[1] Tenille Van Der Merwe bt [2] Milnay Louw  11-9, 11-9, 11-7

The ladies final of the SA nationals started with some long rallies, both players trying to figure each other out. Milnay hitting some hard straight lengths, while Tenille played slower crosscourt lobs from the back. The first game was close with the score staying within one point up until 6-6. Tenille pulled away after a few errors from Milnay and got game ball 10-6.

Milnay upped the pace and saved 3 game balls, forcing errors from Tenille before a tight length from Tenille was too good. 1-0 11-9.

The second was similar to the first in that it started and ended closely. Milnay putting all her effort into speeding up the pace whilst Tenille slowed it down, enabling her to get in front and volley short putting Milnay under pressure on the big points towards the end of the game. Again, Tenille pipped Milnay to the post and took it 11-9.

Tenille completely dictated the pace in the third game, varying with some hard crosscourt volleys followed by lobs and straight drops to great effect.

The rallies were long and tough, both girls retrieving and moving extremely well over and over again.

After an excellent match that was a great advert for women’s squash in South Africa, Tenille van Der Merwe took the national title with an 11-7 win in a well battled third game.

I believe these two will battle out many more national championships in years to come, along with 3rd and 4th placed Siyoli Waters and Adel Weir – the future in women’s South African squash looks bright!

[1] Steve Coppinger bt [5/8] Shaun Le Roux
         11-5, 11-7, 7-11, 11-5

Onto the men, two PSA ranked players, Shaun ranked at 90, Steve Ranked at 36 –quality squash was on the cards for the packed crowd at Parkview – in fact, I had to steal a certain Chairman’s seat to get any kind of view of this match!

Shaun got off to a shaky start, with many rallies ending in the tin, Shaun on the wrong end of them. Steve stayed steady and consistent, first game 11-5 to Steve!

In the second Game, Shaun cut out the errors and suddenly we had a great game in front of us. The rallies although long were varied, accurate lengths punctuated by excellent drop shots and unbelievable retrieving.

Nothing separated the two until 6-6, Steve pulled away to 9-6 after some tight rallies that he finished with sublime winners. Shaun replied with a stunning straight drop shot to make it 7-9 only to make his first error of this game to 10-7 down. Then followed one of the best rallies of the match so far, drop after drop after drop being played and retrieved, eventually Steve picked up a fantastic drop by Shaun and even managed to play a short boast leaving Shaun stranded. The crowd were left breathless! 11-7 Steve.

Steve, with the title in his sights, started the third a little tentatively. This allowed Shaun to dominate and play his own way, pinning Steve into the back with perfect length then playing what have become his trademark inch perfect straight drops at the front. He quickly went up 4-0, Steve on run now, leaving the court a bit more open for Shaun to be deceptive 6-2 to Shaun.

Here, Steve had a little word to himself and the next rally was much more like the Steve we had seen throughout this tournament, relaxed, flowing around the court. He brought it back to 6-7 but Shaun was in full flow, looking unstoppable, forced two errors out of Steve, 9-6 to Shaun who then made an error 7-9 Steve serving.

Another great rally at the front of the court ending in a short boast by Shaun that Steve couldn’t retrieve, 10-7 to Shaun. He didn’t need another chance to take the game from the number 1 seed and so it was 11-7 to Shaun, Steve leading now 2-1.

Steve looked much calmer and determined at the start of the fourth game, playing his length and moving effortlessly – he pulled away to 4-1. But Shaun wasn’t ready to let his first attempt at a national title slip away, he dominated the middle of the court, putting Steve at full stretch and pulled it back to 4-4.

Another magnificent rally full of accurate play ended in an error by Shaun, this was followed by a nice little nick at the back of the court for Shaun 5-5. More long exchanges followed, Steve up now 7-5. Another error forced out of Shaun as he narrowed his margins, trying to find that winner at the front of the court, out of reach of the flowing Coppinger but just clipping the top of the tin. 8-5 Steve, a perhaps unlucky no let for Shaun 9-5.

