Queen’s Baton Relay leads BVI athletes to Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games

June 21, 2017 by

BVI athletes, tennis coach and Chef for the Bahamas 2017 Copmmonwealth Youth Games with the BVI Commonwealth Games Association, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye for the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, and Mrs. Angeleta Bernard, Chef for the previous youth games in Delhi, Isle of Man, and Samoa. Photo: BVIOC

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in its capacity as the Commonwealth Games Association (BVICGA) introduced the itinerary and route of the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay which heralds that start of the quadrennially held Commonwealth Games and announced the 8 young athletes that will be attending the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games.

The BVI delegation to the Bahamas 2017 CYG (July 18 – 23) was introduced by Ms. Sabinah Clement, Chef de Mission for the Games at a media briefing at the BVIOC office on Monday, June 19.

The BVI team comprises Arianna Hayde (Long Jump and Javelin), Rackeel Jack (400m), Joshua Hill (400m), Mikkel Bassue (100m and 200m), Beyonce Defreitas (200m), Djimon Gumbs and Diamante Gumbs (both competing in Shot Put and Discus), and Adrian Baijnauth (Tennis). The team will be accompanied by Track Coach, Willis Todman, Field Coach, Omar Jones and Tennis Coach, Malcolm Dabre.

The athletes will take part in the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay when it tours through the communities of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda in a series of public activities and relays planned for Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a unifying event that invites members of the Commonwealth and the Overseas Territories to showcase their country, culture, hospitality, communities, and sports. It is a unique event and an occasion for all who reside in the BVI to come together in the spirit of friendship and unity and we strongly urge everyone to make an effort to join in where they can,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Commonwealth Games Association.

The full programme starts with the official welcome reception on Monday, July 3 from 9.00am to 10.00am at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park when the baton is officially handed over to the Premier and the Virgin Islands.

The public relay will then start with the first baton bearer on a route through Road Town to take in the Tortola Pier Park, Waterfront Drive, Queen Elizabeth Park, Old Government House, the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, Sir Olva Georges Plaza, Main Street, Botanic Station and ending at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground.

The baton will then be driven to the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cow’s Bay where the students will be back at school with a short presentation to welcome the QBR.

The relay will then continue to Manuel Reef and the baton will be sailed to Nanny Cay aboard a Tortola Sloop and a flotilla of dinghies. At 3.00pm the relay will pass through Cane Garden Bay from De Wedding heading east to Quito’s.

A relay supported by residents will pass through Great Harbour at 4.00pm before the baton is transported back to Tortola.

On Wednesday, July 4, the Deputy Premier will speak at a public welcome ceremony at the Walters Recreation Park, Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda from 9.00am – 10.00am. The baton then will be handed over for a relay through the Valley up to the Baths. All residents of Virgin Gorda and Anegada are encouraged to participate.

The baton will arrive back to Tortola at 4.30pm where it will be received by cyclists at Trellis Bay and ridden across the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and handed over for a relay on foot through Long Look, the Sticket and East End and end at the Greenlands Playing Field.

A cultural presentation by traditional musicians, dancers and performers to include performances by the Australian resident community will form part of the official closing ceremony starting at 6:00pm at the Central Administration Complex. The evening will end with music and local food and refreshments on sale.

The key stakeholders involved in the planning and hosting of events include the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Premier, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports including the Departments of Culture, and Youth Affairs and Sports, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the BVI Tourist Board and GIS.

Event sponsors include the Government of the Virgin Islands, the BVI Bank Association – Banco Popular, CIBC FirstCaribbean, FirstBank, National Bank of the Virgin Islands and VP Bank – Premier Dental, Harneys, Meridian Construction, BVI Painters, Road Town Wholesale, Eureka Medical and Bougainvillea Clinic.

National Federations, schools, and Community and Social Groups will be supporting the event in the form of volunteers and participation in the relays as they pass through various districts.

The baton, which contains the message from the Queen to the athletes competing in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia in April 2018, and international crew will arrive from Anguilla on Saturday, July 1 at 7.00pm and will depart for Jamaica on Wednesday, July 5, 2017.

The last time the Queen’s Baton Relay toured the BVI was ahead of the Glasgow 2014 games.

