It was an eventful weekend at the Mayfair Lakeshore Club in Toronto, Ontario, as the 2019 Canadian U23 Championships joined talented squash players from across the nation. From May 31st to June 2nd, young men and women under 23 years of age competed for a national title and a total of $2500 prize money.
It was an eventful weekend at the Mayfair Lakeshore Club in Toronto, Ontario, as the 2019 Canadian U23 Championships joined talented squash players from across the nation. From May 31st to June 2nd, young men and women under 23 years of age competed for a national title and a total of $2500 prize money.
On the men’s side, many close matches kept supporters and fans on the edge of their seats. David Mill, who finished third at the 2018 Canadian U23 Championships, returned this year hoping to capture the gold medal. David came into the 2019 event in the 5/8 position, but displayed dominance, defeating the 1st seed and 3/4 seed, thus securing himself a spot in the finals. Joining him in the championship match was Rahul Sehrawat, who took out the other 3/4 player along the way. While it was a great battle, David ultimately won the match in four games (11,9) (11,7) (5,11) (11,9).
"I am very happy to have won my first national title not only for myself but for my team at Western University,” said David. “I'd like to thank my fellow opponents for pushing me both physically and mentally, the referees for their hard work in officiating a player like me, Lolly Gillen for always believing in me and Robin Clarke for running such a great event. Id also like to thank my mentor Gary Waite for developing me into the player and man I am today and lastly I'd like to dedicate this win to Graeme Williams and his junior program at Windsor Squash and Fitness."
In the 3/4 playoff, George Crowne defeated opponent William Kuhn in a close five-setter and captured the bronze medal. George is now a two-time medalist of the Canadian U23 Championships, having also finished second at last year’s event.
On the women’s side, the tournament’s younger contenders showed to have great success. Seventeen-year-old Brianna Jefferson, participating in her first U23 Championships, came into the event as the 2nd seed. Brianna made it past tough competitors to join top seed, and past medalist, Nicole Kendall in the finals. The two faced off for the gold medal, with Brianna coming out on top, defeating Nicole in three games (11,7) (11,7) (11,8), and gaining the title of 2019 Canadian Women’s U23 Champion.
In the 3/4 playoff, Erica McGillicuddy also just seventeen, defeated opponent Sydney Maxwell in four games and finished in third place.
Tournament Chair, Robin Clarke, feels optimistic about the future of the Canadian U23 Championships. “The tournament was a huge success,” said Robin. “The level of U23 players committed made for one hugely competitive draw. I really feel this event has the potential to become one of the biggest events on the Canadian calendar, and from the response I received from the players they appreciated another opportunity after school to compete in tournament play. I’d really like to thank Darin Manley for assisting all weekend with tournament and referee organization duties.”