A solid shot to the back of the court that sent Shaun the wrong way gave Steve Coppinger match ball.

Focused and determined, Steve hit a straight length to the back, which Shaun could only boast, a hold from Steve and a perfectly measured crosscourt that rolled off the side wall inches from the back wall gave Steve Coppinger the 2011 South African National Title and boy did he look pleased to have it again!

 

Parkview squash club, where the whole tournament was played was built by Chris and Jean Grainger - Name ring a bell?



It is now owned by the Assore company and run by no other than the legend that is Craig Van Der Wath, pictured with Angie Clifton-Parks - both have played in over 20 National Championships!

Eastern Gauteng Chairman Pierre

Owen Woods, consolation plate winner

Lauren & Richard Castle

Adrian Hansen

Jean Grainger
(Natalie's mum)

SEMI FINALS
Lauren Siddall reports

Thursday 16th June was National Youth Day here in South Africa, a national holiday. And fitting to the event, 3 out of the 4 semi-finalists were under the age of 30 (take into account that the average age of players in the draw was over 30) and in the so called “new generation” of South African squash – they have a lot to live up to!

The matches were scheduled to be played at the prestigious Wanderers Club on the all-glass court,, however, upon arriving at Wanderers and practicing on the courts, the players and organisers decided that the floor was too slippery for these matches to be played on it.

So, back to Parkview we went and the Semi-Finals were played on the spotless Parkview glassbacks (spotless due to good maintenance and also a quick bit of vacuuming by Craig Van Der Wath at short-notice!)

LADIES

Millnay Louw (2) bt Adel Nunan (5/8) 11- 4 11-8 11-5

Milnay raced to a quick lead in the first game, playing some impeccable lengths and volleying any of Adel’s loose shots into the front, often with little for Adel to pick up. The second game, Adel looked to be a lot more relaxed than in the previous game but Milnay kept the pressure on and the pace high to see the second game through 11-8.

In the third, Milnay maintained the pace and forced a few errors out of Adel, powering through to take the game 11-5 and a place in the Final….

Tenille Van Der Merwe (1) bt Siyoli Waters (3/4)
               11/7 10/12 11/3 11/6

Tenille’s movement around the court was fantastic today, in the first game, Siyoli seemed a little tense and was rushing her shots a little, trying to find a winner but making errors. Tenille quickly got to 10/4 up but now Siyoli starting hitting some crackers and was using her phenomenal strength effectively. She got back to 7-10 but a nice drop by Tenille on the backhand made it 11-7.

Second game – Siyoli carried the momentum from the end of the first game and went up 9-4, hitting to a good length and playing at a fast pace. Tenille, after being forced into a few errors earlier on, began retrieving to good effect, changing the pace under pressure and taking in the drop after pinning Siyoli into the back with a lob.

Back she came to 8-9, then followed a magnificent rally, both players retrieving well. One loose shot by Tenille and Siyoli hit an amazing crosscourt kill nanometers above the tin to go 10-8 up.

Tenille, not done yet forced 2 errors out of Siyoli and got back to 10-10. A good length by Siyoli took her to 11-10 followed by an unbelievable straight, low kill from the back of the court on the forehand and she had the second game 12-10.

Third Game Tenille bounced back well and went quickly up to 10-3 using a slower, more varied game impressively. Siyoli, try as she might to speed the pace up, made unforced errors, the game slipped away 11-3 to Tenille.

Fourth Game, Tenille seemed to gain confidence in her game and using her quick movement and fascinating ability under pressure, she got to match ball again in no time 10-4.

Siyoli gave a big final push, flying around the court and saved two match ball before Tenille regained composure and won the match with another tight drop on the backhand side.

A Tenille v Milnay Final will be played on Saturday – should be a cracker!

MEN'S

Shaun Le Roux (5/8) bt Paul Rodrigues 11/9 11/9 10/12 11/4

A much more relaxed than in recent matches le Roux took to the court against Rodrigues who had beaten 3 much higher seeded players on his way to the Semi-Final. Long rallies at the start of the match kept the score close all the way, short managing to sneak it 11/9.

