American Spencer Lovejoy, left, who entered the tournament as the number 4 seed, defeated the number 3 seed Mohamad Asim Khan, right, of Pakistan in 5 sets in the Final of the played Carey Olsen Tortola Classic Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger Tour at Tortola Sports Club on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Photo: BVI Squash Rackets Association

The Carey Olsen Tortola Classic Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger Tour was played at Tortola Sports Club in Pasea Estate. Photo: BVI Squash Rackets Association

Governor John J. Rankin, CMG attended the Finals and assisted in the presentation of prizes. Photo: BVI Squash Rackets Association.

Spencer, who entered the tournament as the number 4 seed, defeated the number 3 seed Mohamad Asim Khan in 5 sets in the Final played at Tortola Sports Club on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Asim, who reached the final at the expense of number 2 seed Andrew Douglas of the USA, started slowly and Spencer took full advantage. From 3-2 up he reeled off 5 straight points and it appeared as if physically Asim may have been feeling the effects of his 5-set match with Andrew Douglas on Friday.

Spencer, who reached the final after taking the scalp of number 1 seed, Spanish International Bernat Jaume who is currently ranked 59 in the World, carried the momentum straight through and took the game with relative ease 11-5.

Asim fights back!

Asim came out much stronger in the 2^nd. His trademark work down the backhand wall began to come into effect and physically he was looking much sharper. After a nip and tuck end to the game, he snuck it 14-12 and levelled things up at 1-1.

Post-match, Spencer remarked that he got his game plan wrong in the 3rd… he tried to slow things down and Asim picked him off. Asim took charge and won 11-2.

Spencer switches gears

Asim was looking like a strong favourite at this point; however, Spencer upped the pace and intensity in the 4^th and it paid dividends. He won 7 points straight to take the 4^th 11-6.

Into a 5^th we went. After some high-quality squash at the start of the 5^th from Asim, he managed to open up a 7-1 lead. Spencer was still looking strong physically though and he put in a big push. He played a couple of great points with some fantastic retrievals and Asim also helped him with a few poor points. 7-7. They traded points until Asim held match ball at 10-9. Spencer saved it. Spencer then earned a match ball of his own and for what seemed like the first time this week Asim’s trusty backhand drop let him down and found the tin.

“A shame for the match to finish on an error… however it in no way took away from what had been an incredible final! We were fortunate to have a fantastic 5 game thriller in last year’s title decider between Balazs Farkas and David Baillargeon… and to get another this year was equally as pleasing!

‘Well-deserved title’ for Spencer Lovejoy

“Huge congratulations to Spencer on a fantastic week of squash and a very well-deserved title,” the BVI Squash Rackets Association commented.

It also expressed appreciation to Governor John J. Rankin, CMG for being in attendance and making the presentations.

“A big thank you also to all the players for helping provide a full day of squash for our members. This started with the Pros helping out with our Junior Programmes between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. They then held a Play The Pro session where several of our members got the chance to take them on. Finally, just prior to the final, we had a fun Doubles Exhibition in which Andrew Douglas and Mohamed Zakaria got the better of Adam Murrills and Aaron Allpress.

“In order to not let the party stop… both Spencer Lovejoy and Andrew Douglas will be staying on for a couple of days to run some clinics for the adult members on Monday,” the Association stated.