The 2015 edition of the Rhodes University Squash Open saw significant growth, with 16 more players than last year taking part. A further financial injection by main sponsors, Twizza, and a total prize purse of R4 850, attracted a number of national players.
The 2015 edition of the Rhodes University Squash Open saw significant growth, with 16 more players than last year taking part. A further financial injection by main sponsors, Twizza, and a total prize purse of R4 850, attracted a number of national players.
Paul Sebeikin, organiser of the tournament and chairperson of the Rhodes Squash Club, said the tournament was successful, despite some load-shedding problems on Friday.
The event on 17-19 April is the highlight of the squash year for the university.
Gary Wheadon (seventh ranked in South Africa) returned to defend his title.
Other national players included Adrian Hansen (SA 10) in the men’s section, and Jacqui Ryder (SA 9) and Lizelle Goosen (SA 7) in the women’s section.
More than 50 players fought it out on the Alec Mullins courts, including members from the host club.
The tournament came to its climax on Sunday where the men’s and women’s finals saw Gary Wheadon come up against Rudi Van Niekerk and Lizelle Goosen faced Jackie Ryder.
Wheadon cruised to a 3-0 victory over his opponent, while the women’s final appeared to be a more competitive match with the final score reading 3-2 in favour of Goosen.
Stefan Euijen was the top-placed local player, finishing ninth overall.
Top finishers in the women’s A sections were Caroline Ross (5th) and Amy Farrell (6th).
The doubles section was won by the pairing of Sean Kelly (Grahamstown 1st League Player for Wyvern) and Lance Petersen (Port Elizabeth 1st League player).
Sebeikin said the doubles section, introduced for the first time this year, was contested by four pairs.
He said although the doubles was more of a social section, the matches were played at the same venue as the A sections "so that folks could see it was going on in the hopes that they will remember and enter next year’s doubles.”
Sebeikin said the tournament continues to grow from strength to strength.
The large number of players participating, as well as the continued sponsorship from Twizza, will ensure that the success of this tournament will continue into the future.
“The tournament is set to get bigger next year,” concluded Sebeikin.
sport@grocotts.co.za
