Latest News Archive

Senior and Junior Pennant Start Dates
August 1, 2009

Senior pennant will commence on the 11th of August (11/08/09)

Please be sure to attend one of the upcoming Rules Accreditation Presentation (RAP) for qualification into the finals.

Junior pennant will commence on Friday the 28th of August (28/08/09)

Squash in the ACT Dinner Dance and Awards
July 21, 2009

Squash ACT has decided to hold a Squash in the ACT Dinner Dance and Awards night. This will include groups from Senior and Junior pennant, Masters, Womens, daytime and social players.

The event will be on the 22nd of August held at the Southern Cross Club in Woden on a Saturday night starting at 7pm.

The Band Rigby will be there to provide the music to dance the night away.

Tickets can be purchsed at the Woden Squash Centre 4 Launceston St Phillip or via phone 02 6281 4784.

For more details please contact admin

Austrlian Open to come to Canberra
July 20, 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

Canberra to host Australian Open

Squash Australia announced on Sunday that Canberra will host the Australian Open for the next four years, beginning in 2010. The tournament will be held next July on an all-glass court set up in one of the city’s major venues. Prize money will be boosted for both the men and the women’s events, ensuring participation by even more of the world’s top players. The Australian Open has been held in the South Australian wine growing town of Clare for the past three years and has grown in stature and exposure over that time. Squash Australia president John Holland said holding the tournament in the nation’s capital would mean more exposure for a tournament steeped in Australian squash history. “Squash ACT put in a very impressive bid, backed by important support from the ACT Government,” Holland said. “While other cities were interested in hosting the Australian Open, Squash Australia believed that the ACT bid was far and away the best and it was a unanimous board decision to award Canberra the tournament.” Squash ACT president Gary Hampson said that with nearby Queanbeyan having produced Heather McKay, arguably the best player in history, the area had a proud squash history. He said Squash ACT envisaged turning the Open into a major sporting event which would draw visitors to the city. “Half of Canberra seems to disappear off to Melbourne for the Australian Open tennis in January – we want people to head for the Australian Open party and squash festival in Canberra in July,” he said “It’s more than just the Men’s and Women’s Championships. “There will be parties, coaching seminars, tours and mini-tournaments for all level of players. “What other major sporting event in the world encourages the spectators to come along and play their sport alongside the touring professionals? “It will be a real festival of squash.”

 ACT Sports Minister Andrew Barr said the tournament had the potential to become a tourism drawcard as the city heads towards its centenary in 2013. “The Australian Open represents the premier squash tournament in this country and for it to be held in Canberra for the next four years is a fantastic achievement,” he said. “I congratulate Squash ACT on their successful bid and I am excited by their proposal to develop a ‘Festival of Squash’ with the Australian Open as the showpiece.”

Canberra continues to produce world class players, with three-time Australian Open champion Stewart Boswell currently ranked number 20 in the world and 18-year-old Christine Nunn about to head off to India with the Australian Junior Women’s team. Boswell, in Clare for the 2009 Australian Open, said playing the tournament in his home town would be a career highlight. “I have spent so much time overseas that to come home to play the tournament in Canberra would be something special.”

 For more: Gary Hampson Squash ACT President 

0418 201 750

Stewart Boswell wins Australian Open
July 20, 2009

It has been a hard road for Stewart concidering his history with injury. Cameron Pilly from Yamba NSW headed into the final with confidence considering he beat the number one seed from Malaysia Ong Beng Hee who is currently ranked 14th in the world.

Stewart made an impressive start to the final winning the first game by a comfortable margin. Some how Cameron found a new burst of energy and brought the games back to even and both players managed to get two games a peice. The final game was enthrauling and came down to the wire. Stewart proved too consistant in the end winning the final game 12 points to 10.

Squash ACT grows
July 20, 2009

Pat is a long time member and supporter of squash in the ACT and has now been appointed the coaching coordinator for squash ACT. This cooincides with the growth of Squash in the ACT and is a part of Squash ACT's strategy to bring new players to the game.

His background includes work as junior development officer for Squash ACT and Squash NSW. Pat has rapidly rejoined the volunteer environement attending the National coaching conference held last year at the AIS in Canberra.

Since joining Squash ACT Pat has attended the level 2 coaching course in Sydney and is now officially a level 1 coach assessor. The level 1 coaching assessment process recently went through a revitalisation process and Pat is one of the first participants to pass the new course.

If you would like to find out more about Pat and his plans for redeveloping the coaching and marketing program in the ACT you can contact the Squash ACT office via e-mail.

ACT coaching position vacant
June 3, 2009

Applications for the position of coaching director are now open.

The position involves representing Squash ACT at national coaching conferences around Australia and becoming a level 1 coaching assessor. Squash ACT will pay for the flights, accommodation and training.

The candidate should be currently active as a coach within the ACT and have a level 1 coaching qualification.

Applications can be sent to the Squash ACT office at Woden Squash Centre 4 Launceston Street Phillip 2606

alternatively you can e-mail raymond.payne@squashact.asn.au with your application or an queries.

Application closes 19th of June COB 5pm.

Squash ACT recieves a boost
May 28, 2009

The Squash ACT Annual General Meeting was recently conducted at the Woden Squash Centre on Monday the 25th of May.

Congratulations to Ross Reid and Simon Aungle for being elected as voting board memebers.

Troy Davey and Darryl Seto have also been accepted to the board as supporting directors.

We trust this will provide extra experience and expertise to guide the future of squash in the ACT.

Stewart Boswell is leading Australia
May 19, 2009

To find out more about Canberra's very own Stewart Boswell's achievements, who else is in the team and what it is all about please visit Squash Australia by clicking the symbol below.

Squash ACT Thanks the following volunteers
May 12, 2009

Toni Maxfield and Louis Ramos - Served on the board for 1 year and are now stepping down.

Gary Hampson - Continued work to gain more squash facilities in the ACT.

Helen Southwell - Constantly organises junior trips away, notably this year National Junior Series in Rockhampton.

Nev Sheather- Personally delivered and retrieved all the pennant format survey sheets to each club.

Richard O'Rourke - Tirelessly works hard to make sure the senior and junior pennants have more people playing.

Russel Weatherburn - Has represented ACT as a referee at numerous events all over Australia. Perth, Sydney, Rockhampton and ACT.

National Junior Series in Rockhampton QLD
April 9, 2009

Josh Southwell-Nobbs, Jeremy Salter, Chistine Nunn, Holy Barnes, Laura McCredie, Zac Morris and Leanna Davey. The coach is Ryan Henman and the Team Manager is Helen Southwell.

The event is held to help selectors pick the national teams to compete at world events. Woden player Christine Nunn is currently ranked 4 in Australia for the under 19 girls and is in the training squad to compete at the World Junior womens championships to be held at Cheni, India in July this year. Our other players will be looking to go higher in their national rankings and improve on previous performances.

Good luck to the whole team from Squash ACT.

Karwalski capitalises
April 6, 2009

1st match times for ACT open
April 3, 2009

Please look for your name and first match times in the list below. If you have any queries please contact the Woden Squash Centre on 62814784.

