Jamaica's Karen Anderson (second left) share a photo opportunity with other members of the Caribbean PanAm Squash Board.
Jamaica Squash Association president Karen Anderson says her tenure as regional vice president of the Caribbean for the Federation of Pan-American Squash board, will be used to forge new partnerships, as well as to strengthen to federation's governance structure to drive growth and improve the region's competitiveness in the sport.
Anderson, who is currently serving a second term at the helm of the Jamaica Squash Association, was recently appointed second in command of the Caribbean for the Federation of Pan-American Squash board during an election in Santiago, Chile. Her four-year term began earlier this November.
She welcomes the new position and is ready to stamp her ideas on the association for the betterment of the sport locally and regionally.
"It is a true honour to serve the Caribbean on the Federation of Pan-American Squash board. We shall be directing policy for squash in the region over the next four years which is a great opportunity and great time as Olympics is in that five-year window, so it really will shape and determine the policy for squash in the region," Anderson said.
Anderson is an accomplished squash player, who represented Jamaica up until recently. As a professional player she attained a career high world ranking of number 94 in 2005. She joined the Women's Squash Players Association in the same year. She is a squash coach locally and has guided many players to national and regional representation.
She is currently leading the charge for the Jamaica Squash Association to attain full charitable status and be known as Jamaica Squash, along with an aggressive governance transformation with the expectation of a more robust organization financially and competitively in the region and beyond, to include qualifying players for the 2028 Olympics where squash will feature as a new sport on the schedule.
"It will factor and feature in a number of things such as referring (and) coaching, so we are very excited and looking forward to see how we can forge some partnerships with our other counterparts in the region to really grow and strengthen our governance structure and our competitiveness in the region but on an international scale as well. I am really looking forward to the next four years as regional VP for the Caribbean on the Federation of Pan-American Squash board," Anderson noted.
The only other Jamaican to serve on the Federation of Pan-American Squash board is Douglas Beckford.
Blown captures first KPMG squash title with thrilling victory over Fantastic Warriors
Blown emerged triumphant in a thrilling final of the 24th KPMG Squash League, defeating Fantastic Warriors in a fiercely contested showdown at the Liguanea Club. This victory marks Blown's inaugural championship title in the league, solidifying their place among Jamaica's squash elite.
The final match unfolded with nail-biting intensity as Blown navigated through a series of competitive encounters against their resilient opponents.
Blown initially faced adversity when Anthony Mahfood fell short in a closely contested match against Nabeel Jawad from the Fantastic Warriors. Mahfood displayed determination but ultimately succumbed to Jawad's precision, with scores of 16-21, 21-5, 10-21, 16-21.
However, Blown swiftly regained momentum with a standout performance from captain Jake Mahfood, who demonstrated exceptional skill and energy against Fantastic Warriors' captain Stewart Maxwell. Mahfood's dominance on the court was evident as he claimed victory in straight sets, with scores of 21-15, 21-15, 21-14, leveling the match at one apiece and setting the stage for a decisive third match.
In the pivotal third encounter, Andrew Bicknell demonstrated clinical prowess against Andre Sewell of the Fantastic Warriors, sealing the championship for Blown in commanding fashion with scores of 21-15, 21-20, 21-14.
Reflecting on the team's achievement, Captain Mahfood expressed gratitude to his teammates for their unflinching support throughout the tournament, highlighting Andrew Bicknell's exceptional performance as instrumental to their success.
"It's fantastic. It's a great tournament. It's been a phenomenal tournament, and we look forward to next year to defend our title," remarked Mahfood, exuding pride for Blown's victory.
Mahfood's stellar contributions did not go unnoticed, as he was honoured with the coveted MVP award, a testament to his leadership and on-court excellence. Fraser McConnell, another key member of the Blown team, played an integral role in their championship journey.
In response to the defeat, Stewart Maxwell of the Fantastic Warriors acknowledged the formidable skill and youthfulness of the Blown team, commending their superior performance on the court.
"When you have superior players whose shot placements give you a guided tour of the four corners of the court, that's exactly what happened," remarked Maxwell, highlighting the level of skill exhibited by the Blown squad.
