Thrilling Five-Setters Highlight Opening Day of Bermuda Open
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Squash Racquets Association Club was buzzing with action as the first round of the IQUW Bermuda Open Squash Championships got underway, with two captivating matches going the distance and requiring the full five sets to determine a victor.
In the Women’s Division, spectators were treated to a tense and closely fought encounter between Wai Yhann Au Yeong of Singapore and Risa Sugimoto of Japan. The match ebbed and flowed over 44 minutes, eventually seeing Au Yeong emerge victorious with a 3-2 scoreline. The Singaporean player took the initial two games 11-7, 11-6, but Sugimoto fought back with resilience, claiming the next two 6-11, 9-11 to force a deciding fifth set. In a nail-biting final game, Au Yeong held her nerve to clinch the win 12-10.
The Men’s Division also witnessed a gruelling five-set battle as Moustafa Elsirty from Egypt faced off against Jorge Gomez Dominguez from Mexico. This captivating contest stretched to 66 minutes, with both players showcasing their determination and skill. Dominguez took the opener 7-11, but Elsirty responded in the second 11-6. The Mexican regained the lead in the third 8-11, only for Elsirty to level the match once more with an 11-6 victory in the fourth. The Egyptian ultimately prevailed in the deciding fifth set, taking it 11-6 to advance to the next round.
Unfortunately for the home crowd, Bermuda’s sole competitor in the tournament, Taylor Carrick, faced a tough challenge against Veer Chotrani from India. Chotrani proved too strong on the day, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory in just 24 minutes. The Indian player won in straight games with scores of 11-5, 11-3, 11-6, ending Carrick’s participation in the opening round.
Despite Carrick’s exit, the opening day of the IQUW Bermuda Open has already delivered some thrilling squash action, with the two five-set encounters setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting tournament ahead. Squash fans in Bermuda will be eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches as the competition intensifies.
Countdown to IQUW Bermuda Open Squash Championships
IslandStats.com
The IQUW Bermuda Open Squash Championships, is fast approaching at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association Club from April 29th to May 3rd. With the tournament drawing closer, www.islandstats.com highlights the only Bermudian player in the field that fans will be eager to watch.
Taylor Carrick, the world ranked 177th player is making waves at home and around the world!
• 2025 Bermuda National Champion • Former standout at Western University (Canada) • 3rd Place – Polish Junior Open 2018 (defeating the No.2 seed!)
With power, poise, and pure island pride, Taylor is flying the flag for Bermuda on the global stage. Don’t miss him at the IQUW Bermuda Open 2025!
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Carrick Competes in World Championship Qualifying Event
IslandStats.com
Taylor Carrick continued his preparations for the upcoming IQUW Bermuda Open Squash Championships by competing in the $5,050 Men's World Championship Qualifying Event - Pan America 2025.
The Men's World Championship Qualifying Event took place at the Racquet Club in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, attracting a field of competitive players.
Carrick faced a tough challenge in his First Round match, taking on the tournament's number one seed, Cesar Salazar from Mexico. The match was a hard-fought contest, lasting 38 minutes.
Carrick started strongly, securing a tight victory in the first game with a score of 12-10. However, Salazar demonstrated his experience and skill, bouncing back to win the next three games. Salazar won the subsequent sets with scores of 11-7, 11-3, and 11-3.
While Carrick was ultimately defeated, the match provided valuable experience against a top-seeded opponent. This competition serves as important preparation as he gears up for the IQUW Bermuda Open Squash Championships.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Squash Spectacle Looms as Bermuda Open Approaches
IslandStats.com
Anticipation is building for the IQUW Bermuda Open Squash Championships, set to ignite the courts at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association Club from April 29th to May 3rd. With the tournament drawing closer, www.islandstats.com highlights two of the star players that fans will be eager to watch.
Miguel Rodríguez: The Colombian Cannonball
Rodríguez, known throughout the squash world as "The Colombian Cannonball," is the number one seed in the Men's Division. Rodríguez is renowned for his captivating style of play, making him one of the most exciting players on the PSA World Tour. His lightning-fast speed and seemingly impossible shots have earned him a dedicated following.
