Top seeds hold firm on day one of BCQS Barbados International Squash Masters

The status quo stayed firmly in place on day one of the BCQS Barbados International Squash Masters at Marine Courts.

A couple of the seeded players were taken to four sets, but other than that, it was plain sailing.

However, the match of the day was the five-setter between Mark Oliver and Michael Best as they entertained the crowd with some scintillating strokes. It was Oliver who took the encounter 11-7, 8-11, 6-11, 13-11, 11-7 as they battled stroke for stroke in the men’s 55-64 classic.

Top seed and defending champion in the Women’s Over 55, Caroline Goodridge, held off the number 4 ranked Valarie Worrell 12-10, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 in a pulsating duel.

Caroline’s father, the stalwart Rudy Goodridge, had a much easier ride against Trevor Dunkley, winning 11-5, 11-1, 11-2 in the 65-plus category.

Defending champion in this division, Trinidadian John Holley, also had it easy, dismissing Dennis Dias in straight sets.

The 35-44 contender in the men’s division, Rhett Cumberbatch, stopped colleague Copeland Straker 11-3, 11-5, 11-8.

Dean Straker came from behind to beat Robert Low 4-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-8.

It was easy for Lynn Decambra-McLeod as she swept aside Diane Gagne-Pacey 11-4, 11-0, 11-6 in the Women’s 55 and over. The number 2 seed in this section, Lucyla Seale, defeated Donalda Myers 11-8, 11-5, 11-3.

Second seed in the 35-44 division, Nadia Harris, beat Alison Smith-Padmore 11-3, 11-4, 11-3. (PR)