Court craft counts for Shuja

Squash

Former world No 35 Kashif Shuja beat New Zealand squad member Evan Williams in a tightly contested men's open final at the Wellington Squash Open hosted by the Masterton Squash Club over the weekend.

The clash between Shuja and Williams was billed as the likely highlight of an event attracting some 120 players in various grades and it did not disappoint with Shuja winning 6-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5.

Shuja, 33, had been happy with his preparation leading into the event and was confident of a strong showing, although he conceded the energetic Williams was always going to be a tough rival.

Winner of the national men's title on five occasions, Shuja relied on his tactical nous and calm temperament to outlast the top seed Williams, 23, who did not have the patience of his older opponent. This was evident in the fourth and fifth sets where Shuja's retrieving skills and ability to play the right shot at the right time were apparent.

Now based in Palmerston North, Shuja, who has a world ranking of 97 compared to Williams' 79, has coaching as his main focus in Manawatu but he admitted the thought of playing Williams in the decider had meant lifting his training regime to have him in the right shape, mentally and physically.

Shuja and Williams are competing in the Victorian Open in Melbourne this week with Williams also having the Tasmanian Open on his agenda.

As was to be expected, the women's open final went to world No 5 Joelle King, who was always likely be a class above her rivals. As it happened, however, second seed Danielle Fourie kept her honest in a match won by King 11-6, 12-10, 11-5 with King obviously still feeling the exertions of playing off for fifth place in the premier men's draw. She was drawn against former Masterton club member Willie Bicknell (now Squash Wellington development manager) and while Bicknell eventually took the spoils they were on court for one hour.