Ascoli wins title in Horsham

Melbourne player Mark Ascoli captured his first division-one title in Victorian Masters Squash Association summer championships in Horsham.

Ascoli was too strong for his Yarram opponent Mick Dyke in a thrilling final that had a large and appreciative crowd in awe of the speed and quality of the game.

Ascoli, who has returned to squash after a lengthy injury absence, defeated fellow Melbourne players Chye Lim and Gary Mcpyke on the way to the final.

The division two-title was a Wimmera triumph with reigning Horsham champion Warren Frost winning a gruelling encounter. Frost had to dig deep and change his game style after dropping the first two sets in the final against Werribee’s David Shay.

He eventually found his range and power to win the next three sets and the title.

Donald player Julian Smith has been gaining recent attention for his musical talents, but his rhythm on the squash court was just as exceptional as he blasted his way to the division-four title.

Horsham’s Peter Miller won division seven, beating fellow Horsham player Robyn Creek in a heart-stopping five-set final.

Regular masters player and Horsham life member Christine Chapple breezed through division-eight rounds to win the crown without dropping a set for the weekend.

VMSA president Lou Morsch said the tournament was a great success.

“The Horsham club did a wonderful job of hosting the tournament and everyone enjoyed their visit to the region,” he said.

“We had very good sponsors and support from Horsham Rural City and we had plenty of people watching matches including mayor Mark Radford.”