Bermuda’s junior Davis Cup stars have secured a vital victory in Guatemala City, overcoming a stubborn Jamaica side 2–1 in their Under-16 classification play-off. After a series of testing group fixtures on the red clay, the young Gombey Warriors showed immense mental fortitude to clinch the tie and advance to the 13th and 14th place play-off.
The tie ignited with a grueling three-set battle in the opening singles rubber. Jaden Jones provided the perfect start, claiming a tight first set 6-4 before Laksh Khemani roared back to take the second 7-5. With the match on the line, Jones rediscovered his clinical edge in the decider, outlasting his opponent 10-5 in the tie-break to hand Bermuda the lead.
The second singles match was a showcase of fine margins as Michael Collins faced Michael Nickle. In a mirror image of the opener, Nickle took the first 6-4 before Collins fought back with a 6-4 win of his own. However, Nickle held his nerve in the third, claiming a 10-7 victory to level the tie at one apiece.
With the pressure at its peak, the pairing of Collins and Jones took to the court for the winner-takes-all doubles rubber. Facing Matthew Heavan and Nickle, the Bermudian duo delivered their most clinical performance of the tournament. Demonstrating exceptional chemistry at the net, they swept aside their opponents 6-0, 6-3.
The victory ensures Bermuda will compete for 13th place in their final classification match as they look to end their Guatemalan campaign on a high note.
