St. John's (Antigua), Nov 14 (IANS): Officials in Antigua say, despite heavy showers and industrial action by pilots, the first ever Sir Vivian Richards Masters cricket tournament has been a success.

Seven teams participated in the tournament, originally set to run for a week but which was extended because of the rain and the late arrival of the St. Croix Masters due the LIAT pilots' strike impasse.

Shorpshire, Yorkshire, US V I, Antigua Masters, Wales/Birkshire and Hertfordshire participated with the English teams bringing in excess of 120 visitors to the island.

“Overall, the tournament has been good, the teams are enjoying it and most of them have already promised a return to our beautiful twin-island state,” said Karen Joseph, Officer within the ministry of tourism, as the tournament was winding down.

“One of the Yorkshire team members has sung the praises of the destination as he has travelled to numerous islands, with this being his best experience thus far.”

National Hero and cricket icon Sir Viv has also been quoted as saying the tournament has achieved levels of success and that he will assist the sports tourism department to further market the event.