Central Squash feature at 2026 National Graded Champs
Our Central graded champions headed to Tauranga for the HEAD National Graded Championships that were run alongside the HEAD New Zealand Championships which our selected ‘A grade’ players played in. This event attracted New Zealand’s top squash players including World No. 2 Paul Coll and was the final tournament of the HEAD Pro series for New Zealand’s top squash players. This event provided the team with a great experience of participating in competitive environment across all grades of squash. Team manager (and player) Andrew Bannan noted ‘the level of squash in all grades was outstanding and the sportsmanship between
5th July – Hunterville, Junior Prince Series
Hunterville squash club was the half way point of our Junior Prince Series with an intimate number of entries for this one day competition. Club representative, Hazel Richardson shared "while numbers were small, they were closely matched, so it made for some good games and close competition". Thank you to the Hunterville team for hosting this event and creating a fun environment for our juniors, which included the support of some club members to provided extra game competition. Results Division Results Division 1 (boys) Winner - Colin McIntyre Runner Up - Sam Richardson Third - Felix Maessen
2026 Central Open doubles as a HEAD PSA tournament at Kawaroa Park
Kawaroa Park in New Plymouth was this year’s host for the Central Open, an event that was well supported by players from across the country. The Central Open was sponsored by Janes Gallery and also doubled as a HEAD PSA tournament, the second to last event in the series, so the event attracted a wide field of A grade players across the both the men’s and women’s divisions. The overall number of entries totaled 134 players across 13 divisions. The platform also provided a treat for all players and spectators to see some close matches across the weekend with
28th June – Okato, Junior Prince Series
After a short break, the Junior Prince Series returned to Okato Club in the Taranaki. There was some great feedback about the day including, 'great squash played, lots of 5 setters, so close games with a couple of divisions having to go back to a count back to determine the winner' from Karen Helm. The club appreciated Whanganui players for making the trip up to Okato for the tournament. Thank you to the Okato team for hosting this event and creating a fun environment for our juniors. Results Division Results Division 1 (boys) Winner - Devi Shahran
Central Graded Champions are off to Nationals
At the beginning of May the Central district Graded Champs was held at Inglewood Squash Club across all grades of squash. This hotly contested tournament saw a total of 68 entries from 13 different clubs in the Central District – Inglewood, Waitara, Kawaroa Park, Hunterville, Ohakune, Turangi, Okato, Hawera, Taihape, Ashhurst-Pohangina, Eltham, Whanganui, Squash Gym were all represented. Pauline Stachurski, tournament controller of this tournament shared, 'there were some excellent skills displayed by many players, particularly the younger ones who have a great future ahead of them' and a highlight of the weekend was at the end of the
14th June – Tararua, Junior Prince Series
Next stop for the Junior Prince Series was Tararua Squash Club. There were some good games played and it was an enjoyable day. The club would like to thank everyone that came along to this especially Mokoia & Kopa & their Mum traveling from Taihape and two from Ashhurst that came and gave it a go (that is where it starts). . Thank you also to Ross & Louise Harrington for running this event & Food in the kitchen it was appreciated. Thank you to the Tararua team for hosting this event and creating a fun environment for our
14 June Whanganui – Women’s (E and below) One Day Tournament
What a fantastic day of squash at Whanganui Squash Club as they hosted the latest E Grade and Below Ladies Series event! With 16 ladies taking to the courts, it was brilliant to welcome players from Eltham, Hawera, Levin, Ohakune, SquashGym, Rivercity and, of course, a couple of the local Whanganui contingent. The atmosphere throughout the day was full of encouragement, laughter and plenty of competitive spirit. The matches certainly kept everyone entertained, with the competition incredibly close across all divisions. We saw five nail-biting five-setters, seven hard-fought four-set matches, and more than a few games that seemed determined
7th June – Ohakune, Junior Prince Series
It was an awesome turn out in Ohakune with 25 players competing in the fourth round of the Junior Prince Series. 'There were plenty of tough matches with great skills on display', mentioned Matt Laurenson from Ohakune Squash Club. Its awesome to see all of the progress and improvements these young players are making. Thank you to the Ohakune team for hosting this event and creating a fun environment for our juniors. Results Division Results Division 1 Winner - Charlotte Marshall Runner Up - Winter Cockburn Third - Kopa Whiripo Fourth - Brooklyn Hovelle Division 2 Winner
31 May – Kawaroa Park, Junior Prince Series
A fantastic day of junior squash was had Kawaroa Park for the Prince Junior Tournament last weekend. With 17 players competing across four divisions (three boys' divisions and one girls' division), there was plenty of exciting squash on display. The standard of play was impressive, with many closely contested matches throughout the day. Most importantly, the tournament showcased great sportsmanship, positive attitudes, and plenty of fun both on and off the court. Well done to all players for their efforts, and thank you to the parents, supporters, and volunteers who helped make the day a success. Thank you to
10 May – Hawera, Junior Prince Series
The first of the Junior Prince Series commenced at Hawera Lawn Tennis and Squash Rackets club and was well attended by local junior players. Denise Holmes, shared it was a great day everyone played in such great spirits. Thank you to the Hawera team for hosting this event. Results Division Results Division 1 - Boys Winner - Joshua Staite Runner Up - Jessie Gazzard Third - Devi Shahran Fourth - Felix Maessen Division 2 - Boys Winner - Blake Queripel Runner Up - Hunter Keat Third - Liam Hyde Fourth - Jackson Gyde Division 3 - Boys
