The Icestocksport Association of Namibia (AIN) recently hosted the Namibian Doubles Championships at DTS, which saw 16 players compete, including four junior players. Cobus Harmse and his mother Corne emerged as clear winners in the mixed doubles title, impressing with ten match points and 47 stick points. Their victory marked a significant achievement, with Cobus being the 2019 African champion and Corne being the 2013 African champion.
The mixed doubles competition saw six pairs battling it out, with Max Feilmeier and Karin Curschmann relegated to second place with eight match points. Detlef Pfeifer and Loré Simpson came third with six match points, followed by Denzel Awoseb and Ladiwa Ouses, Jaydien Garoeb and Luiseneth Kahono, and Desmond van der Smit and Loraine Kruger. The competition marked a continuation of the positive upward trend in Namibian Icestock.
On Sunday, the men’s and women’s doubles competitions took center stage, with the men’s competition proving to be thrilling. Pre-tournament favorites Cobus Harmse and Max Feilmeier got off to a strong start but suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Denzel Awoseb and 17-year-old Jaydien Garoeb. The young players’ refreshing style of play provided a few surprises, keeping the outcome of the championship uncertain.
Despite their early defeat, Harmse and Feilmeier secured the championship title with six match points and 25 stick points. Detlef Pfeifer and Desmond van der Smit took second place with five match points, while Denzel Awoseb and Jaydien Garoeb came third. The men’s competition showcased the talent and determination of both experienced and young players.
The women’s competition was particularly close, with all three participating pairs securing a victory. The stick points had to decide the final placings, with Corné Harmse and Luiseneth Kahono securing the championship title with five stick points. Loré Simpson and Loraine Kruger took second place with one stick point, while Karin Curschmann and Ladiwa Ouses came third with a final score of -6 stock points.
The championships reflected the encouraging development of curling in Namibia, with the participation of several young players showing that efforts to nurture young talent are beginning to bear fruit. The Icestocksport Association of Namibia views the championship as a further step in the positive development of the sport, with a combination of experienced players, new participants, and committed young people giving cause for hope for continued success.
The Icestocksport Association of Namibia’s focus on developing young talent appears to be paying off, with the championships showcasing the growth of the sport in the country. With a strong showing from both experienced and young players, the future of Namibian Icestock looks promising. The association will likely continue to build on this momentum, fostering a supportive environment for players to grow and compete.
Key points
- Cobus Harmse and his mother Corne won two titles at the Icestocksport Association of Namibia championships.
- The championships saw the participation of four junior players, indicating a positive trend in the development of young talent.
- The competition was closely contested, with the women’s title decided by stick points.
