English siblings win $18,000 Lagos squash classics

Englishman Curtis Malik won the men’s event of the 2023 Lagos International Squash Classics on Saturday after defeating Martin Svec of Czech Republic 3-0 in the final.

The tournament has $18,000 as prize money.

The thrilling encounter took place at Sir Omolade Okoya-Thomas indoor hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.

Curtis had beaten Perry, his sibling, in the men’s semi-final on Friday to advance to the final.

Torrie, the third of the Malik siblings, also made it to the women’s final, beating Fathy Malik of Egypt 3-0.

The three siblings — born in Sussex, England — are coached and mentored by their father.

Speaking after winning the Squash Classics, Curtis said his semi-final match with Perry was his toughest in the competition, despite winning 3-1.

“Both of us practically play the same style and this made things pretty tough for me. But it was a really special moment for us meeting in Nigeria,” Curtis said.

On his part, Perry said: “Losing to Curtis in the semi-final was a sad one because I had hoped to make it to the final.

“I would have wished we didn’t meet in the semis though. I didn’t give away the match, I really wanted to win. Congratulations to him.”

All members of the Malik family of seven play squash with Cameron, their father, a retired player.

Also speaking, Torrie, the only female sibling in the squash family, said: “I’m glad with my performance, although I feel I didn’t play well enough. I think mu semi final game against Nigeria’s Busayo Olatunji was my toughest in the competition.”