Stout: Impressive Start in Defence of World Title

Current World Champion Rackets player, Bermuda’s James Stout made a brilliant start in defence of his title when he comprehensively defeated English challenger, Alex Titchener-Barrett in the first of their two matches, this one held at the prestigious New York Racquet and Tennis Club on Saturday night.

Watched by his parents, John and Karen Stout, and cheered on by a densely packed and highly partisan gallery, Stout started a little slowly in the first game before edging ahead to win it 15-11. From then he played magnificently and cruised to a 4-0 win (15-11, 15-7, 15-6, 15-9) giving him an almost unassailable lead going into the second leg in London on 20th November.

The title is decided over two matches, one played in New York and the other at the Queen’s Club in London. Each match is normally best of 7 games, but with such a commanding lead, Stout has to win just one single game in London to retain his title.

When interviewed after the match Stout commented, “”I was pleased to win the first game as I didn’t play as well as I could have. From that point onwards though I managed to dominate the match. I led 10-0, in the second game and 7-0 and 13-2 in the third game which put immense pressure on Alex. I’m looking forward to the second leg next weekend. With this lead I need to win just the one game. I’m hoping to do that as early as possible.”

Stout took up the game of Rackets at the age of 13 while attending Cheltenham College in England. He was an outstanding squash player with the BSRA’s Junior Squash Programme and took an instant liking to rackets. He is probably the only Bermudian ever to play rackets, and he is the first person from outside the U.S. and the U.K to hold the World title in almost a century.

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