MEN
NAME	EVENT	MATRIX	FIRST TIME
ANDERSON ALICK	MENS B	128.8	SAT 9:00
ANDREWS PETER	MENS B		SAT 9:00
BEASLEY JOEL	MENS B	162.56	SAT 9:00
BENJAMIN MATTHEW	MENS B		SAT 9:00
BERGSTROM TOMMY	MENS C		SAT 11:25
BERNAU HADYN	MENS STATE	299.87	SAT 13:00
BISHOP LEE	MENS A
BOTHE MARK	MENS A	246.64	SAT 10:15
BULLMAN PETER	MENS A	248.95	SAT 14:20
BUSHEL PAUL	MENS OPEN	334.71	SAT 10:50
CALIGARI BEN	MENS C		SAT 11:25
CARTWRIGHT KIRK	MENS B		SAT 9:00
CHAUDRY IRFAN	MENS C		SAT 10:15
CIESNIEWSKI MARK	MENS B	209.43	SAT 12:00
COLLINS MARTIN	MENS STATE	263.3	SAT 13:00
CONDIE DANIEL	MENS A	214.78	SAT 10:50
DUNCAN JOHN	MENS A	210.36	SAT 10:15
DUNKLEY BRENT	MENS OPEN	330	SAT 10:50
DUNKLEY BRIAN	MENS A	224	SAT 10:15
DURDA MATT	MENS OPEN	316.57	SAT 9:00
EVANS ZAC	MENS C	72.29	SAT 11:25
FLEMING LOGAN	MENS C	113.32	SAT 10:50
GALBRAITH DOUG	MENS STATE	263.69	SAT 13:00
GARDNER MATT	MENS STATE	271.57	SAT 13:00
GEDDES ELLIOT	MENS STATE	305.8	SAT 13:00
GEDDES HUW	MENS STATE	301.11	SAT 13:00
GYANATHAN AMRESH	MENS C		SAT 10:15
HABIB MOHAMMED	MENS B		SAT 9:00
HENMAN EVAN	MENS A	249.86	SAT 14:20
HILLIER LUKE	MENS OPEN	350	SAT 11:25
JACKSON MATTHEW	MENS C		SAT 10:50
JOHNSON DAVID	MENS C	120.42	SAT 9:00
JONES DANIEL	MENS C	104.39	SAT 10:15
JONES JACKSON	MENS A	248.84	SAT 10:15
KARWALSKI MATT	MENS OPEN	381	SAT 12:00
KENNEDY SCOTT	MENS A	252.57	SAT 14:20
KERR PETER	MENS C	100.43	SAT 11:25
KHAN SHAHROZE	MENS OPEN	369	SAT 11:25
KHEISSY PAUL	MENS C		SAT 10:50
KROPP DANIEL	MENS C		SAT 9:00
LLOYD ANDREW	MENS A	191.02	SAT 10:15
LLOYD CHRIS	MENS B	171.84	SAT 13:10
LOONE PETER	MENS B	185	SAT 12:00
LUNDENBERG WILLIAM	MENS B		SAT 9:00
MANNING TIM	MENS OPEN	352.12	SAT 8:30
MCCREDIE ANDREW	MENS C	125.01	SAT 12:00
MCLAUCHLAN JASON	MENS OPEN	359	SAT 10:50
MELLOR LUKE	MENS B	141.15	SAT 9:00
MILLS GLENN	MENS B	150	SAT 9:00
MORRIS ANDREW	MENS B	169.45	SAT 11:25
MORRIS ZAC	MENS C	113.89	SAT 10:50
OXLEY DOUG	MENS OPEN	339.52	SAT 11:25
PALMER ROBERT	MENS C	97.65	SAT 10:15
PAYNE ALAN	MENS STATE	269.4	SAT 13:00
PAYNE RAYMOND	MENS OPEN	318.54	SAT 8:30
PERRY DAVE	MENS B	174.72	SAT 12:00
PRENTICE CHRIS	MENS A	219.78	SAT 10:15
REYNOLDS DYLAN	MENS OPEN	345	SAT 11:25
ROBB CHRIS	MENS B	188.04	SAT 12:35
RYAN BEN	MENS B	160.17	SAT 9:00
SALTER JEREMY	MENS B	172.84	SAT 12:35
SCOTT MARCOONS	MENS B	165	SAT 9:00
SHEATHER NEV	MENS B	166.05	SAT 11:25
SHEPPARD BRANDON	MENS B	152.71	SAT 9:00
SINCLAIR KIRBY	MENS OPEN	370	SAT 10:50
SMIT JEREMIAH	MENS B	108.29	SAT 9:00
SMIT JOHN	MENS B	165.7	SAT 9:00
SMITH PAUL	MENS OPEN	315.36	SAT 9:00
SOUTHWELL-NOBBS JOSH	MENS A	222.2	SAT 10:50
STEWART SAM	MENS C		SAT 9:00
STONE BRENDON	MENS B	150	SAT 9:00
SUMMERS SIMON	MENS OPEN	319.93	SAT 11:25
THOMAS ANTHONY	MENS OPEN	340	SAT 11:25
WALIA CHARAN	MENS STATE	277.9	SAT 13:00
WEATHERBURN RUSSELL	MENS A	238.92	SAT 10:15
WERCHON BEN	MENS OPEN	318	SAT 10:50
WHITE DAVE	MENS OPEN	330	SAT 10:50
WILL JORDAN	MENS C		SAT 9:00
WITTLE LINDEN	MENS B	207.45	SAT 12:35
WOMEN
NAME	EVENT	MATRIX	FIRST TIME
BARNES HOLLY	WOMENS B	96.29	SAT 10:50
CARLISLE DEBBIE	WOMENS A	145.7	SAT 9:40
DAVEY LEANNA	WOMENS B	51.95	SAT 11:25
DOYLE MADONNA	WOMENS A	154.47	SAT 9:40
FLEMING WILKE ADAM	MENS D	23.83	SAT 13:10
INGRAM VERONIQUE	WOMENS B	98.68	SAT 11:25
KENNEDY GERRAD	MENS D		SAT 9:00
KENNEDY JANE	WOMENSOPEN	266.64	SAT 12:00
KHAIRELLAH HANNAH	WOMENS A	170	SAT 9:40
KITCHEN VICKI	WOMENS B		SAT 10:50
MAROC KRISTI	WOMENS B	89.53	SAT 10:50
MAZHAR NODOKA	WOMENS B	104.75	SAT 11:25
MCCREDIE LAURA	WOMENS B	102.31	SAT 11:25
MIDDLETON BRODIE	MENS D		SAT 9:00
NELSON SARAH	WOMENSOPEN	250.58	SAT 12:00
NUNN CHRISTINE	WOMENSOPEN	236.86	SAT 12:00
ORNEBERG SOFIA	WOMENS A	158	SAT 12:35
OXLEY SHARON	WOMENS A
RYAN NATHAN	MENS D	15.22	SAT 13:45
SHEPHERD JOSH	MENS D	46.23	SAT 9:00
SKINNER ALISON	WOMENS OPEN		SAT 12:00
SOUTHWELL HELEN	WOMENS B	117.59	SAT 10:50
WATT JACOB	MENS D	36.37	SAT 9:00

Squash Olympics Bid and World Squash Day
March 23, 2009

Posters will be put up all around the world as Squash's Top players pledge that an olympic gold medal would be the highest honour for any squash player. Look out for these posters at your local club where you can sign to register your support. An alternative to this is a website that you can sign up to Squash2016. You are able to donate money to your local club to help support the bid. When a club receives over $100 a certificate of appreciation and a framed signed poster from world Squash Federation will be issued to the club.

