Zimpapers Logo

Lovemore Dube Senior Sports Editor
THE Safeguard Zimbabwe Squash Open got off to a good start with 31 players taking part in the men’s elite category where number one seed Ray Simbule lived up to expectations at Suburbs Courts. Seeded number one, Simbule won his second round tie 3-0 beating Nehemiah Mashonganyika. Simbule had been given a bye in the first round.

Second seed Mwansa Chileshe joined his countryman Simbule in the second round after beating 31st seed Ryan Gwitima 3-0.
Chileshe is expected to clash with Freddy Chishimba in the next stage.

With the top four slots for the impressive Zambians, third seed Ken Mwape was too good for Ezrack Hweru while number four ranked Kundanji Kalengo dismissed Danish Anand 3-0.

Competition continues today with those still left in the men’s singles vying for the first prize of $1,000 and second best’s $500.
Thirty-one players are taking part in the men’s singles.

Zimbabwe Squash Association president Lucky Mlilo said the event could have had a better attendance than 31 if not for the Commonwealth Games. But he remained optimistic that the event would not be robbed of its lustre.

“The turn out could have been higher than that if not for the Commonwealth Games. A number of Zambian players are taking part in the Commonwealth Games, but we still have a quality field in attendance.

“We are grateful to the sponsors of the event Safeguard for coming on board,” said Mlilo.
In the men’s doubles Neil Nesbitt and Mike Burns began the 11th defence of a title they have made their property for the past 10 years with a routine win over the pair of Vaghmaria and Parshotam.

Mwape and Chileshe also made it through to the next stage with a 3-0 win as well in an event which has attracted eight pairs.
With Muri Mukadam, Thabo Sibanda, Mukadam and Lucky Mlilo all bundled out in the first round of the men’s veterans’ category, Bulawayo and Zimbabwe’s hopes will lie in Jeff Fenwick and Joseph Matambanadzo. They are aware of the potency of the Zambian charge led by Freddy Chishimba who is ranked second and Dave Simpemba.

Fenwick was yet to clash with his opponent Chrispen Sibanda last night while Matambanadzo had made light work of Thabo Sibanda.
Laureen Williams will be eager to ensure the family name stays engraved on the women’s title when she takes to the court in the women’s singles where she is a defending champion.

Ten women are taking part with a round robin contest set for the two pools in which at the end the two players finishing at the top will battle it out for the $750 first prize.

Taking part in this section are Yvonne Mubure, Lady Leburu of Botswana, Caroline, Danielle Strydom and Tamryn Burns in Section A with Williams, Morapelo Mokopakgosi, Lucky Motshabi, Sharon Herbst and Casmen Burns in the second.
Play continues today and ends tomorrow.