18 to do battle in 14th KPMG Squash League
EIGHTEEN teams are set to do battle when the 2014 KPMG Squash League begins on Tuesday.
The league, which is in its 14th year, is scheduled to run for eight weeks.
Defending champions the UTech Knights are favourites to repeat, but the tournament’s handicap structure means that even the strongest players can take very little for granted.
The unique format literally levels the playing field between competitors of all skill levels. The result is non-stop excitement from unpredictable and highly competitive matches.
However, the Knights are bringing plenty star-power to the table with Ashante Smith, reigning Caribbean Under-19 boys’ champion and All Jamaica Under-19 boys’ champion Julian Morrison on their slate. The junior national team players were in winning form throughout 2013 and will be looking to replicate that success in the New Year.
Standing between the Knights and a second title are 2012 champions, the Milex Eagles, and 2011 winners, the Travoltas. After failing to defend the title last year the Eagles are looking to reclaim the top prize. This time around, the team is firing on all cylinders as 12-time All Jamaica ladies champion Karen Anderson, who was sidelined last year due to injury, has returned to competitive play.
However, Anderson’s return might not daunt the Travoltas, who have the benefit of 13-time All Jamaica men’s champion Wayne Burrowes.
Also in the mix are the newly formed Unsquashables, which includes members of the 2010 winning team, the Millsborians. In addition, last year’s surprise semi-finalists Bruk Foot United cannot be counted out.
Tournament director Raymond Donald said he expects the competition to live up to its reputation as one of sport’s best showcases.
“The KPMG league has consistently provided a high standard of squash with exciting and memorable matches and we are looking forward to another year of great competition,” he said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Tarun Handa, managing partner for KPMG in Jamaica.
“The KPMG league remains one of the most popular tournaments for both fans and players and we are proud to contribute to the development of the players and to give the spectators an event that is filled with excitement and fun,” he said.