Berry, Bronkhorst claim Unam squash titles

Squash
Both champions went through the tournament without dropping a game as 22 players contested 41 matches across the men’s and women’s divisions.
Staff Reporter
  • 9 Hours Ago

Steven Berry and Danelle Bronkhorst emerged as the men’s and women’s champions, respectively, at the University of Namibia (Unam) Squash Championship after completing their title runs without dropping a game last weekend.

The tournament, sponsored by Unam and held at the university’s squash courts in Windhoek, attracted 22 players who contested 41 matches across the men’s and women’s divisions.

Berry claimed the Men’s A Division title after defeating Gift Chikaonda 11-2, 11-2, 11-6 in the final, completing an unbeaten run without conceding a game throughout the competition.

Desmond Gakanje secured bronze after overcoming Joseph Kalola 11-3, 6-11, 12-10, 11-7 in the third-place playoff.

In the women’s section, Bronkhorst defeated Rebecca Jean Berry 11-4, 11-3, 11-0 in the final to claim gold, having won all 15 games she contested during the tournament.

Robyn Harrison completed the women's podium with bronze after defeating Victoria Appollus 11-1, 11-5, 11-7.


Competitive encounters

The championship featured 14 players in the men’s division and eight in the women’s section, with both categories following formats designed to give competitors more matches.

The men’s competition used a full placement draw, allowing all 14 players to continue competing until every position from first to 14th had been decided.

Meanwhile, the women’s division featured two round-robin groups followed by playoffs, ensuring each player contested at least four matches.

Despite both champions completing straight-game runs, the tournament produced several closely contested encounters, with four matches going the full five games.

These included a men’s semi-final, while one of the women’s round-robin encounters was decided 15-13 in the fifth game.

The men’s bronze-medal encounter also featured a closely contested third game, which Gakanje edged 12-10 on his way to victory.

The eight-player women’s field was another encouraging aspect of the competition, which gave both developing and experienced players an opportunity to test themselves across multiple matches.

Unam’s sponsorship and hosting of the championship provided players with another competitive platform on campus.

– mariud@nsh.com.na