Despite Egyptians securing their anticipated six places in the WSF World Junior Individual Squash Championships men's last 16 round in India, it was a trio of Canadians who stole the limelight on the second day of action in the premier World Squash Federation junior event at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai.
Julien Gosset, a 13/16 seed from Toronto, claimed his predicted place in the fourth round after despatching Hong Kong's Chung Yat Long 11-5, 11-4, 11-4 in just 19 minutes. But the 18-year-old was soon unexpectedly joined in the 'pre-quarter-finals' by unseeded compatriots James Flynn and George Crowne, both 17.
Flynn, from Toronto, defeated US rival Daelum Mawji, a 9/12 seed, 11-9, 11-7, 11-9 (both pictured in action above) and will now face Mexico's 5/8 seed Leonel Cardenas for a place in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile Crowne, also from Ontario, recovered from a game down to upset Englishman Curtis Malik, a 13/16 seed, 4-11, 13-11, 11-4, 11-6 - and progresses to line up against Egypt's defending champion Marwan Tarek, the top seed.
All three Ontario athletes came up short in the round of 16 after several upsets to get there. In addition, Darosham Khan from Mississauga made his way through the Men's Plate, finishing in the 3/4 position of the plate.
Team Canada has played some fantastic squash in the individual event at the World Juniors Championships. Ontario athletes James Flynn, George Crowne, and Julien Gosset all pushed some of the top juniors in the world and are primed for a solid team event which kicks off on Tuesday, joined by fellow Canadian Ryan Picken.
Team Canada is seeded at #2 in the Team Event beginning Tuesday and they begin play in a pool with Argentina (15) and Scotland (17).
