Campbell Grayson Retires from the PSA
One of the unsung, hard-workers of New Zealand sport has called time on the professional circuit after 17 years travelling around the world.
Campbell Grayson the world No.25 ranked squash player and four-time Commonwealth Games representative has decided to hang up his competitive racquet to concentrate on coaching and family life in the United States.
"I knew I was getting older and had to work harder and manage my body carefully but sometimes I feel age is just a number as I was playing some of my best squash, I was also enjoying it so much that it felt like it could go on forever but obviously knew that was not possible. I did so much running and cycling at the start of lockdown that Megan Craig and Andrea Hewitt should be worried…and I was feeling motivated, however, I also took some time to reflect on my career and future aspirations which sometimes as an athlete you neglect when you're so busy chasing tournaments and ranking points all over the world. I came to the decision that it was best for me to move on and focus on the next chapter of my life which I am looking forward to. "
"I just want to say a big thank you to Squash NZ for all their support over these years. Through Squash NZ I worked with many highly skilled and influential coaches and trainers and I want to thank Dave Clarke, Robbie Wyatt, Anthony Ricketts, Paul Hornsby, Glen Wilson, Nigel Harris, Greg Owen, and Tony Marsh for their fantastic support, knowledge, and guidance. I wouldn't have achieved anything without the support of these people. I wish the NZ Squash Community all the very best for the future and look forward to hopefully returning for a visit sometime soon. "
Squash New Zealand wishes Grayson all the best for his future and thanks him for his commitment, hard work, and enthusiasm to the sport over so many years.
More on Campbells future from the PSA
Campbell Grayson in his own words
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Squash New Zealand welcomes incoming Chief Executive Martin Dowson
The Squash New Zealand Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Martin Dowson to the position of Chief Executive. Martin has been actively involved with Squash for 30 years across two districts and 3 clubs and is currently Vice President of Browns Bay Racquet Club in Auckland. He has participated in the last 3 New Zealand master events so is no stranger to our game.
"I feel exceptionally privileged to have been selected in a leadership role with a sport that I care about so much. I have always been fortunate to have merged my passion with my profession and this role is just that. I am extremely excited about having a great opportunity to make a positive impact and support squash to move forward with the ever changing world we live in."
We are looking forward to having Martin join the Squash community and working with the board, districts, and all our stakeholders to help advance Squash as a sport into the future.
More here: Squash New Zealand welcomes incoming Chief Executive Martin Dowson
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Kerikeri Squash Club
Kerikeri Squash Club is seeking funding to rebuild after a fire destroyed their club in 2016.
If you are able to help out please visit their Give a little page here: Kerikeri Squash Club
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World Squash Day 2020
Did you know that 10/10/2020 is World Squash Day?
The team over at World Squash Day and World Squash Federation have been working on some cool initiatives to highlight the sport of squash for everyone.
Their most recent venture is the launch of their #whyilovesquash campaign! We would love to hear why you love squash using the hashtag above! Photos, videos or even just stories of how you got into the sport, we would love to see it all!
We want to know what your club has planned for this upcoming World Squash Day! Let us know by tagging use in your activities on Social Media or emailing us at admin@squashnz.co.nz
To read up on the #whyilovesquash campaign Click here
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Squash Player Magazine
The new issue of Squash Player Magazine is now available to read for all squash players in New Zealand!
This latest issue includes a special article 'Remembering Susie'. Some kind words from former WSF Chief Executive Ted Wallbutton, who recalls his time with his great friend and colleague Susie Simcock.
To read more about the new edition and view the magazine follow the link here: Squash Player Magazine
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Coaching Framework
Squash New Zealands new Coaching Framework launched last month.
The online learning platform will provide coaches with access to online modules and resources related to the players they coach.
To find out more: SQNZ Coaching Framework
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National Squash Centre Invitational PSA 2020
Exciting times for our New Zealand based squash athletes as the first PSA since COVID-19 is due to kick off next weekend!
