Arjoon holds nerves to capture title

Feb 08, 2010 Sports

It was tough going at the finals of the 2010 Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tournament on Saturday night, at the Georgetown Club.

In the Open Category final, Andrew Arjoon (+10) defeated Alan Downes (+6)11-15, 15-9, 15-10 to capture the title and winning trophy.

Open category champion Andrew Arjoon (right) collects the winning trophy from Bounty Farm Director David Fernandes following his victory in the final over Alan Downes.

The two veteran players, each more accustomed to coaching and cheering their high performance children, showed some nerves in the early going. Downes made up the handicap quickly in the first game and it was over in a flash with Arjoon winning just a single point.

Stern words from their respective progeny after the first game saw both players settling down quickly and Arjoon stormed back to win the second stanza to send the contest into a decider.

The final set between the two fathers was a see saw affair with both players playing conservatively to avoid unforced errors. They won equal points, but thanks to Arjoon’s handicap he managed to prevail and claim the top prize.

It was an all Suriname affair in the Category A final between Jason Van Dyk (-15) and Julian Van Lange (+8).

Van Dyk, the most handicapped player in the category lived up to his top ranking by reaching the final, winning a combined 30 points, while only allowing his opponents 12 points in the two games.

His unorthodox style, power hitting and penchant for unpredictable winners, kept Van Dyk circumspect throughout the match. Van Dyk, the eventual selection for the tournament’s Most Improved Player award was able to use his superior control and shot placement to secure the win 15-14, 15-14.

National Coach Carl Ince observed that the number of new players in the tournament was inspiring as more than 18 players who had never played competitions before participated in the event. He added that what was more impressive was that they did not even benefit from training in the junior programme and were playing competitive Squash for the first time.

This according to him is a welcome development since the Government of Guyana’s new Squash courts have begun to take shape at the Non Pariel grounds on Wolford Avenue and Camp Streets. The facility will have two modern courts which will make the game more accessible to school children and the general public.

Also, at the presentation ceremony, Bounty Farm Director, David Fernandes noted that his company was always pleased to be associated with Squash and was happy with the level of participation and enthusiasm shown by the new players. His wife, Juanita assisted in handing out trophies which was seen as a special treat as their daughter Taylor Fernandes won the Sportsmanship Award.

Assistant Tournament Director Deje Dias, in his remarks thanked the Georgetown Club for the use of its facilities, the players and the other persons who assisted in running the tournament. He expressed special appreciation for the sponsors, Bounty Farm and the press for their coverage during the past week.

Complete results:

Open category final

Andrew Arjoon (+10) beat Alan Downes (+6) 11-15, 15-9, 15-10

Open category 3rd place

Open category plate final

Joseph Meckdeci (+6) beat Jason Ray Khalil (-15) 10-15, 15-11, -1-15

Open category plate 3rd place

Brian Yong (+10) won against Regan Pollard (-25) Walk over

‘A’ category final

Jason Van Dyk (-15) beat Julio Van Lange (+8) 15-14-, 15-14

‘A’ category 3rd place

Jonathan Antczak (-8) beat Jamal Douglas (+10) 15-11, 15-13

‘A’ category Plate final

Stefan John (+8) beat Patrick Fraser (-4) 15-8, 14-15, 15-8

‘A’ category plate 3rd place

Dominic Noel (+8) defeated Ben Mekdeci (-8) 15-10, 15-8.

– ––– – –Joven Benn (+10) beat Michael Atherley (+10) 17-14, 14-17, 15-14–