From 34 players, Alex Arjoon had the biggest handicap (-36) and though exhausted from a week of gruelling action, he still emerged champion when the Bounty Farm Limited Handicap tournament concluded Sunday at the Georgetown Club Courts.
His final hurdle to the title was a young Michael Alphonso Jr. (-15) and the two had a thrilling first set, which Arjoon narrowly won 15-14.
To add greater context, Arjoon had to first clear his handicap of -21 then score 15 to win the contest, while Alphonso just needed 15.
The southpaw Arjoon is no extravagant stroke maker, but his clinical shots and dabs tested the legs of Alphonso, and it took a toll.
With nine points ahead in the first set, and Arjoon still in handicap stages, the Caribbean Under-15 champion began losing grounds, with Arjoon stealing cheap points on offer.
As Arjoon stated post-match, the game plan was to wear the opponent down and he did that with much success. In the second set, a clearly winded Aphonso waged an early fight, but Arjoon came from behind to win 15-9.
Arjoon’s thirst for more titles is heavy since he has his eyes set on the upcoming Senior National Championships.
The third place playoff between Gabrielle Fraser (-6) and Ian Mekdeci (-2) went the distance in quite an exciting fashion, especially to the appeasement of the small gathering of friends and family.
Fraser, who won the contest 15-11, 13-15, 15-8, was also voted the Most Improved Player, and it was a testament to her great retrieval skills.
Meanwhile, Jason Van Dijk won the Plate Final by virtue of defeating Jonathan Antczak 15-5, 15-6.
Next on the agenda will be the BCQS International Masters tournament, which is expected to commence on Friday.