Again, a similar second game, Le-Roux playing nice lengths followed by his drop shots that have served him well thus far in this tournament, Rodrigues running and diving around the court. Rodrigues at 9-8 up made three errors in a row, one forced by Shaun’s length, the other two fron return of serve and went down 9-11.

Shaun raced ahead after a close start to the game and soon got to 10-6. Nerves looked to have got the better of him, however, as he made 5 unforced errors in the next six rallies to lose the game and see a great comeback from Rodrigues, who wasn’t ready to give up this tournament yet 12-10 Rodrigues.

Le-Roux relaxed himself during the break and played much more composed squash, going 9-3 up after varying the pace and forcing many errors out of Rodrigues. 10-3 to Shaun match ball again. A long rally that ended in an error at the front of the court by Shaun gave Rodrigues an opening. 4-10 match ball – could he come back again????

After a long, long rally, the answer was no for Rodrigues after he played a high boast under pressure and Shaun did a fancy little trick shot at the front sending Rodrigues the wrong way. Rodrigues can be proud of himself, playing well throughout the tournament and conducting himself in a professional manner Match to Shaun and into his first National Final!

Steve Coppinger (1) bt Rodney Durbach (3/4)  11/3, 11/7, 11/1

Steve took the first game quickly 11/3 with a combination of dominance in the middle of the court and consistency all-round. The second game, Durbach got into the game and started to move better and making fewer errors.

Coppinger got up to 8-1, but Durbach played some excellent attacking shots to get back to 6-8. Coppinger looked to change gears and step it up a notch to go 2-0 11-7. The third game, Coppinger was in full flow, not allowing Durbach to play his game and taking it 11-1, Coppinger pumped his fist at the end – clearly happy to be in the final again!
     

Men's

[1] Steve Coppinger bt Devon Hendrikse 11-2 11-3 11-7

Steve Dominated this match from the start, although Devon, who has been having a good season with regards to results against top players in SA local tournaments, fought extremely hard. Coppinger was placing Hendrikse from one corner to the other, to the other and back again. Great match to watch, even just to see Coppinger’s relaxed style of play working to it’s full effect.

[3/4] Rodney Durbach bt Adrian Hansen 11-6 11-2 11-4

Two former champions battled it out for a place in the Semi-Finals, it was Durbach who took a close first game, after that it was a lot more one-sided. Durbach goes through to the Semi-Finals on the glass court at Wanderers where he will meet Steve Coppinger, I’m looking forward to watching that one!

Shaun Le Roux bt [3/4] Craig Van Der Wath
         11-9, 4-11 (Conduct game from 4-4) 11-9, 15-13

Legendary Craig Van Der Wath, appearing in his 24th Nationals quarter final went up against 1 place lower seeded Le-Roux (Shaun has a lower SA ranking due to living overseas for the last few years)

Shaun took a very close first game 11-9, some excellent squash was played. Van Der Wath using his unreal mental capacity to full effect and placing Shaun in the right places. Van Der Wath was 10-6 down and dug in to bring it back to 9-10. Although unhappy with the referee’s decisions, Shaun’s strength got him through this, along with his delicate touch at the front of the court.

The second game, Craig went 4-1 down and after a long rally where Shaun queried one of Craig’s shots in the rally, he got back to 2-4. This was where Shaun conveyed his frustration to the three referees. He stepped off the court after a conduct warning and subsequently was penalized with a conduct game.11-4 to Craig then and 1-1 in games.

The third game, Craig was playing magnificently and took advantage of Shaun’s concentration dip, forcing Shaun into every corner of the court and getting unforced errors out of him to go up 10-7. Shaun then lengthened the rallies and used his strength and power, along with some great straight kills to fight back to 10-10. Some tense rallies followed with both players acquiring game balls but it was Le Roux who eventually got it 15-13.

The fourth game, Shaun went up quickly 10-3 and kept the lead with great attacking play at the right times. After saving three match balls, Van Der Wath was unable to retrieve another one of Le Roux’s tight drop shots and the match was over, 3-1 to Le Roux.

