By Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway
Jason McPherson and Jana Williams crowned Tennis champs
Jason McPherson and Jana Williams were crowned Long Look Tennis and Educational Center Adult Tennis Round Robin champions, during the November 27 competition involving seven players—four of them men.
McPherson overpowered Christian “No Fear” Williams, 10-5; Anthony Glasgow, 10-4 and Kemar Greene, 10-7, for the men’s title.
Williams stopped Nicole Tyson, 10-5 and got past Olivia Freeman, 10-8 to win the women’s division.
“Yes, I’m a little surprised to win,” McPherson told Island Sun Sports. “In any competition, there’s a little bit of nerves, so I still came with the intention to win but it still feels good because you’re never 100% sure that you’ll win or that you’ll deliver, but that’s always the intention.”
McPherson credits his mental preparation, and first serve with getting ahead of his opponents, the consistency and improving over the last month to get the victory.
“It means that I have to continue playing going into next year and try not to eat too much over the Christmas holidays,” he said laughing. “Also to play some tennis, possibly step it up next year again with more tennis, more practice and drills to get myself even better.”
Wilson said McPherson performed ‘exceptionally well.’ “So, he was the champion. It’s not that I did not perform, Jason did an exceptional job tonight so I must give it to Jason, a good performance I would say.”
Wilson said he faltered with placement of some shots when he first met McPherson. “But in the other matches, I was definitely more dominant and showed my skill set by beating Glasgow and Greene,” he said. “I think my forehand helped me out a lot and I didn’t have to use my backhand so much throughout the tournament,” he said. “Still Greene and Glasgow did put up a good performance as well. They came out and they put their best foot forward, but I came second Jason came first so kudos to Jason. Next year, I’m coming for the trophy Jason, just want you to know that.”
Glasgow said it was fun and nice seeing everyone coming out to play. “Although I was here to have fun, I did feel the need to try and win something and that’s what I did,” he said. “I didn’t come in first, but I won something and that’s good for me.”
Green said it was a good tournament with lots of talented players. “A lot of us are adults who used to play tennis when we were younger but haven’t played for a while, so we came out to knock off the rust,” he said. “I believe my play could have been better tonight, but I can say I gave it my best, I gave it my all and tried to push for 110%.”
Williams, who missed three training sessions, said she wasn’t sure she would win. “I’m surprised yes because I missed the three training sessions but I came in confident and I was hoping for the best,” she said. “I’m so happy about it. I played tennis when I was younger, played some tournaments but never actually won, so to start back tennis 10 years later, pick up my love for it, even to win my first one back and I’m 27 now, I’m very happy about it.”
Tyson said that she needs more practice. “I should come more often. I missed most of my practices as I’m busy, so it showed up today,” she said.
Freeman said she must return next year and show what she has. “I am okay because I came second to a great competitor and it was a good experience,” she said. “I’m happy for her that she won—she’s a really good player—but she has to watch me next year.”
Coach and BVI Tennis Association President Carol Mitchell, said it was an awesome tournament. “I applaud all the players, they’re all winners,” Mitchell said. “They did their best and can look forward to 2025.”
