Masters Squash Doubles Tournament showcases ageless talent
Squash veterans and spirited competitors brought energy, endurance, and excitement to the Joburg Masters Doubles tournament.
The courts at The Wanderers Squash Club were buzzing with energy and camaraderie on June 21 as the Joburg Masters Squash (JMS) Open Doubles Tournament brought together players from across the city for a morning of intense and spirited competition.
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Organised by JMS representative Linda Shannon, the event welcomed all masters players, men over 35 and women over 30, creating a dynamic blend of experience, skill, and a touch of friendly rivalry. The tournament drew thirteen teams from across Johannesburg, including strong showings from Chamber Exiles, Old Edwardians, and Pirates squash clubs, along with a proud contingent from The Wanderers itself.
The format was a non-stop round-robin, requiring each team to play twelve games up to 15 points. With no breaks between matches, players faced three straight hours of demanding court time that tested both their stamina and resolve. What it revealed, however, was that age is no match for sheer determination.
Spectators and younger masters alike were left amused and awestruck by the tenacity of seasoned octogenarians Mary Tucker and Richard Hatfield, whose graceful yet gritty play reminded everyone that squash is as much a game of heart as it is of speed.
After a series of fiercely contested games, The Wanderers pair of Andy Milne and Brett Collinson emerged victorious, clinching first place with a perfect run and 13 points. Just behind them were Ryall Higgins and Amy Scroope, from the Pirates Squash Club, who pushed the top team all the way with strong performances of their own.
While the tournament crowned a winning team, the real triumph lay in the growing spirit of doubles squash itself. The format, which combines competition with sociability, is attracting more and more masters players each year.
It was a day that celebrated not just winners but also the enduring passion of squash players, who prove that age is merely a number and that the court has room for everyone, from the seasoned to the spirited.
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