One of Bermuda’s top squash prospects, Mason Smith, has described his maiden appearance at the Junior Open Squash Championships, where he won two of his four matches in the boys under-13, as an amazing experience.

Smith was in action from Saturday to Monday in Philadelphia. The 12-year-old exited the main draw in the first round before he reached the round of 16 in the consolation round.

“This tournament has opened my eyes to a level of junior squash that I have not seen before,” Smith told The Royal Gazette.

“I really enjoyed my first US Junior Open and look forward to next year as an under-15. The competition from here on will definitely be tougher.

“The matches and level of play were very challenging for me. I felt that I played well, but there's definitely room for improvement and maturity.

“Once I get back I will sit down with my coaches and my dad to discuss my preparations to move forward and get better.”

Mason, who travelled with his father Stephen Smith, started off with a tough 3-2 loss to Canadian Cayton Zichen Liu. The Bermudian recovered from losing the first two games to make it 2-2, before his opponent took the fifth game 11-9.

In the consolation, Smith recorded a hard-fought 3-1 victory over American Raghav Swaminathan. winning 11-8, 6-11, 11-5, 11-9.

Next up for him was George Qureshi, his former Bermuda team-mate, with Smith sweeping to a 3-0 triumph, courtesy of 11-7, 11-8, 11-7.

Despite putting on a great fight, Smith’s participation in the tournament ended on Monday, when he was bested 3-0 by Justin Liu. The scores were 11-5, 12-10, 11-7 in favour of the American.

Meanwhile, Smith will be one of the players in action at the Junior Squash Championships, taking place at the Bermuda Squash Club on Saturday and Sunday.