Van Niekerk, Commins Keep Dreams Alive

Adnaan Mohamed

Groenewald Brothers Shine

The Growthpoint Nationals in Cape Town served up rallies of grit and guile on Friday, with Dewald van Niekerk and Alex Commins keeping their championship bids firmly in play, while the Groenewald brothers showed that the future of South African squash is already pressing hard at the glass.

Defending champion Van Niekerk, the man who has ruled the domestic court for nearly half a decade, fended off 19-year-old Luhann Groenewald in a semifinal that was as much a passing-of-the-torch preview as it was a title bout.

The Northerns teenager swung with courage and stamina, but Van Niekerk’s control and precision were like a player who always finds the perfect length after eventually wearing his opponent down 11-3, 11-8, 11-9 in 37 lung-busting minutes.

That victory sets up a repeat final against Luhann’s elder brother Damian, who played the immaculate straight drive to sink former champ JP Brits 3-0.

Damian Groenewald Picture credit: Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images

The 21-year-old held his nerve, showing patience and placement, while forcing the 34-year-old into wild, risky shots. It was the kind of disciplined squash that announces a player not just chasing the ball, but chasing greatness.

On the women’s side, Commins gave a ruthless reminder of why she once climbed to 22 in the world rankings. Playing with the sharpness of a volley kill, she dismantled Kim McDonald 11-2, 11-3, 11-3, conceding only eight points in a flawless display. For Commins, every outing is about raising the bar higher:

“You just have to find a way to get the job done. You can’t relax against anyone.” Tomorrow, she meets Hayley Ward, who justified her top seed with a commanding 3-0 victory over Teagan Russell, injecting pace and aggression at every opening.

Beyond the senior spotlight, the juniors added fresh bounce to the tournament. KZN’s top seed Rylee Howells tightened her grip on the U15 girls’ crown with back-to-back wins, while the boys’ U15 division is heading for a nail-biting finish, with all four contenders locked at one win apiece—Saturday’s final matches will decide who stands tall when the dust settles.

With Van Niekerk chasing a record fifth title, Commins hunting her sixth, and the Groenewald brothers showing the sport’s next chapter is already on court, the Growthpoint Nationals are shaping up like a rally that just keeps getting bette with each point harder, faster, and more thrilling than the last.

Friday’s results were:

Seniors

WomenSemifinals

1-Hayley Ward (EP) bt 4-Teagan Russell (Joburg Squash) 3-0 (11-3 11-6 11-5), 3-Alex Commins (WP) bt 7-Kim McDonald (Northerns) 3-0 (11-1 11-1 11-6)

Pool 5-8

Helena Hudson (Northerns) bt Lara Patrick (Northerns) 3-1 (11-4 11-13 11-2 16-14), Alexa Pienaar (SACD) bt Shelomi Truter (SACD) 3-0 (11-6 11-8 11-8), Alexa Pienaar (SACD) bt Helena Hudson (Northerns) 3-0 (11-4 11-9 11-5), Lara Patrick (Northerns) bt Shelomi Truter (SACD) 3-0 (11-3 11-9 14-12).

MenSemifinals

1-Dewald van Niekerk (SACD) bt 4-Luhann Groenewald (Northerns) 3-0 (11-3 11-8 11-9), 2-Damian Groenewald (Northerns) bt 3-JP Brits (SACD) 3-0 (11-8 11-3 11-4).

Pool 5-8

John Anderson (Joburg Squash) bt Luke van Vuuren (SACD) 3-1 (11-5 9-11 15-13 14-12), Reuel Videler (SACD) bt Jonty Matthys (SACD) 3-2 (9-11 11-9 10-12 11-2 11-9), John Anderson (Joburg Squash) bt Jonty Matthys (SACD) 3-0 (11-9 11-1 11-6), Reuel Videler (SACD) bt Luke van Vuuren (SACD) 3-1 (10-12 11-7 11-8 11-9)

U15Girls: Pool 1-4 – Rylee Howells (KZN) bt Jasmaine Rust (Free State) 3-0 (11-1 11-4 11-7), Genevieve Lang (WP) bt Alyssa Arcangeli (Northerns) 3-0 (11-8 11-5 11-8).

