Gavin Manders has equalled Ricky Mallory’s record of nine Deloitte Open titles after defeating Jenson Bascome in the final at Pomander Gate Tennis Club at the weekend.

Manders, who beat Bascome 6-3, 6-1, also claimed victory in the mixed doubles with Ashley Brooks, defeating Bascome and Tyler Smith 7-6, 6-4.

The 32-year-old had to default the doubles final, which was delayed because of rain, as he was heading to Dominican Republic as coach of the Bermuda Under-12 team for the World Junior Team Championships.

Manders dedicated his ninth title to his late mother, Disa Potgieter-Oubella, who died in January.

“It was a pretty big tournament win for me, tying Ricky’s record of nine titles,” Manders said. “But importantly it’s the first time I’ve ever played this event without my Mom present in my life. I’ve played in this event since I was 14 and she always had oranges and a face cloth in ice ready for my semi-final or final matches.

“She was one of my biggest fans throughout my career, and I miss her presence at my matches. But I have her with me at all my matches as her memorial tag is attached to my tennis bag.

“Whenever I was down or struggling, I looked at it for strength, and to remember what she meant to me. This title was for her.”

In the men’s B final Denzel Hollis beat Evan Heyliger 6-1, 6-4, while Bascome and David Thomas defeated Courtland Boyle and Dylan Powell 6-1, 6-1 in the men’s doubles.