The BCQS Guyana Masters Squash Tournament served off on Thursday evening at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, with Errol Pilgrim of Barbados and Dougles Beckford of Jamaica playing a closely-fought five-setter.
The two Over-65 players treated spectators to a real treat of experienced play. Both athletes settled in comfortably, but Pilgrim moved out ahead to earn the first game win 11-5.
Beckford came back out determined and despite Pilgrim starting strong again, Beckford worked the court to even up at 10-10 before pushing for the 12-10 win.
The third game played out the same as Beckford again took the win 12-10, before a close fourth that could have gone either way saw Pilgrim come out on top. The fifth and deciding game saw some fantastic shots, but Pilgrim prevailed to triumph 11-7.
In the lone Women’s match of the night, a strong Lydia Fraser of Guyana defeated compatriot Tian Edwards in three straight sets. Former national junior squad member Fraser moved easily around the court and dominated the games for a solid 11-2, 11-5, 11-5 win.
The final game of the night was also entertaining with Marlon White of Barbados taking on David Fernandes of Guyana in a spirited match. A strong Fernandes showed glimpses of brilliance with well-placed shots and timely drops to take the first game, much to the delight of the crowd.
White came back fighting and fitness prevailed as he stayed ahead for a 3-1 victory, finishing 9-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-7. Both men showed great sportsmanship and humour throughout the match which is at the heart of these Masters’ competitions.
Play continues on Friday from 17:00h and on finishes on Saturday with two sessions, commencing 11:00h and 16:00h.
Summarised scores
MEN (Over-65)
Errol Pilgrim defeated Douglas Beckford 11/5, 10/12, 10/12, 11/9, 11/7
Orson Simpson defeated Tony Farnum 11/6, 9/11, 11/3, 11/5
Over-55
Narendra Singh defeated Wayne Alphonso 11/5, 11/3, 11/9
Sanjay Amin defeated Lloyd Fung A Fat 4/11, 12/10, 11/6, 11/7
Over-45
Joe Mekdeci defeated Duane Burke 11/4, 11/2, 11/6
Mark Sealy defeated Diego Perdomo 11/3, 11/5, 12/10
Marlon White defeated David Fernandes 9/11, 11/5, 11/6, 11/7
Tony Mackenzie deeated Robert Natiello 11/4, 11/3, 11/5
Over-35
Regan Pollard defeated Gregory Biddle 11/1, 11/1, 11/0
WOMEN
Over-35
Lydia Fraser defeated Tian Edwards 11/2, 11/5, 11/5
