The standard of play in the Toshiba Copy Centre Junior Open, played over the last weekend, speaks well for the future of squash in the Caribbean.
Juniors between the ages of eight and eighteen were competing in their respective age categories, of which some were playing at this level for the first time. The standard of play was extremely high, with the Boys under 11 age group producing some of the most competitive and exciting games. Mikey Cox won this age group by defeating Maarten Edwards in four sets, 9/7 9/2 9/10 9/0. Raymond St. John had a tough five setter before defeating his cousin Scott St. John in five sets 9/7 5/9 9/8 7/9 9/5. The plate section in this group was won by Benjamin Duckhouse, who was playing in his first tournament. He defeated Steward St. John in a long hard fought five-setter 9/6 5/9 9/0 7/9 9/4.
In the Boys under 13 group, Liu Ross made light work of of the opposition, winning all his matches in 3 straight sets. Moishe Steinbok was second and Dillion Straker third. Liu’s brother Nkosi Ross, who never dropped a set during the tournament, easily won the Boys under 15 Championship, defeating Jonathan O’Dowd 9/1 9/0 9/0. Third place went to Ryan Foster, who beat Sam Robinson 6/9 9/0 9/7 9/7. The Plate in this division was won by Ciaran Raymer, who defeated Lawrence Gale 9/4 2/9 9/2 9/6.
The Boys under 17 group was dominated by Bryant Cumberbatch, who once again proved that he is the class player in this age group. He took the title in this division by defeating Alex Garcia 9/3 9/3/ 9/5. Third place went to Alex Jordan who defeated Timothy Tulip 9/3 9/1 9/0. Nick Nunes took the plate in this division by defeating Nicolai Kroeger 9/4 9/7 9/5.
In the Boys under 19 age group, Rhett Cumberbatch was the undisputed Champion, beating both Jonathan Foster, and Bruce Martin in 3 straight sets. Bruce was awarded a special prize for being the only player to have played all five sponsored Toshiba Copy Centre Junior Championships.
In the Girls under 13 section, Sherina Slater of St. Vincent emerged Champion, while Zoe Lisk was second, KenniLee Ward third, and Asha Gibbs was fourth.
The Girls under 19 title went to Cheri Anne Parris, who continues to impress everyone with her natural talent. Bo Harris was second, Nadia Mc Carthy third and Maia Blackman fourth. Cheri Anne, was also awarded a special prize for her outstanding performance during the tournament.
Cheryl Cox, of Toshiba Copy Centre, along with the help of her son Michael, presented the trophies to the winners. Craig Archer, President of the Barbados Squash Rackets Association paid great tribute to the Barbados Junior Teams, and their coach Richard Walcott. He took the opportunity to applaud their success both regionally and extra regionally. Archer concluded by thanking sponsors Toshiba Copy Centre for their generous sponsorship of the tournament.
