BCQS Guyana Squash Masters Championships…
The Georgetown Club Inc was buzzing with spectators on the final night of the BCQS Guyana Squash Masters Championships.
Earning the true Masters crown was Denis Dias (Guy) in the Over-65 category. Facing off against Winston Findlay (TOR) in a three-game match, Dias was outstanding, with his sights set firmly on the title. Moving quickly ahead in the first game, played on his home court, Dias stamped his authority on proceedings with an 11/9 win.
Findlay improved his game, covering the court faster to retrieve Dias’s crisp shots, and took him to a 10/10 tie. Poised at a vital juncture, Dias calmly placed a killer shot to move ahead, and then secure the game.
Findlay couldn’t match Dias in the third, and Guyana took the crown in the 3-0 bout.
The man responsible for bringing BCQS Masters to Guyana, Sanjay Amin (Bar), faced Guyana’s seasoned player Narendra Singh in the over-55 final. With a calculated game, Singh used well placed shots and clever deception to keep the talented Amin on his toes.
Despite a strong first game win from Amin, Singh took the lead in the second, and remained on top to win the next three and earn his title.
In the over-45 contest, maestro Mark Sealy (Bar) showed his calibre against fellow countryman Marlon White in three straight sets. Evidently brilliant, the experienced Sealy worked every corner of the court, and was in charge throughout.
Both players displayed some fantastic squash, entertaining spectators and supporters. Sealy’s win was never in question, and he took a deserved title.
The finals for the Women’s Over-35 category saw a victorious Lydia Fraser (Guy) dominate Hazel-Anne Sandy (Bar) in acrobatic fashion. Hunting every ball, Fraser retrieved well, and used her athleticism to pressure Sandy. Fraser’s stronger technique and level of play outmatched Sandy’s and Fraser took her title in three games.
In the Men’s Over-35 category, the fitness levels were evidently higher, and the pace was accordingly hectic. An outstanding Shaun Simpson (Bar) defeated Regan Pollard (Guy) in a straight three-set win. Pollard rallied out some lengthy points with great flair, and faced the national champion with strength, but could not match the reach, placement, and court coverage of Simpson.
Executing a full selection of shots, some deep drives and perfect drops, the players bore testament to why squash is described as “chess at 90 miles an hour” before Simpson prevailed to win the match.
Closing remarks following the prize-giving ceremony highlighted the support of sponsor’s BCQS International and the importance of corporate investment in sport. This inaugural Masters Tournament was enjoyed by all participants and spectators, and served as a great platform for Masters Squash in the Caribbean.
Final standings
Men’s Over-65 – 1st Denis Dias (Guy); 2nd – Winston Findlay (Tor), 3rd – Orson Simpson (Bar)
Men’s Over-55: 1st – Narendra Singh (Guy); 2nd – Sanjay Amin (Bar); 3rd – Lloyd Fung- A-Fat (Guy)
Men’s Over-45: 1st – Mark Sealy (Bar); 2nd – Marlon White (Bar); 3rd – Joe Mekdeci (Guy); 4th – Tony Mackenzie (Bar)
Men’s Over-45 CLASSIC PLATE: 1st – Robert Natiello (USA)
Men’s Over-35: Shaun Simpson (Bar); 2nd – Regan Pollard (Guy)
Women’s Over-35: 1st – Lydia Fraser (Guy); 2nd – Hazel-Anne Sandy (Bar)
