SQUASH - ANOTHER chapter was written into HSOB Squash’s proud history as the 2012 club championship titles were decided over the weekend,

The men’s and women’s open titles were claimed by brother and sister Chapman (16) and Parearau Kutia (13)over their parents Hadfield Kutia and Audine Grace-Kutia.

It was the first time siblings have won the open crowns in the same year and the first time children and their parents have met in both finals.

Chapman and Parearau are also the youngest open winners in HSOB’s club championship history which dates back four decades.

Tairawhiti Rising Legends squad member and NZ Squash Development Squad member Chapman had little difficulty progressing through the preliminary rounds to meet his dad.

He continued his fine display in the final to win 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9 — a reflection of the intense competitive programme he has committed himself to this year.

Chapman recently returned from competing in the Surf City men’s team at the B grade national super-champs in Christchurch. It proved a valuable build-up for the New Zealand Junior Age Group Championships in Palmerston North next month.

He will be attempting to retain his top-three ranking in the under-17 division, as well as leading the Squash Eastern boys’ representative side in the inter-district teams’ event.

Parearau, also a member of the NZ development squad, has had an equally impressive season.

She won the Eastern junior girls championship at Surf City Squash Club, beating Eastern No.1-ranked girls player Ashley Harding (Napier).

Parearau then represented Surf City women’s team at the national super-champs in Auckland last week. She had a 100 percent win record, including wins over higher-graded players.

Her recent run is certain to have elevated her to B-grade status — a remarkable feat for the Gisborne Girls’ High Year 9 student who will join her brother at the junior nationals.

Audine went into the final having won 21 open titles in 22 years — 1990-2002, 2004-2011. She was on maternity leave in 2003.

Mum made sure daughter would have to work for the title, taking the first game 10-15 before Parearau came back to win the next three 15-13, 16-14, 15-13.

Audine said it was a sentimental loss tinged with relief, and both she and Hadfield were “very proud” of their children’s achievements.

“Pare is a fiery and gutsy player, and one of her strengths is in her ability to wear her opponents down and frustrate them because she runs and runs all over the court, and picks up every loose shot you throw at her.”

“During the game I was thinking of all the times I coach Pare from the sideline in terms of giving her technical and tactical advice. Often she struggles to execute that advice when I want her to, however, when she came to play me, she did it so well.”

And as if having two young guns in the family isn’t impressive enough, the baby of the Kutia Siblings — nine-year-old Ariata — won the junior girls’ division of the club champs.