In the final played yesterday, Badrinauth, playing with a minus 40 (-40) handicap, defeated Caribbean under-17 champion Damien DaSilva who was handicapped -25, 15/11, 15/13 in two hard fought games.

After the match, DaSilva told Stabroek Sport he tried his best but admitted that the better man won. "I tried my best and caught him a few times, but in the end, his (Badrinauth) fitness and his ability to get to the ball paid off. He is by far a better player than me," DaSilva stated.

Badrinauth on the other hand, admitted that he was tired during the second game and was not feeling too well since he had a late breakfast. "One more rally during that game and I would have puked" Badrinauth said.

On Saturday evening Badrinauth defeated Guyana Squash Association president Khalil Alli who was handicapped -5, 15/12, 15/8 to advance to the final while DaSilva brushed aside 0 handicapper Turhan Mohabeer 15/13, 15/6 to secure his place in the final.

Alli said during his semi-final game with the champion, he kept playing the ball high to the front wall because he knew that Badrinauth is a very good front court player, but the move did not pay off.

In the third place play-off, Alli beat Mohabeer 15/6, 12/15, 15/9.

The plate title was won by Everest Cricket Club player Shane Samuels who defeated Peter Michael DeGroot 15/8, 15/13 in the final. Third place in the plate competition was occupied by Medeshi Ramdhani who had earlier lost 5/15, 3/15 to DeGroot, but who went on to beat Hope 15/8, 15/13 for third place.

Samuels defeated Randy Hope 12/15, 15/12, 15/10 to advance to the plate final.

Ryan Braithwaithe won the Sportsmanship award, while Ingram Edwards was adjudged the Most Improved Player.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Badrinauth, in thanking the organisers said the tournament was a great one but it was not easy for him playing in the handicap tournament with a -40 handicap.

After receiving the winning trophy from GSA's Treasurer Garfield Wiltshire, Badrinauth dedicated it to the late Gerard Greaves who died tragically in a road accident on January 2, on the Linden Highway.

A visibly emotional Badrinauth said "had Gerard been alive today, he would have gone far in this tournament."

Greaves' adopted father Dr. Stanley Marcus, a squash player himself, accepted the trophy from Badrinauth.

Master of ceremonies Andrew Arjoon thanked Bounty Farm for sponsoring the tournament and informed that the company will be sponsoring the tournament again next year.

Arjoon thanked the other squash clubs for their participation and stated that it augurs well for the sport.

Meanwhile, the SA's Annual General Meeting is billed for tomorrow at the Georgetown Club, beginning at 6pm.