Pool 5-8 – Nhlalala Masingi (Joburg Squash) bt Mienke Stander (Boland) 3-0 (11-6 11-6 11-9), Faatima Packery (EP) bt Hanja Gildenhuys (Eden) 3-2 (11-5 11-7 10-12 10-12 11-2).

Boys– Pool 1-4 -Liam Fehrsen (EP) bt Ashton Burger (EP) 3-2 (9-11 11-4 11-7 3-11 11-9), Codey Abrahams (Eden) bt Zander Smit (Boland) 3-1 (11-3 9-11 11-8 11-4). 

Pool 5-8- Milton Posthumus (WP) bt Tiaan Goosen (Northerns) 3-1 (11-4 9-11 11-6 11-4), Jeremy John (KZN) bt George Hung (Free State) 3-0 (11-9 12-10 11-4).

McDonald’s Shakes Up Squash Nationals

By Adnaan Mohamed

The Growthpoint SA Nationals opened with a bang at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront as seventh seed Kim McDonald stunned second seed Alexa Pienaar in straight games, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7.

McDonald, a qualified doctor working in Eswatini, played with surgical precision to cut through Pienaar’s game. Her variation and attacking intent never allowed her opponent to settle.

“We’ve had some really good matches in the past and I know Alexa is a fierce competitor,” McDonald said. “When you play her, you have to make sure your belief is high. I just had to take my chances because the front of the court can be quite dead, and I focused on mixing it up with a solid length.”

For McDonald, the victory was as unexpected as it was satisfying.

“At the moment I get some squash in over the weekends and do some trail running to keep sane, but to come here and get a win is something I will treasure,” the 29-year-old admitted.

Her next opponent is defending champion Alex Commins, who breezed past Lara Patrick in three games.

Seeds Stay Firm

Elsewhere, the tournament’s top names stayed solid. Dewald van Niekerk, chasing a record fifth consecutive title, demolished teammate Luke van Vuuren 11-2, 11-2, 11-5, while women’s top seed Hayley Ward survived some testing moments against Helena Hudson before winning 11-4, 11-5, 11-8.

Teenager Steps Up

The men’s draw also saw a breakthrough from Luhann Groenewald. The 19-year-old Northerns prodigy, twice an U19 champion, marked his senior debut with a composed 3-0 win over fifth seed Reuel Videler.

Luhann Groenewald Picture credit: Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images

“That takes a bit of pressure off, and I just aim to go out and give it my best against Dewald tomorrow,” he said.

“I was happy with the way I played today, although I fell off a bit in the last game before coming back. But I’ll take that win and look forward to the next challenge.”

Junior Fireworks

The day’s most dramatic encounter unfolded in the U15 boys’ section, where Eastern Province’s Ashton Burger pulled off a miraculous comeback against Western Province’s Milton Posthumus.

Ashton Burger Picture credit: Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images

Posthumus led 2-1 and had four game points in the fourth, only for Burger to rally. Then, in the decider, Posthumus stood on the brink at 10-4 up before Burger reeled off eight consecutive points for an astonishing 12-10 win.

“I just decided that I wasn’t going to give in,” Burger said. “It was about not looking too far ahead and just keeping my concentration.”

He joined EP teammate and top seed Liam Fehrsen, who cruised past Free State’s 12-year-old George Hung. In the girls’ U15s, KwaZulu-Natal’s Rylee Howells was too strong for Eden’s Hanja Gildenhuys, winning 3-0.

Opening Day Verdict

From McDonald’s clinical takedown of Pienaar, to Groenewald’s fearless senior debut, to Burger’s Houdini act in the juniors, day one served a reminder: squash at the Nationals is never scripted.

Momentum swings faster than a ball off the tin, and as the week unfolds, fans can expect more drama, more upsets, and more proof that in this game, no seed is truly safe.