Paul Rodrigues (unseeded) bt Clinton Leeuw (2) 3-2

Giant Killer Paul Rodrigues was forced to play catch up right from the start as Leeuw came out flying, playing solid squash and attacking well. Rodrigues, who overcame big name Mike Tootill in the first round and Rudi Willemse in the second round, is like lightning around the court and spent mot of the first game retrieving.

In the second game, Rodrigues got in front and stayed consistent to take the second.. now 1/1. Clinton came back to take the third game, through forcing a loose shot from the back by Rodrigues and taking the opportunity to kill the rally off. 2/1 Leeuw. The fourth game saw Leeuw go behind quickly and Rodrigues using his fitness and speed to great effect 2/2… he carried this momentum into the fifth to take it 11/6.

Great match to watch, played in the excellent spirit and good sportsmanship that can showcase the game of squash to more people on a world scene.

Ladies

[5/8] Adel Nunan bt [3/4] Cheyna Tucker   11/8 11/3 11/5 11/9

Nunan went ahead 1/0 after being down 1-5, her length developing after a tentative first few rallies where Tucker dominated and didn’t allow Nunan to get in front. At 8-8, Nunan pulled through to 11-8. She went quickly ahead in the second 9-2 and took the game 11-3.

In the third, Tucker came out fast and raced ahead leaving Nunan with a long hill to climb – Tucker kept her head and came through 11-5. Adel was up 8-5 in the fourth, but Tucker fought deep to bring it back to 8-8. Nunan played some great lengths and boasts to get to 10-8 match ball, Tucker saved one but ultimately Nunan took the game 11-9 and 3-1.

[2] Milnay Louw bt [5/8] Angie Clifton Parks 11/7 11/3 11/6

Louw’s strength and accuracy won her this match against Clifton Parks (making her 25th appearance in the SA Nationals!). Clifton Parks played her trademark lob and drop game that has killed many an opponent, especially in the front backhand corner. Louw was too strong though and dominated the court, preventing Clifton Parks from opportunities to kill the ball. Louw now plays Adel Nunan in the Semi Finals!

[1] Tenille Van Der Merwe bt [5/8] Senade Haupt 11-6 11-8 11-3

This was a good match to watch, Tenille was consistently hitting the ball to a good length and following it up with good attacking play. Senade moved well but in the end, found it just too hard to keep up with Tenille’s pace.

[3/4] Siyoli Waters bt [5/8] Cara Fourie 11-9 11-1 4-11 11-8

A close first game was followed by a much easier one for Waters, her fast pace and hard hitting being chased and chased by Fourie who is quick on her feet. Waters, who said she was surprised at being nervous dropped the third but relaxed again and played better squash in the fourth and, though close, took it 11-8 and the match 3-1.

Just a quick comment on the shirts being worn by the South Africans…

Czech Republic, Pontefract, Edgbaston, Tottenham Hotspur???



I forgot I was actually in Africa for a day or two !!

The Three Referee system in use, with coloured decision cards

Liz Addison, National Coach

2nd Round Results –

Tenille Van Der Merwe beat Sonica Fritz  11-3 11-2 11-3
Senade Haupt bt Kathryn Blake              11-6 11-7 11-3
Siyoli Waters bt Sharon Le Roux            11-9 11-2 11-5
Cara Fourie bt Viv Doeg                        11-13 11-2 11-0 11-6
Adel Nunan bt Alushca Botha                  11-5 11-8 2-11 11-6
Cheyna Tucker bt Robyn Baptiste           11-6 11-4 11-1
Angie Clifton-Parks bt J. Harmse             11-6 12-10 11-5
Milnay Louw bt Nicola Helkwick               11-5 11-7 11-5

Men's

Steve Coppinger bt Thoboki Mohohlo      3-0
Rodney Durbach bt Gary Wheadon        11-4 11-7 3-11 10-12 11-8
Adrian Hansen bt JP Brits                      11-7 11-3 11-5
Shaun Le Roux bt Christo Potgieter        11-8 8-11 11-7 7-11 11-3
Craig Van Der Wath bt Andrew Martin     11-2 11-3 11-4
Paul Rodrgues bt Rudi Willemse              11-8 11-7 10-12 5-11 11-7
 

As surprising as it may be, the South African National Championships were one of the first of its kind in the world, starting in 1910 at Johannesburg Country Club! Up until 1981, however, foreigners were allowed to enter with one or two rather famous names winning – some guy named “J. Barrington” being successful in 1968!