More information can be found on www.bviolympics.org. Anyone who wishes to volunteer or who would like more information on the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay event in the VI can contact the BVI Olympic Committee on 496 6007.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball Tagged With: , , ,

BVI brings home 2017 Senior OECS Squash Champion title

June 7, 2017 by

By BVI Squash Racket Association

The BVI, represented by 15 players, took the overall Championship title playing against St Vincent and The Grenadines and St Lucia in the Senior OECS Individual and Team Championships which took place June 1 – 3, 2017 in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Photo: Provided

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) were represented by 15 players competing against St Vincent and The Grenadines (SVG) and St Lucia in the Senior OECS Individual and Team Championships which took place in SVG, June 1 – 3, 2017.

Securing the most points during the tournament, BVI brought home the title of Overall Senior OECS Squash Champions.

BVI took top spots in the Men’s Individuals won by Joseph Chapman, Joe Faragher-Kneipp in the Men’s 40+, and Neville Sorrentino in the Men’s 50+.

BVI also came first in the Women’s Individuals which was won by Daniela Schumann.

BVI continued to shine in the Men’s Vet Team when Joe Faragher-Kneipp beat James Bentick (SVG) 3:0 in the Men’s 40+, Neville Sorrentino won 3:1 against Colin Alexander (SVG) in the Men’s 50+, and Winston Findlay took the match 3:1 against Keith Boyea (SVG) in the Men’s 60+.

In the Women’s Team, Daniela Schumann beat Giovanna Miller-Alexander in 3 straight games as did Zoe Sorrentino playing against Gianna Miller-Alexander (SVG).

BVI players included Michael Adamson, Dion Anselm, Anthony Campbell, Joseph Chapman, Mark Chapman, Paul Cowlard, Caroline Dubois, Joe Faragher-Kneipp, Winston Findlay, Tatenda Gotosa, Daniela Schumann, Neville Sorrentino, Sue Sorrentino, Zoe Sorrentino, Richard Taylor.

The results of the OECS Squash Championships determine the players that will make up the OECS teams to compete in the Caribbean Area Squash Association Championships which this year will take place August 13 – 19, 2017 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The OECS Men’s Team comprises Joe Faragher-Kneipp (BVI), Joseph Chapman (BVI), Neville Sorrentino (BVI), Jules Snagg (SVG), James Bentick (SVG), Keith Boyea (SVG), Jason Doyle (SVG), Kevin Hannaway (SVG), Kai Bentick (SVG), Othniel Bailey (SVG).

The OECS Women’s Team includes Daniela Schumann (BVI), Zoe Sorrentino (BVI), Caroline Dubois (BVI), Gianna Miller-Alexander (SVG) Thandi Myers (SVG), Greta Primus (SVG), and Sherian Slater(SVG).

The OECS Team Manager is Mark Chapman.

Full results of the 2017 Senior OECS Squash Championships:

Individual Championships.

Team Championships.

Filed Under: Squash Tagged With: , , ,

Queen’s Baton Relay returns to the BVI for fourth time

May 17, 2017 by

Kyron McMaster carries the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton in a relay leg through Road Town in April 2014.

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay (GC2018 QBR) is on its journey through the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories as it heralds the start of the quadrennial Commonwealth Games which will be held in Australia in 2018.

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC), in its capacity as the BVI Commonwealth Games Association (BVICGA), will host the Relay in the British Virgin Islands when the Baton and traveling crew arrive from Anguilla on Saturday, July 1, 2017 until they depart for Jamaica on Wednesday, July 5.

There will be two days of community-oriented activity as the relay passes through Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

“Although called a relay, running is not central to the QBR and the activities planned through Road Town, Sea Cow’s Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Great Harbour in Jost Van Dyke, The Valley, Virgin Gorda and East End/Long Look will be accessible to people of all ages and abilities,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President BVIOC/BVICGA.

The GC2018 Queen’s Baton was designed by Queensland-based Designworks and incorporates Macadamia wood which is native to the Gold Coast, LED

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton

illumination which lights up when held, a Queen’s message window and GPS to track the Baton in real time.

Working with key stakeholders, the BVICGA organizing committee has planned a relay route and activities that will showcase to the world the VI’s residents, its sports-men, -women and -children, its beauty, culture, diversity and hospitality.

The Delhi 2010 Queen’s Baton makes a stop at the Elmore Stout High School in March 2010.

“This is definitely a community event and we are delighted to have the support of the Governor’s Office, the Government of the Virgin Islands and its Departments of Education, Culture and Sports, the BVI Tourist Board and the Royal BVI Police Force as well as the Australian community in the planning and execution,” said Mr. Penn. “We also invite businesses to join private sector entities, the BVI Bank Association, Premier Dental, Harneys and RTW in sponsoring this unifying initiative.”

