SEEDS FALL LIKE RAINDROPS IN CAPE TOWN
27 Racketlon players - of which nearly half tried Racketlon for the very first time – took part in the 3rd Cape Open at the University of Cape Town on Sunday 26th July in South Africa. Even though seeded players fell like rain drops from last week’s storm in Cape Town tournament director and winner of the tournament Patric Kalous reports below. “We encourage the development in Africa and hope for the first official federation and FIR Challenger tournament on the continent soon”, says a happy FIR-President Marcel Weigl. Pictures, rankings and all results are online on the South African webpage www.racketlon.co.za
Swiss pairing Format
Players played a Swiss pairing format guaranteeing players of a minimum 2 matches and a third optional. Unless you won all your games, then 3 to 4 matches were ahead for you. First seed to fall was David Darlington (Camps bay Squash club), the number 1 got ousted by Schalk Esterhuize in quarters beating David by 6 points. Schalk was a last minute move from men’s B to Men’s A and seriously good tennis player at Oranjia Tennis club. In another quarter number 2 seed Christos Yiatses (Goodwood Badminton club) then fell to Belford Hendricks of Milnerton Tennis club, Belford after a long absence seemed refreshed and ready to rock Racketlons world. Belford beat Christos by 12 points.
2 Squash and 2 Tennis specialists in Semi
The semis saw 2 squash and 2 tennis specialist. The badminton contingent was quiet this time around. First up was Belford v Ryan Bluck. Ryan recently upgraded from B status impressed, I’m sure his mates at Camps Bay Squash club would be pleased. Although Ryan beat Belford in the first 3 disciplines by a close margin, Belford beat Ryan convincingly at the tennis 21/6 giving him the victory by 3 points. Belford held his own in the squash which was Ryan’s strong sport and disappointment of the match. 2nd semi was Schalk v Patric Kalous, Patric was forewarned of schalk’s tennis ability and if it came to it would struggle to get 3 points. It was then essential to beat Schalk before the tennis. Score after squash, Patric up 26 points and the stage has been set for the final between yet another tennis specialist Belford v Patric.
Pioneer Kalous wins Final
Belford played 3 matches prior, all went to tennis, Patric played 2 of which 1 went to tennis against Christopher Jones. Perhaps Fitness would be the decider here. The match started nervously for both players. As soon as they settled in they played some good rallies. Patric had the confidence to go for the winning smashes combined with his tricky serves gave him the leg 21/9. Badminton was a closer fought match, longer rallies and tactical play even though the score line did not reflect this. Then the squash which was Patric’s strong sport gave him the win before tennis at a 26 point lead again.
Van Niekerk best Women
The ladies matches all seemed tight as they battled it out in a round robin format. They all played 4 hard games throughout the day but thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Danielle v Niekerk was the clear winner as she beat all 3 ladies to take the title, her closest competitor was Jennifer Houston (WP Open Ladies B winner) in 2nd place.
Results
Mens A winner: Patric Kalous
Runner up: Belford Hendricks
Ladies Winner: Danielle v Niekerk
Runner up: Jennifer Houston
Mens B winners: Michael Frylink & Ron Shaked
Junior winner: Mitchell Nixon
Runner up: Angelo Yiatses
Prizes in the form of vouchers were kindly donated by www.wineweb.co.za and Ron Shaked manager of Primi Piatti in Camps Bay. We thank you for your support at the 3rd Cape open. Donic offered our players table tennis equipment and Babolat offered the badminton range.
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See you all soon,
Patric Kalous
Racketlon SA
www.racketlon.co.za
