Hewitt and DiMauro successfully defend women's title at Canadian doubles squash nationals

TORONTO – World champions Stephanie Hewitt & Jessica DiMauro of Toronto successfully defended their women’s title this weekend at the Canadian doubles squash championships which concluded on Sunday at the Toronto Cricket Club.

Hewitt and DiMauro defeated Nicole Pirko and Jody Warden of Toronto in the final 15-10, 15-10, 15-7.  Both finalists seeded first and second, had won their previous two matches before meeting for all the marbles.

“It was a close physical match,” said Hewitt, who joined forces with her partner last year.  “They are a team that has improved a lot and it was much tougher than we expected.  But Steph and I complement each other really well on the court.  She hits really good length and is so patient.”

In the men’s final, Fred Reid of Markham, Ont., and Mike Pirnak of Toronto defeated Scott Stoneburgh and Gary Waite of Toronto in the final 15-12, 15-12, 15-4.  Both finalists had first round byes then followed by winning their next two matches.

“We played well and didn’t make many errors,” said Reid, one of Canada’s top singles players as well.  “We covered the court well for each other, we definitely had a speed advantage and just continued to force the play.”

Competition was also held in various age groups and results are available on-line at http://www.squash.ca/canadiandoubles/2010/index.htm

“This was the largest number of entries we’ve ever had for this event,” said tournament chair Pat Richardson.  “We were especially pleased to see a bigger representation nationally.  Alberta and Manitoba in particular had more players than ever before.”