THE Guyana Squash Association (GSA) wrapped up a busy 2017, with the Farfan and Mendes Junior skill level tournament, which came to a dramatic climax on Sunday at the Georgetown Club Inc. Squash Courts.

The most entertaining match of the day, and possibly of the competition, was between Brenno DaSilva and Tiana Gomes, who treated spectators to a match full of two huge personalities, as well as surprising rallies.

When Tiana dropped, Brenno dropped a little lower; when Brenno played a great cross court and the crowd was poised to congratulate a winning shot, Tiana skipped across the court for thrilling returns.

Their contest ended with a smiling pair, a smiling audience and a smiling ref! Brenno won this match with some amazing serves, 11-8, 6-11, 11-3.

With 15 newbies in this tournament, the week has shown a new wave of youngsters who have caught the squash bug; some of whom will no doubt move on to a great career in the sport.

In the higher categories, Mohryan Baksh and James Mekdeci did not disappoint. This anticipated battle began at the first serve and continued to the last shot, evidence that squash in Guyana is moving forward.

Baksh took the first game 11-9, keeping Mekdeci at the back of the court. Mekdeci used his hard-hitting accuracy to take the second 11-8. Baksh continued to play his game and held on to take it home 11-9, 11-9.

In category B, DeAbreu stepped up in the third game against Alphonso and took the first game Alphonso has lost in the tournament, then continued in the fourth to contend for the title, but Alphonso’s shot selection and deception brought him out on top in a 3-1 win.

The top spot for category A was already decided as Daniel Islam had already dismissed Anthony and Samuel earlier in the week, but the match with Fernandes as challenger stretched both players. The final game of the tournament closed off this year’s junior season to a full venue at the Georgetown Club. Skill, tactical shot selection and power were keys for both players and the well-fought final could have been either players match, but Islam dug deep and defeated Fernandes 3-2.

As is customary in the Farfan and Mendes Christmas Tournament, recognition is given to those players who have notably improved and who performed outstandingly. This year Aishani Persaud and Nicholas Verwey were credited with Most Improved titles while Kirsten Gomes and Chad DeAbreu were awarded Most Outstanding players.

Category A

Daniel Islam beat Taylor Fernandes 9-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-4, 11-4.
Anthony Islam beat Samuel Ince-Carvalhal 11-3, 11-8, 11-6

Category B

Michael Alphonso beat Demetrius DeAbreu 11-1, 11-4, 8-11, 14-12
Lucas Jonas beat Ethan Jonas 11-5, 10-12, 11-7, 11-9
Kirsten Gomes beat Abosaide Cadogan 11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9

Category C

Mohryan Baksh beat James Mekdeci 11-9, 8-11, 11-9, 11-9
Jason Gomes beat Zachary Persuad 11-5, 10-12, 20-18, 11-3
Nicholas Verwey beat Louis DaSilva 11-8, 11-6, 11-9

Category D

Chad DeAbreu beat Teija Edwards 11-3, 11-5, 11-2

Category E

Lajuan Munroe beat Arvin Seelall 5-11, 11-7, 11-6

Category F

Kayden Pynaendy beat Jehan Singh 11-9, 11-5
Brenno DaSilva beat Tiana Gomes 11-8, 6-11, 11-3
Rylee Rodrigues beat Matthew Spooner 11-3, 11-5

Category G

Safirah Summer beat Shriya Persuad 11-7, 11-9
Rayad Boyce beat Angel Rahim 11-2, 11-3