There is a new Under-21 champion in Road Tennis in Barbados.
[caption id="attachment_148725" align="aligncenter" width="650"]
Darius “Baraccus” Gaskin accepts his trophy from Jerry Blenman of the NSC after defeating Emar Edwards in the under-21 final.[/caption]
On a night of upsets in the finals of the 2016 National Sports Council/ Inter-Parish Tournament, St. Michael player Darius “Barracus” Gaskin came from a game down to defeat defending champion Emar Edwards of St. George, 21-23, 21-19, 21-15.
In an exciting play-off, Gaskin struggled against the multi-talented Edwards in the first game, as he trailed 7-18 but fought back to 18-20 and 20-20 as Edwards seemed unable to convert his advantage into a first set lead.
Edwards eventually closed out as Gaskin sailed the game-point wide of court but found himself in trouble against a resurgent opponent in the second game.
Serving and moving more confidently, Gaskin forged a 14-11 lead over the defending champion and then staved him off with an array of chops and forehands that drew errors from Edwards.
It was an even contest as Gaskin won the second game 21-19 and the two young players then provided a treat for a modest crowd as they traded strokes and defensive returns in a tight third game.
Edwards kept close in the early stages at 12-13 but the match was pulled from his grip by a more confident Gaskin who reeled off five straight service points to lead 18-12 . He added another three points in fighting rallies, but Gaskin closed the match (21-15) as Edwards returned six inches behind the baseline.(BB)
The post Gaskin is the new U21 king appeared first on Barbados Today.