In conjunction World Squash Day will be held on May the 23rd. Please keep your eye out for events put on by your local club and help promote this wonderous occasion.

ACT compete's at Sydney Senior and Junior Open
March 23, 2009

Simon Beasley is having a reinvigorated return to squash competition as he took a game in his first match against one of Sydney's top ranked players, Sharoze. This is because of the vigourous training that Simon has undertaken lately in the off season. He continued his form into his second match where he beat the up and coming Wes Cusack in five games.

Other players who attended the weekend were Jeremy Salter and Robert Plamer.

More results will be posted here shortly...

ACT Junior Open
March 23, 2009

click here for results

The Act Junior open attracted few players this year. Numbers were boosted by interstate players from Riverena, Sydney, Raymond terrace and Coffs Harbour. A big thank you to the support team of the tournament Melissa prentice - created the draw, Helen Southwell - Tournament control and Simon Beasley - Tournament organiser. Thanks to all those who particpated, we hope to see you again next year.

Canberra boys in Eyles Academy
March 7, 2009

Raymond Payne, Jeremy Salter and Josh Southwell-Nobbs went to Palm Beach on the Gold Coast for a 5 day training camp with former World champion squash player Rodney Eyle's Squash Academy.

Josh had this to say about the experience after day two, 'It's great but the training is hard'.

'I just want to improve my game and this is the perfect oportunity to do that. There are no distractions up here, the weather is unbelievable and the instruction is second to none' said Ray.

Jeremy quoted 'I felt like i wanted to spew after the hills we had to run up'.

You can read more about their journey in the junior section.

ACT receives support from 1800SCRIBE
March 7, 2009

Steve McLean an ex representative of Squash ACT and Squash Australia has made a deal to Squash ACT to be the major sponsor of the ACT Senior Open. This year along side the prize money available for the major event will be a selection of Grey's racquets, bags and equipment. Entry to this tournament can be found in the Events section.

Girls go higher than the Boys in national rankings
February 11, 2009

The 2009 Fubruary National Junior Squash rankings are about to be released. Christine Nunn was ACT's highest ranked junior at number four in the girls under nineteen age group. Laura McCredie and Holy Barnes gained a ranking of seven and eight respectively in the under fifteen age group. The only ACT boy to feature in the National rankings was Elliot Geddes who made it to the number thirteen in the under nineteen boys age group.

Squash ACT would like to congratulate those who made the official rankings. Players who narrowly missed out on national rankings were Josh Southwell, Jeremy Salter, Robert Palmer and Leanna Davey.

To view the full rankings list you can visit the Squash Australia website.

World Champion Sarah FitzGerald comes to Canberra
January 27, 2009

Come and meet Sarah FitzGerald for some coaching, exhibition match and ask her about her career.

To book your place please contact Squash ACT  before February 25th via e-mail or phone 0262823824.

For full details of the event view this flyer

SARAH FITZ-GERALD AM

1987 to January 2003 Professional Squash Player:

As a professional squash player competing on the WISPA World Tour I achieved Australian No1 and World No1 rankings, and my achievements included:

- 5 time World Open Champion

- Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist 2002 (Women’s Singles)

- Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist 1998 (Women’s Singles)

- Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist 1998 (Women’s Doubles)

- 2 time British Open Champion

- 4 time Australian Open Champion

- 5 time Victorian Open Champion

- Winner of 65 World Tour Titles

- Australian Female Athlete of the Year 2001 and 2002

- Dawn Fraser Australian Athlete of the Year 2001

- Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

- Represented Australia 75 times

- 4 time World Team Champion

- World Junior Champion

- Victorian Institute of Sport – Award of Excellence 1998 and 2002

OTHER SQUASH ACHIEVEMENTS:

- WISPA Hall of Fame

- Squash Australia Hall of Fame

- Victorian Squash Hall of Fame

- WISPA Ambassador

- President and Chairwoman of Women’s International Squash Players Association (WISPA)

- Patron to Victorian Squash Federation

- Patron to Victorian Squash Girls Program

- Consultant Coach to Victorian Institute of Sport

- Consultant Coach to Nicol David (World Champion and World No1)

- Consultant Coach to England Squash

 Sarah Fitz-Gerald AM

Date: March 2007

Senior Squash Pennant 2009
January 16, 2009

It was decided that the pennant format remain as centre based for 2009. The reasoning behind this can be found at the website under the survey results in the latest news section.

Dates for 2009 Autumn Squash Pennant

Teams are due to be submitted to the squash ACT office via e-mail or mail by 4 February at 5pm.

Grading Day Saturday 7 February

Starting 24th February

Stop on the 9th April

Start on the 28th April

Finish on the 2nd July

Please note there will be a two week break for the School holidays.

Sarah Fitzgerald will be attending the Masters tournament on 28 February. Squash ACT is looking to hold a coaching and exhibition evening on the Friday the 27 February featuring Sarah Fitzgerald. There will be more information coming out shortly.

Spring pennant dates

Start 11th August

Stop 1st October

Resume 13th October

Comp will be on the first week of November. Most centres close on the 3 November for the Melbourne Cup. Clubs are reminded to let players know that they will have to complete the match with their opponents before the 3 November.

Finish 10 December

Please check the Website for other key dates.

Registrations close 4 February
January 16, 2009

ACT pennant to remain Centre Based
December 19, 2008

Click here to view the full report.

Board Responses

We took the decision at the December Board meeting to continue with a Centre-based format for 2009 but have asked the Competition Committee to invest effort into finding ways to schedule the proportion of matches at centres in each grade to match the proportion of teams in the grade.

We will also continue to review the situation with Home and Away in the future and hopefully work in having more courts available for pennant competition at night.

As a result of your feedback, there will be generally no change to the scoring system in 2009. Premier will continue with Point a Rally scoring and Division 2 will be asked to vote on their preferences before the Autumn Competition commences. All Squash ACT tournaments and junior competitions will, however, use the new scoring system.

We recognise that you like using the Matrix and it is a great asset for our administration.

We’re not sure if everyone knows that the Matrix was developed here locally by Matt Driver with our support and expertise in squash. It is now used in every State and Territory of Australia and was recently implemented as a trial in Scotland.

We will do what ever we can to continue to develop the Matrix and provide better service.

We’ve worked hard to consider every single comment and use the feedback to guide our future decisions.

There is obviously an issue about the standard of facilities and our culture of having a social supper and drink after the game. Apart from Woden where we can improve things directly, we are writing to all court owners to let them know what our minimum standards are for competition squash. We will also support the local clubs in discussions with court owners to arrange or negotiate better club facilities.

Another related issue is the loss of courts in our region. The Board continues to work on your behalf to reverse this trend. The ACT Government has a good understanding of our facilities issues and we expect to continue to work closely with the Minister and the Department in early 2009.

