DStv stages superb squash tournament

THIS year’s DStv Namibian Open Squash Tournament was regarded as one of the best squash tournaments ever to be held in Namibia.

The matches were played at Klein Windhoek and Wanderers Squash Clubs and some marvellous squash of the highest calibre was showcased. Players from South Africa and Zambia also took part in the event.The main attraction was Rodney Durbach (SA rank 3), Clinton Leeuw (SA rank 4) and Mike Tootil (SA rank 5).In the women’s division, Sharon Chimfwembe, the defending champion, stood head and shoulders above the rest.The tournament kicked off on Friday and had an A and B division for men and a women’s division.JUNIOR SQUASH Squash development in Namibia was made evident especially in the boys’ section, where a number of young talented boys competed in the event.Norbert Dorgeloh, who was part of the team that went to the SA Country Districts and Javis Cup in South Africa, showed that he should be taken seriously when he beat Henry Smit 3-0 in a match where youth and ambition overcame experience.Smit is currently the Nashua Wanderers Open Champion.In the girls’ section, Zaan De Witt stood out as a great prospect for Namibian squash as the girl from the coast showed some great technique combined with strength and agility.She and Windhoek-based Amy Van Der Byl gave the older and more experienced women a good run for their money.THE BIG BOYS Saturday was a day in which the spectators and players alike were treated to a feast of squash.The main game of the day was the quarter-final between Clinton Leeuw and Mike Tootil, both from South Africa.Tootil asserted himself on the game, taking the first two games.However, the calm and patient Leeuw just kept going, dazzling the crowd with catlike movements and speed that one cannot imagine possible on a squash court.He eventually triumphed 3-2 in a game that lasted almost two hours and set up a dream all-South African final against Rodney Durbach.Durbach had earlier defeated John Lingashi 3-0 in the other quarter-final.Sunday was finals day, and another one in the bag for Chimfwembe who beat Adri Lambert 3-0 to make it three in a row.The Plate Final was won by Liezel Wijgergangs, who beat Chrismari Jacobz 3-2.The Men’s B Section was won by NSA chairman Gerdus Lourens 3-0 against Erik Bruys.The Consolation plate went to Immanuel Amorongo, who won 3 -1 against Tienie Botha, and the Plate final was won by Ferdie Malherbe, who beat Bertus Fokkens 3-0.The main final saw Durbach and Leeuw going up against each other again after they had met eight times before this year.They were standing at four a piece.However, on this particular day Leeuw could not summon the pace and determination that saw him beat Tootil the previous day.Durbach took the game to Leeuw and had the match in the bag in an hour in a 3-0 score.Players from South Africa and Zambia also took part in the event.The main attraction was Rodney Durbach (SA rank 3), Clinton Leeuw (SA rank 4) and Mike Tootil (SA rank 5).In the women’s division, Sharon Chimfwembe, the defending champion, stood head and shoulders above the rest.The tournament kicked off on Friday and had an A and B division for men and a women’s division.JUNIOR SQUASH Squash development in Namibia was made evident especially in the boys’ section, where a number of young talented boys competed in the event.Norbert Dorgeloh, who was part of the team that went to the SA Country Districts and Javis Cup in South Africa, showed that he should be taken seriously when he beat Henry Smit 3-0 in a match where youth and ambition overcame experience.Smit is currently the Nashua Wanderers Open Champion.In the girls’ section, Zaan De Witt stood out as a great prospect for Namibian squash as the girl from the coast showed some great technique combined with strength and agility.She and Windhoek-based Amy Van Der Byl gave the older and more experienced women a good run for their money. THE BIG BOYS Saturday was a day in which the spectators and players alike were treated to a feast of squash.The main game of the day was the quarter-final between Clinton Leeuw and Mike Tootil, both from South Africa.Tootil asserted himself on the game, taking the first two games.However, the calm and patient Leeuw just kept going, dazzling the crowd with catlike movements and speed that one cannot imagine possible on a squash court.He eventually triumphed 3-2 in a game that lasted almost two hours and set up a dream all-South African final against Rodney Durbach.Durbach had earlier defeated John Lingashi 3-0 in the other quarter-final.Sunday was finals day, and another one in the bag for Chimfwembe who beat Adri Lambert 3-0 to make it three in a row.The Plate Final was won by Liezel Wijgergangs, who beat Chrismari Jacobz 3-2.The Men’s B Section was won by NSA chairman Gerdus Lourens 3-0 against Erik Bruys.The Consolation plate went to Immanuel Amorongo, who won 3 -1 against Tienie Botha, and the Plate final was won by Ferdie Malherbe, who beat Bertus Fokkens 3-0.The main final saw Durbach and Leeuw going up against each other again after they had met eight times before this year.They were standing at four a piece.However, on this particular day Leeuw could not summon the pace and determination that saw him beat Tootil the previous day.Durbach took the game to Leeuw and had the match in the bag in an hour in a 3-0 score.