The Carey Olsen Tortola Classic Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger Tour will be taking place from June 13-17, 2023 at the Tortola Sports Club. The event will comprise 24 players in total made up of 21 professional players from overseas and 3 of the BVI’s best players. The 21 pro players will be representing 14 different countries including Egypt, Spain, USA and Mexico and others. The number 1 seed for the tournament will be Spanish International Bernat Jaume who is currently ranked 59 in the World.
Other noteworthy names in the draw are the returning American duo of Andrew Douglas and Spencer Lovejoy who are seeded 2 and 4 respectively. The two of them are on top form having recently battled it out with each other in the US National Final with Andrew emerging victorious claiming his first US Senior National Title. This is no mean feat with the US having 4 players between 34 and 54 in the world who were all present in the event.
Pakistan International Muhamad Asim Khan is the tournament’s no.3 seed. He is a very smooth player and will have serious aspirations of progressing deep into the draw.
Mohamad Zakaria of Egypt is another player that is expected to make waves. At only 15 years old he has already cemented himself as one of the best junior players in the world. Mohamad has already scalped players within the top 100 in the world and is hoping to overturn a few of his higher ranked opponents. Like Jonah Bryant who played in the PSA Challenger event last year, Zakaria has the potential to reach the very top of the game making this event a unique opportunity to watch him compete on the courts in the BVI.
Resident players going into the draw will be BVI’s former professional player, Joe Chapman who reached a career high world ranking of 98. Incredibly, Joe has represented the BVI 5 times at the Commonwealth Games.
BVI National Coach Adam Murrills will also be participating in the draw. Prior to arriving in the BVI, Adam reached a highest world ranking of 76.
The BVI Squash Racket Association will hold a play-off amongst several top players for the final spot with the winner having the opportunity to play against one of the best players in the world!
“It really is an honour to welcome truly world class sport to the BVI,” said BVISRA President Mark Chapman. “We encourage everyone, and especially sports enthusiasts, to take advantage of this opportunity to watch a major squash competition on home turf and soak in the action. Whether you’re a regular player or someone who wants to learn more about the sport, come to the courts at the Tortola Sports Club and make the most of what should be a fantastic week of squash.”
All games will start at 5:15pm and will be free to all. The final competition will have a $25 entry fee payable at the door.
