Ward and Groenewald justify their squash seeding

HAYLEY Ward and Damian Groenewald justified their seeding yesterday when they emerged victorious in their semi-final clashes at the Growthpoint SA Squash Championships at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

In the process, the second seeds Ward (women) and Groenewald (men) enjoyed career highs by reaching the national finals for the first time.

In a protracted clash, it was a case of the pupil finally teaching the master as the 20-year-old Groenewald from Pretoria outlasted his coach, JP Brits of SA Country Districts, aged 33, in a four-game battle. It was his first ever win over his mentor and he will face top seed Dewald van Niekerk (SA Country Districts) in today’s final.

Van Niekerk of SA Country Districts beat Ruan Olivier of Northerns 3-0 (11-4 11-1 11-1).

Groenewald won the first two games and led 9-6 in the third, but Brits has not made his reputation on giving up the fight. The 2019 Growthpoint National champion chased everything down and was rewarded for his endeavour, taking the third game 11-9.

In a fast-paced match, Groenewald eventually regained control and despite squandering one match point, he closed out the clash with an 11-7 11-9 9-11 11-8 victory.

“It was a very quick match, and I think my coach knew where I was going to hit the ball,” said Groenewald.

“But that was the first time I’ve beaten him in a big match, so I think it’s a sign of how my game has matured this year, although I know there is still much work to be done.”

In the first women’s semi-final, Ward fought off a courageous effort from SA Country Districts player Alexa Pienaar to reach the title decider.

Despite winning 3-0, the 26-year-old Ward was forced to work for every point. Forced to try to control the centre of the court, the Gqeberha player also focused on a tight length to get past her opponent 11-9 11-5 11-7.

Saying it was “awesome” to have reached the final, Ward acknowledged the pressure she felt from her opponent.

“Although it was 3-0, playing Alexa never feels like a 3-0,” she said with a smile. “She is really tough to play and is so quick and fast, but also a really good sportsman.

“I knew I had to push forward to watch her attacking boast and to maintain a good length because she can put away anything short.”

Ward’s previous best performance in the nationals was reaching the semi-finals in 2020 and 2021, and she now has a shot in the title decider.

“I’m not thinking too much about it at this stage,” said Ward. “I will go in there and fight for every point, and just focus on doing the best I can.”

Ward will play top seed Alex Fuller of Western Province after she defeated fourth-seeded Teagan Russell of Joburg Squash 11-5 11-2 11-2 in the other semi-final.

Today’s women’s final and will be followed by the men’s final.

Saturday’s results to hand:

Women:

Semi-finals: 2-Hayley Ward (Eastern Province) bt 3-Alexa Pienaar (SA Country Districts) 3-0 (11-9 11-5 11-7)

Positions 5-8: Milnay Louw (Western Province) bt Awande Malinga (Northerns) 3-0 (11-8 12-10 11-6); Kimberley McDonald (Northerns) bt Amy Greyvenstein (Free State) 3-1 (11-2 12-14 11-6 11-8); Awande Malinga (Northerns) bt Kimberley McDonald (Northerns) 3-1 (11-4 11-8 5-11 11-5); Milnay Louw (Western Province) bt Amy Greyvenstein (Free State) 3-0 (11-0 11-3 11-2).

Men:

Semi-finals: 2-Damian Groenewald (Northerns) bt 3-JP Brits (SA Country Districts) 3-1 (11-7 11-9 9-11 11-8)

Positions 5-8: Reuel Videler (SA Country Districts) bt Jonty Matthys (SA Country Districts) 3-0 (17-15 11-4 11-7); Mighael Lombard (Western Province) bt Jonty Matthys (SA Country Districts) 3-2 (8-11 6-11 11-3 11-8 11-8). Note: Christo Potgieter has withdrawn.