Sport
19 January, 2025
Squash a massive hit in Horsham
The Horsham Squash Club hosted two major squash events, The Battle of the Border and the Horsham Silver, on Saturday, January 18, and Sunday, January 19.
The Battle of the Border is a junior tournament between the best Victorian and South Australian squash players. South Australia won 15-3.
The Horsham Silver is a Squash Victoria Junior Silver tournament featuring the best juniors around Victoria.
Oliver Doti of Horsham played in both tournaments, while Charlie Murray and Lakshith Chawla played in the Horsham Silver.
Doti took up squash three years ago thanks to his sister, Thalia Hopper, and brother-in-law, Tim Hopper, and he hasn't looked back.
Doti has played in junior competitions, including the Hopman Cup which is the Victorian Country Squash Team Championships held annually in May.
Doti said that squash is an enjoyable sport.
"The people are good, and it's a good way to run around a bit and stay fit, and it's an enjoyable game," Doti said.
"I am happy to play the game and not looking to take it professionally. It's all a bit of fun."
Doti, Murray and Chawla played well in the Silver tournament.
Doti played four matches on Sunday and secured two wins. He defeated Matilda Lynn 3-0: 11-3, 11-4, 11-6 and Lucas Wheeler 3-2: 9-11, 11-8, 11-3, 6-11, 11-4.
Doti was thrilled with his tournament as he did better than last year when he only won one match.
"I am pretty happy with how I played, as it was better than last year," Doti said.
"After watching people play, I learned how to hit the ball better, move around the court and use my feet.
"It was good to see Lakshith and Charlie play and do well. They haven't played for long, and it's good to see."
Lakshith Chawla won three matches, a tremendous result. He defeated Kayla Goonewardena 3-2; 3-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-4, 7-11. He defeated Charlie Murray 3-0: 11-7, 11-8, 11-6. He defeated Indi Rogers 3-1: 11-9, 11-8, 9-11, 13-11.
This was Chawla's first junior tournament. His friend Charlie Murray introduced him to squash, and he has only been playing for a month.
"It was a great tournament, and it feels good to win a few matches, and I found it fun and pretty exhausting," Chawla said.
"I learned that I need to adapt to different players' styles in order to win.
"Squash is exhilarating and fun, and I love its competitiveness and hanging out with friends."
While Murray didn't secure a win, he gained valuable experience and enjoyed himself in his first tournament, having taken up squash 12 months ago.
"I found it fun and pretty exhausting," Murray said.
"I learned that a lot of people play differently, and I liked meeting new people and hanging out with my friends.
"My friend, Caitlin Pollock, introduced me to squash, and I like that I have something to do outside of the house."
Horsham Squash Club President Tim Hopper said seeing the juniors play well was excellent.
"From a club perspective, it's excellent to see the juniors play well, and they can see what level they are at and look at what's above them and how they can elevate their games," Hopper said.
"As for the tournaments, it was a terrific turnout with about 80-100 people coming at one point.
"Having hosted the tournaments last year, we learned a few lessons, such as ensuring the food was better.
"We also made sure there was more airconditioning on the back two courts, and we also did maintenance on courts two and three.
"Overall, it was a great weekend, and there's much to look forward to in the future."
