The British Virgin Islands men’s squash team competed in the individual stage of the Pan American Senior Squash Championships, held Aug. 21–27 in Rio de Janeiro.
Joe Chapman of the BVI lost 3-0 to Matias Lacroix of Chile, with game scores of 11-5, 11-3, 11-4. Danny Henderson lost 3-2 to Seth Thong of Trinidad and Tobago, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7, 13-15, 11-5. Oliver Henderson fell 3-0 to Roberto Pezzota of Argentina, 11-2, 11-8, 11-9, and Luca Reich lost 3-0 to Noah Browne of Bermuda, 11-6, 11-9, 11-3.
Coach Adam Murrills said the tournament provides a higher level of competition compared with regional play. “Playing the PanAm Champs is always a big step up from simply competing within the Caribbean as the standard amongst some of the bigger countries within the region is very strong, with the likes of the USA, Colombia, Canada, Mexico, etc. being strong forces within the squash world,” Murrills said.
He noted that despite the results, he was encouraged by the team’s performance. “Overall I was very happy with the standard that our players performed at,” Murrills said. “It was great to see Joe back in action for the BVI after a break from competitive squash.
Our young group of players — Danny, 17, Oli, 19, and Luca, 22 — have been training hard over the past few months including intensive training camps with input from England’s former national coach and also the World No. 59 from Colombia, Matias Knudsen. I can definitely see the improvements.”
The squad will next compete in the team event portion of the championships later this week.
