Tootill wins Namibian Open squash title

South Africa?s Mike Tootill won the Old Mutual, Namibian Open squash title when he beat Zambia?s Lazarus Chilufya in the final in Windhoek on August 7.
Tootill, who is South Africa?s second ranked professional squash player, beat Chilufya 9-1, 9-5, 6-9, 9-1 to win the title and a first prize cheque of N$7 000.
Chilufya is Zambia?s top ranked player and a top ten player on the South African professional circuit.
Tootill dominated from the start with his wide arrange of shots to all corners of the court. Chilufya impressed with his quick movement around the court and sharp reflexes and briefly staged a comeback to win the third set.
Tootill however immediately came back and dominated the fourth set 9-1 to win the match.
Tootill thanked the sponsors, saying that he hoped to return to defend his title next year. He however emphasised that Namibian squash could only grow if its players were exposed to stronger competition from outside the country.
South Africa?s fourth seeded player Rowan Smith came third after beating Prince Mukuku of Kenya 3-0 in the third-placed play-off.
In the Consolation Plate final, Tienie Botha of Namibia beat Jade Pepler of Namibia 3-0, while Jaco de Witt of Namibia beat junior South African player Marnu de Bruin 3-0 in the Plate final.
Zambia?s top-ranked female player Sharon Chifwembe won the women?s title after beating Namibia?s Sharon Tuit 9-2, 9-0, 9-1 in a one-sided final. Chifwembe, who also won the Namibian Open title in 2002, won a trophy and a cash cheque of N$2 000.
The Plate competition was won by Adri Lambert of Namibia.