Good crowd for epic squash encounter

Good crowd for epic squash encounter
By DEAN WEDLAKE

Thursday, 28 June 2007

• Howick and Pakuranga Times

MORE than 100 captivated spectators crammed into Howick Squash Club last Thursday night to witness two of New Zealand’s most talented players.

From left, Josh Thom, Richard Van Rynbach, Tyco chief sponsor Martin Bloem, Brett Meyer and Kashif Shuja. Times photo Dean Wedlake.

World number 47 Kashif Shuja won an epic singles battle over national junior champion Josh Thom in five sets, eventually prevailing 11-9, 6-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9.

Shuja didn’t have it all his own way. Thom showed some brilliant touches and chased down everything his senior opponent handed him, before a combination of fitness and Shuja’s class eventually took its toll.

After the match, the New Zealand number one was glowing in his praise for a youngster who looked the goods even against an international player of Shuja’s ilk.

“He’s very talented. He’s got the goods but just needs hard work and discipline to get him to the next level,” says Shuja.

An exhausted Thom agreed, also citing a lack of fitness and preparation as his downfall.

The 17-year-old gained revenge later in the night, teaming up with Howick junior coach Richard Van Rynbach to defeat Shuja and local club champion Brett Meyer 17-16, 6-15, 16-15, in an enthralling doubles encounter.

“Josh played really well. You could see the great touches they both had and even some of the spectators who’ve played a long time came up to me after the game in absolute awe of the quality being played. It was right off the top shelf,” says Van Rynbach.

The event was also designed to allow local youngsters to view talent from the highest level and hopefully inherit the passion themselves.

With a mass of kids of all ages watching on and taking time out to run around on nearby courts, it seemed to have an instant effect.

“If adults come up to you and say they were in awe the match, you can imagine what’s gone on for the kids who watched it as well,” adds Van Rynbach.

“All in all it was a very successful night for the club and we’ll see what comes out of it.”

Shuja now heads into preparation for next month’s international tournaments in Australia and Malaysia. He’s ranked third for the Australian Open and qualification for the semi-final stages will ensure a leap up the world rankings.

Thom has been on a brief hiatus from the game, but heads into next month’s North Island champs in the hope of defending his title in the last year of his junior career.