World masters to begin in Hong Kong

The 2014 World Masters Championships will commence on Friday in Hong Kong, with plenty of Kiwis in the mix.

More than 750 players from all around the world have entered the 2014 World Masters Championships in Hong Kong, to be played from 5-11 July.  The draws include several famous names, with former World Number Ones such as Sarah Fitz-Gerald, Natalie Grainger, Michelle Martin, and former World Champion Rodney Martin all competing.  More than 40 Kiwis will feature among the 18 different age groups, ranging from 35+ to 80+.

Seven New Zealanders - three men and four women - have been seeded in the top four of their age groups, and are thus considered a good chance of medalling at the event.  Three time former World Masters Champion Barry Gardiner, of Christchurch, is the second seed in the men's 75+ event.  The men's 80+ seedings feature two Kiwis in Trevor Coulter (two) and Eddie Delahunty (three).

In the women's draws Bay of Plenty's Becky Clarke is the fourth seed in the women's 40+, Mandy Kennedy is third in the 45+, and Kathryn McKay is fourth in the 50+.  The evergreen Freda Walker features among the 60+ favourites - seeded third.  Kennedy will be hoping to overcome an ankle injury suffered recently in training to take her place in the event.

In addition to the 40+ players, New Zealand will also be represented by National Referee Peter Highsted of Wellington.

Full draws and information are available from the tournament website: http://www.worldmasterssquash.com.hk/. 

Full draws available here.