The Whanganui Squash Club buzzed with excitement as it played host to the annual Central Open Squash Tournament. This year’s event was nothing short of extraordinary, drawing 112 participants from almost every district in the North Island.
The tournament saw a record number of entries, with more women than men stepping onto the courts, a testament to the growing popularity of squash among women. The 32 C grade ladies showcased incredible talent, while the competition in the A grade categories promised thrilling matches. The highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly the finals, which captivated the audience with high-stakes action and unforgettable moments. In the women’s final, Jena Gregory from Eastern faced off against Danielle Cooley from Central. Danielle who is making a comeback to competitive squash after taking a break to start a family showed the skills were still there, Cooley mounted a significant fightback after a challenging start. However, Jena’s skill and composure under pressure shone through, allowing her to clinch the victory in four intense games and taking the title for a second time.
The men’s final was a nail-biter, drawing spectators to the edge of their seats. Kashif Shuja from Bay of Plenty went head-to-head with local favorite Matt Nation from Central. The match was a masterclass in squash, with both players displaying extraordinary athleticism and strategy. Despite the support from the home crowd for Matt, Kashif’s relentless determination saw him triumph in a grueling five-game showdown.
The success of the Central Open was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors, whose contributions ensured a smooth and memorable event. A heartfelt thank you went out to PKF Doyles and Associates, The Dentists, Liquorland Whanganui, Fleet Line Markers, Juffermans Surveyors Limited, Dave Hoskins Carriers, Carters, and Echtra BizServices. Their commitment to the community and the sport of squash was deeply appreciated by all involved.
As the tournament drew to a close, the Whanganui Squash Club basked in the afterglow of an event that had not only celebrated competitive squash but also was a testament to the spirit of squash and the vibrant community that surrounds it.
Our full winners list:
Winner – Kashif Shuja
Runner Up – Matt Nation
Special Plate – Allan Bailey
Plate – Paul TuffinConsolation Plate – Cody PaulWinner – Jena GregoryRunner Up – Danielle CooleySpecial Plate – Holly ShujaPlate – Hannah GrimmettConsolation Plate – Rebecca BennettMens Division 1
Winner – Matt RatcliffeRunner Up – Stephen BennettSpecial Plate – Max MathewsPlate – Mark SeagerConsolation Plate – Liam BurnardWinner – Nicki GibbsRunner Up – Anna SaundersSpecial Plate – Emma RowePlate – Emma ForemanConsolation Plate – Isla SweeneyWinner – Joseph SnowdenRunner Up – Treye EriksenPlate – Peter PeetiWinner – Sophie SweeneyRunner Up – Charlotte HaxtonSpecial Plate – Laurie HillPlate – Michelle HabibConsolation Plate – Sarina BudgeWinner – Isaac GreerRunner Up – Toby FreyriaPlate – Curtis FatiakiWinner – Anna StokesRunner Up – Amy HughesPlate – Arnika WatsonWinner – Jesse PerkinsRunner Up – Archie MillsPlate – Jake LawsWinner – Kirsty OsborneRunner Up – Alice HollowsWinner – Caleb GrayRunner Up – Darius MathewsSpecial Plate – Sean EdmondsPlate – Scott AdamConsolation Plate –Nick LawsWinner – Tahlia KeanRunner Up – Grace RoweSpecial Plate – Maraea BuckinghamPlate – Amanda Te HuiaConsolation Plate – Hayley MoriceWinner – Kaleb GrantRunner Up – Hone BuckinghamPlate – Daniel HollyWinner – Pauline ChapmanRunner Up – Stephanie DurningPlate – Heather PlankWinner – Ziek HudsonRunner Up – Shaun MilesPlate – Brad MathewsWinner – Brontie ArthurRunner Up – Shontae ArthurWinner – James TuffinRunner Up – Cleeve O’ConnorPlate – Ari Shuja
