English Stars Dazzle At Lagos Squash Classics, Aiyepeku Hails Tourney

ODIMEGWU DOMINIC CHINYEAKA

Curtis Malik and Torrie Malik both from England were crowned as champions in the men and women’s finals of the 200 ranking points Lagos International Squash Classics.

Curtis played his brother Perry Malik in the semi-finals on Friday, but his 3-1 (10-14, 11-5,11-6,11-5) triumph was enough to dazzle in to the final.

Curtis Malik did it again with Martin Svec of Czech Republic in the final. He dominated the first set before Svec tried to overcome from behind in the second set, but the Englishman stood his ground by bringing the scoreline to 3-0 (11-3,11-7,11-2) to cart away the prize money of $12,000.

In the women’s final, Torrie Malik was adorned the champion showing no mercy in the three straight sets tie against Egypt’s Malak Fathy 3-0 (11-4,11-4,11-4). Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku, has lauded the just concluded Lagos State International Squash Classics, saying “We’re doing it bigger and better”.

He made the statement after the presentation of trophies and prizes to the champions in the men and women’s categories at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Aiyepeku posited that as Nigeria’s players participated in the international Classics, their rankings increase, amassing points and they can be invited to certified tournaments, both at the regional, continental and international levels.

He added that the squash facilities were in good shape and top-notch, and it’s ever-ready for any major event and the purpose of the glass court is to emulate how elite international squash classics is organized all over the world.

“We are back, and we hope that next year’s event will be better than this”.

An elated Chairman of Lagos State Squash Association, Tomi Falase highlighted the significance of the tournament in the rankings of the Nigerian players by PSA. He said the Association will keep working to see how top players are moving forward by organising more tournaments.

He also extolled the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Sports Commission for their support and encouragement in ensuring that the tournament was a successful one.

No fewer than eight countries and the hosts (Nigeria) were represented at this year’s 200 ranking point squash Classics.