Thursday’s results were:

Seniors

Women

1-Hayley Ward (EP) bt 8-Helena Hudson (Northerns) 3-0 (11-4 11-5 11-8), 7-Kim McDonald (Northerns) bt 2-Alexa Pienaar (SACD) 3-0 (12-10 11-6 11-7), 3-Alex Commins (WP) bt 6-Lara Patrick (Northerns) 3-0 (11-3 11-3 11-4), 4-Teagan Russell (Joburg Squash) bt 5-Shelomi Truter (SACD) 3-1 (11-13 11-9 11-1 11-9).

Men

1-Dewald van Niekerk (SACD) bt 3-0 (11-2 11-2 11-5), 8-Luke van Vuuren (SACD), 2-Damian Groenewald (Northerns) bt 7-Jonty Matthys (SACD) 3-0 (11-3 12-10 11-3), 3-JP Brits (SACD) bt 6-John Anderson (Joburg Squash) 3-1 (11-9 6-11 11-8 11-3), 4-Luhann Groenewald (Northerns) bt 5-Reuel Videler (SACD) 3-0 (11-6 11-5 11-9).

U15

Girls

1-Rylee Howells (KZN) bt 8-Hanja Gildenhuys (Eden) 3-0 (11-6 11-1 11-2), 2-Alyssa Arcangeli (Northerns) bt 7-Mienke Stander (Boland) 3-1 (11-0 11-9 8-11 11-4), 3-Genevieve Lang (WP) bt 6-Nhlalala Masingi (Joburg Squash) 3-0 (11-2 11-3 11-2), 4-Jasmaine Rust (Free State) bt Fatima Packery (EP) 3-0 (1-5 11-1 11-8).

Boys

1-Liam Fehrsen (EP) bt George Hung (Free State) 3-0 (11-4 11-3 11-3), 2-Codey Abrahams (Eden) bt 7-Jeremy John (KZN) 3-1 (11-9 7-11 11-3 13-11), 6-Zander Smit (Boland) bt 3-Tiaan Goosen (Northerns) 3-0 (11-1 11-9 11-3), 5-Ashton Burger (EP) bt 4-Milton Posthumus (WP) 3-2 (11-4 9-11 6-11 11-9 12-10).

Battle for Squash Supremacy at SA Senior Nationals

By Adnaan Mohamed

The glass courts at the V&A Waterfront are about to become a pressure cooker. From August 28 to 30, the Growthpoint Senior Nationals will see South Africa’s finest squash players chase silverware, sweat, and legacy in one of the sport’s most fiercely contested showdowns.

At the heart of the drama is defending champion Dewald van Niekerk. The Gqeberha-born powerhouse has turned this championship into his personal fortress.

Since 2021, no domestic player has managed to prise the trophy from his grasp. Now, at 28, he’s chasing a fifth consecutive title, a feat that would shatter Steve Coppinger’s streak of four and cement his place in squash history.

On paper, Van Niekerk is the immovable wall. In practice, he refuses to treat this as a forgone conclusion.

“Being the top seed doesn’t stop me from preparing thoroughly,” he said.

“This event is hugely important to me, and I always mark it as a priority on my calendar.”

That relentless reset has been his secret weapon. But history rarely comes easy, and his rivals are ready to rattle the fortress walls.

Chief among them is Northerns’ Damian Groenewald, the second seed who dragged Van Niekerk into a bruising four-game final last year.

“I have worked on my game in all aspects…mental, physical, tactical and technical,” said the SA Country Districts player, ranked 68 in the world.

If Van Niekerk is granite, Groenewald is the pickaxe.

“And I have developed a good level of confidence in my abilities.”

Add 2019 champion JP Brits to the mix, and the men’s draw looks primed for fireworks.

If Van Niekerk rules the men’s game, then the women’s side has its own queen.

Cape Town’s Alex Commins, once ranked 22 in the world, is chasing her sixth Growthpoint crown. Her first came a decade ago in 2015, her latest in 2024, and she shows no sign of slowing.

Unlike Van Niekerk, Commins competes with a different fire these days. Retirement from the PSA Tour has stripped away the grind while sharpening her joy.

“Fortunately, I haven’t lost that competitive edge, but I feel more relaxed since I retired,” she said.

