Guernsey excel with team gold in Gibraltar

GUERNSEY have claimed a surprise gold medal at the Gibraltar Inter-Island Tournament. Victory in the men's team section was secured in a dramatic final set championship tie-break against Cayman.

The match was tied 1-1 after Guernsey number one Pieter Theron had lost to Davis Cup player Eduardo Torres in a fast-hitting match and Patrick Ogier, playing at number two for the Sarnians, had defeated Nigel Mitton, a US collegiate top player.

The match was won by Guernsey in a tense last tie-break in front of an enthusiastic local crowd.

During the course of the team event, Guernsey had defeated favourites Bermuda 3-0, Alderney 3-0 and local hopefuls Gibraltar 2-1.

'This is an important milestone for Guernsey men who have never before won an Island Games tennis medal,' said team manager Rick Denton.

'To win the gold is amazing and we are thrilled with our team performance. We hope this will be a sign of similar success for Guernsey in Shetland.'

The MeesPierson Reads-sponsored team were represented by Theron, Ogier, who was undefeated, Dominic McLuskey and Chris Hickling.

The tournament, which is being held as there is no tennis event in Shetland, continues throughout the week with the open individual events.