Hardball Championships

A year after falling in the semifinals, former international softball champion Chris Walker won his first U.S. Hardball Championship Open title when he defeated Hamed Anvari.
A year after falling in the semifinals, former international softball champion Chris Walker won his first U.S. Hardball Championship Open title when he defeated Hamed Anvari.

The 2013 U.S. Hardball Singles Championships were held February 15-17 in Philadelphia.

The Open division winner was Chris Walker of Greenwich (CT), who said he hopes to increase participation in hardball amongst young squash players and is optimistic about the increasing number of hardball singles events on the calendar.

“I think there is a place for hardball singles in the squash community, it’s a lot of fun and everyone who was there over the weekend had a great time playing and watching the matches. I’ll definitely be there next year to defend my title!”

Walker beat Hamed Anvari in a hardfought five-game match to win the Championship.

In the age divisions, results included Tom Harrity edging out a 3-1 win over Bryce Harding in the 50+, Palmer Page winning 60+, Tefft Smith with a narrow 3-1 win over Eric Berger in 65+, Jim Zug taking the 70+ with a 3-1 win over Henry Steinglass, and Bruce Elfenhein winning the 75+ Round Robin.

The tournament was held at Merion Cricket Club, with a total of 47 players participating in the event through the six age divisions and an open singles division.