Racketball is very similar to squash but played with a bigger racket and ball.
The game is less strenuous on the joints than squash, although rallies can be quite a bit longer.
Racketball has certainly prolonged life on court for a number of injured or older ex-squash players.
Because the ball and the racket are bigger, racketball is easier to pick up than squash and very soon long rallies can be achieved by most players.
And because the ball is bigger it does not hurt as much if you are unfortunate enough to get in the way of a well struck ball.
Very often racketball games will be played with 3 or more players on court, each taking their turn to play their stroke.
Sunday 20th September saw the St Ivo Racketball Open 2009 take place for the 2nd year. The event attracted 22 competitors allowing for a Men’s, Women’s, Juniors and a Mixed Doubles draw to take place.
The tournament was held at the St Ivo Outdoor Sports Centre which provided the ideal venue for a family themed tournament. This was portrayed in the matches where a friendly but competitive atmosphere was created throughout the day and it was really pleasing to see a number of new junior players getting involved in the event. Tournament organisers Byron Williams and Faye Kowalewsky did a tremendous job both in preparation for the day and ensuring the tournament ran as smoothly as possible.
A special thanks has to go to all who sponsored the event including Superdrug, Just Racquets, and the St Ivo Squash Complex.
In the Junior Round Robin Event, Jace Anderson emerged victorious beating Christopher Rej in the final. In the Mixed Doubles event Faye Kowalewsky and Patrick Norman retained their title from last year’s event in a round robin competition.
In the ladies event Faye Kowalewsky emerged victorious over Rachael Chapman in a battling display and in the Men’s A event Jonathan Gallacher used some tight, technical racketball to his advantage to take the title, beating a resilient Patrick Osborn. The plate competition for the Mens A draw resulted in Martin Richards seeing off stern competition from Steven Mason and in the Men’s B competition Nigel Strongitharm utilised pin point serving on his way to the final where he overcame Granville Armiger. The Men’s draw B plate saw Mark Dickinson emerging victorious over Gary Mason to take the prize.
A huge thank you has to go to all the competitors who took part in the competition, making it a thoroughly enjoyable day for all with the friendly and competitive atmosphere that will hopefully increase the popularity of Racketball in the Region.
Byron Williams would also like to extend thanks to Faye Kowalewsky (Cambs Development Coach) for her help and support throughout the organisation and development of the event.