January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
It's anyone's game
Rubis Handicap Tournament levels the playing field
The Rubis Divisional Handicap kicks off this weekend with Squash coach Patrick Foster expecting an even tournament.
The handicap system means that the best players in the tournament, like former pro Nick Kyme and Caribbean Junior champ Robbie Maycock, are docked up to 20 points per game depending on the level of their opponents.
"The idea is that you could have the national champion playing against a mid-level player and it would be a very close match."
Before the tournament begins each player in the five division mixed tournament is assigned a handicap.
The difference between the two handicaps is the headstart for the lesser ranked player.
For example if Liz Martin (with a handicap of say -10) played Robbie Maycock (with a handicap of -18) Martin would start on zero and Maycock on -8.
The handicap shifts as the match goes on. If you lose game one heavily, despite your advantage, then the handicap increases in the next game.
The upshot is that this is one of the most competitive tournaments of the season throwing out all kinds of funky results.
Dan Bortoli - a decent player but by no means a contender in the Open events - is the defending champion.
And Leah Bishop beat Martin in the 2006 final with both women beating a host of top ranked male opponents on the way.
"The handicap system evens things out a bit and means you can't afford to make any mistakes," said Martin.
Top junior Micah Franklin and Tommy Sherratt, who has just returned to the island, will be two more players to watch in this tournament.
There's also a junior division with a 'sqaush scholarship' up for grabs for the top youngster.
Rubis sponsored the prize, which includes free club membership and a series of lessons.
Foster added: "This is a tournament where everyone has a chance to win. It's also the season opener for us and a chance for everyone to get fit and get back on the court."
The tournament starts on Saturday with finals day on October 11. It's free to come and watch and there will be a full bar and after-party following the final.
More info at www.bermudasquash.com.
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