Fernandes topples Best to win sixth Caribbean Squash title

By Avenash Ramzan

Nicolette Fernandes was imperious on court on Tuesday night, outclassing Barbadian Meagan Best to win the Women’s Singles at the Senior Caribbean Squash Championship.

In a clash of youth versus experience at the Georgetown Club, 36-year-old Fernandes, a former world number 19, dominated the match against the 17-year-old Bajan, winning comfortably 11-2, 11-2, 11-5.

It was Fernandes’ sixth Caribbean title and first since 2013.

That the victory came against Best, the two-time defending champion and the tournament’s number one seed, was indicative of Fernandes’ pedigree and a clear show of the determination and will that have defined her remarkable career.

Home turf aside, the victory was even more special as it was witnessed by Fernandes’ parents, siblings and members of her hockey team. A hug from mom Luana moments after she stepped off court began the celebrations.

“I committed to playing this tournament about two months ago and I trained really hard. There were some days when my knees and hips really hurt and I questioned why I was training, but I guess these are the moments why you do it,” Fernandes said after the win.

“I’m just really happy playing in front of my mom and brothers. In squash terms 36 is relatively old so it feels good to play and play well.”

Best said she was excited to face the Guyanese ace as it would have provided “a good experience for me.”

“She is very, very experienced. She knows how to work the court; she really had me running for my money, but I enjoyed it,” Best related.

The match was aired live on television, via E-Networks. It was the first time in the history of the Caribbean Championship that this was done.