“There is less pressure on training for matches and I am playing now because I enjoy it, so that’s been a really refreshing shift. I am still training hard and always on the go, but I do it now because I enjoy what I am doing and where I am at.”

It may sound like a softer approach, but opponents know better. Her chief challenger, Eastern Province’s Hayley Ward, ranked No 75 in the world, remains the one player who can push her closest. Last year’s 3–1 final showed Ward’s grit, but until she topples Commins, she’s still chasing shadows.

Their collision course is set once again, with Ward opening against Northerns’ Helena Hudson and Commins starting her campaign against Lara Patrick.

Yet the Nationals aren’t only about the heavyweights. Alongside the senior battles, South Africa’s rising stars will showcase their flair in the U15 section, where future champions take their first swings at glory.

Names like Milton Posthumus (WP), Cody Abrahams (Eden) and Rylee Howells (KZN) may one day echo in the same breath as Van Niekerk and Commins.

For Squash South Africa, the event remains a showpiece.

“Squash SA is looking forward to yet another successful tournament and we wish all participants the best,” said national manager Jennifer Sawyer.

Three days. Two reigning champions on the brink of history. A field of hungry rivals chasing them down. And a venue as iconic as the V&A Waterfront, where glass walls will turn into mirrors of ambition and pressure.

By the time the last ball dies in the nick, the question will be whether Van Niekerk and Commins extend their rule , or if a challenger finally smashes through.

Players to Watch

Dewald van Niekerk (SACD) – Four-time champ chasing history. The man to beat.
Damian Groenewald (Northerns) – Last year’s runner-up; fearless and fitter than ever.
JP Brits (SACD) – 2019 champion; knows what it takes to go all the way.
Alex Commins (WP) – Five-time women’s winner; relaxed but ruthless.
Hayley Ward (EP) – World No 75; Commins’ toughest rival.
Rylee Howells (KZN) – U15 top seed; the future star to keep an eye on.

The draws for Thursday, 28 August are:

Seniors:

Women: 12.00: 4-Teagan Russell (Joburg Squash) v 5-Shelomi Truter (SACD), 1pm 3-Alex Commins (WP) v 6-Lara Patrick (Northerns), 2pm: 2-Alexa Pienaar (SACD) v 7-Kim McDonald (Northerns), 3pm: 1-Hayley Ward (EP) v 8-Helena Hudson (Northerns).

Men: 12.30: 4-Luhann Groenewald (Northerns) v 5-Reuel Videler (SACD), 1.30pm: 3-JP Brits (SACD) v 6-John Anderson (Joburg Squash), 2.30pm: 2-Damian Groenewald (Northerns) v 7-Jonty Matthys (SACD), 3.30pm: 1-Dewald van Niekerk (SACD) v 8-Luke van Vuuren (SACD).

Juniors: U15

Girls: 8am: 1-Rylee Howells (KZN) v 8-Hanja Gildenhuys (Eden), 9am: 2-Alyssa Arcangeli (Northerns) v 7-Mienke Stander (Boland), 10am: 3-Genevieve Lang (WP) v 6-Nhlalala Masingi (Joburg Squash), 11am: 4-Jasmaine Rust (Free State) v 5-Faatima Packery (EP).

Boys: 8.30: 1-Liam Fehrsen (EP) v 8-Georg Hung (Free State), 9.30: 2-Cody Abrahams (Eden) v 7-Jeremy John (KZN), 10.30: 3-Tiaan Goosen (Northerns) v 6-Zander Smit (Boland), 11.30: 4-Milton Posthumus (WP) v 5-Ashton Burger (EP).

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PUMA UNVEILS INNOVATIVE NITRO™ VAN

Gqeberha, 4 April 2024 – PUMA is introducing a NITRO™ VAN to enable runners to engage with the brand’s comprehensive range of NITRO™ running shoes at Absa Run Your City 10km races and at a series of 5km warm-ups.

The NITRO™ VAN, which houses about 200 pairs of running shoes, will be unveiled at the Gqeberha 10km on 7 April and will also attend future Absa Run Your City races in Cape Town (12 May), Durban (7 July), Tshwane (25 August) and Johannesburg (24 September), as well as at PUMA NITRO™ RUNS.

