Squash players named in NZ Racketlon team

Several prominent squash players have been named in the New Zealand racketlon team to take on Australia next month.

Racketlon is a hybrid racket sport that combines squash, tennis, badminton and table tennis.  Players oppose each other in one set (first to 21 points) in each of the four disciplines.  The aggregate score decides the winner.  This means that even by losing three disciplines narrowly, but winning the fourth comfortably, a player can win overall.

Racketlon New Zealand was set up in 2012, and has built up slowly with several tournaments - attracting positive feedback.  On Saturday 28 March racketlon's rise in New Zealand will take a further step with a test match against Australia. 

After trials over the weekend, three squashies shone through to gain selection: Sion Wiggin, Andre Wagenaar and Michelle Heron.  Headlining the men's team is Jason Granville - a former British Open racketlon champion who is currently ranked 16 in the world.  Originally from Wellington, Granville is now based in Luxembourg, and also spends part of each year training in China.

If you'd like to give racketlon a try, the Oceania Doubles Championships will be held the following day (March 29).  Entry forms can be obtained by contacting johnstapleton@ihug.co.nz.

Teams

Men

Jason Granville
Sion Wiggin
Andre Wagenaar
Brock Matheson
Owen Mugridge (reserve)

Women

Marusa Pogacnik
Amanda Barrett
Michelle Heron (reserve)