Thanks for your feedback and hopefully 2009 will be an excellent year for squash.

Facilities Review Report
November 21, 2008

For full report click here.

Dunlop Cup
November 19, 2008

National Coaching Conference
November 19, 2008

Click here for full report.

Left to Right: Vicki Cardwell, Rodney Eyles and Michelle Martin

Boswell maintains form
November 8, 2008

The second seeded Boswell won 13-11, 11-4, 11-8 to notch up his second straight games win in as many days.

He will now take on fifth seed Miguel Angel Rodriguez in the semi-finals following the Colombian’s marathon win over New South Wales’s Cameron Pilley.

Pilley and Rodriguez were on court for 95 minutes before the Colombian triumphed 11-7, 10-12, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9.

The second semi-final will be between top seeded Dutchman Laurens Jan Anjema and rising Spanish star Borja Golan.

Quarter-final results – prefix denotes seeding:

1-Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt 8-Jan Koukal (CZE) 11-6, 11-13, 11-8, 11-5

4-Borja Golan (ESP) bt Simon Rosner (GER) 11-4, 11-6, 11-8

5-Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) bt 3-Cameron Pilley (AUS) 11-7, 10-12, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9

2-Stewart Boswell (AUS) bt 7-Daryl Selby (ENG) 13-11, 11-4, 11-8

Andrew Dent

Squash Australia Media Liaison Officer

Squash for the Olympics?
November 6, 2008

Click here for document

12th Australian Masters Games
October 26, 2008

Click here for further details.

Stewart Boswell in main draw of World Open
September 30, 2008

Canberra's Stewart Boswell will be competing in the World Squash Championships in Manchester England in two weeks time. To follow his progress you can view the event website

To check out live photage of the event you can go to psalive.tv

ACT junior team in Perth
September 30, 2008

ACT beats Tasmania to finish 5th
September 21, 2008

Even though ACT's best player Tim Manning could not be there on the final day's play they still accounted for the Tasmanians. Christine Nunn was in fine form winning her match in four games. Five times Australian Masters champion Paul Bushell made easy work of opponent Michael Brown. Bec Jones came out firing, and Gary Hampson the team manager said it was good to see her play some of the squash that saw her ranked nine in last year's national women's rankings. Unfortunately Bec was up against the talented Maggy Marshell and went down in four games. This left Josh Larkin to fill Tim's shoes and what a job he did. Josh defeated Mark De Vries in three straight games.

Congratulations must go to the winning team Queensland who won the title for the third successive year. It was truly humbling to witness the professionalism that Queensland showed in their clinical finish of each team they faced. Team member Peta Hughes mentioned in her speech that the title meant a lot the state and that they hoped it would become one of Australia's most prestigious events.

The Championships were declared a success and it was noted by South Australia and Queensland that it was good to see a different state/territory take responsibility for what is hoped to become one of Australia's premier events. This puts the ACT in a good position to host other major events that it is intending to bid for. Big thanks go out to Simon Beasley the young manager of the Woden Squash Centre for hosting the event, Gary Hampson for filling the shoes as team manager of the ACT team and finally the two ladies Melissa Prentice and Helen Southwell for providing a mean canteen raising money for the ACT junior representative team.

On a personal note I am very proud to be part of the Squash ACT team that helped bring these championships to life.

Happy Squashing
Ray

Third round & Semi-final results for NTC
September 20, 2008

Big results from the third round are that SA beat NSW by two games to finish top of the table. Tas and WA had an amasing battle where all points, games and rubbers were equal. Tas gained the higher place position in their pool because of Maggie Marshell winning a match against Alma of South Australia.

Queensland proved too strong for ACT beating them three rubbers to one.  ACT's rubber was due to Brad Freeme from Queensland having an injury in his match against Paul Bushell after leading 1 game to love (9-1). Two of the most exciting matches of the round were Steve Finitsis vs Tim Manning where every rally went for a long time. The other between Jeff Bond and Jason Mudge had the crown right into the match, but in the end Jason was just too fast and consistent.

Tomorrow's final is between Queensland and South Australia.

Click here for more details and results.

National teams update
September 20, 2008

With pride on the line ACT was out to turn their tournament around. The crowd was behind them including some of the ACT junior team which made for some good atmosphere. The women Christine Nunn and Rebecca Jones dominated their opponents. The men were a different story; Josh Larkin retrieved everything and over powered his opponent to win in four. Tim was feeling a bit fatigued after his gruelling match against number 1 seed Steve Finitsis in the third round. That didn’t stop him from summoning all his experience to come over the top of an ambitious Chris Lark and win in five games.

Click here for detailed results

ACT will go up against Tasmania tomorrow morning at 9am to play of for 5^th place.

Second round results for NTC
September 19, 2008

Click here for detailed results.

ACT off to a shaky start
September 19, 2008

Christine Nunn got ACT off to the start it was looking for. She was down each game but came back strongly to win in four against Vanessa Pickerd. Gary Hampson, ACT team manager, was impressed with Christine’s performance saying ‘it was a good tough competitive start’.

Hopes were running high with Josh Larkin going on next against Peter Vaughn. Big things were expected of Josh after his representation for Australia at the world junior men’s championships in Switzerland. Both players started out at a frantic pace exchanging hard hit shots. Josh’s game plan wasn’t the right one in the end with Peter winning in three straight games.

With the score one rubber all, the tie was evenly matched and no one could anticipate the result. Before the match Rebecca Jones said that she had a good record against Melody Francis of Victoria but on the day Melody walked away with the match 3-0. Having lost the tie 2 to 1 and a game up ACT was now playing for pride. What better player than ACT’s Tim Manning to fill the shoes. This was the match of the round, and with the traditional point scoring system being used the crowd was treated to an epic four games. Tim came out hard winning 9-0, but his opponent Rex fought strongly to take the second. Then Tim came home winning the last two.

Now that ACT has lost the first round encounter their only hope of winning the title is to upset the number one seeds Queensland tomorrow morning at 9am.

Click here for detailed results.

Squash is declared 'the healthiest sport'
September 11, 2008

To find out why please visit this Website

http://www.squashplayer.co.uk/sp_latest/forbes_survey.htm

ACT team selected
September 9, 2008

Men: Tim Manning, Josh Larkin, Paul Bushel

Women: Christine Nunn, Rebecca Jones and Lorraine Rae

Please wish them luck as they train hard to compete for your Territory at this year National Teams Championships.

Matthew beats tired Pilley
September 8, 2008

Top seeded Englishman Nick Matthew took advantage of a fatigued Cameron Pilley to secure victory in the Dutch Open squash tournament in Amsterdam on Sunday.

Pilley, who won a marathon semi-final against Laurens Jan Anjema on Saturday, fought hard and showed his tenacity when he won the third game, but he could not keep the momentum going as Matthew took the final 11-8, 11-6, 6-11, 12-10 in 79 minutes.

In the women’s final, Malaysia’s Nicol David asserted her dominance over Toowoomba-born Dutchwoman Natalie Grinham, winning 11-9, 11-9, 11-4.

