VI’s Dion Anselm, left, gave it his best effort but the quality of 15-year-old Mohamed Zakaria of Eqypt, right, shone through at the Carey Olsen Tortola Classic 2023 on June 13, 2023. Photo: BVI Squash Racket Association

VI’s Danny Henderson, left, at the young age of 15 years old, managed to take the first game against his Mexican opponent, Armando Olguin, who’s ranked 378 in the world. Photo: BVI Squash Racket Association

7 of the matches last night were considered VI vs The Rest of The World.

According to a press release from the BVI Squash Racket Association today, June 14, 2023, the VI players gave it their all and put in some strong performances however they were unable to beat any of their Professional counterparts.

15-year-old Danny Henderson battled seasoned Mexican opponent

The Association said special mention must go to Danny Henderson who at the young age of 15 years old managed to take the first game against his Mexican opponent, Armando Olguin, who’s ranked 378 in the world.

At 1-1 Henderson also held game ball in the 3^rd but narrowly lost out 15-13. The final score was 7-11, 11-2, 15-13, 11-4 in favour of Armando Olguin. “Overall it was a very encouraging performance from Danny and one which will hopefully provide him with confidence moving forwards,” the Association stated.

15-year-old Egyptian squash sensation advances

Another highlight of the night was getting to watch young Mohamad Zakaria of Eqypt, who played against Dion Anselm of the Virgin Islands.

“Like Danny, Zakaria is only 15 years old and he looks like a real talent. He’s already established himself as one of the top juniors in the world. Dion gave it his best effort but Zakaria’s quality shone through. I know the crowd is very much looking forward to watching him tomorrow [today] against the tournament’s number one seed and World Ranked number 58 Bernat Jaume,” the Association said.

The eighth match of the evening saw two VI players match up against each other, in the form of Joe Chapman and Rory Thornton. These two are no strangers to each other and played in last year’s National Final.

Chapman has previously been ranked as high as 98 in the world and his pedigree showed last night, winning 3-0. He now carries the VI’s hopes into the last 16 where he will face Laszlo Godde.

Meanwhile, the tournament’s top 8 seeds get into action this evening and entrance is once again free.

The start time is 5:15 PM.

Results 

Mohamad Zakaria beat Dion Anselm 3-0

Armando Olguin beat Danny Henderson 3-1

Stephen Hearst beat Stuart Rau 3-0

Sebastiaan Hofman beat Oliver Henderson 3-0

Aaron Allpress beat Paul Cowlard 3-0

Joe Chapman beat Rory Thornton 3-0

Tino Antonio Mackay Palacios 3-0

Taylor Carrick beat Seb Donovan 3-0