Fernandes joins world squash body
-seeks higher world ranking
By Michael DaSilva
Stabroek News
December 18, 2002
Local squash `Queen' Nicolette Fernandes has become the first Guyanese woman to join the Women's International Squash Players Association (WISPA) and has her eyes set on representing Guyana at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.
Fernandes, who won one silver and three bronze medals at the recently-concluded Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) in El Salvador, is hopeful that members of the business community would come forward and sponsor her, in order for her to improve her WISPA ranking.
In an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport, Fernandes said she joined WISPA which is based in London, England, just before the CAC Games, and has been given a ranking of 129. However, should she secure sponsorship, she hopes to improve that ranking.
Fernandes explained that WISPA, which is the world governing body for women's squash, organises professional tournaments throughout the year.
Once members win their matches, their ranking improves.
"The more games you win, the higher your ranking," Fernandes explained.
The former Caribbean Junior champion, who plans on returning to England next month to continue training among top-class players said, "hopefully if I get sponsorship to participate in these tournaments, I'll try and move up my ranking."
"This is my dream, I want to go up there (England) and compete, this is my sole dream, I'll be just happy if the sponsorship thing can be worked out, even if it's just to get that experience, if it's even for a year, at least I'll experience part of my dream." Fernandes declared.
Asked who sponsored her two-month training stint in England prior to the CAC Games, Fernandes said, "That time it was paid by my dad (Bobby) and mom (Luanna), but for the Commonwealth Games, that was paid by the Guyana Olympic Association and the Guyana Squash Association."
Fernandes said the tournament in El Salvador was good. "Coming from the Caribbean where there are just a few good squash players and going there where there are lots of good players, it was just great." She, however, admitted that the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England, had keener competition.
Fernandes said the altitude in El Salvador did not affect her, since she was there five days prior to the start of the squash tournament.
Fernandes, who was beaten by Mexico's Samantha Teran in the ladies individual competition, said the Mexican is a much better player.
"Altitude or no altitude, she is stronger than I am in all areas. She is ranked 62 in the world," Fernandes stated, adding "In the rallies I was there with her, but you know when somebody is better that you are when you look at the points." In the ladies doubles where Fernandes teamed up with Jillian Griffith-Lilico, the pair landed a bronze. Once again, beaten by Mexicans.
"I had no problem playing with Jillian, we understood each other well. The key thing is getting on together off court, and we got along quite well," Fernandes stated.
Fernandes landed a silver medal in the mixed doubles where she teamed up with Luke Fraser.
Asked about their on-court understanding, Fernandes who will be celebrating her 20th birthday next June said, "I thought myself and Luke meshed together quite well. We played together at the Commonwealth Games and so we understood each other, besides, Luke is a great team-player. I knew if I did not cover my part of the court he would help out, and I knew also he was giving it all his best, and I wanted to do my part also.
I think he is an amazing doubles player. I think also why we really did so well, we get along off court very well." Her other bronze medal came in the ladies team competition.
Asked how she felt becoming probably the first Guyanese to win a medal in every event she participated in at a recognised Games, Fernandes said "I was just happy to do well in all my events. I'm happy in winning the bronze medal in the ladies, but the three other medals came in team-events. It was not only my doing, I have the other team-members to thank for them."
Fernandes, who plans to return from England for the Caribbean championships in August next year, has expressed her heartfelt thanks to the GOA for giving her the opportunity to represent Guyana once again.
"It was one of the best experiences in my life, not only winning the medals in El Salvador, but El Salvador is a beautiful country. I want to thank my brother Robert also, for the support he gave me when I was down. He lifted my spirits."
She would also like to thank the other members of the Guyana contingent, especially boxing coach Terrence Poole "who really lifted my spirits. He's so funny," Fernandes smilingly said, adding "I want to congratulate Nyota (Peters) and Paul (Lewis) for winning (bronze) medals also. I was not there when they won."
