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Mackenzie seizes crown from three-time champ

Keeble as the Fast Forward Freight National Championships came to a close at the weekend.Mackenzie, who lifted her first title at the Devonshire venue since arriving on the Island in 1999,

Keeble as the Fast Forward Freight National Championships came to a close at the weekend.

Mackenzie, who lifted her first title at the Devonshire venue since arriving on the Island in 1999, dominated the Division One final from start to finish, winning in less than half-an-hour.

Mackenzie won the first three rallies before Keeble could even get started and continued to dominate with superior length and error-free squash to take the first game 9-1.

Keeble started much better in the second as she led 3-2 before her opponent poured on the pressure once more, her crisp volleys and control of the middle court enabling her to take the game 9-3. She continued where she left off in the next game and wrapped up the match with a 9-0 victory.

In the consolation, Lynn Furtado confirmed her ranking of number three on the Island when she beat Denise Kyme, the fourth seed, 9-4, 9-5, 1-9, 9-5.

Kyme's son, Nick, meanwhile, confirmed his dominance of the men's game when he claimed his third national title by seeing off long-time rival Tommy Sherratt.

Kyme, who had only conceded 14 points on the way to the final, took the first game 9-1. He continued to show his superior athleticism and court coverage as he quickly amassed an 8-1 lead in the second game. Sherratt then started to hit some great shots and took the next four points, only for his opponent to take the game.

With a 2-0 lead and the finish line in sight, Kyme raced away with the final game, conceding just one more point on his way to the title.

The consolation final produced another win for Chase Toogood over Harry Mackenzie. Toogood's superior fitness was the catalyst for his win over his skillful opponent.

Mackenzie had a commanding lead in the first game before Toogood fought back and closed it 9-8, and then took the next two games 9-3, 9-7 for the victory.

Gavin Dent won the Men's Division Two final when he defeated Under-17 national team player Justin Robinson. Robinson led 2-1 before the more experienced Dent ran out the winner 9-5, 3-9, 3-9, 9-7, 9-6.

David Law took the consolation from Tim Southern in a tough encounter in which the final score, 10-9, 9-6, 10-8, did not do the battle justice.

The Ladies' Division Two final saw young Samantha De Putron take on veteran Ann Mitchell, the latter emerging victorious 9-5, 9-6, 9-7.

SQUASH From Page 21 Rhonda Rawlins defeated Kath Barker in the consolation final 9-7, 9-4, 6-9, 9-2.

Graham Counsell was favoured in the Men's Division Three final over Matt Lawson. But Lawson had other ideas and showed more competitive spirit to take the match 9-6, 9-2, 9-2. Craig Davis dominated the consolation final winning 9-1, 9-1, 9-0 over Tom Steinhoff.

The Ladies' Division Three final produced the closest match of the tournament, junior Caty Luckhurst beating Julie Brewer after a see-saw battle that lasted more than an hour -- 9-10, 9-7, 9-5, 7-9, 9-8. Leanne Wettlaufer won the consolation final, beating Cheryl Robson 9-4, 9-3, 9-0.

John Stout took the James Vernon Gardner Trophy for the second successive year against Tony Prentice in the Men's Veterans final. Stout proved too strong in a close contest, winning 9-6, 9-6, 9-7. Barry Hanson defeated Bruce Robinson 9-7, 7-9, 9-6, 9-4 in the consolation.