Reece Marcano of Shuttle Force and Chequeda De Boulet of Cristars will spearhead the men’s and women’s entries when the T&T Badminton Association (TTBA) inaugural ‘Top 10’ Tournament serves off at the National Racquet Centre, Orange Groove Road, Tacarigua, in July.
The four-day event featuring the top ten men and women players and a few invited top juniors will begin on July 2 and conclude on July 5 from 6 pm to 10 pm daily.
In addition to the top-ranked Marcano, Vishal Ramsubhag, Travis Sinanan, Kyrese Tobias, Will Lee, Mikael Joachim, Zamir Ali, Jason Ramjass, Rondell De Freitas and Verone Salick have all accepted entries to the tournament.
The duo of Ethan Ramcharan and Sameer Ali both declined their invitations to the tournament while Vance Juteram has withdrawn.
Among the women, De Boulet of Cristars will do battle with rival and clubmate Amara Urquhart as well as Janiah Boodoosingh, Cheyenne Bhola, Tenniya Tobias, Isabelle Waller, Kara-Ahley Robertson, Aliyah Urquhart, Sidney Morris and Kevi Ann Quamina.
This after Under-19 ace T’Shelle Barnes (overseas), Amara Joachim, Samiya Karim (overseas), and Danyelle Barnes, all declined.
Looking ahead to the tournament, TTBA president Chandrika Ramsubhag expressed his excitement of having the event.
Ramsubhag said, “This is the first time we are putting on an event like this and we want the spectators to come out and witness some top-quality matches amongst the best of our local players. With only the top players involved it will make for more competitive and entertaining matches, and with prize monies on offer, the stakes are set to be higher.”
According to Ramsubhag, the tournament is also being used to give the players some much-needed competition ahead of the Senior CAREBACO Championships which will be held here in T&T in late October and early November followed closely by the Open International Tournament.
