Bermuda Edge Jamaica in Play-Off Thriller in Junior Davis Cup
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s junior Davis Cup stars have secured a vital victory in Guatemala City, overcoming a stubborn Jamaica side 2–1 in their Under-16 classification play-off. After a series of testing group fixtures on the red clay, Bermuda showed immense mental fortitude to clinch the tie and advance to the 13th and 14th place play-off.
The tie ignited with a grueling three-set battle in the opening singles rubber. Jaden Jones provided the perfect start for Bermuda, displaying remarkable resilience against Laksh Khemani. Jones claimed a tight first set 6-4, but saw his lead evaporate as Khemani roared back to take the second 7-5. With the match on the line, Jones rediscovered his clinical edge in the decider, outlasting his opponent 10-5 in the tie-break to hand Bermuda a 1–0 advantage.
The second singles match proved just as competitive as Michael Collins faced off against Michael Nickle. In a mirror image of the first set of the day, Nickle took the opener 6-4 before Collins fought back with a determined 6-4 win of his own to force a decider. The third set was a showcase of fine margins, but it was Nickle who eventually held his nerve, claiming a 10-7 victory to level the tie at one apiece and send the contest to a winner-takes-all doubles match.
With the pressure at its peak, the pairing of Collins and Hassan Khan took to the court for the decisive doubles rubber. Facing the Jamaican duo of Matthew Heavan and Nickle, the Bermudian pair delivered their most clinical performance of the tournament so far. Demonstrating exceptional chemistry at the net and dominance from the baseline, they swept aside their opponents in straight sets, winning 6-0, 6-3.
The victory ensures Bermuda will compete for 13th place in their final classification match as they look to end their Guatemalan campaign on a high note.
