adminCRACK South Africa-based Zambian Ray Simbule has confirmed his intentions of defending his men’s title at the Safeguard Zimbabwe Open Squash Championship which start on Friday and end on Sunday at Suburbs Squash Club in Bulawayo.
Simbule, the six-time winner of the Zimbabwe Squash Open since the tournament was revived by the Matabeleland Squash Association and staged in Bulawayo from 2004 is one of the top “dogs” who have registered to participate in this year’s tournament.
Last year, Simbule defeated fellow Zambian Mwansa Chileshe, who also plies his trade in South Africa, 3-1 in the final to walk away with the $1 000 cash prize.
Another highly rated player from Zambian Ken Mwape has also confirmed participation while his compatriot, Zambia’s top rated female player Sharon Chimfwembwe is also heading to Bulawayo after missing last year’s event due to national commitments.
According to Matabeleland Squash Association secretary Melody Mwete, besides the Zambian presence the tournament has also attracted contestants from Botswana and Malawi.
Botswana’s top female player Lady Leburu, who is now based in Rwanda, will be one of those coming from the neighbouring country.
The Bulawayo-based pair of Neil Nesbitt and Mike Burns are looking to land the doubles crown which carries a cash prize of $500 for the 12th time in a row.
Joseph Matambanadzo of Harare won the veterans section while Yvonne Mubure also from the capital city is the defending champion for the women where the first prize is $750.
Since 2004, Zambians have taken the top prize at the tournament and Zimbabwe’s hopes in ending that this year are in the hands of the Harare pair of Ahmed Hassan and Blessing Mukwati.
Online Reporter