Ricky Mallory, the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association vice-president, has heaped praise on Bermuda after their superb showing at last week’s WJT North/Central America and Caribbean pre-qualifiers in the Dominican Republic.

The under-14 boys’ and girls’ teams both impressed, suggesting that the future is bright for the Island’s game.

The boys’ team of Trey Mallory, Ben Lines and Tego Bean placed ninth among the sixteen countries in the division and recorded the Island’s first victory over Puerto Rico at all levels. The girls’ team of Imani Phillips, Kaylah Ming and Lauren Way also held their own, qualifying for the main draw after winning group C honours and placing sixth among the 12 countries in the division.

Mallory, who also serves as the BLTA’s director of tennis, said: “I’m very proud of the way the kids performed.

“It was the best showing ever for the girls and boys at the under-14 competition.

“The boys were so close to breaking into the top four and it’s the first time Bermuda has ever beaten Puerto Rico at senior or junior level.”

He added: “When you put things into perspective we are playing against countries that have populations well into the millions and we are defeating these countries that shows that the coaches here are doing a great job. Job well done.”

Trey Mallory and Ben Lines joined forces to earn Bermuda a maiden victory against the Puerto Ricans on Saturday.

Mallory, playing in the No 1 slot, won his singles match with Lucas Perez 6-2, 6-1 before teaming up with Lines to take the deciding doubles match against Jean Luis Marrero and Ricardo Martinez 6-4, 6-4.

“The boys were focused on the task at hand and left it all out there on the court,” Gavin Manders, the Bermuda Under-14 boys’ coach, said. “I’m proud of the way we represented Bermuda.”

Bermuda under-14 boys narrowly missed out on qualifying for the main draw after finishing third in group B.

“The boys were able to stay focused even after missing out on the main draw by one set,” Manders said. “We showed our maturity and fight and gained respect from all teams.”