The finals of both the men’s and women’s Balwin / Assore Central Gauteng Open Squash Championships events took place today.
First up was Siyoli Waters against fellow team mate and training partner Alex Fuller. Waters took control early in the match and played an attacking game putting Fuller under extreme pressure. As Waters commented after her match she knew that she had to start well and ensure that she used her game plan first. “Alex is very competitive and if she is given any leeway in a match she takes full advantage of it. I had to get in early and take control of the match”. Of the tournament Waters congratulated Central Gauteng on once again hosting the Central Gauteng Open and a well run event. “It is fantastic for players to play in their home country and get world ranking points for doing so. The sponsorship of Balwin / Assore makes the tournament a great event and without these kind of sponsor’s such events could not take place. It was wonderful to see so many juniors playing in this event and getting the exposure to the international players. Hopefully some of them will be able to follow in the footsteps of the international players they have seen playing here this week. I am looking forward to going to Cape Town to play in my home town and from there I will be going to hopefully make it into the British Open in May. “
The other final saw Angus Gilliams from England take on Mazen Gamal from Egypt. The match was closely contested by both players with neither giving away easy points. Once again Gilliams allowed the decision making of the referees to influence his game plan and after having match ball in the fourth game lost the 5th 10-12. Gamal kept his cool throughout the match and was very focused. He used his opponents emotions to his advantage and fought all the way to the end of the match. As Gamal said, “The match was extremely hard and closely contested. Angus is a very good player but I just wanted to win so badly. I have not being playing on the circuit for the last 3 years as I completed my military training and mechanical engineering degree. I am trying really hard to get back into the top 100 and knew that I needed this win tonight. Angus had 2 match balls against me in the 4th and 5th games but I knew if I just hung in there I had a chance and eventually it turned in my favour. I would like to thank all the people in Johannesburg especially my hosts for making me feel so welcome and everyone has been so friendly. I am looking forward to going to Cape Town for the first time and hope to do well there. I really appreciate all the support and help all my friends in Cairo have given me and wish they could have been with me tonight to celebrate my win. The tournament has been of the highest quality and I will definitely be back again.”
Final results from the Men’s Main draw:
Mazen Gamal (Egy) bt Angus Gilliams (Eng) 3-2, 11/9, 11/13, 6/11, 12/10, 12/10 (86 min)
Final results from the Ladies Main draw:
Siyoli Waters (RSA) bt Alex Fuller (RSA) 3-0 11/6, 11/8, 11/6 (29min).
