LUCKY NUMBER 13.
That’s what Barbados’ squash champion Karen Meakins will be hoping for when the First Citizens Barbados Squash Open gets underway this week.
Meakins, who rose to international stardom after placing second in the World Masters Squash Championships two years ago in Cologne, Germany, will be looking for her 13th Squash Open title, having won the competition 12 times in 13 appearances.
It won’t be easy though, as the No.1-ranked and Caribbean No. 2 Meakins, will face stiff challenge from the United States based and second-ranked Cheri-Ann Parris, Caribbean No. 10 Nadia Mccarthy, and former national player Alex Jordan.
Speaking to the media at yesterday’s press conference at First Citizens Warrens headquarters, Meakins said that she was very excited about playing in the tournament.
“I am looking forward to the competition which I will be facing. Hopefully, I can get to the finals again, where I can get to face Cheri, because I know that it will be a very tough and exciting game,” she noted.
She revealed that she would also be using the competition as a warm-up for the upcoming World Masters which is scheduled to be held later this month in Birmingham, England.
Defending
Meanwhile, it was also disclosed that men’s “A” champion, Richard Chin of Guyana, will also be back to defend his title.
Barbados’ hopes in this division will rest squarely on the shoulders of local men’s champion and the No. 2 seed Shawn Simpson, along with former champion and third-ranked Gavin Cumberbatch.
Also competing will be top Trinidadian player Colin Ramasra, who will be coming into this competition on a high after capturing the St Lucian Squash Open last week.
Simpson revealed that with the Caribbean Championships slated for next month, the tournament would help with the team’s preparation, where they were hoping to defend their team title.
“This will give players a chance to reassess themselves and see where they are in terms of competition level.
“This tournament has some good quality players, and it will be very competitive and intense.”
Action was slated to begin yesterday with the Men’s “B” competition and will run until Friday when the finals will be held.
Games begin at 5:30 p.m.
