ANSA McAL Trading Ltd Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament…
The ANSA McAL-sponsored Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament ended on Sunday with Nicholas Narain (-15) being crowned king after a three-game battle in which each point had spectators spellbound with the standard of play of both athletes.
Nicholas Verwey (-10) was a truly worthy opponent in this ultimate match-up for the title. He displayed irrefutable evidence of his disciplined training regimen and enthusiasm for the game. As Narain tactically kept Verwey off the T and worked him around the whole court in the first game, Verwey’s retrieval skills kept the rallies running long; and often, 20+ shots were kept in play by either player performing the impossible.
In the second game, Verwey used his drops effectively and worked Narain into the corners to secure the win; but the third game of an outstanding match of great depth, great squash and great athletes landed on the side of the experienced Narain for the 15/14, 13/15, 15/11 win.
Daniel Ince took the Plate title, while Louis DaSilva obtained his first title in the Category ‘A’ group, and Lajaun Munroe nabbed the ‘A’ Plate.
In the Open Plate, after a game apiece, the tired legs of both players in the third game between Daniel Ince (-9) and Ian Mekdeci (-4) slowed down what had been a fast-paced clash. Ince took the first in smooth fashion with tight lengths and low drops. Mekdeci pulled it back in the second, pushing to hold Ince off at 15/14. In the decider, relying on talent rather than fitness, Ince was able to move up his deficit and close off the game at 15/9, 14/15, 15/11.
The title of the Category ‘A’ was earned by a much improved Louis DaSilva (-8) over Zachary Persaud (-8). DaSilva came out strong and played a clever tactical game from the outset, placing his shots to get them past Persaud.
Persaud came out determined in the second game and made his bid to stay in the game with tighter play, which set him ahead. DaSilva kept his head and worked away to even out, and eventually push in the last two points to close off in straight games 15/6, 15/14.
For the Category ‘A’ plate, Joshua Verwey made a valiant effort with good lengths against eventual winner Lajaun Munroe. Munroe forced the younger Verwey into every corner of the court as he worked him through most of the rallies, but Verwey stuck with it and kept the scores close.
Munroe managed a 13/15 win in the first, and Verwey answered with a 15/14 win in the second, but couldn’t quite hold on in the third, and conceded the decider. Munroe triumphed 15/13, 14/15, 15/12.
The Guyana Squash Association would like to extend their gratitude to long-time sponsors ANSA McAL Trading Ltd for making the tournament possible.
Sunday’s resuts
Open Category
Nicholas Narain (-15) defeated Nicholas Verwey (-10) 15/14, 13/15, 15/11
Deje Dias (-15) defeated Gianni Carpenter (5) 15/, 15/
Open Plate
Daniel Ince (-9) defeated (-4) 15/9, 14/15, 15/11
Kirsten Gomes (0) defeated Ethan Jonas (4) 15/9, 12/15, 15/12
Category A
Louis DaSilva (-8) defeated Zachary Persaud (-8) 15/6, 15/14
Shiloh Asregado (3) defeated Matthew Spooner (9) 15/8, 15/6
