FORMER South Pacific Games gold medallist Warren Yee signalled his return to competitive squash with a 3-2 win over national number one Justin Ho.
It was a case of experience over youth as Yee — the former national champion is 45 and Ho will turn 22 next month.
The win handed Yee the Reginald Pal Squash Open Trophy, a title that had eluded him for the past three years.
Yee made a perfect start in the final winning the first two sets 14-12 and 11-7. Ho clawed his way back to win the next two sets in convincing fashion 11-6 and 11-5.
The last set between the two saw Yee pull away to a 8-4 lead until a determined Ho inched closer to tie the scores at nine-all.
It was a see-saw affair after that but Yee kept his cool and scored two points in succession to pull away 13-11.
After the final, he said he knew Ho had an advantage over him in terms of physicality but the battle was won psychologically.
"I knew Justin had an edge over me in terms of physicality so I had to try and dominate the tee so I would be able to put the ball away more effectively and that is what I did," Yee said.
"It's a big achievement for me to be making a comeback and winning a title but I have renewed passion and urge for competitition in me," he said.
He said he would set a goal that will see him try and regain his gold medal at the 2015 Pacific Games.
Ho praised Yee for his efforts and said he lost the mental battle in the match.
"I respect him (Yee) for his courage and determination and he was able to win today with his experience," said the Lautoka-based BSP Business Consultant.
"He gave me a tough game and I haven't ran like this in a long time and I look forward to our next meeting," he said.
Coming in third place in the tournament was Natabua High School student Marika Matanatabua.