Rodríguez's achievements speak for themselves:
He made history as the first South American to win a major PSA tour title, claiming the prestigious British Open in 2018. He broke into the world's top 5 rankings, reaching an impressive career-high. He has reached the quarter-finals of the World Championship, a testament to his consistent high-level performance.
With over 30 PSA Tour titles already under his belt, squash enthusiasts can expect a dazzling display of athleticism and skill whenever Rodríguez takes to the court in Bermuda.
Aira Azman: Malaysia's Rising Star
On the women's side, Azman of Malaysia is the number one seed. Azman is a rising star in the sport, energizing the courts with her speed, fearless play, and relentless climb up the world rankings. Despite her young age of just 20, she has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Azman's standout performances include:
Reaching the World Junior Final in 2023, showcasing her potential on the global stage. Winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s World Team Champs, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure in team competition. Securing 3 PSA titles (and with more likely to come), highlighting her growing dominance on the professional circuit.
The IQUW Bermuda Open promises a week of thrilling squash action, with Rodríguez and Azman leading a field of world-class athletes.
Thursday, April 03, 2025
World-Class Squash Stars Clash at IQUW Bermuda Open
IslandStats.com
The IQUW Bermuda Open Squash Championships has returned in spectacular fashion, drawing a wealth of international talent to the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association Club and elevating the tournament's prestige.
The IQUW Bermuda Open promises a thrilling spectacle, with a draw packed with players ranked in the world's top 100. This year's event marks a significant milestone, representing the highest caliber of competitive squash seen in Bermuda since the memorable 2007 World Open, 18 years ago.
Men's Division Boasts Top Talent
Leading the charge in the Men's Division is the number one seed, Miguel Rodríguez of Colombia. A force to be reckoned with, Rodríguez reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 4 in June 2015. His impressive resume includes two Colombian Open titles (2008, 2010) and a Pan American Games victory in 2015.
The number two seed in the Men's Division is Egypt's rising star, Mohamad Zakaria. Zakaria's meteoric rise in the squash world has been nothing short of amazing. Since July 2023, he has achieved remarkable feats, including becoming the youngest-ever World Junior Championship finalist at the age of 15. In October 2023, he became the youngest male Tour title winner of all time at the LA Open, just 37 days after his 16th birthday. Zakaria continued his record-breaking spree in July 2024, becoming the youngest-ever men's World Junior Championship champion, surpassing Jansher Khan's 1986 record by eight days. He further cemented his place in squash history in September 2024, becoming the first male player to claim 5 Tour titles under the age of 17 with a victory in the NASH Cup.
Bermudian Challenger
Local interest will be high as Taylor Carrick represents Bermuda in the tournament. The current Bermuda National Squash Champion turned professional late last year and has already gained valuable experience competing in four PSA Tour events. His journey began with the White Oaks Cup in Canada in November, followed by a quarter-final appearance at the BC Open in Canada, and subsequent participation in the St Louis Open and the Georgia Open.
Women's Division Features Strong Contenders
The Ladies' Division is equally compelling, headlined by the number one seed, Aira Azman of Malaysia. Azman has been making waves on the women's tour. Following her second-round appearance at the 2024 PSA Women's World Squash Championship in May, she secured her 3rd PSA title at the Tuanku Muhriz Trophy in August during the 2024–25 PSA Squash Tour.
Azman also played a key role in Malaysia's bronze medal victory at the December 2024 Women's World Team Squash Championships.
Egypt's Hana Moataz is seeded second in the Ladies' Division. Moataz has been active on the international circuit in 2025, competing in the Carol Weymuller Open (USA), the Cincinnati Cup, the Texas Open, the New Zealand Open, and the Australian Open. Her best result came at the Spanish Open, where she reached the final.
The IQUW Bermuda Open promises a week of high-intensity squash, showcasing the skill and passion of these exceptional athletes.
