For more than a decade, the Sea to Sky Squash Tournament has haunted avid squash player Rob Eberhard.
The Whistler resident finally exorcised those demons on Sunday (Feb. 20), winning the men's "A" draw over Doug Garritsien in three straight sets to capture the title.
"I've been dogged by this tournament," he said after his finals win. "I've been coming here for years so to finally win it is a big relief."
Eberhard was in the driver's seat for the entire tournament, failing to lose even one set on his march to the finals. In the finals, he won 11-5, 12-10 and 11-4. It was quite a turnaround for Eberhard, who admitted he finished last in his group in the 2010 tournament and he attributed his success to his improved fitness.
"I really trained for this tournament," he said. "Last year I was 208 pounds and this year I'm 170. I actually felt fit for once and it made a huge difference."
Eberhard said he dropped the weight thanks to a combination of healthy eating and lots of squash, but he pointed out that his new physique made a few opposing players do a double take.
"I certainly looked a little different," he said.
One of his rivals in the "A" draw, Steve Jacobs, said he was surprised at the transformation.
"I played him in a friendly match last month," he said, noting they've been friends since 1980. "And I walked on the court, saw Rob and he looked like a shadow of his former self. He's lost like a zillion pounds - he's just an awesome squash player."
Whistler players had a strong showing at the tournament, with Ivan Choi winning the "B" final and Johnny Saldat winning the "B" consolation. Squamish's Paul Maki won the "C" draw, while Zed Dhalla, also of Squamish, placed first in the "D" draw. The ladies draw saw Squamish's Caroline Soloenko place first.
Jacobs, who helps organize the tournament with Maki, said it was a successful weekend.
"I thought it went really well overall," he said. "All weekend the stands have been packed and we had a good turnout and good support from our sponsors."
Jacobs noted that registration was slightly up, as 45 players participated this year compared to 39 at the 2010 tournament.
"A lot of people have told me they've had a great time," he said. "For the $60 fee, you get a dry-fit shirt, a chili dinner on Friday, a dinner and dance on Saturday and at least two guaranteed games. It's a great facility and the staff at the clubhouse is awesome."
Winners and consolation winners were also put into a draw for prizes such as new racquets, massage certificates, golf passes and clothing.
After all the prizes were handed out, Saldat invited everyone to take part in the Whistler tournament, which is scheduled to take place in May.
For more information on the 麻豆社国产Squash Club, visit www.squamishsquash.com.