Everyone is encouraged to participate in all the relays and public activities which will include an official ‘Welcome’ ceremony on July 3, relays involving the spectrum of sporting associations and a grand cultural finale on July 4 showcasing the traditions, music and culinary treats from the VI and Australia as organized by the resident Australian community members.

The Relay started at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, March 13, 2017. At the commencement ceremony, HM Queen Elizabeth II placed Her message to the athletes in to the Baton which will pass through the hands of the many batonbearers who will carry it around the Commonwealth.

Covering 142,915 miles in 388 days, the Queen’s Baton Relay will be the longest in Commonwealth Games history traveling to more than one third of the world’s

population. It engages communities and provides a platform for thousands of people to ‘share the dream’ ahead of the quadrennial celebration of Commonwealth sport from April 4 – 15, 2018.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will embody the values of the Commonwealth Games Federation – Humanity, Equality and Destiny and build upon the event’s reputation as the ‘Friendly Games’ and the integral role sport plays in uniting and strengthening communities.

Get more information on the GC2018 QBR.

 

 

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball Tagged With: , ,

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay in the BVI

May 16, 2017 by

Join in and share the dream of the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay when it tours through your community in Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

Click here to read the itinerary and route of the Baton in the BVI.

For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact Sofia Fay by email at sofia@broadswordpr.com or by ‘phone on (284) 541 7845 or Cleave Farrington by email at cmfarrington@bviolympics.org or by ‘phone on (284) 494 6920.

Images of the Dheli 2010 and Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relays in the BVI

 

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Uncategorized, Volleyball Tagged With: , , ,

BVI squash players reach finals of CASA Jr Championships

July 25, 2016 by

By VINO

BVI junior squash players Darci Reich (front right) and her brother Luka Reich were part of the OECS team for the 2016 Caribbean Amateur Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championships

BVI junior squash players Darci Reich (front right) and her brother Luka Reich were part of the OECS team for the 2016 Caribbean Amateur Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championships

The Caribbean Amateur Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championships closed out on Saturday July 24, 2016 in the Cayman Islands with local players Darci Reich finishing second in the U11’s bracket and brother Luka sixth in U13’s.

On what was the third day of the MAPLES Caribbean Junior Champs at South Sound Squash Club the individual titles were decided, and it was a great day for Barbados as they won six, and a good day for the seeding committee as all but one of the top seeds duly claimed the titles.

The day started with Guyana’s Paige Fernandes becoming the first-ever Caribbean U11 champion, after she beat Darci Reich 3-0 in the Final and she was joined by Alex Stewart, who won an entertaining five-game all-Barbados Boys’ final.

Reich was making her debut at this level having won the OECS Championship earlier this year and, having reached the final, went down 11-4, 12-10, 11-2.

Barbados took the Girls’ U13, U15 and U17 titles as Sumairaa Suleman, Meagan Best and Amanda Heywood all retained the titles they won last year with three-nil victories. For Page it was a fourth CASA junior title in a row, a fourth for Haywood too, but not consecutive.

It was the defending champions Guyana who took the Boys’ U13, U15 and U17 titles too as Shomari Wiltshire, Khamal Cumberbatch and Shermane Griffith all won in straight games. For Cumberbatch it was a fourth title in a row and a third for Griffith.

Luca Reich finished 6th overall in his first CASA Tournament and is the current OECS Champion at U13. He was knocked out in the quarter final stage by Darien Benn of Barbados, 11-3, 11-6 and 11-7.

First place was a repeat of last year’s Girls’ Final as Barbados aimed to retain the title they won against Guyana, who had won the previous nine editions.

