Nasser wins the ultimate prize
Squash
The PSA BDO Namibian Open squash championship 2024 came to an electrifying close on Saturday after a top-notch competition showcasing both local and international talent. With players from Nigeria, Egypt, Germany, South Africa and beyond competing, the finals capped off a week of world-class performances, cementing Namibia’s growing reputation in the squash world.
The highlight was the PSA Open men’s final, where Egypt’s top seed Mohamed Nasser faced South Africa’s Dewald van Niekerk. Nasser displayed his world-class talent, securing a decisive victory in three sets to nil (11-2, 11-5, 11-2).
Despite battling challenges off the court, Nasser delivered a near-flawless performance. Speaking after the match, he revealed: “I was in the hospital due to food poisoning and left at five to play at 18:00. I don’t know how I won that match, but after some rest, I was ready for the final. I’m happy I could win the tournament, because that was the objective from the beginning.”
The Men’s A Open delivered another thrilling encounter as Nigeria’s Oladipupo Ayomide defeated Zambia’s Lukumba Muchimba in straight sets (11-7, 14-12, 11-6). The Nigerian’s resilience paid off, as he claimed the title in commanding fashion.
Ayomide reflected on his journey to the final, saying: “In the semi-finals, I faced Max Endjala and I had a tough time. I thought I’d lost the match when he led during the last set, but I pushed through and kept believing in myself. For the final, I just gave it everything.”
In the Men’s B Open final, Andrew Forrest overcame his fellow Namibian Archie Botha 11-9, 11-4, 11-8.
Steven Berry (A Division) and JJ Loubser (B Division) were plate winners.
The women’s draw was smaller, but delivered a competitive final in which Polite Mbare proved too strong for her Zimbabwean compatriot Natasha Gwidzima (11-7), 11-1, 11-6. Namibia’s Carla Nortje (third) finished the best of the local entries, but had to fight back in the five-set bronze final to beat Adri Lambert 9-11, 11-9, 11-4, 7-11, 11-8 while Gwen Lister secured the plate title.
The PSA BDO Namibian Open 2024 has undoubtedly raised the bar for squash in Namibia, offering fans an unforgettable week of competition. With international stars and rising local talent, the event promises to grow even bigger in the years to come.