The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has achieved an unprecedented milestone in junior squash, securing three gold medals at the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships.
The thrilling finals of the Nagico and Interpath Junior Caribbean Squash Association Championships took place at the Tortola Sports Club, marking a significant chapter in BVI sports history.
Delilah Pease set the stage for BVI’s historic triumph in the Girls Under 11 category. In a dramatic final against Gia Ghuran of Trinidad and Tobago, Pease showcased her resilience and skill. Despite trailing 1-2 with scores of 11-6, 9-11, and 10-12, she made a spectacular comeback, winning the fourth game 11-6 and dominating the fifth game with an 11-2 victory. This victory not only secured Pease a gold medal but also marked her as the first BVI player to win gold in a junior regional tournament. This remarkable feat is a first for BVI squash at the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships, with Joe Chapman previously winning gold in 2009 for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Jakob Noblett added to the historic success by clinching BVI’s second gold medal. In the finals, Noblett faced Guyana’s Ethan Bulkan. Noblett took the first game 13-11 and was ahead 6-4 in the second game before Bulkan was forced to withdraw due to injury, thus securing Noblett’s victory. This win distinguished Noblett as the first male player to earn a gold medal representing the BVI in the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships.
The BVI’s final gold medal came from Daniel Henderson in the Boys Under 17 division. Henderson battled fiercely against the top-seeded Jaydon Williams of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. After falling behind 1-2 with scores of 11-9, 9-11, and 5-11, Henderson fought back to win the final two games 11-6 and 14-12, concluding a hard-fought match that lasted 56 minutes.
These outstanding performances at the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships not only highlight the talent and determination of BVI’s young athletes but also mark a new era of success for BVI squash on the regional stage