It was David’s ninth win over Grinham in 10 major finals and confirmed the Malaysian’s position as the undisputed women’s world No.1.

Final results – prefix denotes seeding

Men

1-Nick Matthew (ENG) bt 3-Cameron Pilley (AUS) 11-8, 11-6, 6-11, 12-10

Women

1-Nicol David (MAS) bt 2-Natalie Grinham (NED) 11-9, 11-9, 11-4

Andrew Dent
Squash Australia Media Liaison Officer
0414 745 921

Pilley makes Dutch final
September 8, 2008

Australia’s Cameron Pilley upset second seeded local Laurens Jan Anjema on Saturday to move into the final of the Dutch Open squash tournament in Amsterdam.

A day after accounting for another Dutch player Dylan Bennett, the Amsterdam-based Pilley came back from losing the first game to beat Anjema 5-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-6 and set up a title decider against top seeded Englishman Nick Matthew.

Australia’s Rachael Grinham earlier bowed out in the quarter-finals when she suffered a shock loss to England’s Alison Waters 11-9, 11-6, 12-10.

But there was no stopping Pilley as he saw off his training partner in an exhausting 81-minute battle.

“He played well in the first – came out at 100 miles per hour and dominated the game,” Pilley said.

“He started the same in the second and I had to change something.

“I straightened up and kept it tighter at the back, stopping him from playing his winners.”

The women’s final will be between world number one Nicol David of Malaysia and Toowoomba-born Dutchwoman Natalie Grinham.

Quarter-final results - prefix denotes seeding:

Men

1-Nick Matthew (ENG) bt 8-Jesse Engelbrecht (RSA) 11-6, 11-5, 11-6
4-John White (SCO) bt 5-Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) 11-3, 4-11, 11-8, 11-7
3-Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt 7-Dylan Bennett (NED) 12-10, 11-1, 11-4
2-Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt 6-Davide Bianchetti (ITA) 11-9, 11-9, 8-11, 11-6

Women

1- Nicol David (MAS) bt 6-Laura Lengthorn-Massaro (ENG) 11-5, 11-4, 9-11, 9-11, 11-6
4-Natalie Grainger (USA) bt 5-Jenny Duncalf (ENG) 11-8, 11-3, 11-2
8-Alison Waters (ENG) bt 3-Rachael Grinham (AUS) 11-9, 11-6, 12-10
2-Natalie Grinham (NED) bt 7-Vanessa Atkinson (NED) 11-4, 11-7, 6-11, 11-5

Semi-finals

Men

1-Nick Matthew (ENG) bt 4-John White (SCO) 11-9, 11-4, 11-8
3-Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt 2-Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) 5-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-6

Women

1- Nicol David (MAS) bt 4-Natalie Grainger (USA) 11-9, 11-5, 11-8
2-Natalie Grinham (NED) bt 8-Alison Waters (ENG) 9-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-8

Andrew Dent
Squash Australia Media Liaison Officer
0414 745 921

Seeded Aussies through
September 5, 2008

Australia’s two seeded players – Queensland’s Rachael Grinham and Cameron Pilley of New South Wales – progressed to the quarter-finals of the Dutch Open squash tournament in Amsterdam with comfortable first round wins on Thursday.

Third seeded Pilley, from Yamba, was too good for India’s Ritwik Bhattacharya 11-3, 11-5, 11-7 while Grinham beat English qualifier Dominique Lloyd-Walter 11-6, 11-8, 11-3.

Unseeded Australians Kasey Brown and Bradley Hindle both gave their higher-ranked opponents a big scare before bowing out.

Brown lost in four close games to eighth seeded Englishwoman Alison Waters 12-10, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8.

Hindle, who won through two rounds of qualifying to make the main draw, went down in four to Miguel Angel Rodriguez of Colombia 11-8, 4-11, 11-7, 11-9.

First round results (prefix denotes seeding):

Men

1-Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Shaun le Roux (ENG) 11-3, 11-3, 11-4
8-Jesse Engelbrecht (RSA) bt Robin Clarke (CAN) 11-7, 11-7, 9-11, 3-11, 13-11
4-John White (SCO) bt Piedro Schweertman (NED) 12-10, 11-5, 13-11
5-Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) bt Bradley Hindle (AUS) 11-8, 4-11, 11-7, 11-9
7-Dylan Bennett (NED) bt Simon Rosner (GER) 10-12. 15-13, 11-7, 12-10
3-Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt Ritwik Bhattacharya (IND) 11-3, 11-5, 11-7
6-Davide Bianchetti (ITA) bt Stephen Coppinger (RSA) 11-9, 12-10, 11-7
2-Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt Jonathan Harford (ENG) 11-5, 11-6, 11-1

Women

1-Nicol David (MAS) bt Isabelle Stoehr (FRA) 11-4, 9-11, 11-6, 11-5
6-Laura Lengthorn-Massaro (ENG) bt Rebecca Chiu (HKG) 11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 14-16, 11-7
4-Natalie Grainger (USA) bt Madeline Perry (IRL) 11-6, 11-5, 4-11, 11-8
5-Jenny Duncalf (ENG) bt Aisling Blake (IRL) 9-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-7
8-Alison Waters (ENG) bt Kasey Brown (AUS) 12-10, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8
3-Rachael Grinham (AUS) bt Dominique Lloyd-Walter (ENG) 11-6, 11-8, 11-3
7-Vanessa Atkinson (NED) bt Line Hansen (DEN) 11-7, 11-2, 11-8
2-Natalie Grinham (NED) bt Lauren Briggs (ENG) 11-2, 11-3, 11-4

Andrew Dent
Squash Australia Media Liaison Officer
0414 745 921

Larkin has world at his feet
July 18, 2008

Larkin boarded a flight for Brisbane last night to meet up with the other three travelling team members of the Australian team to take part in a training camp before they leave for the European country early next week. Larkin has been joined in the team by Aaron Fyfe, Jacob Alexander and Matt Hopkin, with the team order expected to be decided in Brisbane in the next few days.

Larkin was one of the standout performers during the selection process and underlined his status as one of Australia’s rising stars after reaching the final of the Penang International in Malaysia last month, when he was eventually toppled by Hopkin in a thrilling five set match.

The individual championships will commence on Monday 28 July, while the teams event begins on 2 August.

Larkin will also spearhead the ACT team at the Australian Junior Championships in Perth at the end of September as he aims for a strong finish to his junior career.

Follow his diary over the next two weeks on the Junior page.

ACT Junior Team brings home Greenshield Trophy
June 24, 2008

The ACT Junior team travelled to Sydney last weekend to compete in the annual Greenshield Squash Tournament. This year three other regions entered the event with ACT battling it out against Sydney, Central Coast/Hunter and Western.

The tournament consists of eight divisions – U11 Boys, U11 Girls, U13 Boys, U13 Girls, U15 Boys, U15 Girls, U17 Boys and U17 Girls. There are four players in each team and three in each of the Under 11 divisions. All together there are 30 matches against each region. ACT were the only region to field a full side this year which is a reflection on the hard work put in by the manager, Helen Southwell.

