NZ’s Paul Coll Favourite for Squash Classic

This week InspireNet SquashGym in Palmerston North hosts the Fitzherbert Rowe Lawyers New Zealand International Squash Classic. This is the fifth year the event has included a PSA section and the Women’s Classic will also be a Closed Satellite professional event.

The tournament has 21,660.00 NZD prize money for the men’s main draw which has attracted an international field.

Tournament Director Ed Burston says an incredible international flavour will be seen at SquashGym. “Players in the men’s and women’s draws have come from 8 different countries including England, Belgium, India, Malaysia, Australia as well as New Zealand.”

Last years defending champion Nafizwaan Adnan from Malaysia will not be back to defend his 2015 title which makes New Zealand’s Paul Coll the favourite. Coll has risen to 34 in the World and recently finished runner up at the Hong Kong International. The 24 year old from Greymouth has made rapid progress in the last two years which includes a victory over Australian number 1 and world number 14 Cameron Pilley in last year’s Australian Open final. Coll has been a regular visitor to Palmerston North and will feel comfortable on the SquashGym courts.

Coll’s main competition should come from second seed Rex Hedrick of Australia. Hedrick is ranked 62 in the world but he faces a very tricky first round opponent in New Zealand’s Evan Williams. Williams has been in red hot form this year taking out two PSA titles in recent times in Tauranga and Hamilton which has moved his ranking inside the top 100.

Indian visitor Mahesh Mangaonkar has travelled a long way to compete in the New Zealand International Classic and will also be looking to contend for the title. He starts as third seed and is ranked 59.

Palmerston North’s Luke Jones who was the New Zealand Junior Champion in 2014 has been given a wildcard into the first round where he will meet Peter Creed from Wales. Jones will have his work cut out against the experience of the Welshman who has been inside the top 70 in recent years.

Qualifying for the final four spots in the Men’s draw begins Tuesday and finishes Wednesday with the main draw underway Thursday evening. Players looking to qualify for the main draws have come from far and wide with a number of New Zealand hopefuls looking to upstage international opponents. The men’s final is set for 2.00pm on Sunday.

The women’s draw see’s Belgium visitor and world 39 Nele Gilis as the one to beat. Her main competition will come from New Zealand players Emma Millar and Danielle Fourie in what is a great opportunity for these two locals to test themselves against a world class player. Palmerston North’s Kaitlyn Watts will be looking to continue her march up the New Zealand Squash rankings with another strong tournament.

This event is the first of three PSA tournaments to be held in New Zealand with Christchurch and Invercargill to follow. These tournaments are using the 17 inch lower tin which will make for some exciting Squash and favour the attacking players.

The wider tournament this week has attracted 110 players throughout the grades which will make for a busy weekend at the SquashGym Club. Entry to the tournament for spectators is free.

Draws for the PSA event can be found here whilst the local event and womens draws can be found here

For more information; Michael Williams, Media Manager, 027 671 2988 media@squashgym.co.nz