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Collin Matiza Sports Editor
INNOCENT Mukumba is the 2017 Zimbabwe Squash Academy boys Under-23 champion. Mukumba (21) emerged as the top dog at this one-day tournament, which was held to mark the Zimbabwe Squash Academy’s eighth anniversary celebrations, by beating Callum Lawton 3-2 in a nail-biting boys Under-23 final at Belgravia Sports Club in Harare on Saturday. But Mukumba will be the first to admit that he was given a good run for his money by 19-year-old Lawton who played some brilliant squash during this one-day tournament.

In fact, Mukumba and Lawton were meeting in the final of the same tournament for the second year running with the former emerging triumphant on both occasions. In last year’s tournament, Mukumba beat Lawton 3-1 but this year he was stretched to the limit by his vastly improved opponent who has got a huge potential in squash.

Third place in the boys Under-23 went to another promising young player Tafadzwa Mushunje. The girls Under-23 title went to the country’s top female player Yvonne Mubure who played against boys during this tournament as there were few girls in her section.

Tayne Turnock walked away with the boys Under-19 title following a straightforward 3-0 victory over Genius Zishiri in the final. Turnock was a picture of composure as he led in each game and held firm as Zishiri tried to rally, but never really get his game going. Third place in the boys Under-19 section went to Brighton Nyakabawo.

There were also some tears of joy for Polite Mubure who emulated her elder sister Yvonne, who clinched the girls Under-23 crown, by lifting the girls Under-19 title following a 3-0 victory over Hannah Mannion in the final. Danai Jongwe settled for third place.

The boys Under-16 final featured two of the country’s most promising young players Aeden Martin and Harry Lawton with the former prevailing 3-1 in an exciting match. Third place went to another talented and promising young player Ryan Gwidzima.

Erica Mupozori beat Yemurai Nyamhari 3-1 in the girls Under-16 final and she (Mupozori) was just lost for words after her four-game victory. Sibongile Mlambo was forced to settle for third place.

After settling for third place in the boys Under-16 section, Ryan Gwidzima was all smiles following an emphatic 3-0 victory over Daniel Bezza in the boys Under-14 final. Third place went to Talent Jambo.

Winners at this tournament, which mostly featured schoolboys and girls from Harare and Bulawayo, received trophies and medals from sponsors ZLG, CBZ Bank, FedEx and Belgravia Sports Club.

One of the tournament’s organisers, Malvin Mubure, said the event was “a great success” as there was a good turnout of players from Bulawayo’s Falcon and CBC schools as well as Harare’s Girls High, Hellenic, Churchill, Kuwadzana, Glen View, Arundel and Mabelreign. Arcturus High School was also represented at this tournament.

“I would like to thank all these players from the schools who took part in this tournament which was played in a good and friendly atmosphere. We had some exciting matches and kudos must also go to Talent Mushunje and Admire Magwaza who helped us to run this event professionally,” Malvin Mubure said.