The PUMA NITRO™ RUNS, which take place in the lead up to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 10km races, provide a platform for runners and walkers to test out PUMA’s latest range which includes the Magnify, Liberate, Velocity, Deviate and Fast-R2 NITRO™ running shoes.

PUMA’s dedicated technical team will be on-site, offering guidance to ensure every participant identifies the shoe that aligns with their unique running style and requirements. Participants in these fun 5km run/walks can also win prizes including a pair of PUMA Velocity NITRO™ 3 running shoes.

The NITRO™ VAN will also facilitate engagement with PUMA retail partners across the country.

How to Track Your Runner at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

Tracking runners for this weekend’s festivities in Cape Town is easy thanks the UltimateLIVE App!

To make it even easier we have created these easy for you to download the app, add the event you would like to follow, and even how to add your runners! 

Step 1:

Download the UltimateLIVE App from wither the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

 

Step 2: 

Using the search tab on the home screen, search for “Cape”

This will show you, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Trail and Peace Runs (Saturday Events) and the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon (Sunday) event.

Click on the event you would like to track a participant in.

  •  

Step 3:

To track your  runner, you simply search for them, using either their name or race number, under the Name / Number search bar.

Once you have found them click on their name and then press the Star to add them to your favourites. 

 

Step 4:

If you wish to receive push notifications for your favourites, press the bell icon and you will receive a notification for each split point that they pass.

The App will reflect the running time of your selected runners (i.e. from when they started the race).

Impossible is Nothing!

When we feel empowered to tell our stories, there are no limits to how much we can inspire others. Through BEYOND MY IMPOSSIBLE, adidas is empowering 11 women to cross their first marathon finish line, at the 2022 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon this Sunday! We have been following the journeys of all these phenomenal women and now you can track them as all 11 take on this amazing feat! To make it easy to find, we have all the ladies race numbers below, so finding them on the UltimateLIVE tracking app will be easy!

Tracking Details Below

Runner: Zoe Brown
Race Number: 3349
Start Batch: C1

Runner: Lenise Swanson
Race Number: 3466
Start Batch: C1

Runner: Ncebakazi Dyani
Race Number: 3317
Start Batch: C1

 

Runner: Leatitia Gradwell
Race Number: 3385
Start Batch: C1

 

Runner: Yentle Arendse
Race Number: 3350
Start Batch: C1

Runner: Jana Steyn
Race Number: 3512
Start Batch: C1

Runner: Kay Abrahams
Race Number: 3316
Start Batch: C1

 

Runner: Shaakirah Jaftha
Race Number: 3319
Start Batch: C1

Runner: Ashleigh Bredeveldt
Race Number: 3324
Start Batch: C1

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Runner: Melissa Abrahams
Race Number: 3318
Start Batch: C1

Runner: Tracey Abrahamse
Race Number: 3389
Start Batch: C1

Breaking News: Two Oceans Marathon Entries Opening!

The Two Oceans Marathon (TOM) is pleased to announce that entries for the 51st edition of the iconic Cape ultra and its accompanying half marathon will open on 11 February 2022 at 12pm (midday). The event will take place on Easter Weekend, with the Half Marathon taking place on Saturday 16 April, and the Ultra being run on Sunday 17 April.

This long-awaited announcement about entries will be welcome news to all the thousands of runners hoping to once again run the World ‘s Most Beautiful Marathon, after the race had to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions in South Africa. However, runners need to act fast, as entries will close again at 5pm on 20 February, and then all entries will go into the Ballot System, with successful entries to be drawn on 21 February.

Due to the expected demand, the Ballot System will be used for both the Ultra and Half Marathon, in line with international best practice. At different stages of the balloting process, the draw for successful entries will be weighted in favour of various categories of runners, including Blue Number Club members, Yellow Numbers (those doing their 10th, 20th, etc) and club runners (versus non-licenced runners). Runners entering via the ballot only pay once their name has been successfully drawn in the ballot, and please note that runners may only enter one event, either the Ultra or the Half Marathon.

