By Avenash Ramzan
Margot Prow of Barbados made a successful defence of the Women’s Open title at the ENet Senior Caribbean Squash Championship on Tuesday evening, defeating Guyanese Mary Fung-A-Fat in straight sets in the final at the Georgetown Club Courts.
Prow, who won the title for the first time in 2023, won this year’s final 11-6, 11-2, 11-7.
It means Fung-A-Fat, who was a dominant force in Junior CASA several years ago, winning numerous age group titles, has extended that wait for a maiden Senior CASA Women’s Open title.
“I want it. I’m not going to give up, I’m going to keep working,” Fung-A-Fat told News Room Sport after the match.
“It is definitely one of my next big goals and seeing how Margot is playing now, I know what I have to work towards…so next year I’ll try again.”
Fung-A-Fat, who defeated reigning Guyana’s national champion Ashley Khalil 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 in the semi-finals on Monday night, spoke of challenges of playing back-to-back high intensity games.
“It’s hard to go from a win and carry through. Mentally it’s like an emotional rollercoaster,” Fung-A-Fat asserted.
“From the beginning I was a big heavy footed, not mentally as settled, my lines weren’t as good today, and she (Prow) was just on. All credit to her, she deserves the win tonight.”
‘Absolutely thrilled’
For Prow, coming to this year’s championship as the defending champion and number one seed brought its own pressure, a mental side of the game she had to overcome.
“I’m absolutely thrilled,” the Bajan said on winning consecutive titles.
“I went in with a little bit of pressure, having won last year and being number one seed, but just ecstatic to win it for my country.”
Prow and Fung-A-Fat are close friends and familiar with each other’s game, having attended the same university over the last couple of years.
On Tuesday night, that friendship was put on hold as they battled for the most prestigious Women’s title in Senior Caribbean Squash.
“We’re friends, but when you get on court you need to put that all aside and really take time and look in to your game and focus,” Prow said.
And of the two titles, which one is sweeter?
“Probably this one you know! Taking a title after a title is lot of pressure, so winning it twice feels really good.”
