Jayden George takes Plate title at Canadian Junior Squash Open

The king of the pack of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ junior Squash, Jayden George, copped the Boys Under-17 category Plate title at the first Canadian Junior Open Tournament that took place from December 7-10, 2024.

Staged at the White Oaks Resort and Spa, Ridley College Aylott Squash Centre, the efforts of George has prompted President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association, Amber Glasgow, to advocate for more investment in the country’s brightest Squash prospect.

“It is crucial to intensify fundraising efforts to provide ongoing international exposure. Jayden’s remarkable talent and dedication have surpassed the opportunities offered by regional tournaments, highlighting the need to invest in his continued development,” Glasgow declared.

She reasoned that it was a remarkable performance by George, as he was pitted among some of the best Under-17 players from North and Central America.

Glasgow emphasized that George was able to come away with a title, despite not having a personal coach at his side.

“Because of cost, we were unable to provide Jayden with a coach, but depended on others from the region, who chipped in and assisted him,” Glasgow explained.

George, who has four Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) titles to his name, emerged as the Plate winner, after unsuccessfully navigating the main draw and the consolation segment.

He, however, showed his prowess by defeating Ayan Abas 11-6, 11-4, 11-7, then breezed past Fernando Islas Reyes 11-3, 11-6, 11-3, in the quarter finals.

George defeated Saurav Kurien 11-1, 12-10, 11-3 in the semi- finals, before ousting Nathan Ko 11-6, 11-4, 11-4, in the final.

George had a bright start in the round of 64, getting the better of Canada’s Rohan Gorman 11-3, 11-2, 11-6.

However, he faltered at the round of 32, losing to Mexico’s Alexis Aquino 6-11, 11-8, 3-11, 9-11.

This put him in the round of 32 in the consolation draw, but he was defeated by Buenrostro-Orozco Carlos Sebastian of Mexico 2-11, 6-11, 11-13.

George’s trip to Canada was made possible by kind donations from the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee; the Bank of SVG; the SVG Squash Association; Island Sipz; KCCU; CK Greaves Supermarket; Dr Sherian Slater; and Sam Goodluck.

George, who was accompanied by his mother, Cindy Walcott, moves up to the Under-17 category of Junior CASA, 2025.