Allan Downes managed to pull off a stunning win against Caribbean Under-13 champion Benjamin Meckdeci on the opening night of the Digicel National Senior Squash Championship at the Georgetown Club Squash Courts last night.
Downes assumed control of the match from the get-go but the skill and youth of the reigning Caribbean Under-13 champion Meckdeci, equipped with legs more than three times younger than Downes, battled back into the encounter to take the first game 12/10 after Downes had claimed game ball at 7/10. Downes seemed winded from the second game onward and switched up his game plan to suit his style. Downes tactically played safe shots and remained composed while challenging the nervy junior to go for the winners. This strategy paid dividends in the long run as Downes was able to steal the next three games 14/12, 11/9, 11/8.
Overseas-based former national junior player Raphael deGroot made a solid return to the sport with a commanding straight games win against Ben’s older brother Ian Meckdeci 11/5, 11/4, 11/7. However, the Florida International University student does not favour his chances in his second round encounter this evening as he faces world number 76 ranked female star Nicolette Fernandes. Nicolette is pumped and ready to take on challengers in both categories and after receiving byes on night one, she will play two matches on night two. In her second encounter she will take on her protégé, four-time Caribbean junior champion Victoria Arjoon. Arjoon will be competing at the Junior Caribbean Championships in Jamaica later this month where she hopes to move a step closer to Nicolette’s impressive record of six junior Caribbean titles.
Nyron Joseph defeated Brian Yong 3-0 and Steven Xavier defeated Patrick Fraser in straight games as well. Jason Van Dyke disposed of Dwayne Yan in three games while Adam Alves defeated Antonio Joseph in similar fashion. Joshua Abdool had a tough time overcoming Joe Meckdeci but managed to pull it off in three games while Joven Benn defeated Davendra Sahadeo 3-0.
In the women’s draw, Victoria Arjoon defeated Taylor Fernandes; Akeila Wiltshire humbled Rebecca Low in straight games and Ashley deGroot overpowered Larissa Wiltshire 3-0. The Jeffrey twins, Keisha and Kayla, will also get into action tonight after receiving byes on night one.
Keisha will play Ashley deGroot while Kayla will take on Ashley Khalil. Former national champion Regan Pollard and reigning national champion Alex Arjoon are also set to compete this evening against Nicholas Narain and Adam Alves respectively.
