Millsborough triumph at KPMG squash tourney
Dark horses Millsborough pulled off an exciting two-game win over the Milex Eagles to cop the 2010 KPMG Squash League, which wrapped up at the Liguanea Club on Thursday.
The Millsborough team, which was made up of player/coach Andrew Mahfood and teenagers Jake Mahfood, Josh Mahfood and Mary Mahfood, took full advantage of the tournament’s unique handicap structure which gave them a fighting chance against the more experienced players Jamie Douglas, Steven Steele and many-time All-Jamaica champion Karen Anderson.
Reigning Under-13 Caribbean Girls champion Mary Mahfood bested Jamie Douglas 21-13, 18-21, 21-16, 21-17 to take the first game. Drawing inspiration, current Under-13 Caribbean Boys champion Jake Mahfood then turned in an inspired performance against his coach, Karen Anderson, beating the veteran 21-20, 21-20, 20-21, 21-6.
Steven Steele then put his team on the scoreboard with a straight set win over Josh Mahfood. However, the 21-14, 21-17, 21-16 victory was academic, as Mary and Jake Mahfood had already secured the trophy for Millsborough.
A record 24 teams entered the KMPG League this year, as the tournament continues to enjoy increasing popularity among both players and spectators. The handicap structure, which is unique to the KPMG League, literally creates a level playing field and gives teams who might normally be classified as underdogs a genuine chance to win the title.
Judith Allen, KPMG’s marketing manager said: “It’s a very competitive format and the approach taken by the KPMG league seems to be really good for the sport. With the handicaps anybody can play against anybody and everybody has to fight to win and this year the competition has been particularly good.”
In addition to being part of the winning team, 13-year-old Mary Mahfood also won the prize for Most Improved Player. Mahfood’s match against Jamie Douglas was considered one of the most competitive of the tournament.
The Millsborough squash team, winners of the 2010 KPMG Squash League with Judith Allen (left), KPMG’s marketing manager. The team is (from 2nd left) Josh Mahfood, Mary Mahfood, player/coach Andrew Mahfood and Jake Mahfood.