Thomas withstands Yogi challenge to Regain Racketball Handicap Title

The 2025 Racketball Handicap tournament final took place last week with Yogi Karambaya in his first singles final against the 2023 champion Ian Thomas. An impressive entry of 28 players entered this year in a knockout format which always produces its fair share of surprises. The semi-finals were perhaps the two best matches this year.

In the first semi-final, Yogi (Handicap of -1) took on Manjit Ubhi (0). Manj, known for his trademark length, hard-hitting and relentless consistency, put up a resilient fight. Despite Manj’s best efforts, Yogi’s deft touch and retrieval at the front of the court proved decisive. His short game – full of disguise and precision – kept Manj off balance just enough, and Yogi secured his place in his first ever singles final with a 3-1 win.

The second semi-final featured a blockbuster clash: defending champion Sam Morris against the 2023 champion Ian Thomas. The handicaps of Sam (-2) and Ian (0) ensured this was always likely to be a close one, and it absolutely delivered – five games of high-octane rallies with momentum swinging repeatedly. Sam pushed hard, using his pace and accuracy to trouble Ian throughout, but the final handicap-adjusted game score of 11–9 tipped the balance in Ian’s favour. Ian progressed, battle-tested, to the final where he would attempt to regain his crown.

The final pitted Ian (-4) against the in-form Yogi (0). On paper, the handicap advantage and recent form suggested Yogi might be favourite – but as always, finals tend to write their own stories.

Yogi began brilliantly. Taking the ball in short with confidence, he built an impressive 7-2 lead in the opening game. Ian, still adjusting to Yogi’s early aggression, found himself on the back foot. But champions don’t crumble – they adapt. Ian suddenly clicked into gear, moving more freely, extending the rallies, and retrieving superbly. In a stunning momentum shift, he rattled off seven consecutive points to take a 9-7 lead, eventually closing out the first game 11-8.

Yogi also took the early advantage in the second game, but Ian clawed it back to 6-6. From here the game hung in the balance, with the watching crowd sensing Yogi needed a spark to swing things back his way. But once again Ian’s experience and court craft shone through. He began to dictate the pace, forcing Yogi into tough positions and drawing more errors. Five straight points sealed the second game 11-6.

The third followed the same pattern. Yogi started strongly again, pushing ahead 5-2 and showing glimpses of his earlier touch. But fatigue began to creep in, and with Ian seemingly picking up everything – it became an uphill battle. Another strong burst propelled Ian to an 8-5 lead, and from there, the momentum was simply too great to reverse. Ian closed the game 11-6, securing a 3-0 victory and taking the Racketball Handicap title for the second time.

Yogi had played with more fire in previous rounds, but Ian was undeniably the worthy winner on the day – clinical, composed, and incredibly tough to break down.

Congratulations to Ian Thomas – our Racketball Handicap Champion for 2025!

Racketball gives a great cardio workout on court and there is great camaraderie among the players in the Club. We have a Club Night every Thursday at 5.45 to 7.15pm, or for beginners why not ask at Reception about our free introductory tasters with coach Ed Norris on court?

Look out too for a Ladies night on 5th February and a fun tournament at Club Night on 26th February.