Girls’ Final:

Barbados 3-2 Guyana
1st/2nd
U13: Sumairaa Suleman 3-0 Aboside Cadogan   11/9, 12/10, 11/3
U15: Meagan Best 3-0 Makeda Harding         11/2, 11/1, 11/2
U19: Chelsie Samuel 0-3 Taylor Fernandes    3/11, 4/11, 6/11
U17: Amanda Haywood 3-0 Rebecca Low         11/4, 11/2, 11/1
U19: Jada Smith-Padmore 0-3 Larissa Wiltshire 4/11, 4/11, 3/11

3rd/4th: T&T 3-2 Jamaica

5th/6th: Cayman 4-1 Bermuda

Boys’ Final: Guyana 3-2 Cayman
1st/2nd
U13: Shomari Wiltshire 3-0 Jace Jervis        11/5, 11/6, 11/1
U15: Daniel Islam 3-1 David Pitcairn          11/6, 8/11, 11/7, 11/6
U19: Benjamin Mekdeci 0-3 Julian Jervis       1/11, 1/11, 2/11
U17: Alex Cheeks 3-1 Jasun Sairsingh          11/8, 11/3, 9/11, 11/8
U19: Rithew Saywack 2-3 Isiah Robinson        12/10 in the fifth!

3rd/4th: Barbados 4-1 OECS

5th/6th: T&T 3-2 Jamaica

The overall team title went to Guyana, with Barbados in second and Cayman in third.

Filed Under: Squash Tagged With: , , ,

Olympic Day celebrated with National Federations and a focus on Rio 2016

June 29, 2016 by
Olympic Day 2016 DSC00314

Runners on BVI Olympic Day 2016. Photo: BVIOC

Adults and children kicked off Olympic Day in the VI with an early morning run in Virgin Gorda on Saturday, June 25. In Tortola, a mix of all ages came out in the afternoon to celebrate the occasion at the Tortola Sports Club by watching demonstrations in rugby, archery, taekwondo, squash and having a go at each of the sports in advance of the symbolic 2-mile run through Road Town.

Representatives for the national federations for Rugby, Archery, Taekwondo and Squash also shared information on the sports and encouraged attendees to sign up and get moving with a new activity.

Rio 2016 sailing hopeful, Chris Brockbank joined the Royal BVI Yacht Club to speak about the efforts he and his teammate, Alec Anderson had undertaken in their quest to qualify for this Summer Olympic Games. Whilst they did not meet the Rio 2016 qualification, Chris reiterated their commitment to pursuing qualification for Tokyo 2020. Club manager Tamsin Rand also spoke about the youth sailing programme.

The VI Swimming Federation represented by the president and members of the youth swimming team were also in attendance.

Ephraim Penn, president of the BVIOC gave a brief history of the BVI Olympic Committee and presented one of the founding members, Reynold ‘Rey’ O’Neal, OBE with a commemorative photo book of the tribute evening hosted for him by the BVIOC earlier in the year.

In keeping with the goal of Olympic Day to get the young involved and engaged in sports, Penn also spoke about the Long Term Athletes Development programme hosted by the BVIOC. The series of LTAD workshops will equip coaches with the resources to identify and develop promising youth athletes with a view to training them for major games such as the Olympics.

Chef de Mission for Rio 2016, Stephanie Russ-Penn followed with an update on the preparations for Rio 2016 confirming that the VI’s qualified track runners, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott (100m) and Ashley Kelly (200m) will be joined by young swimmer, Elinah Phillip (50m Freestyle) who will compete as part of the universality invitation.

Russ-Penn then went on to reveal the outerwear for the Team BVi athletes participating in major games highlighting the integration of the Vigilante in the design.

Rounding off with information on attending the summer Games, Mark Chapman, Treasurer, BVIOC said, “Rio 2016 promises to be an exciting occasion and it’s not too late to get event tickets and support Team BVI in Brazil. The BVIOC has tickets for residents and anyone else who has a connection to the territory. Recent research also shows airfare via Panama is available starting at $1006 so anyone interested in getting tickets can complete an online request on bviolympics.org or contact the BVIOC office on 494 6920. The summer Games take place August 5 – 21.”

The afternoon set up at the sports club included tips and massages by La Ambiance Spa and an information booth run by the VI branch of the Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO).

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, and Red Cross volunteers were on hand to ensure the safety of the runners and walkers. Roadtown Wholesale distributed Dasani water and Powerade to participants along the route and at the sports club.

Olympic Day was established in 1948 as an annual occasion where everyone everywhere can get together in their communities to celebrate the Olympic values of Respect, Excellence and Friendship and also celebrate the Olympic Day pillars: Move. Learn. Discover.

In his Olympic Day message to people around the world, IOC President, Thomas Bach said, “Olympic Day is for everyone, regardless of age or athletic ability. The important thing is to get the couch potatoes off the couch. Although Olympic Day commemorates an historic event, its goals are aimed at the future and particularly at young people. Olympic Day is an opportunity to remind people that sport is not just for watching. We want to inspire all people to get active and to have fun. Thank you for doing your part by getting off the couch. Please encourage others to do the same — not just on Olympic Day, but as part of a healthier and happier life. Enjoy the day, and please keep the spirit of Olympic Day alive throughout the year.”

