The NYAC $10K Challenger, part of the Cache_Seven-sponsored Challenger Tour, wrapped up the SDA’s second Challenger season with a strong showing at the New York Athletic Club. Hosted by NYAC Head Squash Professional and tournament organizer Clinton Leeuw, the event featured a competitive field and delivered an exciting finish to the developmental circuit.
Emerging talents Daelum Mawji and Charles Culhane claimed the title, showcasing their continued rise on the tour. For Mawji, it marked his second Challenger title of the season, while for Culhane—a former U.S. Junior National Champion—it was a significant milestone as his first SDA title. Both players have made compelling cases for Rookie of the Year honors with their consistent performances and strong finish to the season.
In the final, they overcame the dangerous pairing of Sergio Martin and Khamal Cumberbatch, another young team making waves this year. Cumberbatch, himself a Rookie of the Year contender, and Martin had pulled off a major upset in the semifinals by taking out top seeds Leeuw and his partner, squash legend Chris Walker, in a dramatic five-game battle that swung back and forth.
With standout performances from some of the tour’s brightest new faces, the NYAC $10K Challenger capped off the Challenger season on a high note and highlighted the promising future of the next generation in SDA squash.