SA's squash champs in Eden: second PSA tournament

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GEORGE NEWS - The second Professional Squash Association (PSA) event in the Eden area took place in Mossel Bay last weekend, following hot on the heels of the first ever Eden PSA squash event played in George a week earlier.

The Mossel Bay Diaz Open Squash tournament (31 January to 2 February) saw the best players in the Eden district in action, along with the first- and second-ranked SA players.

The Eden players include JP Brits (Mossel Bay), Christian Swanepoel, Ross Smorfitt, Ian de Jager, Mikhail Schabort - all from George - and Oz Campbell (Knysna).

A number of up-and-coming players from South Africa, Namibia, India and Pakistan were also seen on the courts.

PHOTO GALLERY - The Mossel Bay Diaz Open Squash Tournament

The standard of squash was high and a number of good matches were played. The PSA finals saw SA number one Dewald van Niekerk fighting it out for top honours against SA number two, Damien Groenewald.

In this high quality contest, Van Niekerk came through on top, winning 3-0.

The Eden juniors had a unique opportunity to play with some of the professional squash players in Mossel Bay just before the Diaz Open.

Prior to the event, the juniors were given a unique opportunity to play against some of the professional players. A group of about 16 juniors also participated in a coaching camp conducted by JP Brits, Juan-Corne Brand, Arno Diekman, Luhann Groenewald and Damien Groenewald.

The profile of squash is certainly growing in Eden, thanks to the efforts of former Protea player JP Brits, who now resides in Mossel Bay.

Dewald van Niekerk (front) vs Damian Groenewald in the final.

The next event to look forward to is the Eden Junior Trails, which will be played over the next two weekends in George and Mossel Bay. In April, more local and international players are expected for the next PSA event in Eden.

Dewald van Niekerk, winner of the Diaz PSA squash event, being interviewed by tournament director JP Brits.