OECS Squash championship swings off next weekend

The SVG Squash Association is preparing to host the 10th Western Union / Bickles OECS Juniors Squash Championship at the National Squash Centre, April 8 -11.{{more}}

So far all OECS squash territories have confirmed their participation, and some 37 players are expected to battle for major titles ranging from male and female under 11 to under 19 categories. Players from Dominica, BVI, St Lucia and host St Vincent will all converge at the National Squash Centre in Paul’s Avenue.

SVG has selected some 16 players from the recently concluded National Junior Tournament. In the under 11 age group, SVG quartet of Cruz Halbich, Kai Bentick, Rashid Constance and Alexander Cyrus are expected to demonstrate their flair and style as they each try to out do the other. They will receive opposition from Braise Leblanc from Dominica. Under 11 female Thandi Myers, being the sole competitor in this category, will compete in the under 13 age group, where Demi Olliviere is expected to retain the title.

She will, however, have to overcome the challenge from Abiyomi Maddox of the BVI. The under 13 boys division has 11 contenders competing for the title, but number 4 Caribbean Junior player Jason Doyle is expected to overcome all his opponents. Doyle won the National Title without dropping a game and is expected to continue this winning way at the OECS level.

In the under 15 girls division, Vincentian Gianna Miller will have strong opposition from Erika Sorrentino, last year’s champion. In the Boys under 15, an easy win is expected for Stefan Joseph of the BVI who has been playing well, but Omari Wilson of SVG will try to steal the title. The boys under 17 combined with under 19 will be the feature category of the tournament, as Kevin Hannaway will try to take back his number 1 junior SVG ranking that teammate Jules Snagg denied him in the National two weeks ago. They both will be challenged by Stefan Joseph who will be trying to establish himself as the number 1 OECS Junior Boys Champion. But Hannaway, the runner-up in 2009 Caribbean Junior Squash Tournament, is preparing to defend his title. Other SVG players selected are Deiriai Myers, Sebastian Cyrus, Storm Halbich, Akeem Constance and Romario Constance.

At the end of the tournament, a team will be selected to participate in the Junior Caribbean Squash Championship scheduled for Cayman in July.

SCHEDULE OF MATCHES: Thursday, 8th:

2.00pm – 8.00pm

Friday, 9th:

9.00am – 8.00pm

Saturday, 10th:

9.00am -8.00pm Finals will begin at 5.00pm