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Richard, Alisha and Jonathan Turner are malclng squash a famlly affair. The thrae siblinga post- ed impressive resuits at both provincials and nationale thîs sprlng. Turner clan cottons to squash By STEVE LeBLANC Special ta The Champion T he Tumers don't just beat the competition- they aquash it. Eleven-year-old twin brothers Jonathan and Richard, and 10-year-old Alisha are rnaking the garne of squash a famiàly affair. Their cornbined efforts have made for a tremendous success story this year - both across the province and aboard. Moat recently the trio retumed from the Canadian National Chainpionships in Edmonton, Alberta. Having already gained experience froro last year's event in Toronto, as well as mornenturn from impres- sive 1996/97 campaigns, ail three cracked the top 10 in their respective divisions. Alisha placed seventh in the Under- 12 girls class, despite being the youngest participant in her grouping. She reached the quarterfinals in the main draw, where she lost a hard-fought battle with a British Columbia opponent who went on to take the silver medal. From there she moved over to the consolation play downs and made it to the semnitinals. "My serves were working, and I mnade some good length shots," said Alisha. With more velocity to bis shots and better placement Ibis year, Richard jumped up seven spots in the Under- 12 boys division to capture third-place honora and bring home the bronze. He narrowly missed a trip to the finals, falling in close decisions to an Alberta combatant. En route to the semnifinals he turned aside challenges from four other hopefuls. While able to crack the top 10 in Edmonton, mark- ing a significant improvement over last season, Jonathan wasn't quite able to perform up to par due 10 an ill-timed flu just prior to the nationals. As a result, he tinished ninth. Preparation suffered from illness 'l was sick for a week and wasn't able 10 prepare nearly as much as I would have wanted to," Jonathan expWaned. The Turner clan made big waves at lasI month's Ontario Provincial Championships as well, with three top five placings aI the Ramre showcase. Without Kitchener powerhouse Miranda Raneri 10 contend with, Alisha had little trouble stealing the show and grabbing top marks for ber first provincial gold medal. Raneri had been slightly alsead of the young Milton native throughout the regular season but chose to compete in tihe Under-14 class aI the Ontario finals. Richard helped complete an Under- 12 sweep, cap- turing gold on the boys side. Jonathan meanwhile, took fifth-place honora. The twins enjoyed a healthy rivalry in regular ses- son tournament play Ibis past year, swapping the num- ber one seating off and on from atarI 10 finish. Where Richard was the better Turner aI provincials and nationals, Jonathan's star shone the brighîesî aI this winîer's Toronto and District (T&D) Jr. Squash Open where he struck gold and beat bis brother en route 10 victory. 'There's definiîely more emotion involved wben we play eacb other," said Richard. In addition to medal-winning performances in Kitchener, Toronto, Ottawa and Woodbridge Ibis sea- son, the two bad the distinct opportunity of facing Amenican sensation Nick Charles at the Canada-U.S. Open in Burlington over the Christmoas holidays. Iî's these kind of top-flighî challenges, Jonathan said, that will help them improve. Alisha took on plenîy of feisty opponenîs berself Ibis year, and was victonious againsî the majority of thero. Challenged older players She won two gold medals in tournament play, and would have collected more if she hadn't moved up 10 Under-14 competition mid-way through the season - as ber brothera did at li mes as well. "It helps you develop when you play againsî older girls," Alisha explained. Members of Club Meadowvale, Alisha, Jonathan and Richard were introduced 10 squash through par- ents Ken and Marlene about four years ago. The eIder Tumera have been playing the garne for 20Oyears. According 10 Marlene, ail tbree took 10 the game right away and sbowed promise almosî immediately. Tbey entered their firat competition less than a year later and are now coached by Jeff Devrill.