The 2011 SA Nationals are being held at Parkview Squash Club in Johannesburg up to and including the quarterfinals whereby thereafter, the semi-finals and finals will take place at The Wanderers Club (yes, where the cricket also is played!) on the all glass court.

Both the Men’s and Ladies Draws consist of high quality players and have a strong PSA and WISPA representation. There are also many past champions in the Men’s draw who will be looking to take back the title. They will be coming up against the younger generation who will be looking for their first taste of glory!

Past winners in the draw include:

Craig Van Der Wath (1992, 1993, 1994, 2004)
Adrian Hansen (200, 2005, 2006)
Rodney Durbach (1999, 2003, 2009)
Steve Coppinger (2007, 2008, 2010)

Interestingly, two of these past winners have won titles exactly 10 years apart!

Although the evening of the first round was hectic, there were a few matches that caught my eye. Expect better reports further into the event!

JP Brits bt Nico Mulder (9/16) 3-0

JP played excellently, getting the ball to the right places on the court quickly and putting 9/16 seed Nico under pressure well at the back of the court.

He kept his head well and managed to see the match through 3-0 to set up an exciting 2nd Round match with three times national champion Adrian Hansen who won a relatively tough match with Durandt Martin 3-1.

JP commented how he was so excited about playing Nico that he couldn’t sleep the night before – I wonder how he copes tonight!

Craig Van der Wath (3/4) bt
Devon Savage 3-0

Qualifier, Devon was up and ready for this match and he went out flying. 4 Times former national Champion Craig stayed cool as ever and had Devon on the run for most of the match. Devon had a momentary lead at 9-8 in the second but Craig’s mental strength and spot-on shot selection took him straight through to 11.

This momentum carried through into the third game, with Devon trying his best to anticipate where his opponent was going to place the ball but to no avail. Craig is through to the next round where he will play Andrew Martin.


Paulo Rodrigues bt Mike Tootill (5/8) 3-2

I didn’t manage to see the whole match but I could definitely hear it! Lots of pleading with the referee and frequent disagreements. Paulo was 2-0 down but ran out the eventual winner after an extremely close 4th game where he pipped it 12-10 and took the fifth 11-6.

He now plays Rudi Willemse who had a spectacular match with another unfortunate 9/16 seed Jimmy Schlebusch.

Ladies

A couple of previous champions in the Draw – Angie Clifton-Parks (1989, 1990), and Tenille Swartz (2005, 2006, 2007, 2009). Siyoli Waters, runner up last year in a five game final will also be hungry to go one better!

The top 4 seeds got a bye straight through to the second round, and all but two of the seeds got through without any real drama;

Janice Harmse overcame 9/16 seed Menanto Stoltz in four closely battled games with some great rallies and retrieving by both players. She now plays former Champion Angie Clifton-Parks for a place in the quarter finals.

Nicola Helwick (9/16) had a cracker of a match against Michelle Kohne. Nicola taking the first 11-5 but Michelle came back and took the second 13-11. Nicola went one better in the Third and won it 14-12 after some tense shots at the end by Kohne.

The fourth went more her way and she took it 11-9, both players running hard and breathing hard! After a nail biting first half of the fifth game, where rallies were ended in a few tins, Nicola broke away and took the fifth 11-7 to take her to a second round against Milnay Louw, the second seed.

Men's Draw & Results

Random Edgbaston top at the nationals worn by current champ and number 1 seed Steve Coppinger!

Women's Draw & Results