Filed Under: Buy Tickets for Rio 2016, BVI Olympic Committee, Rio News, Rugby, Sailing, Squash, Swimming, Taekwondo Tagged With: , , , ,

Team BVI wins 2016 OECS Squash Championships

May 24, 2016 by
Photo provided

Photo provided

Squash players representing the British Virgin Islands recently returned as title winners of the 2016 OECS Squash Championships hosted by St Lucia from May 12 – 14.

Team BVI faced daily matches against players from St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines in both individual and team categories to take overall first place. SVG placed second and St Lucia, third in the three-day tournament.

Overall results

Men’s Individual category

James Bentick (SVG) had a walk over win for 7th place after St Lucia’s number 1 seed, Charlie Sonson was forced to pull out of the tournament due to an injury sustained on the second day of matches.

Eshwan Adams (SVG) defeated Dion Anselm (BVI) for 5th place 5/11 11/9 11/6 11/5.

In a match between two St Vincentians for third place, Kevin Hannaway defeated Kevin Othniel Bailey 11/4 9/11 11/1 11/8.

Jules Snagg (SVG) defeated Jason Doyle (SVG) to win the category 11/6 11/5 11/4.

Men’s 40+ finals

SVG’s, James Bentick defeated Dion Anselm (BVI) in five games 5/11 11/6 11/7 7/11 11/8

Men’s 50+ finals

Neville Sorrentino (BVI) defeated Carlos Segovia (St Lucia) 11/6 5/11 11/4 11/7

Men’s 60+ finals

Winston Findlay (BVI) defeated Francis Jude (St Lucia) in a walk over.

Men’s Plate finals

Omari Wilson (SVG) defeated Andre Segovia (St Lucia) 11/8 11/5 11/9.

Ladies’ Individual finals

In an all SVG encounter, Giovanna Alexnader defeated her sister, Gianna 11/2 11/6 9/11 11/8 for third place.

Zoe Sorrentino defeated Caroline Dubois, both of the BVI, to win first place 11/6 11/1 11/3.

Ladies’ Plate finals

Sofia Fay defeated Dara Smith, both of the BVI 9/11 3/11 11/8 11/8 12/10.

In the team division between BVI, SVG and St Lucia:

Team BVI defeated SVG

Ladies’ division 3 – 0

Vets’ division 5 – 0

Men’s division 0 – 4

Team BVI defeated St Lucia

Ladies division 3 – 0

Vets’ division 2 – 3

Men’s division 4 – 0

SVG defeated St Lucia

Ladies’ division 0 – 3

Vets’ division 3 – 0

Men’s division 0 – 4

Team BVI comprised Neville Sorrentino, Dion Anselm, Winston Findlay, Paul Cowlard, Anthony Campbell, Lee Osborne (team captain), and Percy Rhoden in the Men’s categories.

The Ladies’ category competitors were Zoe Sorrentino, Caroline Dubois, Felice Swapp, Simone Foster, Dara Smith, and Sofia Fay.

Filed Under: Squash Tagged With:

BVI Junior Squash players pick up trophies.

April 20, 2016 by

By BVI Squash Rackets Association

Junior BVI Squash team competed in the 2016 OECS Junior Squash tournament hosted in the BVI April 15 - 17. Photo: BVISRA

Junior BVI Squash team competed in the 2016 OECS Junior Squash tournament hosted in the BVI April 15 – 17. Photo: BVISRA

Some thrilling Junior squash was played over the weekend at the Tortola Sports Club. Juniors from Tortola battled it out with arch rival players from St. Vincent for OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) honors and also for prestigious places on the OECS Junior squash team which will head to Cayman in late July for the week-long Caribbean-wide Junior Squash Championships.

Games were fast and furious and provided fans with thrills and spills (literally in some matches) throughout the two day event.

Head coach and previous #10 Men’s Squash Player in the world, Joe Faragher-Kneipp was pleased with the results of BVI’s 12-strong team. He specifically mentioned his rookies, RJ Wong, Tai Thomas, Jake Hallet, Gethin Jones, Stephan Weyers and Lawton Green who played well throughout – “these kids continue to improve and I look forward to seeing them next year during this tournament with a full year of training in hand,” said Joe.

