Lucas Punkari
After years of being dominated in the Sunset Country Squash Club’s annual Wesley Derksen LL.B. tournament by Thunder Bay’s Bob Shine, Ben Andrusco has become the man to beat here each February.
Andrusco, who grew up here but now lives in Winnipeg, took home his fourth-straight title Sunday afternoon after sweeping Jason Kabel of Fort Frances in straight sets (11-9, 11-9, and 15-13) in the men’s ‘A’ final.
The showdown was a rematch of last year’s final, which Andrusco won in five sets.
“Even though it was a three-set [match], I would have to say this year’s [final] was a lot better in terms of the level of squash that was played,” Kabel reasoned.
“All of the games were very close, so I’m not that disappointed,” he added.
“I played well, but Ben just played a little bit better.”
“I was able to get the three wins today but it really could of gone either way,” noted Andrusco.
“That’s how squash goes sometimes.”
In the final set, Kabel was doing everything he could to try and extend the match, making a number of dramatic dives to keep the rally alive—much to the delight of those watching behind the glass.
“I tend to be a little bit more of a shot-maker than Ben as he’s the guy who tends to keep the rally going,” Kabel smiled.
“I had a couple of shots that hit the tin there and I think that made the difference today as when you hit a few of those each during a game, it can really hurt you.
“There is really no margin for error,” he added.
Among the local players, one of the most pleasant surprises was that of 14-year-old Angel McCormack, who defeated Chris Faragher in five sets to capture the men’s ‘C’ final.
“We were wondering originally whether or not we were going to put here in the men’s or the ladies’ division going in,” recalled tourney organizer Bob Tkachuk.
“We certainly didn’t expect her, though, to defeat her first three opponents in straight sets, and to be able to beat Chris in the final in a great five-set game was a great surprise.
“She’s had a good year both in squash and in minor hockey, and she’s a physically and mentally tough player which we saw here this weekend,” Tkachuk added.
Other local winners were Mary-Beth Tkachuk (ladies’ ‘B’), Chase Badiuk (junior ‘A’), Byron Stewart (junior ‘B-1‘), and Keira Kowalski (junior ‘B-3’).
Rounding out the division champs were Craig Olsen of Kenora (men’s ‘B’), Will Fransoo of Winnipeg (men’s ‘D’), Alex O’Brien of Thunder Bay (ladies’ ‘C’), and Daniella Daumler of Winnipeg (junior ‘B-2’).
