Over 100 tennis players from the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean and several U.S. mainland states are expected to compete in the Choice Wireless VI Open Tennis Tournament, set for Feb. 15-18, 2013, and hosted by the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC). The tournament has grown to welcome several ATP-ranked players as well as host strong players in the B and Open divisions. In addition, this highly-regarded event is the only tennis tournament in the U.S. Virgin Islands sanctioned by the USTA’s Caribbean District.
"We are delighted to once again invite tennis players locally, nationally and internationally to join us here in the U.S. Virgins Islands for a great tennis competition, the world’s most beautiful beaches, delicious local cuisine and friendly people,” said Helga Hosie, tournament co-director with Elsbeth Rowaan. “This is our seventh year to host this event at the St. Thomas Yacht Club, and we thank our sponsors, Choice Wireless and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, who make this possible. Come Play in Paradise!”
Players can compete in eight divisions in this U.S. Tennis Association (USTA)-sanctioned tournament, including Open Divisions for both men NTRP ranking 4.5 and above in singles and doubles. The B Division, for men and women NTRP ranked 4.0 and below, there is singles, doubles and mixed doubles play, as well as men’s over 60 doubles. Play will be best of three sets for all divisions. Draw will be closed at 16, so sign up soon.
Prize categories include:
• Men’s open single ($2,000 W, $1,000 RU, $350 semi) – Consolation Round
• Men’s open doubles ($2,000 W, $1,000 RU, $400 semi – split)
• Men’s B singles ($600 W, $300 RU, $75 semi)
• Men’s B doubles ($600 W, $300 RU – split)
• Mixed B doubles ($600 W, $300 RU – split)
• Women’s B singles ($600 W, $300 RU, $75 semi)
• Women’s B doubles ($600 W, $300 RU – split)
• Men’s doubles 60+ years ($600 W, $300 RU – split) – Consolation Round
The deadline to register is 5 p.m. on Jan. 25, 2013. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.styc.net. The entry fee of $45 per person for one event or $60 per person for two events includes an event T-shirt, souvenirs and a welcome buffet dinner at St. Thomas Yacht Club.
Matches will take place on courts at the STYC, the host location for semi-finals and finals play, as well as at the Sugar Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Anchorage Condominiums. Matches will be officiated by USTA and International Tennis Federation head referee Hector Figueroa from Puerto Rico. The public is invited to come out and watch the action.
“We are proud to sponsor this second annual Choice Wireless VI Open Tennis Tournament in beautiful St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Tony Shepherd, CEO of Choice Wireless. “The St. Thomas Yacht Club is the perfect setting for intense competition and for enjoying some of the best weather, beaches and amenities in the world. Bring your best game and compete against players from around the United States and Caribbean. Bring your families and friends too for an unforgettable vacation. Choice Wireless will make it easy for you to text, call, share photos, update Facebook and in general boast about your trip to the sunny Caribbean.”
Choice Wireless is offering special rates on phone rentals and high-speed internet for the tournament. Call home and on-island with a Choice Wireless phone for only $5 per day. While on-island, stay connected with high-speed 3G Mobile USB Modems or a MiFi Mobile Hotspot for $5 per day. Both are available for rent at the Choice Wireless booth at the tournament, or call 715-8241 or 715-8243, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday for details, and they’ll have everything set up for when you arrive.
The Choice Wireless VI Open Tennis Tournament is sponsored by Choice Wireless, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, St. Thomas Yacht Club, Sugar Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Caribbean Auto Group
For more information, call 244-2124 or e-mail: viopen@choice-wireless.com
About The Title Sponsor
Choice Wireless is the premier 4G high-speed Internet provider and cell phone service provider in the Virgin Islands as well as the continental United States. The company was founded on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands in 1999 and is the largest provider of Internet access services across the territory. Choice Wireless is a subsidiary of Atlantic Tele-Network (NASDAQ:ATNI), a telecommunications company operating advanced wireless, wireline, and both terrestrial and submarine fiber optic networks in North America and the Caribbean.