Ballot Draw Dates

All draws take place 21 February 2022, at the following times:

  • Ultra Marathon Draw 1: 10am
  • Ultra Marathon Draw 2: 2pm
  • Half Marathon Draw 1: 10am
  • Half Marathon Draw 2: 2pm

International and African runners do not enter via the ballot system, and can pay for and secure their entries straight away once entries open on 11 February. These entries will close when capacity is reached.

After general entries close on 20 February, the only way to get into the 2022 Two Oceans Marathon or Half Marathon will be via a Charity Entry, procured through one of the official charity organisations affiliated to the event, and these entries will open on 22 February at 10am. (Entry fees for Charity Entries will be uploaded once final charity partners have been confirmed.)

How To Enter

Go to the race’s homepage at www.twooceansmarathon.org.za when entries open and click ‘Enter Here.’ Create a profile if you do not yet have one on the system and then follow the prompts. If you already have a profile, log in and do the entry process.

Entry Fees

The 2022 entry fees have been ratified by the TOM Board and approved by Western Province Athletics. Take note that all South African runners for the Ultra need to be licensed and belong to a running club.

Entry Type

Ultra

Ultra T-Shirt included

Half Marathon

Half T-shirt is R195

Licensed SA Runners

R700

R375

Unlicensed SA Runners   

N/A

 

R435 (R375 + R60 for temp licence)

Africa Runners

R860

R690

International Athletes

R2575

R1800

Ultra Marathon Qualifiers

For health reasons, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, qualifying for the TOM Ultra is mandatory, and TOM strongly encourages runners to complete a physical road race as their qualifier. However, any officially timed and measured marathon or longer distance, whether in the form of an officially organised physical or virtual race, run after 1 July 2021, can be used as your qualifier. In the case of a virtual marathon, an official time would be as generated by a smartwatch, a timing app on a smartphone, or a timing platform. Unfortunately, you cannot simply run on your own and time yourself, your qualifying time must have been generated during a virtual event, and the Race Office will be conducting spot checks to verify qualifier information submitted.

For the Ultra Marathon, the qualifying time for a standard marathon distance (42.2km) is 5 hours. For qualifying times run on distances greater than a standard marathon, please go to www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event_route_info/seeding

Half Marathon Seeding

In the Half Marathon, qualifying times are used to seed you so that faster runners line up at the front, with slower runners further back. We strongly advise that you to provide a seeding time, otherwise you will unfortunately start towards the back. Seeding is based on a previous 10km, 15km or 21.1km run after 𝟏 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏: www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event_race_day/seeding-2/

Startline Seeding

Due to COVID-19 regulations, the race will likely to be using multiple batches of 500 runners, starting two minutes apart, and runners will be seeded accordingly. It is not possible to give exact seeding tables as yet, but your seeding time will be used to place you in a batch appropriate to your running speed, and you will be advised of your batch closer to race day.

COVID-19 Protocols Relevant to Entering

On the advice of the TOM medical team, the below COVID-19 protocols will be observed. Kindly note that these may change with new development in the COVID-19 pandemic and the medical science related to it, as well as Disaster Management Act regulations:

  • You will have to upload proof of vaccination. If you are not vaccinated, you must present proof of a negative PCR/antigen test within 48 hours prior to attending any physical event, including Expo and your actual Race, at your own cost.
  • Please log in to your profile not more than 48 hours prior to any physical TOM event, including Expo/Race Pack Collection, to complete your COVID-19 pre-screening online. (We will send you reminders.)

Should you answer ‘yes’ to any COVID-19 risk factor during pre-screening, or fail the temperature check at Expo and Race Pack Collection, you will need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, at your own cost, taken not more than 48 hours prior to the physical event in question. Failure to do so will, unfortunately, result in you forfeiting your entry. Therefore, please remember to keep updating your profile and contact information.

In the Event of Race Cancellation…

In the event of the TOM 2022 being cancelled due to COVID-19, all runners who have paid will have their entries deferred to the next running of the Two Oceans Marathon.

For more information on entries or other race information, please read our FAQs at https://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event-info/faqs/ or contact us at 021 2000 459 (general queries) or 087 133 2285 (race-related queries), or email [email protected].