Mary Mahfood and Lewis Walters were crowned champions of the 45^th All Jamaica Senior Squash Championships at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston on Saturday.

Mahfood turned back the number two seeded Mehar Trehan 13-11, 12-10, 11-2 in decisive fashion while Walters claimed the male title, beating number two seed Bruce Burrowes 11/6, 11/3, 11/5.

Katherine Risden grabbed the female third spot beating Sanjana Nallapati in straight sets 11/7, 11/7, 12/10 and Jonathan Walker captured third in the male section beating Tahjia Lumley 11/6, 9/11, 11/7, 11/8.

The match-up between Mahfood and number two seed Mehar Trehan gave the appreciative crowd a lot to cheer for as both players traded shots as they battled to get the upper hand but Mahfood’s trademark power game proved decisive.

 “You know this one feels exciting. I came out here with the mindset of just to have fun and I think that’s exactly what I did,” said Mahfood. “I’m so impressed as I’ve said previously, by the sport and how many youngsters are out here playing and really putting their best foot forward. There’s so much potential, so this one just felt like I was happy to be here.”

The men’s final between Walters and Burrowes had all the fireworks but Walters had all the answers as he elegantly floated across the court.

Burrowes who is known to outrun many opponents on the court did not seem to have the legs to do so in the final which lasted 32 minutes. He might have been tired as he played a gruelling five-setter semi-final.

“I played really well today. I think I probably got through my semi-final match a little bit more comfortable than Bruce did. He had a long five-setter so I think that that played a part in tonight’s match,” Walters theorised. “He was starting to get a feel of the heat and probably the effects of the match last night but yeah overall really happy with the match I’ve played all week.”

The president of the Jamaica Squash Association, Karen Anderson, who is a 13-time All Jamaica winner was pleased with the quality of this year’s championship. “Squash is on the rebound. We have been on a good trajectory as it relates to the sport itself, the crowd support and the level of play of our players. So, we’re very excited for this All Jamaica championship. It was very exciting,” said Anderson.

The president also noted that this year will be busy with Jamaica hosting the Caribbean championship in November.

The sponsors for this year’s All Jamaica Junior and Senior Squash Championships were Grace Kennedy Capital Management, Boilerco, Binds Designs and Wata.