Bermudian youth squash standout Mason Smith has seen his campaign at the 2025 United States Junior Open Squash Championships come to an end following a resilient showing in Philadelphia. Competing in the Boys Under 13 First Consolation Division, Smith’s run was halted in the Round of 32 at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center.
Smith entered the consolation draw after a marathon five-set opening-round defeat earlier in the tournament, where he displayed immense grit to rally from two games down. In his final match, he faced a stern challenge in the shape of the United States’ Justin Lui. On home soil, Lui proved to be a clinical opponent, securing a straight-sets victory. Smith fought valiantly, pushing the second game into a tense tie-break, but ultimately fell 11-5, 12-10, 11-7.
Despite the exit in Philadelphia, 2025 has been a historic year for the young Bermudian. Earlier this summer, Smith was crowned the Boys Under 13 Caribbean Champion at the CASA Championships in the Cayman Islands. He defeated Guyana’s Ethan Bulkan in straight sets to claim his third consecutive regional title, underscoring his dominance in the age group.
His overall performance in Philadelphia, which included a flawless straight-sets win over Canada’s George Qureshi to reach the Round of 16 in a previous consolation stage, further cements his status as one of Bermuda’s brightest sporting prospects.
