Zim Open Squash attracts foreign players

Untitled-3Ricky Zililo and Mtokozisi Dube
AT least 16 foreign players from Botswana and Zambia will compete at the Safeguard Zimbabwe Open Squash Championship that starts today and ends on Sunday in Bulawayo.
Defending men’s champion Ray Simbule is part of the eight Zambians who have confirmed their participation and will all compete in the men’s category.

Mwinga Lengwe, Ken Mwape and Mwansa Chileshe are some of the Zambians coming for the weekend competition.

Botswana are also sending the same number as Zambia with five men and three women.

Melody Mwete, the Matabeleland Squash Association secretary, said all is set for the annual competition and responses from outside the country had not been many or as encouraging as had been the case in previous years.

Zambia’s participation at the Commonwealth Games which are taking place in Scotland has seen some of their players who normally attend the Zimbabwe Open choosing to compete at the Games.

Zambian Sharon Chimfembwe, the winner of the ladies’ title last year, will not be coming to defend her crown in Zimbabwe because she is in the Zambian team at the Commonwealth Games.

With Chimfembwe not coming, United States based Zimbabwean Lauren Williams is now favourite to walk away with the women’s title.
Williams, younger sister of previous women’s title winners Robyn and Michelle, lost to Chimfembwe in last year’s final.

“Everything is set and I’m sure squash lovers will have a good treat. Our games will be played at Old Miltonians Sports Club, a few might take place at the Bulawayo Athletic Club and most of them including the final will be at Suburbs Squash Club,” said Mwete.

The top prize for the men’s section is $1,000 with $500 for the runner up, $750 is the prizemoney for the women’s category winner and $500 for the losing finalist.

Neil Nesbitt and his playing partner Mike Burns are aiming for their 11th doubles win in a row which comes with a cash prize of $500 for the winners and $300 for the runners up.

The veterans’ category carries a first prize of $300 for the champion and $150 for the runner up. Peter Cunningham is the defending champion.

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