Kirstin Gordon lost a close match that went the full distance to 5 games against Jada Ross of St. Vincent in the U19 Girls Finals. “Her deft drop shot abandoned her in the final. Otherwise it could have just as easily been a 3 game victory sweep for Kirstin,” remarked one young fan.

Brooms were out in the U11 girls category as Darci Reich managed to defend her U11 title against new-comer, Nadira Morgan of St. Vincent in a 3-game sweep. “Her service game was solid and as consistent as a Steph Curry 3 pointer,” remarked one official. “If she was nervous, she did not show it!” Both girls displayed great sportsmanship with smiles throughout the final and, unsurprisingly, it was the St. Vincentian who managed to grab the Sportsmanship award for the tournament – an award that Darci had proudly won in St. Vincent in 2015.

The U11 boys bracket was a close affair also between two Cedar students with 2nd year squash player, Alex Fountain out-pacing Tai Thomas in a tough match that also left supporters talking about a strong future pipeline of squash players.

The U13 boys bracket saw fans torn between fan favorites, Luca Reich (defending champion) and Jasper Forte. The two Cedar boys are both part of the Squash Elective program at Cedar and managed to put on a terrific show for the fans with terrific shot making. Rallies consistently featured electrifying shots and left the fans gasping and cheering on several occasions. Games were close and saw both players displaying early nerves (perhaps as a result of the huge crowd on hand). It was veteran, Luca with steely nerves who managed to squeak out a much deserved win.

Prior to the tournament Luca spoke to sports journalists about Jasper’s continued improvement since last year’s tournament. “He is an up and coming player who will no doubt be a contender for future titles,” remarked Luca. “Without a doubt he is the most improved player in the BVI.”

Tournament officials agreed with his sentiments and awarded Jasper with the ‘Most Improved Squash Player’ award beating out several deserving contenders from both teams. It was Stephan Weyers that would bring home the third place trophy in this tough age group.

Leo Forte brought home a much deserved 3rd place trophy in the U17 boys bracket. His third place showing in the tournament a reflection of the tough competition and high standard of play in that bracket by the St. Vincent team. One of his competitors, Kai Bentick is seeded #2 in the Caribbean and won the U17 bracket.

One fan noted that “It is a function of the fact that Kai focuses his attention mainly on squash while Leo spends considerable time also playing his much loved football”.

Places for the OECS team were not announced at time of this press release. For anyone interested in learning the game of squash please contact Joe Kneipp at the Tortola Sports Club.

Filed Under: Squash Tagged With: , , , ,

VI’s Daniela Schumann through to Caribbean Senior Squash Championships

August 17, 2015 by
By: VINO
Daniela Schuman, playing for the OECS team, reaches the quarter finals in the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) 2015 Caribbean Senior Squash Championships in the Cayman Islands. Photo: Steve Cubbin

Daniela Schumann, playing for the OECS team, reaches the quarter finals in the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) 2015 Caribbean Senior Squash Championships in the Cayman Islands. Photo: Steve Cubbin

An action packed day at the South Sound Squash Club in the Cayman Islands, the venue for the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) 2015 Senior Caribbean Squash Championships on Sunday August 16, 2015, saw the Virgin Islands’ Daniela Schumann reach the quarter-finals.

Playing under the OECS Umbrella, local squash Ladies, former professional player and Fitness Instructor at the Tortola Sports Club, Schumann, Zoe Sorrentino and Kirstin Gordon, had days of differing fortune.

Sorrentino lost in the first round, 11-9, 11-8, and 11-9 to Bermudian Susie Lacie and then reached the third round of the consolation draw before being beaten by Marie Claire Barcant; 6-11, 11-6, 11-8, and 11-9.

Meanwhile, Schumann picked up wins against Larissia Wiltshire from Guyana, 11-8, 11-4, 11-8 and then Rhia Khan from Trinidad, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 to reach today’s quarter-finals.

Kirstin Gordon was also felled in the first round, losing out 11-1, 11-5 and 11-5 to Andrea Goodridge from Barbados. Gordon was then defeated by Wiltshire in the 2nd round of the consolation draw 11-2, 11-5, and 11-5.

The real story of the Women’s Division, however, is 13-year-old Barbadian Meagan Best, who also reached the quarter-finals, with two five set wins over ranked players, Claire Roscoe, the number one female player in the Cayman Islands, and Ashley Degroot.

