Ince-Carvalhal looking to rally with older opposition at Pan Am Games

For Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, readjusting to the sport has been tough owing to the layoff caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, the teenager is eager to represent Guyana at the Junior Pan Am Games.

The 17-year-old makes up one-third of a three-member boys’ junior squash team that will represent Guyana at the first-ever Junior Pan American Games next week.
Ince-Carvalhal was one of two successful players to qualify through the Guyana Squash Association’s (GSA) playoff tournament weeks ago. Michael Alphonso was the other player to secure a spot in the squash team through the playoffs, while Shomari Wiltshire earned his spot through stellar performances over the year.
Since the coronavirus pandemic has hindered sports considerably, Ince-Carvalhal explained that there was a lot of readjusting for the players to do to attain fitness.
“It was quite difficult; the level of playing was very low, because we hadn’t any match practice or training. So, a lot of the shots were loose; we weren’t getting the ball where we wanted the ball to go. Fitness as well, we had to get fitter than we were before because we lost some of that fitness,” the squash player shared.
Referring to his personal struggles, he said, “I think it’s quite good now. I’m definitely a lot fitter. These matches are giving me more experience, I don’t panic as much going on to the court and I think we’re playing very tactical squash now.”
Thus far, Ince-Carvalhal says their preparations have been going well, in spite of the limitations from the pandemic.
The teenager explained, “Due to COVID, we’ve only really started back intense training about three months ago, but during that time there’s been a lot of improvements from all of the players. So, we’ve been playing a lot better than pre-COVID now.”
The 17-year-old also shared on his playoff experience, stating, “The playoffs were good, some good intense matches. I had some tough matches. I went to five with one of the players and I barely scraped the win, so it’s good to have that intensity, to make us prepared to go to Colombia, because, of course, the level of play over there is going to be high as well.”
When it comes to the Junior Pan Am Games, Ince-Carvalhal is cognisant that his opponents may be much older, but hopes to do well for the team.
“I’d like to try my best. Due to it being an Under 23 tournament, the likelihood is that they’re going to be players playing a higher level than we are, so my aim is to try my best, rally with top players, and get as many points as possible,” Ince-Carvalhal said.
“No, I’m not very nervous; I’m just going to try my best.”
The Junior Pan Am Games are scheduled for November 25 to December 5, with Guyana’s team consisting of junior athletes from the disciplines of squash, badminton, boxing, table tennis and swimming.