adminTHE Safeguard Zimbabwe Open Squash Championship staged at Suburbs Squash Club saw the Bulawayo-based pair of Mike Burns and Neil Nesbitt being crowned as doubles winner for a 12th consecutive time.
In a remarkable achievement by both players who are above 40 years of age, the duo swept past fellow Bulawayo athletes Matthew Mullaji, and partner Kalpesh Parshotam 3-0 in the final with ease.
Burns and Nesbitt, a doubles squash pairing since 2002, were rewarded with a floating shield and a cash prize of $500.
Since the country’s premier squash event was brought back to life by the Matabeleland Squash Association in 2004 and staged in Bulawayo, Burns (43) and Nesbitt (48) have been doubles champions.
Showing incredible agility, Burns was back on the squash court a few minutes after the doubles final, to take on last year’s veterans’ winner Joseph Matambanadzo of Harare. Burns burnt his way to a 3-1 triumph over Matambanadzo to collect $300 in prize money.
Over the years, a lot of pairs from locals to the Zambians have tried to dethrone Burns and Nesbitt without success.
Nesbitt said they were proud to achieve such a milestone as a doubles pair over the years.
Their key to success, according to Nesbitt, was the effort they put in fine-tuning for the Open, the ability to cover for each other and the knowledge they had for each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
“We feel very proud to be able to achieve this milestone as there are many things that could have changed the story for example injury or illness. We have always put a lot of effort into preparation in terms of training, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses so we cover each other,’’ said Nesbitt.
On what they are doing to groom up-and-coming stars especially in Bulawayo, Nesbitt pointed out that they played against aspiring stars in local competitions in a bid to develop them.
Nesbitt said in dedicating time to mentor the juniors, they both played with different partners in local tournaments.
During the Dig Deep, a yearly doubles contest between Bulawayo and Harare held in the capital city in June, Nesbitt played alongside female Michelle Williams while Burns had former national cricket team player Gregory Strydom, who has swapped the bat for the racquet, as his playing partner.
“We play most other tournaments locally with the developing players as well as spending time coaching juniors’ talent,’’ Nesbitt said.
At some stage, the two contemplated retiring to give the younger players an opportunity when they won their 10th title in 2013, but the passion for the sport saw a change in plans and the duo have vowed to play as long as they are fit and in good health.
“We love the game so we will continue to play as long as we are blessed to have the gift of our fitness and health,’’ Nesbitt said on the change of heart.
The advice to the younger players who aim to accomplish what the two have achieved is that they are free to ask for tips from Burns and Nesbitt anytime as the two legends of the game are glad to give guidance.
“To the young players coming through I would ask that ‘feel free to talk to us at anytime’ and we will be more than happy to guide them and create pathways that will lead to the longevity of the sport and elevated levels of competition in our nation,’’ said Nesbitt.
While they have been all conquering locally, Burns and Nesbitt have only participated as a doubles pairing once in the World Doubles Championships in Melbourne, Australia in 2006 where they finished 13th out of 16 countries. Their situation was not helped then by an injury to Burns before they played the last match.
Once again the Open top accolade was taken by a Zambia Ray Simbule who is based in South Africa, who made it three in a row with a 3-1 triumph over compatriot Manda Chilambwe to pocket $1 000.
Yvonne Mubure of Harare overpowered seasoned Zambian Sharon Chimfwembe 3-1 to retain the women’s title she won last year.
Blessing Muhwati was the best placed Zimbabwe in the men section in fourth spot after he lost 3-2 to Zambian Ken Mwape in a third place play off. Muhwati from Harare had gone down 3-1 to Simbule in the semi-finals.
According to information provided by MSA secretary Melody Mwete, there was 47 participants in the men’s singles, eight in the women category, the same number for the veterans and 14 pairs in the doubles.
Botswana and Zambia provided the highest number of foreign contestants with five players apiece; Malawi had four while Sri Lanka had one. Ryan Gwidzima, the plate winner was the youngest at nine years with Jeffrey Fenwick the oldest at the age of 57.
While their opponents will still be wondering how they could dislodge them, Burns and Nesbitt are celebrating their remarkable 12th title at the Open Championships, something the next generation might find hard to surpass for a very long time.
Online Reporter