Nearly 100 tennis players from the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean and several U.S. Mainland states are expected to compete in the Choice Wireless VI Open Tennis Tournament, set for Feb. 12-16 and hosted by the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC).
"We have added two new classes this year: Women’s Open Singles and Mixed Open Doubles. This offers tennis players more ways to enter and win, and more exciting tennis action for spectators to watch," said William Newbold, tournament director.
Players can compete in a total of 12 divisions in this U.S. Tennis Association (USTA)—sanctioned tournament, including open divisions for both men and women NTRP ranking 5.0 and above in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. In the B Division, there are two divisions for men’s and women’s singles (NTRP rating 4.5 and 3.5 and under); men’s, women’s and mixed doubles (NTRP rating 8.0 combined and under); and men’s doubles (60-plus years of age). Play will be best of three sets for all divisions. Draw will be closed at 16, so sign up soon.
Winners in the open division will receive a $1,500 cash prize, and the runner-up will pocket $750. Winners in the "B" Division will get $600 ($75 for men’s and women’s 3.5 rating and under). Total prize money amounts to over $13,000.
The entry fee of $45 per person for one event or $60 per person for two events includes an event T-shirt, souvenirs and a welcome buffet dinner at St. Thomas Yacht Club on Feb. 15.
The deadline to register is 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.styc.net. Interested parties can also register online through the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) at www.tennislink.usta.com (tournament No. 050001615).
Matches will take place on courts at the STYC, the host location for semi-finals and finals play, as well as at the Anchorage Condominiums. Both of these courts will be resurfaced prior to the tournament. Matches will be officiated by USTA and International Tennis Federation head referee Hector Figueroa of Puerto Rico. The public is invited to come out and watch the action.
"This 2015 Choice Wireless VI Open Tennis Tournament is about rewards. All the players taking part in this competition have trained relentlessly to be on top of their game. Regardless of a win, we recognize their dedication to fitness, their drive to excel and determination in reaching for their goals. Choice Wireless is pleased to be the title sponsor of this first class display of sportsmanship and accomplishment," said Tony Shepherd, CEO and general manager of Choice Wireless.
Title sponsor Choice Wireless will reward athletes, coaches and families with low cost, high performance cell phone service while visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands. Share photos and video, Tweet, Google, talk and text with smartphone rentals for only $5 a day with unlimited data and no roaming fees.
The Choice Wireless VI Open Tennis Tournament is sponsored by Choice Wireless, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, St. Thomas Yacht Club and USTA Caribbean.
For more information, call 777-6156 or e-mail: viopen@choice-wireless.vi
