Jamaica's Ryan Russell (left) and Jermaine Smith have advanced to the singles semi-finals of the Caribbean Top-16 Invitational tournament in Trinidad. - FILEPORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
TOP SEEDED players Ryan Russell and Jermaine Smith of Jamaica overcame their quarter-final hurdles on Friday and stayed on course for a spot in the Caribbean Top-16 Invitational final.
The left-handed Russell, the number one seed, outplayed US-based Trinidadian teenager Michael Clarke in straight sets, but second seeded Smith was forced to rally from a first set loss to another local player Ivor Grazette at the Tranquility Club.
American Richard Brown and St. Lucian veteran Vernon Lewis also won their quarter-final matches.
SPIRITED CHALLENGE
The 22-year-old Russell tamed a spirited challenge from the 16-year-old Clarke, who tried to pressure the more experienced Jamaican with an assertive shot-filled game.
But Clarke was not steady enough and Russell took the win 6-2, 6-3 and secured a semi-final meeting yesterday with Brown, who is based in the United States and has a Trinidadian mother.
Brown, the number three seed, easily outplayed St. Lucia's Sirsean Arlain for a 6-0, 6-1 triumph.
Grazette tested Smith, who plays Davis Cup tennis for Jamaica with Russell, in his match. The local number one grabbed a first set lead but Smith, aided by his powerful serve, rebounded to claim the victory 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
And the 40-year-old Lewis, who had upset the fourth seed Elvis Henry, of Jamaica, on Thursday, played a steady game to defeat Trinidad and Tobago's Dexter Mahase 6-3, 6-4.
Lewis will tackle Smith in the other semi-final.
