The US Squash Masters 60+ division wrapped up its annual competition this weekend in New York City, with veteran player Mark Sealy delivering a career-defining performance to secure his third tournament championship. Competing at Manhattan’s iconic Open Squash Bryant Park venue, Sealy overcame a tough test from one of the division’s most decorated players — former World Masters finalist and multi-time US Masters champion Dominic Hughes — to clinch a hard-fought 3-1 victory, with set scores reading 11-9, 12-10, 4-11, 11-6.
The opening set set the tone for the entire five-game clash: Sealy got off to a fast start, controlling the T and moving fluidly to the front court to claim the first three points. But Hughes, a seasoned competitor with deep tournament experience, rallied back with powerful, well-placed drives and delicate touch shots to level the score at 9-9. Sealy, however, kept his composure under pressure, winning the next two consecutive points to steal the first set.
The second game followed a nearly identical narrative. Sealy opened with confident, aggressive play, but Hughes capitalized on every unforced error and loose shot to stay within striking distance, once again drawing level at 10-10. For the second time in the match, Sealy held his nerve to win the closing points, pushing his advantage to 2-0 in sets.
Facing elimination, Hughes upped the intensity in the third set, unleashing aggressive shots to every corner of the court. His attacking strategy paid off: Sealy struggled to maintain consistent length on his returns, allowing Hughes to take the third set comfortably and keep his championship hopes alive. But Sealy adjusted quickly in the fourth set, tightening up his positioning, improving his length, and launching targeted attacks with well-timed drop shots and quick boasts. He built an early lead and held firm through the closing points, even after fending off a late rally from Hughes that saved the first match point, before sealing the win to claim the title.
In post-victory comments, an elated Sealy spoke of his relief to cross the finish line first against such a strong opponent. “This one was big. It was a very strong field and Dominic is an incredible player, so to win 3-1 is extremely satisfying,” he said. Sealy also credited his revised training routine for his success, explaining he had adjusted his program to add more ghosting drills, switched to lighter weight training, and made targeted technical changes to his swing — adjustments that delivered clear results on the court. He also extended gratitude to his coaching team, including Peter Nicol, Nicole Bunyan, Karen Meakins, and Shawn Simpson, as well as his training partners at Surfside Gym and Red Zen Pilates Studio.
Sealy’s road to the final began earlier in the tournament at the Harvard Club of New York, where he earned a first-round bye before facing James Green in the round of 16. He delivered a dominant opening performance, sweeping Green 11-3, 11-3, 11-2 to advance. On Saturday, he met California’s Thomas Weylen in the quarterfinals, earning another lopsided 11-4, 11-1, 11-1 win. Just two hours after his quarterfinal victory, Sealy returned to the court for a competitive semifinal clash against Richard Kenny, ultimately securing a straight-set 12-10, 11-7, 11-6 win to book his spot in the weekend’s final.