Women's Squash: Cayman World Open

We just concluded a very exciting week here in Grand Cayman: For the first time, Cayman hosted the Women's Squash World Open Championship, sponsored by BDO Cayman.

View of the court from the VIP section

Competitors came from all over the globe to compete against the beautiful backdrop of Camana Bay.

The lovely Camana Bay Christmas lights, as seen from the VIP section

I have to admit that squash is a sport I had limited exposure to prior to this week. And by limited exposure, I mean virtually none. But during this past week, I had the opportunity to learn quickly, as BDO granted me a media pass for a couple nights of competition to get some up-close-and-personal shots. This was perfectly timely, as NS had just given me an early Christmas gift: Rave reviews of Canon's new EF 24-70mm f/2.8 II lens led to the replacement of my older 24-70 lens. What better place to test out new camera equipment than at a professional sporting event!

Exhibition match on Friday night.

I was amazed at the level of play, as squash is a sport that requires quick, darting movements with the ability to get low to the ground and up again in an instant.

Monday night's match between Camille Serme and Jenny Duncalf

And it goes without saying that fine-tuned eye-hand coordination is paramount.

Laura Massaro in Friday night's match

 These players certainly impressed me throughout the tournament, and I left with a healthy appreciation for the sport.

My thoughts exactly.

Laura Massaro and Nicol David

On Friday night, the championship match between Nicol David and Laura Massaro drew a full house in Camana Bay's squash stadium.

I made sure to get extra photos of the players in action, utilizing the little clear box in the glass cube to get better shots. I liked hanging out with the pros, who were more cavalier with their equipment than I am with mine.

Several thousand dollars worth of camera equipment,
just hanging around while we shoot through the glass.

But back to the sport. Nicol was the clear favorite going into the match, and it only took her three games to maintain her #1 world ranking.

Congratulations to Nicol for another world championship!

Photo shoot with all of the sponsors.

And a thank you from me to the title sponsor, BDO Cayman, for hosting a wonderful event on the island and allowing me to take photos for the firm.

BDO Managing Partner Glen Trenouth, flanked by Laura Massaro and Nicol David.

For a more complete set of photos from the tournament, see my Google+ album here.