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Maycock completes age-group clean sweep

Robbie Maycock lived up to his number one ranking in the Boys' Under-19 category to defeat Joe Chapman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in the final of the Junior CASA Championships.

Maycock cruised past Chapman at the Devonshire courts on Monday in straight games, 10-8, 9-2, 9-4, and has now won the championships in every age group.

He was the only victorious player from Bermuda's squad to reach the finals, with Emma Keane and Noah Browne both losing their respective age group championships.

"I wasn't expecting it to be 3-0 like that," said a relieved Maycock. "My last two matches with Joe have gone to the wire.

"The home crowd played a huge role, and playing on my home court is a definite advantage.

"I thought I played out of my skin, despite a few errors. I started nervously in the first set. Maybe I felt the pressure, especially as I've won every other age group and had a lot to lose. I just tried to play my game and keep him trapped at the back and exploit the front when I had an opportunity.

"I felt he was more or less finished in the third game so I just kept my focus because he's not the type to give up. I was solid and didn't really have to dig deep."

Roger Sherratt, spokesman for the Bermuda Squash Racquet Association (BSRA), described Maycock's performance as "different class".

"This was really expected to be a very closely fought match," said Sherratt. "Maycock and Chapman have dominated Junior Caribbean squash in recent years. Maycock's ball control was in a different class, and he constantly had his opponent on the defensive using a variety of hard tight drives down the walls and deft touch strokes."

In the Boys' Under-15 final, number two seed Noah Browne lost to number one seed Kevan Hannaway of the OECS. Hannaway won in straight games 9-4, 9-4, 9-2.

In the Girls' Under-13 final, number one seed Victoria Arjoon dispatched Bermuda's number two seed Emma Keane in straight games.

Sherratt remained confident both players would bounce back when the team competition kicks off today.

"Browne is one of the most improved players in our national squad and he's getting better as he gains more experience," said Sherratt. "Although he lost in the individual final, we believe he will justify his seeding in the Boys' Under-15s and will get his share of victories as we move to the team matches.

"Emma was playing against a very experienced player in Victoria Arjoon who was just too strong on the day. Emma also has an opportunity to play in the team matches against all of the other top Under-13 players in the Caribbean and we believe she has the ability to do very well indeed."

Yesterday was a competition rest day.