Gaskin, Ward impress

Darius “Baracus” Gaskin and Cherene Ward impressed when the Lions and Leo Club of Barbados 30 and Under Road Tennis Tournament reached the quarter-finals stage at the Deighton “Pa” Roach Facility in Bush Hall on Monday night.

Gaskin, who was on a high after scoring a shocker over Barbados’ number one player Mark “Venom” Griffith the previous night in the Belfield competition, made light work of the talented Corey Mayers.

Without extending himself, Gaskin outplayed Mayers 21-8, 21-15 in the 21-30 section to book a date with Shawn Spencer in tomorrow’s semi-finals.

Ward was to meet Rachel Smith after she beat the error-prone Jessica Holder-Vaughan 21-11, 21-9. Ward was impressive in countering the attack of her opponent while reeling off some crowd-pleasing shots.

Smith, who will be looking for her first national crown, defeated the equally attacking Kyana Holder.

Smith triumphed 21-15, 21-15 after Holder held early leads.

Early in the night, top seed Abigail Haynes toyed with newcomer Deanna Grant before putting her down 21-13, 21-12. Haynes advanced to meet the statuesque Samanta Rodgers.

The lone game in the 17-21 category saw a casual Emar Edwards letting Justin Smith jump out to 8-3 leads before defeating him 21-19, 21-16. Edwards was to face Donnie Holder in the semis.

The 13-16 favourite, Ellerslie School student Shaquan Henry, expelled Justin Vaughan 21-10, 21-16 to turn his attention on Tramario Lyte. The inaugural event is organised by Touch of Class Women’s road tennis. (KB)