SQUASH players have adjusted well to the local conditions in the early rounds of the Costa North Coast Open.

The Wednesday and Thursday matches produced fantastic encounters as we head into Friday night’s quarter-finals with the top eight men and eight women in action leading into the semi-finals on Saturday 20 August.

In the women’s quarter finals, the likely matchup between Chan Sin Yuk HGK No 1 seed, will be against the winner of Celina Walser SUI and Rachel Grinham AUS.

In the bottom half of the draw Grace Gear ENG is expected to meet the winner of the Jessica Turnbull AUS v Yasshmita Jadish Kumar MAL match.

In the men’s fixtures, top seed Henry Leung HGK is expected to meet the winner of an all-Australian matchup between Rex Hedrick and Joseph White with the winner moving into Saturday’s semi-finals.

The Costa North Coast Open, which is a PSA Challenger Tour 10 tournament, offers the prize of world-ranking points.

Success enables the players to enter higher categorised events worldwide, so each contest is crucial towards their rise up the world rankings and the PSA World Tour.

Spectators can relish the skills and energy the players bring to the courts during the next three days of competition in Coffs Harbour.

It’s a tough draw with players from England, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Egypt, and Australia among those in tonight’s action.

Tournament director Peter Saxby welcomes visitors to the squash centre to enjoy the world-class event.

“Spectators should be early for tonight’s live action at the Coffs Squash Centre to see some powerhouse play.

“A support program of graded events for both seniors and junior players gets underway tonight with a strong contingent of players from the Coffs Coast competing against players from QLD, NSW, ACT and Victoria throughout the weekend.

“The support of sponsors has been fantastic in bringing this event to Coffs Harbour and our thanks go to Costa Group Industries, Coffs Coast Events, City Council and supporting businesses,” said Peter.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND:

Friday 19 August:

6.15pm: quarter finals men’s and women’s open start.

Saturday 20 August:

1pm-4pm: semi-final’s women’s and men’s Open

Sunday 21 August:

1pm – women’s open final

2pm – Men’s Open Final

3.15pm: conclusion and presentations.

By David WIGLEY