In the Men’s Division, Jamaican Chris Binnie reached the quarter-finals and will face Bermuda’s Noah Browne, who beat two seeded players on his way to a match up with the Caribbean’s best.

The VI plays as part of the OECS team with Winston Findlay (60+) and Neville Sorrentino (50+) playing on the men’s team and Daniela Schumann, Zoe Sorrentino, Kerstin Gordon and Caroline Sorrentino all playing in the ladies Open category. The team competition starts on Thursday. The tournament takes place August 15 – 23.

Click here for draws, results and live streaming.

Filed Under: Squash Tagged With: , , ,

Joe Chapman through to Toronto Quarter Finals

August 13, 2015 by

By VINO

BVI squash player, Joe Chapman set to play in Quarter Finals of the 2015 Colony Ford Lincoln NSA Open, PSA M5 event in Toronto, Canada. Photo: Houston Open 2013

BVI squash player, Joe Chapman set to play in Quarter Finals of the 2015 Colony Ford Lincoln NSA Open, PSA M5 event in Toronto, Canada. Photo: Houston Open 2013

BVI’s squash player, Joe Chapman has reached the quarter finals of the Colony Ford Lincoln NSA Open, PSA M5 event in Toronto, Canada with a superb straight games victory over qualifier, James Bamber of England.

Chapman, who is number 5 seed in the tournament, needed 29 minutes for his 11-7, 11-4, 11-3 victory over Bamber. Chapman now faces number 2 seed, Arthur Gaskin of Ireland in the quarter-finals.

The biggest shock of the tournament so far, however, was Mexico’s qualifier, Jesus Camacho completing a huge upset in the first straight games victory over number 3 seed Dane Sharp.

The first game was the closest of the lot when Camacho, who reached the final of the British Virgin Islands Open Squash Championship at his last PSAWorld Tour appearance, narrowly emerged with a victory from the opening game courtesy of a tense tie-break. Despite playing on home soil, Sharp failed to live with Camacho’s exuberance around court and the Mexican No.5 finished off a 13-11, 11-8, 11-8 triumph in style to move on through to the quarter-final.

He will meet another Canadian there in David Baillargeon after the World No.199 recorded an impressive victory over compatriot Fred Reid while top seed Chris Hanson dispatched wildcard, Cameron Seth in three games.

Ireland’s Arhur Gaskin is also through to the next round after he claimed a confident victory against Albert Shoihet. Gaskin struggled to pull away in the second game in particular and he narrowly edged out a tight 15-13 win but that victory, sandwiched by triumphs in the first and third games, means that he moves on to the last eight with Joe Chapman.

Shahjahan Khan will meet Babatunde Ajagbe in the quarter-final after respective wins over Nicolas Caballero and Kale Wilson with a semi-final tie against Hanson or Michael McCue, who saw off Rahul Sehrawat, awaiting the victor.

Results – First Round
[1] Chris Hanson (USA) bt [WC] Cameron Seth (CAN) 3-0: 11-7, 11-7, 12-10 (30m)
[6] Michael McCue (CAN) bt [Q] Rahul Sehrawat (CAN) 3-0: 11-6, 11-5, 11-7 (42m)
[8] Babatunde Ajagbe (NGR) bt [Q] Kale Wilson (TRI) 3-0: 11-2, 11-3, 11-4 (27m)
[4] Shahjahan Khan (PAK) bt Nicolas Caballero (PAR) 3-2: 6-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 11-5 (60m)
[Q] Jesus Camacho (MEX) bt [3] Dane Sharp (CAN) 3-0: 13-11, 11-8, 11-8
David Baillargeon (CAN) bt [7] Fred Reid (CAN) 3-0: 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 (24m)
[5] Joe Chapman (IVB) bt [Q] James Bamber (ENG) 3-0: 11-7, 11-4, 11-3 (29m)
[2] Arthur Gaskin (IRL) bt Albert Shoihet (CAN) 3-0: 11-5, 15-13, 11-6 (38m)

Draw – Quarter-Final
[1] Chris Hanson (USA) v [6] Michael McCue (CAN)
[8] Babatunde Ajagbe (NGR) v [4] Shahjahan Khan (PAK)
[Q] Jesus Camacho (MEX) v David Baillargeon (CAN)
[5] Joe Chapman (IVB) v [2] Arthur Gaskin (IRL)

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