Guyana’s Nicolette Fernandes justified number 57 world ranking when she won both the men’s and the women’s Open singles titles at the Farfan & Mendes National Squash Championships which ended Saturday evening at the Georgetown Courts.

Fernandes became the first female to achieve an unprecedented double at the annual squash championships.

Having defeated Ashley Khalil in straight games for the ladies crown, Fernandes turned her attention on the coveted men’s singles crown, a title she had competed for twice before.

On this occasion three times proved to be a charm as Fernandes got the better of training partner Regan Pollard after five games.

Fernandes reached the final by disposing of national Under-19 champion Alex Arjoon  3-1 Friday evening while Pollard used his experience to get the better of Deje Dias in the other semi-final 3-0.

In 2008, Fernandes was beaten in the semi-final of the men’s Open singles by Kristian Jeffrey while Pollard  stopped Fernandes’ run last year also at the semi-final stage.

Saturday evening’s showdown began with Pollard dictating the pace to take the first set  11-7, but Fernandes’ court craft helped her bounce back to take the second 11-2. Pollard wasn’t ready to give up his thirst for another national title as he rushed from being tied at 4-4 to win the third 11-5. It was a slug fest

early in the fourth but Fernandes showed no signs of weakness and tied up the match by taking the win 11-3. The fifth was a battle of wills with both players going all out for the victory but in the end it was Fernandes who held on to claim another first, 11-7.

She had earlier received a tougher than expected challenge from rising junior star  Khalil in the ladies final before winning 11-9 11-8 11-7.

The Guyana Squash Association’s next venture will be the Junior Caribbean championships scheduled for the Cayman Islands from Thursday  and that tournament will be followed by participation at the CAC Games.

Final Results:

Ladies Open
Final – Nicolette Fernandes defeated Ashley Khalil 11-9 11-8 11-7.
Third Place – Mary Fung-a-Fat defeated Victoria Arjoon 11-7 7-11 11-8 11-9.
Men’s Open
Final –  Nicolette Fernandes defeated Regan Pollard 7-11 11-2 5-11 11-3 11-7.
Third Place – Alex Arjoon  defeated Deje Dias 13-11 11-9 16-14.

Plate Final – Allan Downes defeated  Dennis Dias 11-8 11-4 11-7.
Plate Third Place – Andrew Arjoon defeated Steven Xavier 11-8  8-11 11-9 11-6.