Players competing in the seventh annual RIVER BAY SENIORS SQUASH TOURNAMENT took to the courts Tuesday evening for the first day’s play. Forty-two seasoned squashers will display their years of experience over the five day event hosted by the Barbados Squash Rackets Association at the Barbados Squash Club. Competition categories will include Over 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 age groups in the men and one age group, Over 35 for the women.
Former Barbadian National champion and Men’s Team Captain, Mark Sealy returns to the courts after a long lay-off and will be a tough challenge for all in the Over 40 category. This marks Sealy’s debut in Seniors’ Squash. Defending Over 40 Champion Nigel “The Dragon” Griffith is seeded two behind Sealy in this category.
In the Men’s Over 35’s, National Representatives Marlon White and John Cumberbatch, seeded No 1 and 2 respectively will be hoping for a rematch following their battle at the nationals earlier this year. Cumberbatch was victorious in that last meeting.
Richard Walcott, returns fit and determined to defend his Over 45 title against all opposition. David Foster is the top seed in the Over 50 category while Errol Pilgrim is top ranked in the Over 55.
In the ladies competition, Deidre Smith, hailing from Canada will be a strong contender for the Ladies Title in her first River Bay tournament.
Play is scheduled to begin daily at 5:00 pm and will continue till Saturday October 25th when finals will be played from midday till four pm.
SENIORS SHOW SKILL IN RIVER BAY SQUASH
When the River Bay Senior Squash Open got underway Tuesday several former tournament enthusiasts returned to the courts after a break in competition and showed they could still hold their own. Herbie Jackson, a stalwart of the social squash scene for many years came out for his first competition in many years and defeated Anthony Sobers, one of the favourites in the Over 50 competition, in four games. Jackson is well-known for his court craft and ability to “size up” the opponent. Also returning to the courts after a break from competition were Brian Robinson and Dean Straker. Robinson went under in a tough five setter after claiming the first two games while Straker advanced due to a walk-over. In the Ladies competition Liz Johnson, Ayoni Bradshaw and Cyla Seale were victorious in their ties.
Ladies
Ayoni Bradshaw def Caroline Johnson 3-1
Liz Johnson def Rosie Ellis 3-0
Cyla Seale def Suzanne Griffith 3-2
Men
Over 35
Andre Donawa def Chris King 3-0
Over 40
Clinton Nervais (Hilly) def Frank Jordan 3-1
Richard Taylor def Brian Robinson 3-2
Dean Straker def Rudy Mitchell WO
Over 45
Richard Walcott def Chris Skinner 3-0
Austin Fields def Alan Chung 3-0
Over 50
David Foster def Chester Haynes 3-0
Herbie Jackson def Anthony Sobers 3-1
