Jamaica Squash and KPMG continue to join forces for the growth and development of squash, launching the 26th KPMG Squash League at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston on February 17.

The launch included a parade featuring a sea of colours, with the teams in branded gear. Even though defending champion Blown will not be among the teams this year, there is an air of expectation for a very competitive league which will feature last year’s runner-up, the Saints. The games will be played to a score of 21 instead of the standard 11. It means that players will be challenged based on their fitness as well as skill for the months-long competition.

The 14-team league served off on Tuesday and is scheduled to end April 10.

Each team comprises four members, including one reserve player. The age range of the team members starts from the very young to older, long-standing players, while the skill level cuts across all levels for the handicapped league, which is intended to challenge every player who goes on the court.

Liguanea Club is home to six squash courts which were renovated recently. It will be the primary home to matches on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Jamaica Squash President Karen Anderson lauded title sponsor KPMG for sticking with the league, and welcomed the increase in the number of juniors who are playing in the league this year.

“I think it’s going to be a really great tournament this year. It’s the 26th year of partnering with KPMG in this event. KPMG came on with a team last year. They have joined again with a playing team this year. We have a big bunch of juniors who are playing, and we are excited about them participating in this event,” she said.

Tournament Director Nathlee Boreland explained how the handicap system works and how the players will benefit from it.

“A handicap tournament basically evens the playing ground for advanced players who will play against persons of a lower level. Therefore, the lower-skilled player will start with points assigned them, whereas the higher skilled level player will start at zero or minus, and these games are played to 21. So the lower skill level may start with 17 and the higher skill level may start at zero going to 21. So it’s for the person with the higher skill level to concentrate in order to get even to the 17 and then go on to win, so it’s not gonna be easy to win for the higher skill level,” Boreland said.

Title sponsor KPMG was represented by Al Johnson, who endorsed the league, which is the longest-sponsored event on the Jamaica Squash calendar.

“We see the benefit of the relationship that we have with the Jamaica Squash Association. I think what is happening here is that they are building the young minds, they are preparing these young people for competition, they are preparing these people not only to represent their teams locally, but regionally and internationally, and it all starts here. And I feel that this is our way of investing in our people, and one way to do it is through squash,” Johnson said.