MATANATABU WINS OPEN SQUASH TITLE

DEFENDING champion Marika Matanatabu successfully defended the Jack's of Fiji Nadi Open Squash Championship at the Nadi Sports and Social Club (NSSC) yesterday.

Matanatabu defeated second seed Daniel Fong 11-3, 11-1, 4-11, 11-2 in the final.

The final was the only match in which Matanatabu dropped a set. Matanatabu said for him it was just another title, but the positive thing to come out of the tournament was the participation of many new players.

He said this was the best result at the end of the day for a minor sport like squash.

"It was really pleasing to see so many youngsters participate in the tournament," Matanatabu said.

"With proper guidance they can develop into bright stars in the future."

National tennis rep Raynal Singh playing in his first squash tournament won the C Grade.

Singh who was unseeded defeated the fourth seed Robyn Samisoni 11-6, 22-2, 11-1 in the final.

NSSC squash director Leilani Tokalautawa said Raynal proved to be a surprise package in the tournament.

Tokalautawa said Maciu Tuilau with only eight weeks of squash experience won the C Grade. She said they need more competition in the Western Division.

"We need to get a businesshouse competition like the one which is held in Suva to give the players more game time," Tokalautawa said.

Results; A Grade: (Semi-finals) Marika Matanatabu def Andrew McGoon 114, 11-5, 11-4; Daniel Fong def Andre Roxburgh 12-10, 12-10, 11-1; (Final) Marika Matanatabu def Daniel Fong 11-3, 11-1, 4-11, 11-2. B Grade: (Semi-finals) Nathan Kumar def Ben Sonewa 11-0, 9-11, 11-4, 11-6; Jack Fong def Gocean Mai 11-0, 11-0, 11-0. (Final) Nathan Kumar def Jack Fong 17-15, 119, 11-8. C Grade: (Semi-finals) Raynal Singh def Jeremy Ahkee 8-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-2; Robyn Samisoni def Vikrant Singh 11-3, 11-5, 11-9. (Final) Raynal Singh def Robyn Samisoni 11-6, 11-2, 11-1. Novice Grade: (Semi-finals) Maciu Tuilau def Kok Kin Yee 11-5, 11-5; Roy Deng def Chris Li 11-7, 11-6; (Final) Maciu Tuilau def Roy Deng 11-9, 11-3.