by TRACY MOORE

TENNIS SUPERSTAR Serena Williams missed the toss with cricketing legend Sir Garfield Sobers last night at Kensington Oval due to a cold, in front of a crowd that was now building; but by the time the match between the West Indies and Sri Lanka got under way, the excitement and the crowd had built to such a frenzy that none of the above mattered much any more.

It was time to play for the coveted Cricket Legends Of Barbados International (CLOBI) Cup!

Young cricketers from Wesley Hall Primary School, the Garrison Secondary School and the Barbados 13 and Under teams escorted the international players from the four countries - Sri Lanka, England, South Africa and the West Indies onto the field to the cheers from their fans before Sir Garry tossed the coin with Cammie Smith.

Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy said: "We see the tourism objectives being met . . . and that is why we are placing so much emphasis and locating so much resources in developing initiatives like this."

He said apart from this week's CLOBI Cup event there would also be the international tennis matches held today, and then the World Twenty/20 Cricket Cup, international yachting and polo next year to name a few to continue the fusion between sport and tourism.

"The point is that sports tourism is alive and well and we are taking an integrating approach to seeing that this becomes etched as an integral part of our offerings," he added.

Additionally, Sealy said it was hoped that the additional four Test-playing countries would join in next year's CLOBI Cup 2010. (TM)

tracymoore@nationnews.com