Ballito squash masters lead KZN’s charge at inter-provincial tournament
The duo showed their prowess early when both went unbeaten over the first two days of competition.
Umar Hoosen and Mark Bishop led the Kwa-Zulu Natal C Team to second overall in their recent Growthpoint Squash Inter-Provincial Tournament.
Competing in the men’s D division in Cape Town from July 7-12, the local squash champions delivered four and three wins out of five respectively.
Hoosen, who currently holds the Dolphin Coast and Umhlali Country Club squash titles, and Bishop, who holds the Salt Rock Country Club title are the best two men’s players on the North Coast.
And the duo showed their prowess early, when both went unbeaten over the first two days of competition.
Photo: Justin Fletcher Photography/@justinfletcher_photography.
Hoosen claimed a straight-set victory over Renier Cronje (KZN D), while it took him four sets to best Edward Clark (Border) the next day.
Bishop held off an early scare from Ahmad Randeree (KZN D) on day one, losing the first two sets before fighting back to claim a five set victory.
The next day proved more straightforward, with a straight-set win over Andrew Burger (Border).
Day 3 was the most difficult for the KZN team as they took on eventual category winners Western Province D in their own backyard.
Hoosen put up a strong fight against David Jones but would lose in five sets, while Bishop lost to Hector Knight Durbach in straight sets.
Photo: Justin Fletcher Photography/@justinfletcher_photography.
Hoosen would not lose again, claiming wins in four sets against Calvin Deutschmann (Free State) and five sets against Kalib Sima (North West) over the final two days.
Bishop registered his third win in a five-set thriller against Neil Otto (Free State), but would lose in straight sets on the final day against Heindri Visser (Winelands).
“Representing our province at the Growthpoint IPT was an incredibly fulfilling experience,” said Hoosen.
“The tournament was meticulously organised, and facing off against top-tier players was both humbling and motivating. It has inspired me to continue refining my game and striving for excellence.”
Photo: Justin Fletcher Photography/@justinfletcher_photography.
Bishop, who captained the team, said it was a privilege to lead his province at a national tournament.
“The intensity of competition pushed me to elevate my performance, and I’m proud of our team’s efforts,” he said.
The players thanked their sponsors Point-S Tyre Shop Stanger, Umhlali Country Club, Salt Rock Country Club, Gemini Isuzu, Tecnifibre South Africa, JB Insurance Brokers, Brolink and Courtside.
Find a full list of results at sportyhq.com.
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