25, 2012
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Daily News File Photo Nick Monroe of Austin, Texas, won Men's Open Singles Championship of the V.I. Open tennis tournament last year.
Nick Monroe of Austin, Texas, won Men's Open Singles Championship of the V.I. Open tennis tournament last year.
ST. THOMAS - Nearly 110 tennis players from the Virgin Islands, Caribbean and the U.S. mainland are expected to compete in the Choice Wireless V.I. Open Tennis Tournament, which will be held at the St. Thomas Yacht Club on Feb. 17-20.
Nearly a half dozen world-ranked players are expected to compete, including Will Boe-Wiegaard of Easton, Conn., who won the Men's Open Singles division in this tournament in 2010, and Nick Monroe of Austin, Texas, who took the Men's Open Singles title last year.
"We are expecting another great turnout of players for both the B and Open divisions," co-tournament director Elsbeth Rowaan said. "Last year, we welcomed eight ATP-ranked players and look forward to the same or an even greater number this year."
Players can compete in eight divisions in this U.S. Tennis Association -sanctioned tournament, including Open Divisions for both men NTRP ranking 4.5 and above in singles and doubles. The B Division, for men and women NTRP ranked 4.0 and below.
There is singles, doubles and mixed doubles play, as well as Men's Over 60 doubles. Play will be best of three sets for all divisions. Draw will be closed at 16 so tournament organizers are encouraging interested players to sign up.
Winners in the Open Division receive a $2,000 cash prize and the runner-up pockets $1,000. Winners in the "B" Division will get $600. Total prize money amounts to over $13,000.
The entry fee of $45 per person for one event or $60 per person for two events includes an event T-shirt, souvenirs and a welcome buffet dinner at the St. Thomas Yacht Club on Feb. 19.
The deadline to register is Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.styc.net
Matches will take place on courts at the STYC, the host location for semifinals and finals play, as well as at Sugar Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Anchorage Condominiums. Matches will be officiated by USTA and International Tennis Federation head referee Hector Figueroa of Puerto Rico. The public is invited to come out and watch the action.
The Choice Wireless V.I. Open Tennis Tournament is sponsored by Choice Wireless, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, St. Thomas Yacht Club, Sugar Bay Beach Resort & Spa, and Caribbean Auto Group. For more information, call 244-2124 or email viopen@choice-wireless.com.
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