The National Squash Centre Invitational gives New Zealand's best a chance to get back into the swing of things prior to Senior Nationals. The event will be the first registered PSA Satellite since COVID-19 to hit New Zealand's shores, and it promises to provide the athletes a chance to get back to where they left off!
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Superchamps
A special good luck to all those competing in the National Super champs competition next week. We are beyond excited to have this competition go ahead after the uncertainty that COVID-19 has provided.
This will be a real celebration of Squash in New Zealand.
To all those attending, please follow club guidelines, tag us in your photos and posts, and most importantly have a great time!
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AON New Zealand Junior Nationals
Junior Nationals will be taking place at the beginning of October at Christchurch Squash Club.
We have exciting entries this year and look forward to see this event go ahead!
Good luck to all those heading down!
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New Zealand Masters Individual Championship
Don't forget to get your entries in for the New Zealand Masters Individual Championship !
Held at Whangarei Squash Club on October 16 - 18, it should be a great time with all the events planned! And of course, promises to have some exciting squash on the court
Entries close October 4th on iSquash so get in quick!
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Manchester Open
International squash and the PSA tour returned to the court this week for the first time since March with the Manchester Open featuring defending women’s champion, Kiwi, Joelle King plus countryman, Paul Coll in the men’s draw.
Coll is ranked fifth in the world in an exceptionally strong draw which should see him face world No.1 Mohammed El Shorbagy from Egypt in the quarter-finals while King is drawn to play top seed and world No.3 Camille Serme (France) if she progresses to the last eight.
After the first round Defending champion King defeated Latvia’s Ineta Mackevica 11-6, 11-6, 11-5, looking comfortable throughout the match against her more inexperienced opponent.
“I think I got every bit of nerves I had in the system out,” said King. “Sometimes it’s difficult when you’re playing a player that you haven’t seen that much. Personally, I haven’t seen Ineta play and she is quite a tricky opponent. Sometimes you have set players that you play against all the time and you have plans for them and then a spanner in the works, someone like her, then it’s nice to get over the line in three.”
Countryman Coll had a harder workout to start his Manchester Open with a four game victory over Frenchman, Baptiste Masotti.
Coll, the world No.5 won the match in 67 minutes 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 11-6 in 67 minutes. He now plays talented Egyptian Fares Dessouky in the second round on Saturday NZT.
“I’m pretty happy with today. It was a bit of a slow start, but it’s really nice to be back on court after six months off,” said Coll. “There were a few nerves in the opening two sets. I thought I was a bit unlucky to lose the second but credit to Baptiste who was playing well.
Paul Coll will face off against world number 10 Fares Dessouky from Egypt, at 10:45pm tonight (Friday 18th Sep)
Joelle King will take on Lucy Turmel from England in her round two match up at 5:30am Tomorrow Morning (Saturday 19th Sep)
These games will be LIVE on the Squash New Zealand Facebook page |
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PSA confirms PSA World Tour schedule
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) can confirm that the Manchester Open, CIB PSA World Tour Finals and CIB Egyptian Open – which were announced as part of the provisional PSA World Tour calendar on August 6 – will go ahead as scheduled.
The six-month suspension of the PSA World Tour due to the global COVID-19 pandemic will end on Wednesday September 16 at the Manchester Open, with a number of the world’s leading players lining up at Manchester’s National Squash Centre to battle for the PSA World Tour Silver title.
The CIB PSA World Tour Finals then takes place at Cairo’s Mall of Arabia between September 28 – October 3, with Cairo then hosting the CIB Egyptian Open, PSA World Tour Platinum event a week later.
For more: PSA World Tour Schedule
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UNDER 11: ZEZIMA WAITAI
UNDER 13: LIAM SMITH
UNDER 15: CHARLIE PRINCE
UNDER 17: JOE SMYTHE
UNDER 19: ELIJAH THOMAS
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UNDER 11: AGATHA GRIFFITHS
UNDER 13: ZOE LEPPER
UNDER 15: ELLA LASH
UNDER 17: SOPHIE HODGES
UNDER 19: ANIKA JACKSON
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For a full list, visit our rankings page here.
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