Record entry for Junior Squash Tournament

 A wonderful day was held recently when almost 40 junior squash players took to the courts to determine the junior champions in the varying age groups. Many of the players had never competed against their own age group, as this sport is only played at clubs and at the gyms. In most of the age groups a round robin was played giving the players an opportunity to play against everyone in their group. In a very strong entry of U/11 boys Ryan Begg played against Liam Nel in the final. Ryan was leading 2 – 0, when Liam picked up his game and leveled the score at 2 – 2. Ryan managed to maintain his concentration, and applied what he had learnt in coaching, and won the match 3 – 2. In the U/11 girls Leila Christensen played against Rebecca Buchner. Rebecca pulled ahead fairly quickly to take the lead 2 – 0. Leila started playing the ball deeper to the back and managed to take the next two games. With some great rallies in the 5th from both players, Leila eventually won the match 3 – 2.
 
Jess Phyffer won the U/13 girls title, and Cameron Jacobsz showed his strength and experience by beating William Garnett-Bennet 3 – 0 in the boys U/13. Cameron has represented Mpumalanga for two years at national level. There was a good entry in this age group as well.

Heinrich Knoesen won the U/14 boys title, with no entries from the girls. Heinrich also played in the U/16 section and let them know what they will be up against next year.

The U/16 section saw a lot of new and enthusiastic players, but the final was once again contested by the experienced provincial players, namely Chris Trichaardt and Matthew Phyffer. Matthew won the match 3 – 0 with a wonderful range of shots. Katy Begg won the title for the U/16 girls.

The U/19 girl’s title was won by Claudia Gouws who beat Fiona Christensen 3 – 2 in the final. The U/19 boys had a good entry as well despite the looming matric exams, and heads were cleared with some wonderful matches. Louis Koster came up against Joshua Snyman in the final. Joshua won 3 – 0, with years of provincial and league experience. Louis put up a brave fight with some wonderful rallies, but his opponent proved too strong for him.

The morning started with an exhibition game between John Lingashi, full time coach and Lowveld Champion, and Peter Christensen, Lowveld U/19 champ in 2005, and who now plays squash for Pretoria University. The match certainly inspired the youngsters to give it their all, and demonstrated to them the level of squash which can be achieved in a few years with hard work and enthusiasm.

John Lingashi can be contacted for coaching on 0725318746. The next squash event for juniors will be the Mpumalanga Champs which will be played in Secunda early in February 2009. Please contact Vanessa for details on 0829016828