Phillips overpowers Malcolm in Levy Cheeks Couples Swept Away final

Randy Phillips is still the Levy Cheeks Swept Away Clay Court men’s open tennis champion as he broke McCoy Malcolm five times on his way to retain the title 6-1, 6-3 at Swept Away Courts in Negril.

After being beaten 6-0, 6-4 last year, Malcolm vowed to turn the tables on the former national representative.

But he was given an early reminder of how things work when Phillips broke in the first game to set the tone.

With the score at 3-1 in the first set, Philips broke again and did likewise in the seventh game to wrap up the set 6-1 in 30 minutes.

Second set

The second set took a little longer, as it ran 15 minutes more than the first as the mid-day sun pelted the court.

Phillips opened the set with a win before breaking for two-nil, but failed to hold serve in the third game as Malcolm fought back and even levelled things at two-all.

But a change of racquet seemed to produce the magic for Phillips as he broke Malcolm in the sixth game before serving out the set 6-3.

This is Phillips seventh win at the tournament, and he jumped in front as the player with the most victories, one more than American Vince Mackey.

“Yes, it is a good feeling. I didn’t even realise, but I am happy to have that record,” Phillips told STAR Sports.

“I really just enjoy coming out here and playing. Big thanks to Llockett (McGregor) for always having this tournament and the sponsors as well. It is really impressive to have them continuing to have this tournament year after year,” added Phillips.

Over-35 professional title

The men’s over-35 professional title went to Dwayne Pagon, who got the better of Jermaine Meikle in three sets, winning 7-5, 1-6, 6-0.

“It was a very competitive match and a close one, as you saw by the scoreline. Every time I play Jermaine, it’s always a close match. He got the better of me last year, and I came back this year to get the victory this time,” explained Pagon.

Seretse Bell came from 2-6 down in the first set to dethrone Richard Deenah in the men’s 35 and over amateur section.

Bell won the second set 6-4, before wrapping up the match in the super tie-break 10-6.

The women’s amateur title went to Chandie James, who retained her crown by beating Kalila Morris 6-4, 2-6, 10-5.

Howard Ward took the men’s over 60 after Marc Clarke won the first set, but got injured in the second set.

“I am very happy with the turnout of this event,” said tournament organiser McGregor. “I want to say thank you to Levy Cheeks and Couples Swept Away for their continued support to this event.”