After a gruelling two weeks of fantastic squash, the Randburg Squash Club Championship 2023 was finally concluded on November 25.
In spite of heavy conflicting schedules across the board, as well as what has become standard load-shedding, the tournament pushed through seamlessly and was a great success.
Many new participants joined in for the first time this year, which was a great indication of how the sport is growing.
One of the organisers, Malcolm Meintjes, explained that they enjoyed many non-participating family members supporting their loved ones, which really helped build the morale of the competitors.
“Competition was tough across the open, ladies’ and masters’ sections, we’re pleased that no participants or spectators were harmed in the making of this fabulous tournament. ”
He added that success in such tournaments can only be achieved through hard work and support from local communities and businesses. “We’d like to express our deep appreciation to the club management team and their volunteers for all their efforts. We’d also like to share a special thanks to our sponsors who made so much more possible within this tournament and beyond.
The key sponsors were Wilson Sports Gear, Elite Fire Protection, Office Space Online and Parallel Property.
Ethan Robinson won the open club champion defeating highly rated Stephen Mwansa by 3–1 in a five-round match.
He explained that it was his first time winning – having played three times and it was a tough game. “It was a difficult game but I tried to stick to my game plan and tried to cut off his and think that worked for me and it was good fun.”
The tournament finals and prize-giving was held at the Randburg Squash Centre.
These are the prize winners:
- Open club champion: Ethan Robinson
- Runner-up: Stephen Mwansa
- Open club B-section winner: Mark Pillay
- Runner-up: Michael Pringle
- Open club C-section winner: Francois de Kock
- Runner-up: Mervyn Sherman
- Ladies club champion: Michele Van Zyl
- Runner-up: Daniela Middleton
- Masters’ winner: Helena Kruger
- Runner-up: Roy Plumstead
- Ladies’ B-section winner: Maliza Janse van Rensburg
- Runner-up: Marcia Snyman
- Most improved men’s winner: Tim Naudé
- Most improved ladies’ winner: Maliza Janse van Rensburg.