By Akeem Greene
The 2018 Rainforest Waters Senior National Squash Championships served off on Wednesday evening and the energetic matches at the Georgetown Club Courts gave an indication that some thrilling action is on the cards in the five-day tournament.
However, for two-time defending champion Alex Arjoon it was more of a stroll in the park as he began his quest for a three-peat in titles in winning fashion. Arjoon quelled the youthful exuberance of Gianni Carpenter by nonchalantly winning all three sets 11-2, 11-6, 11-0.
In the first match of the night, veteran player Robert Fernandes rolled back the years and comfortably defeated Regan Rodrigues in straight sets 11-3, 11-0, 11-2.
Nyron Joseph, who is on the hunt to dethrone Arjoon, had a fun-filled match with Attorney-at-Law Joshua Abdool which he won comfortably in three sets. Abdool, facing a 0-9 score line, finally got a point which sparked a bright grin.
He was only able to score one more point in that set and saw the others go 11-1, 11-1.
The ever consistent Shomari Wiltshire showed age is just a number as he traded blows with the big boys.
The 14 year-old dominated the battle with Adam Alves, winning 11-5, 11-5, 11-4, while Richard Chin, a player with years of experience, made light work of Jason Van-Dyk 11-1, 11-2, 11-6).
Jason-Ray Khalil, who must be considered one who can pose a stern challenge for the title, sauntered to a massive 11-0, 11-3, 11-0 victory over Lee Fung-A-Fat.
The closest battle of the night was between Damien DaSilva and Johnathan Antczak as the pendulum swung both ways, but when the dust settled DaSilva was still standing, winning 11-9, 11-6, 11-8.
Young Samuel Ince-Carvahal showed some promising signs, pushing Regan Pollard in some rallies, but was unable to steal the much needed points; Pollard capitalised and won 11-6, 11-3, 11-2.
On Thursday (June 28), the females will swing into action led by defending champion Mary Fung-A-Fat, Ashley Khalil, Taylor Fernandes and some junior players, who are preparing for the junior Caribbean championships in Jamaica next month.
Action will commence at 18:00h.
