Jeffrey, Fernandes capture Open titles

Jun 30, 2008 Sports

– Jinx finally broken……….Jeffrey

By Rawle Welch
Kristian Jeffrey produced a master-class display to capture his first Men’s Open National title after he trounced the experienced Robert Fernandes in straight sets 9/4, 9/1, 9/3, while former World #27 Nicolette Fernandes romped to an easy 9/5, 9/0, 9/1 win over Caribbean Under-15 champion Ashley Khalil last Saturday, at the Georgetown Club Courts.

Jeffrey, who had looked impressive in his semi-final victory over Nicolette Fernandes was again in impeccable form as he had the older Fernandes scurrying all over the court to retrieve some delicately placed drop shots and volleys in a fine exhibition of top class Squash.

The young talented player, who before this triumph was plagued by ill-luck in his career, having led last year’s champion Julian Chin when he experienced a hamstring injury, showed a level of maturity that belied his age against a usually tough and very skilled opponent.

The opening stanza was played at a fast clip with both players trying desperately to seize the upper hand as they thrilled spectators with some sizzling rallies that utilised both the front and backcourts.

Jeffrey, showing superior court speed, kept Fernandes on the run as he used a wide repertoire of shots to race to a 3-0 lead. The wily veteran, however, found his rhythm and levelled the scores at 4-4, before another barrage of powerful ground-strokes left him fixed at 4 as Jeffrey closed out the first set.

The second set was even more emphatic as the youthful Jeffrey increased the tempo, bolting from the blocks for a 3-1 lead.

He never allowed Fernandes to get back into the game delivering some thunderous forehand volleys interspersed with some well-disguised drop shots that even had Fernandes nodding his head in approval.

He recognised that Jeffrey had come of age and was a more focused player than the one that he saw last year who would allow a point or two to break him down mentally.

Fernandes needing to switch tactics fast came out in the third set in aggressive mode and raced to a 3-0 advantage, but that was as far as he would get as the speedy Jeffrey covering the court like a hawk proved too quick and skilful for him and never dropped another point en route to a solid win.

In the Ladies final, as expected Nicolette Fernandes proved too strong for the junior star and went on to win easily.

Speaking after the win, Fernandes told Kaieteur Sport that her victory was just the first step on her comeback trail and reckoned that every tournament after this would give her a better idea of how far off she is from returning to the top level.

“I felt fine throughout the tournament and the knees held up very well, I experienced no pain honestly.”
She added that it was just that all the other body parts were aching, meaning that she still hasn’t reached the level of fitness required as yet.

She leaves today along with Jeffrey to participate in the St. Lucia Open Tournament which will be staged in Castries.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey speaking after his triumph said he felt very relieved to have finally made it over the hump, referring to the many times when he placed himself in a winning position only to come up short due to injuries.

“I am glad that the jinx has finally been broken.”