On Saturday morning ACT was drawn against the winner of Greenshield for the last three years, Western region. The tie was always going to prove difficult but ACT got off to a tremendous start. The U11 Boys team of Dylan Prentice, Alex Lock and Lachlan Watt won their fixture two matches to one to give ACT an early lead. With the U15 Girls team of Holly Barnes, Laura McCredie, Cathy Nunn and Amy Prentice winning 3–1, and the Under 17 Boys (Josh Southwell-Nobbs, Lachlan Dally, Jeremy Salter and Jeremiah Smit) also wrapping up a 3–1 victory the signs were looking good.

Western however made a great comeback to claim victories in the U11 girls and U15 boys, whilst the U13 Girls team of Leanna Davey, Katelyn Lindner, Bethany Lindner and Ashleigh Carlisle drew 2–2, winning on countback. Christine Nunn and Rhiannon Brunker led the U17 Girls team, also comprising Madeleine Barnett and Katy Hampson, to a strong win to edge the ACT to a narrow lead.

The U13 Boys team of Robert Palmer, Zac Evans, Jacob Watt and Michael Richardson were left to battle it out with Western for the win and impressed with a strong win. Coached by Simon Beasley, they stormed to a 3–1 victory to give the ACT a 17–13 win against the defending champions.

In the second round on Saturday afternoon, ACT came up against Central Coast/Hunter and was in control of the fixture from the start. The U17 Boys were led by an excellent display of squash from number 1 Josh Southwell-Nobbs who won 3–0 against a very tough opponent. His grit and determination was evident in the first two games when he came from behind to win both, before outplayed his downcast opponent in the final game.

Other highlights against the Central/Coast Hunter included another strong win by the Under 13 Boys and U15 Girls. The ACT ran out victors 19–11.

Saturday was also a very special day for four of the team members. Ashleigh Carlisle, Katy Hampson, Lachlan Watt and Emma Williams all played their first competitive matches of squash and played very well. Supported by all their team mates they all held their heads high and can be proud of their performance.

Sunday would decide the fate of the ACT Greenshield campaign. ACT played against Sydney, who were also undefeated after their first two fixtures. The Under 15 Boys team of Zac Morris, Colin Lees, Nathan Ryan and Brenton Dally were drawn against a very strong team and although they were unable to win a match, they all played with great spirit and represented ACT in the best manner.

Laura McCredie continued her excellent form over the weekend to win her third consecutive match and help the Under 15 girls to victory against Sydney. Alex Lock played an epic five set match in the Under 11 Boys to prevail, watched on by a big crowd. The support spurred Alex on and he won the last game 15–12 to claim a memorable victory.

With only five matches remaining, ACT trailed Sydney 13–12. Michael Richardson, Jacob Watt and Zac Evans all won their matches, while Robert Palmer fell in three tight games, leaving ACT ahead by one match. Maddison Cater needed to win for ACT to claim the Greenshield and played a five set match to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. She played a superb 5th game to the delight of all coaches, players and parents which was enough to claim victory against Sydney 16–14.

The U11 girls improved on their results from last year with an extra year of experience under their belts. Madison Cater and Beth Williams, who played in their first Greenshield in 2007, were joined by Emma Williams and all the girls thoroughly enjoyed their matches.

It was an extremely successful weekend for the ACT squad and in addition to winning the Greenshield, a number of other trophies were won.

U11 Boys – 3rd
U11 Girls – 2nd
U11 Overall – 2nd

U13 Boys – 1st
U13 Girls – 1st
U13 Overall – 1st

U15 Boys – 4th
U15 Girls – 1st
U15 Overall – 4th

U17 Boys – 2nd
U17 Girls – 2nd
U17 Overall – 1st

A big thanks to the manager for the trip, Helen Southwell, and the seven coaches that gave up their weekends to help contribute to the success of the trip.

Josh Larkin heading to World Junior Championships in Zurich next month
June 23, 2008

Workrate lifts ACT player to new level

An improved attitude towards training has earned Canberra player Josh Larkin inclusion in the four-man Australian team for the world junior squash championships in Zurich next month.

Larkin, 18, becomes the first ACT male to represent Australia since Stewart Boswell in 1996. His successes this year include finishing runner-up in the Penang Open in Malaysia.

Larkin said his new workrate has been the key. “It has only happened in the last four months. Previously I would just have a hit about three or four times a week, where now I train hard. I run, I go to the gym and rive to Sydney to play. I didn’t do this before.”

Larkin hasn’t dropped a game in the ACT Premier Division this season and has been forced to take his talents further afield. “I drive to Sydney every weekend to play, because no one can beat me in Canberra. I haven’t lost in Sydney yet either.”

The improvement in Larkin’s game will be put to the test next month. “I go to the world junior championships in five weeks and after that I may have a chance to get an AIS scholarship,” he said.

Larkin said his dream of representing Australia at senior level was realistic.

“My next goal is to play for Australia in the Commonwealth Games,” he said. “I could get there if I tried, because there isn’t a long way for me to go to get there. I think I’m ranked about 30th for the opens, so I don’t think it will take me too long, maybe a year.”

Larkin’s coach and father John said “He’s been training really hard for four or five years now. Certainly, though, last December Josh realised now is the time to put in. He certainly has the potential to go to bigger and better things.”

By Jordan Laing
The Canberra Times

Australia head to juniors full of confidence

The Australian junior men’s squash team heads to world championships in Switzerland full of confidence after some impressive form in the lead-up to the tournament.

The championships will be held in Zurich from July 27 to August 7.

They begin with the individual event from July 27, with the teams event starting on August 2.

The team of Jake Alexander and Matt Hopkin, both from Brisbane, Adelaide’s Aaron Fyfe and Josh Larkin from Canberra will travel to Zurich with coach Mike Cornish, while Queensland’s Jamie McErvale is the non travelling reserve.

All four showed good form in two recent major tournaments in Malaysia, which attracted more than 350 competitors from 16 countries.

In the first tournament, the Mila All Stars in Petaling Jaya, Hopkin finished third after an impressive win over Malaysia’s Kamran Khan, while Alexander took fifth after beating New Zealand’s Alex Grayson.

The following week at the Penang Junior International, Fyfe took the gold medal after beating Larkin in the final.

Like the other three, Larkin is a member of Squash Australia’s 2008 talent squad, which has been concentrating on advancing strength and conditioning, skills on court, and nutritional, medical and psychological development under coach Cornish, assistant coach Noel Forster and Squash Australia head coach Byron Davis.

They will be keen to show off that work against the well-credentialed teams from countries like Egypt, England, Pakistan and Malaysia.

Squash Australia CEO Gary O’Donnell said he wanted to thank the continued support of the Australian Sports Commission, which has made the participation of the Australian team at the championships possible.’

Andrew Dent
Squash Australia Media Liaison Officer

Penang International Junior Championships
June 12, 2008

Josh won Silver in the 19 Boys at the Penang International Junior Championships. Fifth seed Josh lost to 2nd seed Matt Hopkin (Qld) but along the way upset the 4th seed Australian Jacob Alexander. It was an impressive result for Josh and it will give him a considerable boost in confidence leading up to the Australian Junior title in Perth in September.

7th seed Christine Nunn lost in the quarter finals against 2nd seed and eventual winner Amanda Canston (NZ). Christine rallied back to beat the 6th seed Alana Sincock (NZ) to finish 6th overall.

