THE top prize at this year’s Safeguard Zimbabwe Open Squash Championship will be contested for by Nigerians when Olanrewaju Abulrahaman meets Sodiq Taiwo in the men’s final at Suburbs Squash Club on Sunday. 

On Saturday, Abulrahaman, who went into the tournament as the top seed defeated Zambian Frank Wabo 3-2 in the semifinals. Third seed Taiwo was too good for Zambian Manda Chilambwe as he won 3-0 in the other last-four clash. The Nigerians are participating in the tournament for the first time.

In the women’s final, third seed Yvonne Mubure from Harare goes up against top ranked player at the tournament Nigerian Yemisi Olatunji. Yvonne beat her young sister Polite to book a spot in the final while Olatunji saw off the challenge of Zambian Sharon Chimfembwe.  

Local Jeffrey Fenwick and last year’s champion, Zambian Freddy Chishimba will contest for the veterans title. Mike Burns and his playing partner Neil; Nesbitt go up against Matthew Mulaji as well as Janeel Giga in the doubles final.

Prizes remain the same as they were last year, with $1 000 in store for the men’s winner and $750 for the women’s champion. The doubles prize money is $500 and $300 and will go to the best veteran.

The Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhosini Hlongwane is expected to grace the final day of matches where he will present the prizes to the winners.

@Mdawini_29