Jamaica Squash Association (JSA) president Karen Anderson has praised the quality of play at the 45th All Jamaica Senior Squash Championships, where Mary Mahfood and Lewis Walters emerged as champions in their respective categories at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston at the weekend.

"Squash is on the rebound. We have been on a good trajectory as it relates to the sport itself, the crowd support, and the level of play of our players, so we're very excited for this All Jamaica championship. It was very exciting,” Anderson said.

In the women’s final, Mahfood faced off against number two seed Mehar Trahan in a thrilling match that had the crowd on edge. Mahfood’s powerful game made the difference and earned her a hard-fought 13/11 win in the first game.

Trahan pushed back in the second, battling to a 9/9 tie, but Mahfood held firm to take the game 12/10. By the third, Mahfood was in full control, racing to an 11/2 win to secure her fourth national title in straight sets.

"You know, this one feels exciting. I came out here with the mindset just to have fun, and I think that's exactly what I did. I’m so impressed by the sport and how many youngsters are out here playing and really putting their best foot forward. There’s so much potential, so this one just felt like I was happy to be here,” Mahfood said.

(from left) Alan Beckford, general manager at the SD; champions Lewis Walters and Mary Mahfood; GraceKennedy Capital Management's head of private wealth, Chanel Simpson; and JSA president Karen Anderson.

In the third-place playoff, Katherine Risden defeated Sanjana Nallapati in straight sets, 11/7, 11/7, 12/10.

The men’s final saw top seed Walters better Bruce Burrowes in what turned out to be a masterclass in precision and control. Walters moved effortlessly around the court, and kept up in the long rallies to take advantage of a fatigued Burrowes, who had endured a grueling five-set semi-final.

Walters secured his first All Jamaica Senior Squash Championship with scores of 11/6, 11/3, 11/5.

"I played really well today. I think I probably got through my semi-final match a little bit more comfortably than Bruce did. He had a long five-setter, so I think that played a part. He was feeling the heat and probably the effects of the match last night, but overall, I’m really happy with how I played all week,” Walters said.

In the men’s third-place match, Jonathan Walker defeated Tahjia Lumley in a competitive four-set battle, 11/6, 9/11, 11/7, 11/8.

Meanwhile, Anderson also highlighted the growing excitement surrounding squash in Jamaica and revealed that the country will be hosting the Caribbean Championship in November. She also expressed gratitude to sponsors GraceKennedy Capital Management, Boilerco, Binds Designs, and Wata.