The 2018 Canadian National Championships were held at the Glencoe Club in Calgary this past weekend, so naturally, Edmonton sent a strong contingent down highway 2 to strut their stuff against the best the rest of the country had to offer.
When the dust had settled, Julie Multamaki added to her 2018 US 55+ National title with the Canadian National title in the same category – a phenomenal accomplishment. It didn’t come easily though, losing the first two games in the decisive match against Fiona Curthoys who was moving up aggressively on her volleys and dropping with deadly accuracy. Digging deep though, Julie won the third and fought back against a match ball at 10-9 down in the fourth. Continuing her hot streak, Julie came out on fire, racing to a 10-2 lead in the decisive fifth game before closing it out 11-4.
Akiyah was competing at Nationals for the first time since winning the 65+ division in 2014 when they were held in Calgary. This time Akiyah was in the 70+ division where he dispatched the #1 seed from BC in 4 games in the semi-finals, and then came back from 1-0 down to win 3 straight games in the finals against the #2 seed and reigning World 70+ Champion Norman Kormyei of the USA, winning his first Men’s 70+ National Trophy. Congratulations Akiyah!
It’s been a great season so far for both Julie and Akiyah and we are very excited to cheer them on when they compete at the 2018 WSF world masters squash championships at the end of July in Charlottesville, VA.
Other strong ESC results included a 5th place from our current club champ Abdul “I always play 5” El Nady in the Men’s A division. Local player Ann-Marie Reinson, from the Royal Glenora won the women’s 50+ division, while Ian Buchannan from the RG won the Men’s 60+ consolation, and Pete Goodings made the semi-finals of the Men’s 45+. Special mention also to long-time Edmonton player Tom Bedore who won the Men’s 60+ representing BC, completing a US Nationals – Canadian Nationals sweep of his own.
Well done to all the other competitors from the ESC: Jeff Williams, Matt Zillinski, Chris Cullingham, Derek Ring and Subhan Rana. Also special mention to other competitors from Edmonton, including Safwan Rafique, Sameir Deif, Paul Gueverra, Nigel Lilley, Samer Adeeb, Curtis Gillespie and Bob Grynoch.
It should also be mentioned that it was a historic championship for Alberta with Andrew Schnell of Calgary winning the Men’s Open division, and Danielle Letourneau, also of Calgary, winning the Women’s Open division against recent ESC visitor Hollie Naughton in 4 games. You can visit the Squash Canada website for the full 2018 Canadian Squash Championship results, or watch the open divisions on the beautiful all-glass court here.
