A hatrick for Nicol David

(CNS): It took a brutal hour for World #1 Nicol David of Malaysia to claim the Cayman Islands Squash Open throne once more, defeating World #2 Jenny Duncalf of England in 4 games in hot and humid conditions on the glass court. For most of the game, both players were patient and created an intricate squash scene for the audience to enjoy. With Duncalf looking a little despondent at times, the Malaysian opened up an 8-1 lead in the second, and although Duncalf made a late revival, it was too late as David finished it off 10-6. However, in the fourth David’s patience and accuracy dictated the majority of the game where she finished Duncalf 11-4 to seal the deal and win yet another Cayman Open. (Photo by Squashsite.co.uk)

The final score-line was 11-7, 11-6, 12-14, 11-4.

The Men’s final broke the predictions for the night when World #1 Ramy Ashour of Egypt lost in 49 minutes to World #19 Alister Walker of England. Both players exemplified their abilities by producing a range of beautiful shots and desperation to pull through during the course of the tightly contested match. As usual, Ashour’s impressive shotmaking ability seemed overwhelming at times to the Englishmen (originally from Botswana). However, Walker managed to fire back with fast and furious retrieving and accurate shots to the back of the court, diminishing Ashour’s hopes of winning.

All well contested and heated battles must come to an end and after grueling long rallies, Ashour created an error at the front of the court, allowing Walker to walk away with the Cayman Open crown.

The third edition of the Cayman Islands Squash Open entailed a mix of fortunes for the participants, who came from 20 nations spreading over 6 continents worldwide. It took place during the 3 to 9 April, attracting its largest audience ever and showcasing the highest squashtalents the world has to offer, with 17 of the top 20 women in the world participating.

This tournament recently became a Gold Event for WISPA (Women’s International Squash Players Association), finally, transpiring into one of the highest caliber events to take place on the planet for women’s squash.

Camana Bay, this year’s site sponsor, was the host of this prominent squash tournament for the second year running. Tournament Promoter, Dan Kneipp, said Camana Bay holds a stunning scene, and truly highlights Caribbean culture just by its hospitable atmosphere and modernized architecture. The general objective of the Tournament was to develop sports tourism, cater to the growth of interest of Squash in the Cayman Islands and, most importantly, to improve Junior Squash so that many more young aspiring children of all ages can be successful in all they do through squash.

Kneipp says that Cayman’s Cameron Stafford (19) is one of the major success stories through the Junior Programme and that with a larger growth in the Junior Programme, many more success stories can forge into reality.

Although Stafford witnessed his swan song match against Jamaica’s Chris Binnie in the Men’s Quarterfinals in this year’s Cayman Open, the National Flag carrier (Cayman Airways) donated 12 flights to and from New York to help aid him in his Professional Squash Career. Stafford was full of smiles and happily accepted the gift and thanked Cayman Airways upon receiving the check.