BVI to host international Squash event

The BVI will this year host a major Squash tournament endorsed by the Professional Squash Association (PSA) — the global governing body for the sport.

The Carey Olsen Tortola Classic will be taking place from June 13-17, 2023 at the Tortola Sports Club. The BVI has hosted the event in previous years, and the territory is part of the PSA’s Challenger Tour, which showcases the game of squash at its highest level in some of the most unique and stunning locations. 

The event is set to bring attention to the BVI as it will feature top squash players from 14 countries including Egypt, Spain, the USA, Mexico and others. 

According to the Tortola Sports Club, 24 players will be featured at the event — 21 professional players from overseas and three of the BVI’s best players. 

Top international players

The number-one seed for the tournament will be Spanish international, Bernat Jaume, who is currently ranked 59th in the world. Other noteworthy names in the draw are the returning American duo of Andrew Douglas and Spencer Lovejoy who are seeded two and four, respectively. 

Pakistan international, Muhamad Asim Khan, is the tournament’s number-three 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. 

Local players who will compete at the event include the BVI’s former professional player, Joe Chapman who reached a career-high world ranking of 98. Chapman has represented the BVI five times at the Commonwealth Games. BVI national coach Adam Murrills will also be participating in the draw. 

President of the BVI Squash Racket Association Mark Chapman is encouraging members of the public to attend the games once they get underway on Tortola.

“It really is an honour to welcome a truly world-class sport to the BVI,” said 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 5:15 pm and will be free to all. The final competition will have a $25 entry fee payable at the door.