Despite the outcome, Maxwell expressed optimism for the future, aiming to elevate the Fantastic Warriors' performance in the next edition of the KPMG Squash League.
The KPMG Squash League, widely regarded for its quality and longevity, received high praise from Tarun Handa, KPMG's senior partner, who highlighted the league's alignment with the organization's core values of integrity, excellence, and teamwork.
Karen Anderson, president of Jamaica Squash, echoed sentiments of satisfaction, emphasizing the event's inclusivity and significance in promoting the sport across diverse demographics.
As Blown celebrates their historic victory, the squash community eagerly anticipates the continued growth and success of the KPMG Squash League, fueled by enduring partnerships with sponsors like KPMG and new supporters like WATA, who contribute to the sport's flourishing development in Jamaica.
Blown and Fantastic Warriors set for thrilling KPMG Squash League final this evening
Blown and Fantastic Warriors have secured their spots in the eagerly anticipated final of the 24th KPMG Squash League after impressive victories over Saints and Racketeers in the semi-finals. Squash enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting showdown between these two formidable teams, scheduled for this Friday at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston, with the action kicking off at 6:00 pm on the main court.
The path to the final saw both teams display exceptional skill and determination, thrilling spectators with intense matches that highlighted the competitive spirit of the league.
In the first semi-final clash between Blown and Saints, Jerry Bell of Saints delivered a commanding performance to secure victory over Fraser McConnell in straight sets (21-17, 21-19, 21-13). However, Blown fought back fiercely, with Jake Mahfood and Andrew Bicknell securing crucial wins to propel their team to the final.
Meanwhile, the battle between Fantastic Warriors and Racketeers kept fans on the edge of their seats with extended rallies and impressive displays of athleticism. Racketeers' Adam Lee and Fantastic Warriors' Nabeel Jawad and Stewart Maxwell showcased exceptional talent, ultimately leading to a thrilling conclusion in favor of the Fantastic Warriors.
This year's league has witnessed captivating matches and standout performances, with a new champion set to be crowned following the absence of defending champions AGI (Advantage General Insurance). The competition, which began with 16 teams in early March, featured 64 players representing a diverse range of skill levels, from beginners to national champions.
A unique aspect of the league was the implementation of handicaps based on players' skill levels, ensuring a level playing field and offering every participant an opportunity to excel. Matches were extended to twenty-one points, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the games.
As the KPMG Squash League reaches its pinnacle with the highly anticipated final, squash enthusiasts and supporters eagerly await what promises to be an exhilarating showdown between Blown and Fantastic Warriors. Don't miss out on the action as these two top-tier teams vie for supremacy in this prestigious tournament.
Elite Jamaica squash player Julian Morrison fights back against doping allegations after positive test for Boldenone
In a bid to clear his name and restore his reputation, Jamaica's national squash champion, Julian Morrison, is challenging the provisional suspension imposed by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) after testing positive for trace amounts of Boldenone, a banned anabolic agent.
The suspension came following an out-of-competition test conducted on January 18th, 2024, where Morrison's results showed the presence of Boldenone in his system. However, Morrison and his representatives strongly assert that the substance entered his body inadvertently, likely through contamination.
Dr. Emir Crowne and Mr. Matthew Gayle, legal representatives for Morrison, are steadfast in their support of his innocence. They emphasize that Boldenone's presence was unintentional and stress Morrison's commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport.
Speaking on behalf of Morrison, Dr. Crowne stated, "As best as can be determined at this time, the banned substance unknowingly entered Mr. Morrison's system through contamination." Morrison remains determined to expedite the process of vindication and is actively engaging with authorities to clear his name.
Boldenone, often associated with bodybuilding due to its anabolic properties, is prohibited in competitive sports. However, Morrison's case highlights the complexities of anti-doping regulations and the challenges faced by athletes when dealing with inadvertent exposure to banned substances.
Despite the setback, Morrison remains resolute and hopeful for a positive resolution. His representatives have expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts to overturn the suspension and restore Morrison's eligibility to compete.
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