Veteran Christo Potgieter relied on his experience to book his spot in the final of the Growthpoint SA National Squash Championships at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Friday.
Christo Potgieter Pic: Petri Oeschger
The Namibian born 36-year-old comfortably beat Ruan Olivier from Bloemfontein 11-5, 11-6 and 11-6.
In a repeat of last year’s final he will once again face Dewald van Niekerk in the final on Saturday.
Dewald van Niekerk Pic: Petri Oeschger
Van Niekerk edged out Damian Groenewald in an epic battle in the other semi-final 16-14, 11-9, 11-5, 11-8 and 11-5.
Earlier the seventh seed Shelomi Truter (SACD) produced a great performance to knock-out third seed Teagan Roux in the semi-final of the women’s competition.
The 22-year-old from Worcester won 10-2, 11-6, 12-10 and 11-8.
She will now face the 18-year-old sensation Savannah Ingledew in Saturday’s final at 16:30.
Savannah Ingledew Pic: Petri Oeschger
Ingledew, who was seeded eighth at the start of the tournament, showed her prodigious talent when she eliminated the 34-year-old former SA champion Milnay Louw from Cape Town 11-8, 7-11, 11-7 and 11-5 in spectacular fashion.
This is the first time in 30 years that an 18-year-old managed to make the final since Natalie Grainger 30 years ago.
Ingledew showed how her game had improved after moving from Maritzburg to her current base in Surrey, England
“At this stage I feel overwhelmed, but I’m so excited that it’s really a great privilege to be able to play in the final against a special talent like Savannah. I’m really looking forward to it,” said a delighted Truter, who is currently a student in Potchefstroom at the North West University.
