Squash: HSI Life knockout tournament-Thorington wins first title |19 September 2011

A small crowd gathered at the Mont Fleuri courts to witness the much-anticipated final between two players who had posted wins during the week in the early stages of the competition.

Although no one can take the title away from Thorington, the player himself believes he was “lucky”.
No problem then as luck is an important element for athletes to have on their sides whenever they take part in any competition.

“Luck was on my side today (Friday). Ridvan wasn’t 100% fit in the final and I made the most of the opportunity to take my first ever win in a local competition,” Thorington told Sports Nation.

Suffering from flu and a sore ankle, Prosper won the opening set 11-4 and almost everybody thought the country’s number one male player would sweep Thorington, but it was not to happen.

Thorington pulled level with a 12-10 second-set win and went on to claim the next two sets 11-6 and 11-7 for a deserved 3-1 victory in a high quality encounter.

“I’m happy I won the tournament and I thank H. Savy Insurance for the sponsorship,” said Thorington who added that more young players should join the club to help improve the level of play.

“I couldn’t do much in the final because of the flu and the tight ankle. But I must congratulate Rod on his win,” said Prosper.

To make the final, Thorington collected wins over Tim Horpinitch {3-0 (11-5, 11-5, 11-4)}, Eva Alphonse {3-1 (11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11-7)}, Nigel Pillay {3-1 (11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 11-7)}, while Prosper defeated Shiv Kumar {3-0 (11-8, 16-14, 16-14)}, Emmanuel Labiche {walkover}, and Phil Morgan {3-1 (11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 12-10)}.

Winner Thorington and losing finalist Prosper received trophies presented by Murline Lebon of H. Savy Insurance.

Female winner Eva Alphonse and runner-up Lulette De Jesus, who played with the men, also won trophies. Alphonse reached the quarterfinal and was eliminated by eventual champion Thorington. Phil Morgan won the prize for best overall performer.

A total of 25 players took part in the tournament – the first on the Seychelles Squash Association (SSA) calendar.

After the presentation of prizes, the two-man band of Lambert Woodcock and Ken Marie entertained as the players and guests had some heavy snacks and drinks.

G. G.