By S.Browne. Updated 11:50 a.m., Thursday, June 4, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The St Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association (SVGTA) staged its inaugural “Last Man Standing” One Point Tournament on May 24, 2026, at the National Tennis Centre in Villa Flat, delivering a unique competition format where each match was decided by a single rally.
The open tournament featured a straight knockout structure, beginning with the Round of 16 and progressing through the quarterfinals, semifinals and final. In this high-stakes format, players had no opportunity to recover from an error, with each match concluded after just one point.
In the Round of 16, Taj Ballantyne defeated Miguel Francis, Jaiden Bowens overcame Nathaniel Sheen, Afi Lucas defeated Perezideh Griffith, Zion Reece beat Shane Cadogan, Zhordanne Jack overcame Alex Cyrus, and Hernán Aranguren defeated Martin Sheen. Zayn Reece and Sebastian Cyrus both advanced via byes.
The quarterfinals saw Taj Ballantyne defeat Jaiden Bowens, Afi Lucas overcome Zayn Reece, Zion Reece defeat Zhordanne Jack, and Hernán Aranguren defeat Sebastian Cyrus.
In the semifinals, Afi Lucas defeated Taj Ballantyne, while Hernán Aranguren overcame Zion Reece to book his place in the final.
The championship match featured Afi Lucas against Hernán Aranguren. Aranguren began the decisive point with a second serve, and after a prolonged 13-ball rally, Lucas gained control and struck a crosscourt forehand winner to secure the title.
Lucas was awarded EC$300 courtesy of the SVG Tennis Association. Zion Reece secured the bronze medal following Taj Ballantyne’s withdrawal.
The SVGTA described the format as one designed to maximise excitement and opportunity, where matches are decided immediately and both experienced players and newcomers have an equal chance of progressing.
Following the event, organisers noted the strong spirit of camaraderie among participants, coaches, parents and supporters, which contributed to the success of the inaugural tournament.
The SVG Tennis Association extended appreciation to all involved, stating that the event marked a successful introduction of the Last Man Standing concept at the National Tennis Centre.
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