Assore/Baldwin Joburg Open: Top Seeds Walid & van Niekerk Victorious on Finals Day

Egypt’s Menna Walid and home favourite Dewald van Niekerkwere were victorious on finals day in Johannesburg yesterday as they both claimed 3-0 wins over Amina El Rihany and Ruan Oliver to claim the 3k titles.

In the all-Egyptian women’s final, top seed Menna Walid found top form to claim the title as she displayed her terrific attacking style to constantly produce winners against her opponent which excited the South African crowd. El Rihany was more than capable of finding winners herself and despite losing the first game, remained competitive and came close to capturing both the second and third games but she couldn’t halt the momentum of Walid who sealed the win in three games and win her first PSA title.

The all-home men’s final was dominated by top seed Dewald van Niekerk as he was in an unstoppable mood against compatriot Ruan Oliver. The top seed got hold of the match early and never surrendered his hold, not allowing Oliver to get over 6 points in any game. After taking the first game 11-6 it was clear that Oliver wasn’t going to be able to compete with the top seed despite his best efforts. van Nierkerk won the following games both 11-5 to win his fifth title and maintain his 100% record in finals.

Result: Women’s Final
[1] Menna Walid (EGY) bt [2] Amina El Rihany (EGY) 3-0: 11-7, 12-10, 11-9 (42m)

Result: Men’s Final
[1] Dewald van Niekerk (RSA) bt [3] Ruan Olivier (RSA) 3-0: 11-6, 11-5, 11-5 (35m)