Nigel Griffith added another impressive Over 40 title to his collection when the 3rd Annual Sharif Khan Festival concluded Saturday at the Almond Beach Village. Nigel ?The Dragon? Griffith overcame former seven time National Champion and former Over 40 Caribbean champion, Rudy Goodridge, in four games to take the winners trophy. This is the second year that Griffith has taken the title. Craig Archer was the other title winner for the Bajan contingent, taking the Men’s B trophy in fine style.
In Men’s A action Andy Gill, the Barbados National Team captain, reached the final but succumbed to the outstanding court skill and fitness of Frank Ellis of the UK. Ellis, a former Over 35 champion in the prestigious British Open impressed last year at the festival and returned this year to defend his title. Ellis? energetic game thrilled spectators and tired opponents over the week long event.
In a very competitive Ladies A event, Canadian pro Nicole Carroll defeated fellow Canadian Julie Walker in the final. In the Ladies B, Cathy Reid of Canada took first place while young Bajan Bo Harris was second. Reid relied on her experience and consistent play against the younger and fast improving Harris. Another Bajan junior, Cheriann Paris, the youngest player in the tournament, took third in the Ladies B. In Ladies C play, Bajan Rosie Ellis took second place.
In a replay of last year?s Over 50 event, Errol Pilgrim of Barbados, defending champion, met Alfred Lebherz from Ontario, Canada. Tables were turned this year as Lebherz managed to slip by the crafty Pilgrim in five exciting games.
After a third successful festival, hosts Sharif and Karen Khan, were exuberant and already planning for the 2004 event. The Festival continues to grow in popularity and benefits from generous support from local sponsors, the Barbados Tourism Authority and Banks Beer.
A representative from the Barbados Squash Rackets Association (BSRA) noted that they were delighted with the success of the event. ?Sharif Khan is an icon in the world of squash and we are delighted that the Khans (Sharif & Karen) have chosen Barbados to host this annual event?. The local participation has grown, eighteen local players including three juniors were part of the tournament. Additionally, Sharif and the two female pros took to the courts last Saturday with fifeteen juniors from the BSRA Junior Program for two hours of coaching and a raffle in which several of the juniors won Black Knight rackets and t-shirts. Proceeds from the raffle were donated to the BSRA Junior Program. The BSRA intends to work closely with the Khans and continue to promote the Festival to local and regional squash enthusiasts.
