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Englishman Curtis Malik emerged champion of the men’s event of the 2023 Lagos International Squash Classics, after cruising past Martin Svec of Czech Republic 3-0 in the final decided on Saturday at the Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Malik had defeated younger sibling Perry 3-1 in the semis to set up the final clash against Svec.
Torrie, sister to Curtis and Perry, made it a clean sweep for the Maliks, when she defeated Egypt’s Fathy Malik 3-0 to claim the women’s title at the tournament which has $18,000 as prize money.
But it isn’t a coincidence that the siblings, who were born in Sussex, England, are professional squash players; as they are coached by their father, Cameron.
Curtis told the News Agency of Nigeria that it was tough playing against Perry in the semis.
“Playing with my brother in the semi-final was a really special moment, we had a good match today (Saturday),” he said.
NAN reports that all the members of the family of seven play squash, with Cameron, their father, a retired player.
“I’m the only girl, I have five brothers. Our dad was a player and now a coach, so we got on quite on time and we are better for it,” Torrie, the 2022 Czech Open champion, said.
“I’m glad I made it to the final, although I feel I didn’t play well enough.”
On his perception of Nigeria since his arrival, Curtis, a member of the England team that won the 2023 European Professional Squash tournament, said, “The people here are so nice, super friendly, you can speak with anyone, I feel so welcome here.”