THE Saints were crowned champions of the KPMG Squash League after a commanding victory over Bad Man Fu in last Friday’s final at Liguanea Club in Kingston, played in front of a packed gallery.

It was a breakthrough title for Saints, who were appearing in their third final, while Bad Man Fu were contesting their first. The challengers had talked up their chances ahead of the contest, heightening expectations of a close encounter, but Saints delivered a clinical performance to secure the crown.

Saints took control from the opening match as Jerazeno “Jerry” Bell defeated Alan Roper in straight sets. Bell edged a tight, first-game 15-13 after Roper was forced to take two breaks before eventually retiring from the contest. Bell then won the second game 21-16 and closed out the third 21-15, using superior anticipation, placement, and fitness to dominate proceedings.

Captain Mario O’Connor then extended Saints’s advantage with another straight-sets victory, defeating Bad Man Fu’s Colonel Roderick Rowe 21-9, 21-15, 21-11 in a one-sided encounter.

With the title already secured Bad Man Fu’s Captain Kyle Chin delivered a consolation win, beating Saints’s Leigh Dwyer 21-17, 21-15, 21-19 in the third match.

O’Connor, who was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, expressed his delight at finally lifting the trophy after several near misses.

“We’ve come to the finals three times and finally won this one,” he said. “We got knocked out a number of times in the semis and the quarters, so I’m over the moon right now.

“As a team, we stuck together, played to everybody’s strengths, and it worked out. We also focused on getting our strongest players out first, regardless of the opposition’s order, and that paid off.”

Chin pointed to both illness within his squad and tactical decisions as key factors in defeat.

“One of our teammates came down with the flu and couldn’t play, so we had to use a reserve,” he explained. “Also, we don’t see each other’s line-ups beforehand, so it comes down to strategy. They made better use of their order and it worked in their favour. Full credit to them, they played very well.”

Tournament Director Nathlee Boreland described the KPMG League as a marquee event on the local squash calendar, noting its unique handicap format.

“It’s one of the tournaments the squash community looks forward to every year,” she said. “The handicap system gives players of all levels a chance to compete evenly, so whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player you always have an opportunity to win.”

Jamaica Squash Association President Karen Anderson also praised the long-standing partnership with title sponsors KPMG.

“We’re very proud of this partnership. Twenty-six years is a tremendous achievement and speaks to the value KPMG sees in the league,” she said while noting that the local calendar remains busy, with the Senior Caribbean Championships scheduled for Jamaica in November.