Raising the standard of accountability among stakeholders and creating an environment for local tennis to flourish are among the objectives newly elected Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association president Michael Wolfe has set out to achieve during his maiden two-year term.

The former Temple of Tennis executive ran unopposed for the top post during the association’s annual general meeting this week after former BLTA president David Lambert withdrew his candidacy.

Wolfe will spearhead a new executive team that has been tasked with reinvigorating the game.

“We have a vision for the future which includes setting high standards of accountability for ourselves, our players, and our coaches and clubs,” he said. “We will strive continuously to create the best environment for tennis to flourish in Bermuda. I’m excited about the opportunities and keen to get to work.”

Appointed as the BLTA’s new vice-president at the AGM was former top player and Bermuda coach Ricky Mallory.

“For years I’ve played and coached, and it’s the right time for me to take the next step and focus on developing quality tennis programmes on the Island,” the former Temple of Tennis executive said.

“We must develop our young talent and foster adult programmes to re-energise the sport of tennis for everyone.”

The remainder of the BLTA’s new executive team consists of treasurer Sarah Cook, secretary Judith Turnquest and Charles Penroddocke who has been appointed as vice-president in charge of operations.

“I’m confident we have the best team in place to achieve our goals,” Wolfe said. “It’s important to us that we have strong fiscal responsibility and good governance in place, as we are entrusted to run this organisation to benefit the community.

“Equally so, we want to ensure that we continue to maximise opportunities and put funds to work in the right places to grow and enhance our tennis programmes.”

The new administration will hold discussions with John Goede, the International Tennis Federation Development Officer for the Caribbean, who will be on Island next week to conduct several meetings and provide updates on the current ITF global standards.

* Bermuda Under-14 boys continued their winning ways at the WJT North/Central America and Caribbean Pre-Qualifying tournament in the Dominican Republic yesterday.

Bermuda prevailed 2-1 against Curacao and will face the winner of yesterday’s contest between Jamaica and Puerto Rico in today’s three-match series to determine ninth place.

Ben Lines placed Bermuda in the driver’s seat after winning his singles match against Joop Olthof 6-2, 6-3 playing in the No 2 slot.

But Curacao hit back with Xaveam Van Wijk storming to a 6-2, 6-1 victory against Bermuda’s Trey Mallory in the contest pitting the two countries’ number one players together.

This set the stage for a winner-takes-all doubles contest which Lines and Mallory won 6-3, 7-5 against Quintan Van Wijk and Xaveam Van Wijk.

Bermuda’s Under 14 girls were involved in a play-off series with Honduras yesterday.