A full list of the results can be viewed at http://www.squash.org.au/forms/PGJRDRAW08.pdf

The Penang event had over 360 competitors from 8 nations across Asia and Oceania and is a key event in the development of athletes across the region.

The participation of the Australian Junior Talent Squads in this event would not be possible without the continued support of the Australian Sports Commission.

Premier League Semi-finals
June 12, 2008

The quality of the four teams involved was outstanding. The major semi final saw defending champions and minor premiers, “Alucom” Valley Vikings against Dickson. This was going to be a tough encounter and it lived up to all expectations with plenty of twists and turns.

With Dickson winning the toss, they decided to play Paul Cartwright against Alucom’s lower ranked Shane McKeown. Shane started like a shot from a barrel and exploded to a two games to love lead. Nice tight drops and drives kept the pressure on Paul. Shane could do no wrong and chased everything down which frustrated Paul into some uncharacteristic mistakes. With Paul having tasted Grand Finals (without success) he wasn’t about to let this match go without a fight. Paul clawed his way back to two games all but Shane was not done with yet.

The fifth game was tight and very close and when Shane was leading 10/9 in the fifth, Alucom were on the verge of an upset first match win. Paul, not to be outdone and doing some chasing of his own, finally won on his fifth match point, 14/12. Paul defeated Shane 3 games to 2 but lost 49 to 51 in points. A very close and exciting match was enjoyed by all.

Alucom’s undefeated number 2, Charan Walia was now pitted against one of the most improved players in Premier League, Jason Chen. Jason started very well and with Charan showing some nervousness, Jason narrowly escaped with the first game playing some beautiful drives and boasts. Charan knew he had to play some long, hard rallies but Jason wouldn’t allow Charan to settle down. Charan narrowly won the second game with some of his trade mark reaches and volleys. As the match wore on Charan settled into his rhythm, he began making Jason play some gut wrenching rallies and the match turned. Charan won a tight second match in 4 games.

The third match involved Jamie Latham (Alucom) and Peter Trevitt (Dickson). Watching this match was making spectators dizzy as they looked like two kids on a red cordial high. Peter dominated the first 2 games displaying some amazing reaches and retrieving and was looking good to take the third and the match, but Jamie wouldn’t take any part of it and scraped home in a tie break, 13/11.

Again, Peter was in control of the fourth game but Jamie’s tenacity kept him in touch till the closing stages when Jamie pounced and stole the game.

The fifth started like the first 2 games when Peter gained a handy lead and at the back end of the game he had match ball. Jamie held tight and forced Peter into a few errors that we hadn’t seen till then. The pressure was mounting for both of them. Both Peter and Jamie played some incredible rallies and unbelievable shots. They both had match balls but there can only be one winner and that was Peter Trevitt, 14/12 in a tie breaker fifth game.

With the minor premiers down two matches to one, and with the last match about to go on, tension was running high as pressure was mounting for the defending champions.

Alucom’s, Paul Bushel was ready to take on Ray Payne. This task was made easier by the fact that Dickson’s regular number one (Paul Smith) was overseas. Ray gave it everything he had but whatever he dished out, Paul gave it back. In the end, Paul was too steady and carved out a 3 games to 1 win over Ray.

The Alucom team showed why they were minor premiers and won their semi 2 matches all but won 10 games to 8.

The minor semi final saw arch rivals Belconnen against Lyneham. With Lyneham having ACTs highest ranked player at 1, Tim Manning, the National Sports Centre team were looking good for a win and started well with Jeremy Kimpton defeating Jo Morgan 3 games to1. However, Belconnen hit straight back with John Larkin defeating Tony Marks 3 games to love.

The number 1’s hit the court with Tim against Jhie Gough, Belconnen’s big hope. The match was long and hard with Tim finally having too much fitness for Jhie with a 3 games to 1 victory.

This left Faiq Siddique (Belconnen) against Barry Fisher (Lyneham) to fight out a spot in the Preliminary Final next week. Faiq was too strong in the end and gave Belconnen 3 games to love win.

Belconnen defeated Lyneham two matches all but 8 games to 6.

Next Tuesday night at National Sports Centre will now see the Preliminary Final between Dickson and Belconnen. This enthralling encounter will begin at 7.30pm with the winner to take on “Alucom” Valley Vikings in the Grand Final the following week.

So, if you are interested in watching top level squash, come down. Entry is free of charge and you’ll get to see squash at its best.

Squash ACT Board Meeting highlights
June 10, 2008

Some of the important points or decisions to come out of the meeting:

• Junior Representative teams will be sent to the Greenshield Competition in Sydney (June) and the Australian Junior Championships in Perth (September). The parents of the players selected bear the costs of sending players and coaches away – general squash players do not subsidise the teams.
  
• The National Teams Championship involving the top two men and women in each State and Territory will be held at Woden from 19-21 September this year. Ray Payne, our new General Manager will take the responsibility to manage this event – an important one for our region.
  
• In conjunction with the National Teams Championship, the Board has decided to hold a Ball at the Hellenic Club on Friday 19 September to add a social event to the NTC and to recognise the 40 year history of the Woden Squash Centre – built in 1968. Details will be announced soon, but we at least hope to invite back our legion of players who were part of the Woden history and have a great night celebrating.
  
• A specially designed Novice Competition that includes coaching as well as playing will be introduced at Woden in conjunction with the start of the Spring Pennant. Details to follow, but if you know of any adult who wants to play squash socially or competitively but is frightened that they can’t hit the ball, let them know about the Novice Competition.
  
• The General Manager will coordinate with Squash Clubs, the Women’s Competition, the Juniors Committee and the Novice Competition to promote participation in the organised aspects of our game in the lead up to the Spring Competition.
  
• Squash ACT is currently developing a Facilities Plan that looks at our current squash facilities in the region and makes an assessment of what we need. This will not only help us make decisions about facilities, but it will also enable us to have a structured discussion with ACT Government about how our sport can expand into the growth areas of Canberra and compete for international tournaments.
  

Our next meeting will be on 23 June.

Gary Hampson
President
Squash ACT

General Manager change
June 2, 2008

Ray Payne is the new General Manager of Squash ACT. He has a strong love of the sport and experience in managing squash centres, running coaching programmes and managing high performance teams. Ray has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Science and Nutrition from Wollongong University. He is also an elite player - having played Premier Division in the ACT a few years ago - but he has made a career move to retire from the circuit.

He and his wife will relocate to Canberra in August, but until that time he will be in the office most weeks for three days a week. You can contact him on the usual Squash ACT office number and email.

Vena Murray Departs

This week is the last week for our out-going General Manager, Vena Murray, in the Squash ACT office. Despite our wish to recognise her contribution formally, she has requested that no fuss be made of her departure - or at least nothing done unless there is some other important issue to celebrate.

We have agreed to respect her wishes - however, we will recognise her contribution later in the year at an appropriate function. She will remain in contact with us as a newly-elected Board member on ACT Sport. We wish her all the best for her future role and thank her wholeheartedly for her contribution over the last three years.

