Khalil, Fernandes capture Guyana’s first medal
National female squash players Ashley Khalil and Taylor Fernandes yesterday copped a bronze medal in women’s doubles at the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) in Colombia.
The pair of Khalil/Fernandes reached all the way to the semi-finals where they eventually bowed out to Colombia’s Laura Tovar and Maria Paula Tovar 8-11, 3-11 in their final match of the tournament to walk away with joint third place finish.
The Guyanese duo, en route to Guyana’s first podium finish at the Barranquilla Games, defeated Barbadians Amanda Haywood and Jada Smith – Padmore 2-1 to earn their spot in the semi-finals.
It was a sterling effort from the Guyanese duo and President of the Guyana Squash Association, David Fernandes, told Stabroek Sport that the effort had to be recognised since Guyana does not have a doubles squash court.
“We seem to be competitive in this event even though we don’t have a doubles squash court in Guyana… so it’s important for us to look in that direction to install one at the Georgetown Club so we can have more success in this event,” Fernandes said.
Meanwhile, the combination of Nyron Joseph and Mary Fung – A – Fat also executed well in a competitive assignment but fell short to Guatemalans Ricardo Toscano and Winifer Bonilla in their quarter-finals mixed doubles match 2-1 to end their campaign.
The Guyanese duo managed to sandwich an 11-7 set win after losing the first and the third 5-11, 9-11 respectively.
On the hockey court, Guyana’s men lost to Mexico 0-3 after their opening match win. Francisco Aguilar netted a hat trick for the Mexicans, scoring in the 24th, 31st and 52nd minutes respectively to squash Guyana’s hopes of recording their second straight win.
They are now joint third in Pool B with the Dominican Republic on three points each with latter ahead on goal difference and would need a big win against winless Guatemala in their final group match tomorrow to keep their medal hopes alive.
Meanwhile, the women will play their final group match today also against Guatemala.