Groundwork set for grand Masters show

Around 450 of country’s best older squash players will battle for honours

Top-class Masters squash action is taking centre-stage in East London from next week Saturday until the following week Tuesday as the 42nd annual South African Master squash tournament is hosted by Border Masters squash around the city.

Approximately 450 players from across the country as well as a few players from Zimbabwe will be battling it out for age group honours over the fourday event.

This is the first time that East London is holding the tournament since 2012 and the city will be eager to put on a show.

“We have hosted this tournament on previous occasions, usually every six years since being a founding province of the IPT in 1974, with the last hosting in East London in 2012,” said chairman of Border Masters Squash Peter Allam.

“East London is one of the most popular venues for all squash in South Africa, including SA Masters singles, SA Masters Doubles, Jarvis/Kaplan Cup Interprovincial singles and SA Schools interprovincials.

“We are expecting fierce competition amongst the players over four days and great squash will be played.”

Six different age divisions will be competed, with matches being held at all the clubs around East London, namely Beacon Bay, Cambridge, Gonubie, Hams and Old Boys and, depending on how many entries come in, schools may be utilised as well.

On the men’s front the age divisions competed will be the 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65+ and there will also be a Golden Oldies section for the over70’s.

On the women’s side it is open to all women over-35 and that will be broken up into three sections.

“It is indeed a great honour to host this tournament. As Border Masters chairman, I am confident that we have an extremely competent committee, most of whom have been involved in many previous tournaments,” said Allam.

“I know that my team will produce only the best for the players.”

The provinces that will be taking part in this year’s tournament are Eastern Gauteng, Vaal Triangle, Border, Gauteng, SANDF, Lowveld, SA Country Districts, KZN, Northern Gauteng, Western Province, Free State, Eastern Province and Midlands, while a team from Zimbabwe is also taking part.

A number of top SA players who took part in the World Masters Champs in Charlottesville, Virginia earlier this month will also be in action during the tournament.

In all a top championship is expected, and squash fans from all over the city are encouraged to turn out in their numbers and support the event.

“We really hope to have good support. Entrance is free, participation is at all the clubs in East London and we encourage the public to come and watch,” said Allam.

“I really hope it will be a fantastic event as a lot of time and effort has been put into getting ready for it and we want it to be a success, have great squash, and that the players will enjoy East London’s hospitality.”

As Border Masters chairman, I am confident that we have an extremely competent committee