26th KPMG Squash League off and running

Jamaica Squash and KPMG continued to join forces for the growth and development of local squash when they launched the 26th KPMG Squash League at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston recently.

The launch included a parade featuring a sea of colours with the teams in their branded gear. Even though defending champions Blown will not be among the teams this year, there was an air of expectation for a very competitive league that will feature last year’s runners-up - the Saints. The games will be played to 21 instead of the standard 11. It means that the players will be challenged based on their fitness as well as skill for the month-long competition.

The 14-team league served off on Tuesday evening at the same venue and is scheduled to end on April 10. Each team comprises four members, including one reserve player.

A look at the match schedule shows some interesting team names such as Rally Royals, Racket Science, Just Hit, Dem Indians, One Of A Kind, Squashbucklers, Badmanfu, and Boast Warriors. Some of the other teams are JDF, Campion College, and Juniors, and title sponsor KPMG fielded a team for the second time, following up on their entry into the league last year.

The Liguanea Club is home to six squash courts that were renovated recently. It will be the primary home to matches on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 6 p.m. most days.

President of Jamaica Squash Karen Anderson lauded title sponsor KPMG for sticking with the league for as long as they have. She also welcomed the increase in the number of juniors who are playing in the league this year.

“I think it’s going to be a really great tournament this year. It’s the 26th year of partnering with KPMG in this event. KPMG came on with a team last year, and they are back again with a playing team this year. We have a big bunch of juniors, and we are excited about them participating in this event.”

Title sponsor KPMG was represented by partner Al Johnson who endorsed the league, which is the longest sponsored event on the Jamaica Squash calendar.

“We see the benefit of the investment. We see the benefit of the relationship that we have with Jamaica Squash. I think what is happening here is that they are building the young minds, they are preparing these young people for competition, they are preparing these people not only to represent their teams locally but regionally and internationally, and it all starts here, and I feel that this is our way of investing in our people, and one way to do it through squash.”

Competition got under way on Tuesday, with Campion College defeating JDF B 2-1 while Rally Royals blanked KPMG 3-0. Racket Science got the better of Just Hit 2-1, and in the final match of the night, Dem Indians took out One of a Kind 2-1.