THE best squash players from Australia are flocking to Coffs Harbour for the PSA Challenger Tournament with the added incentive of ranking points to represent Australia at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The first round starts on Wednesday 16 February with the Northern Territory’s Rhys Dowling ranked as the men’s top seed.

Eyes will be on Australian National Champion Rex Hedrick who has spent fifteen years on the PSA World Tour, winning ten titles and a spot in the World Open final.

Sarah Cardwell from Victoria is the women’s top seed with the ever improving Alex Haydon from the Gold Coast tipped to perform strongly.

Tournament Director Peter Saxby told News Of The Area preparations are ramping up at the Squash Club.

“Preparations for the North Coast Open PSA Challenger Squash tournament are really gearing up this week with players set to arrive in Coffs Harbour from next Monday.

“It’s been a tough twelve months for the squash sporting community, with the uncertainty of travel and participation due to COVID-19 restrictions, but officials are delighted to finally welcome players to the Coffs Coast, with court action starting on Wednesday 16 February from 2pm.

“This event is the first major PSA Challenger Tournament in Australia in the first six months of this year and is particularly important to the players vying for selection for the Commonwealth Games.

“The Men’s Open has attracted the top three players in Australia and in the Women’s Open there are four players who are in contention or have represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games.

“The higher tournament status as a PSA Challenger 10 provides players with an opportunity to compete for more world ranking points so each player will be looking to maximise their chances, which has to be great for spectators and visitors to come along to the centre and view all the action,” said Saxby.

The visiting PSA player’s will be sharing their knowledge with local juniors at a squash clinic on Thursday from 4pm and there will be a full supporting program of graded and junior events starting on Saturday 19 February.

Matches will be live streamed and players and visitors will have the opportunity to check out the squash sporting equipment exhibition on display throughout the week.

Match schedule:
Wednesday 16 Feb – Men’s Open 1st Round – 2.00pm
Thursday 17 Feb – Men’s Open 2nd Round – 6.00pm
Thursday 17 Feb – Women’s 1st Round – 6.00pm
Friday 18 Feb – Official Welcome 5.45pm – Mayor Amos
Friday 18 Feb – Quarter Finals Men and Women 6.15pm
Saturday 19 Feb – Semi Finals Women 1.00pm
Saturday 19 Feb – Semi Finals Men 2.00pm
Sunday 20 Feb – Finals Women 1.00pm
Finals Men 2.00pm
Presentations – 3.00pm

 

By David WIGLEY