The 1st Guatemala Open Squash PSA Tournament got underway on Tuesday afternoon at the Asociación Deportiva Nacional de Squash, and there was plenty to cheer for the home fans on the opening day of action.
The Challenger 10 level tournament, which will run through to Saturday, February 26, features a 24-strong draw, with 11 nationalities represented in the tournament. There were five Guatemalans in action on home soil on the opening day, with three of those making it through to the last 16.
Two of those caused upsets to seeding, in knocking out players inside the 9/16 seeding bracket. The first of those was Ricardo Toscano, who overcame Mexico’s Miled Zarazua in a five-game battle. The 23-year-old sits more than 75 places below the Mexican in the rankings, but he was able to withstand two possible fightbacks to win.
Toscano won both the first and third games of their contest but found himself level twice, after Zarazua was able to take both the second and fourth games to tie the encounter. However, it was the Guatemalan that took the win, moving through to the next round, and he was joined by two more home hopes.
Next on court was Alejandro Enriquez, and like his compatriot before him, he was able to overcome a higher-ranked Mexican to advance. He took on Allan Nunez, and after going 2-1 behind, the Guatemalan was able to fight back to win 3-2, including winning the fourth on a tie-break.
Josue Enriquez was the third home hope who made it through to the last 16 of the Challenger 10 level competition, after he defeated fellow Guatemalan Sebastian Fonseca in straight games in their first round clash.
The seeded players will make their bows in the tournament on Wednesday, February 23 when the second round of the competition takes place.
First Round Results: 1st Guatemala Open Squash PSA Tournament
Charlie Lee (ENG) bt [WC] Nicolas Serna (COL) 3-0: 11-8, 11-8, 11-2 (36m)
Alejandro Reyes (MEX) bt Laouenan Loaec (FRA) 3-1: 11-4, 8-11, 11-2, 11-7 (32m)
Francesco Marcantonio (PAR) bt Toufik Mekhalfi (FRA) 3-1: 11-9, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8 (47m)
Andres Herrera (COL) bt [WC] Jeremias Azana (ARG) 3-1: 11-6, 8-11, 11-6, 12-10 (58m)
Ricardo Toscano (GUA) bt Miled Zarazua (MEX) 3-2: 11-3, 10-12, 11-6, 6-11, 11-5 (62m)
Alejandro Enriquez (GUA) bt Allan Nunez (MEX) 3-2: 9-11, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10, 11-5 (70m)
Josue Enriquez (GUA) bt Sebastian Fonseca (GUA) 3-0: 11-2, 11-1, 11-3 (19m)
Ahsan Ayaz (PAK) bt [WC] Luis Quisquinay (<span class="…….