Gary Hampson
President
Squash ACT

David Palmer wins 4th British Open
May 13, 2008

Palmer, 31, from Lithgow in NSW, won the first two games then fought off a magnificent comeback from the Englishman to win 11-9, 11-9, 8-11, 6-11, 11-10 (3-1) in a little under two hours.

Palmer now has more British Open titles than any other player in the modern era and said he wasn’t writing off his chances of winning a third World Open when it is played in Manchester in November.

“I’ve never won the British Open-World Open double in the same year, so I’ll definitely be going for it,” he said.

Palmer silenced the big crowd at the new Echo Arena in the Liverpool docklands when he took the first two games and led 6-4 in the third.

But Willstrop, the winner of three top level tournaments this year, fought back and when he leveled at two games apiece it looked as though the 24-year-old Yorkshireman would go on to win his first British title.

“I had a chance to win in straight games at 2-0 up and then 6-4 and 7-5 in the third, but he came back so well,” Palmer said.

“Then in the fifth I took my chances and gave it everything.”

Willstrop was two points away from victory at 9-6 and then had a match point at 10-9, but Palmer said he didn’t panic.

“I could feel he was getting a bit nervous and a bit tired then at 9-9 I had a harsh point called against me to give him match point, but I stayed strong and kept it together and I think possibly my experience came through.

“I was more nervous at the start of the fifth game than I was at 10-10 in the fifth.”

Palmer said there was a smattering of Australians in the packed crowd, including coach Shaun Moxham, but most were cheering for the Englishman.

“The crowd was pretty fair throughout, but yeah, most of them were going for James,” he said.

“It made me want to fight harder.”

He said it was hard to describe the feeling of winning a fourth title.

“To win three was great, but to come through this week after not being in great form, beating quality players like (world number one) Amr Shabana and James – to win four, it’s a lot of history.

“I’m a long way behind Geoff Hunt and the Khans (Jahangir and Jansher), but I’ve won more than any of the modern players.”

Andrew Dent

Squash Australia Media Liaison Officer

0414 745 921

2008 National Teams Championship Selection Criteria
April 22, 2008

Squash ACT will host the 2008 National Teams Championships 19-21 September at the Woden Squash Courts.

It is intended that Squash ACT will name a full team of two players plus a reserve in each of the National Men’s Team Championship and the National Women’s Team Championship.

To be eligible for selection in either of these teams players must be:

• Registered members of a team in the Autumn 2008 Pennant and have played regularly in that season;
• Commit to being a registered member of a team in the 2008 Spring ACT Pennant and play regularly in that Pennant (players must have played at least 5 matches in the pennant in the 3 months prior to the Australian Teams Championships to meet Squash Australia criteria);
• Players who meet the above criteria may lodge an expression of availability to the Squash ACT Board by 30 June 2008.

The Selection Committee will then take into account the following:

• Current ACT rankings (based on the Matrix);
• Players must be willing to support  the development of Squash ACT by providing coaching or other voluntary activities to support the junior or other Squash ACT programs;  
•  Players must have a record of good conduct (on and off-court) that demonstrates respect to opponents, officials and spectators.

The attached form must be completed and lodged with the Squash ACT office by 30 June 2008.

ACT Open RESULTS
April 22, 2008

Congratulations to ACT Juniors
April 14, 2008

Congratulations to two of our Junior Members who have been included in the Squash Australia Performance Pathway Squads.

Josh Larkin has been named in the 2008 Boys Squad.

Christine Nunn is a member of the 2009 Girls Squad.

They will both be included in Squash Australia squad activities and we wish them well in their upcoming competitions.

Employment Opportunities with Squash ACT
April 7, 2008

If you are interested, or you know anyone who may be interested, in paid work helping administer and promote squash in the ACT, please contact Squash ACT. We are prepared to work very hard to modify roles and be flexible on working hours for the right person.

General Manager

We are looking for someone with experience in administration or studies in sports administration to work closely with the Board of Squash ACT to run the administration of our sport in the ACT. The position is currently occupied on a part-time basis (24 hours a week). The role requires you to be a self-starter who can take broad strategic direction from the Board and turn it into help for squash players and improvements in our sport.

Squash Centre Team Members

We are looking for people over 18 who want to work part-time, including weeknights and weekends, at Woden Squash Centre. It is not necessary that the team member is a squash player – we are really looking for people who are reliable, customer focused and willing to make playing at Woden an enjoyable experience. The work is casual, on a roster and is paid on an hourly rate. You will be managing the centre independently on your shift, sometimes late at night – that’s why we are looking for mature, responsible people.

To find out more or express an interest in working with Squash ACT, call Gary Hampson on 6239 6500 (business hours) or email to gary@brindabella.net  by Friday 18 April.   All queries or expressions of interest will be treated confidentially.

Woden Early Bird squash
March 16, 2008

Try our NEW…..

EARLY BIRD SQUASH!!!

Get up and start your day with a game of squash… Mix it in with your other early morning work outs or use it as a training session…

What you can expect

Learn how to play. Learn new or how to do squash drills, training drills then play a social competition with other Early Birds all before your other Co-workers have brushed their teeth!

Day	Friday
Times	6.00am open 6.30am Drills, fitness and coaching 7.00am Game play or more fitness
When starting	Friday, 28 March
Duration	1 hour
Cost	$8

For any more inquires or any ideas please don’t hesitate to email Simon at:
woden@squashact.asn.au

Latest ACT Junior Rankings
March 15, 2008

Latest rankings

ACT features in National rankings
February 20, 2008

In the National Rankings for Squash released yesterday, ACT players featured prominently. Stewart Boswell, Commonwealth Games Medallist, is now ranked at number 2 in Australia behind World Open and British Open winner David Palmer. Tim Manning, playing at the number one position in the local Canberra Premier Division, would also have been in the rankings, but for insufficient matches in 2007 while growing his family.

In the Women’s rankings, Rebecca Jones, just out of the junior level, has catapulted straight to number 9 in the Senior Women. This is an excellent result and Rebecca’s career is one to watch for the future. Laura Baldock, Australian Open finalist, is playing in our local Premier Division at a very high standard but has withdrawn from the tournament circuit temporarily. WISPA International Circuit players, Michelle Morell and Lisa Gray rejoin the local competition this year after a some time off in 2007 and may also return to their previous high rankings.

In Junior Men’s and Women’s, two ACT players have achieved outstanding rankings. Josh Larkin is ranked number 4 and pushing to force his way into the Australian Junior team either this year or in 2009. Christine Nunn is ranked number 2 in the 17 Girls and is an exciting prospect for the international squash. She is ranked behind Sarah Cardwell of Victoria, the daughter of Vicky Cardwell, at one time a dominant force in women’s squash and winner of the British Open title.

Other ACT Junior Players ranked in the top sixteen in their age group in Australia are Elliott Geddes, Michael Morris, Hannah Fritslaff, Rhiannon Brunker, Holly Barnes and Laura McCredie.

Despite the high rankings achieved for the size of our population, our only current Australian Champion is Paul Bushell who plays at the number one position for the Premier Division Valley Vikings Team and is the Over 35 Years Australian Masters Champion. He won the title in September last year in Perth. He will be defending his title in Darwin this year. 

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