Khalil, Pollard and Barker reign supreme as BCQS Int’l Masters concludes

Feb 11, 2025 Sports

Kaieteur Sports–Guyanese squash players delivered standout performances at the 2025 BCQS International Masters Tournament, held at the Georgetown Club, with Jason-Ray Khalil, Regan Pollard, and Indira Barker capturing divisional titles in dominant fashion.

Khalil, Pollard and Barker reign supreme as BCQS Int’l Masters concludes

Jason-Ray Khalil (left) wins Men’s 30-44 crown, sponsor rep. Sanjay Amin handing over winner’s accolade, marking the conclusion of the 2025 BCQS Masters (Guyana).

Khalil and Pollard reigned supreme in their respective categories on Saturday as the Guyana Squash Association wrapped up another successful Masters tournament. The crowd erupted in support of hometown favourite Khalil as he entered the Men’s 30-44 final undefeated, facing off against Barbados’ Shawn Simpson. Simpson, with his long reach and left-handed finesse, proved a formidable opponent. However, Khalil’s compact, powerful style, backed by his strong forehand and backhand play, posed a relentless challenge.

The final was a gripping contest. Khalil struck first, taking the opening game 11-7, but Simpson responded strongly to level the match with a 7-11 win in the second. At 1-1, both players engaged in a thrilling third set, pushing each other to the limit with skillful exchanges and intense rallies. Khalil edged ahead with a 12-10 victory before shifting into championship mode, overwhelming Simpson 11-3 in the fourth set to clinch the title.

In the Men’s 45-54 division, countryman Regan Pollard dominated the #2 seed, Barbados’ Don Benn, with an emphatic 3-0 victory. Both players had showcased remarkable squash throughout the four-day tournament, but Pollard wasted no time asserting his dominance in the final. He secured the first set 11-7 and maintained control, winning the next two 11-8 and 11-6 to deny Benn another divisional title and claim the championship.

Indira Barker also made a resounding impact in the Women’s Over-35 category. She sealed the title with two decisive wins on the final day against Tian Edwards and Maria Munroe. Her triumph against top-seeded Barbadian Alison Smith-Padmore the previous day was crucial in securing her championship. Lydia Fraser finished in second place after a commanding 3-0 win over Anna Perreira, while Smith-Padmore settled for third.

Indira Wellenkar Barker (left) receiving her first place prize in the Women’s Over 35 category.

The Men’s 55-64 division, a true test of endurance and skill, provided intense competition throughout the event. Defending champion Joseph Mekdeci was dethroned by Trinidad’s John Holley in a gripping final. Holley’s agility and precision proved too much, as he secured the title with an 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 victory.

The 2025 BCQS International Masters Tournament concluded with a grand closing ceremony, where the top performers were honoured with crafted memorabilia.

The final standings in the major divisions saw Guyana’s Indira Barker winning the Women’s Over-35 category, followed by Lydia Fraser in second and Alison Smith-Padmore in third. In the Men’s 30-44 division, Khalil claimed gold, Simpson took silver, and Alex Arjoon finished third. Pollard, Benn, and Trinidad’s Peter Pirtheesingh topped the Men’s 45-54 category, while in the Men’s 55-64 division, Holley triumphed ahead of Mekdeci and Dennis Dias.

Securing three out of four titles, Guyana’s squash stars reinforced their nation’s reputation as a formidable force in regional competition, marking another successful chapter in the sport’s rich local history.

Participants, including winners and GSA officials share photo-op at Georgetown Club, marking the conclusion of the 2025 BCQS Squash Masters.

(Khalil, Pollard and Barker reign supreme as BCQS Int’l Masters concludes)

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BCQS International Masters, gripping contest, Guyanese squash players, successful Masters tournament

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