News Archive
5.10.09
2009 Australian Junior Championships Teams Event
NSW, the No 4 seeds for the AJC Teams event finished 2nd overall at the 2009 AJC Teams Event finishing on Sunday at Thornleigh Squash Centre. Qld won the overall Teams Championships with final placings being:
1. Qld 2. NSW 3. WA 4. Vic 5. SA 6. ACT 7. NT 8. Tas
In the combined age divisions NSW finished 13 years 1st, 15 years 2nd, 17 years 3rd, 19 Years 4th
Tournament Director, NSW Squash CEO Carin Clonda said, with over 240 entries for the Individual Event and with all 8 States and Territories competing in the Teams Event, it was one of the biggest junior events in Sydney for over a decade.
NSW Squash thanks Major Sponsor Schweppes, and Principle Partners Squash Australia and the Australian Sports Commission for their support.
Next years AJC will be held in Alice Springs.

Australia Downs England For Third Place in the Mens World Team Championships
Australia finished third at the World Men's Teams Squash Championship in Odense, Denmark after they upset second seeds England 2/1 in the playoff for third and fourth place on Saturday Playing at 10.30am despite only finishing their semi-final against Egypt late the night before, the Australian team rallied after David Palmer lost the opening rubber to finish over the top of England and secure third place. Egypt won the title when they downed France 2/1 in a thrilling finale to the tournament, Amr Shabana coming from behind to beat Thierry Lincou after Karim Darwish had lost to Gregory Gaultier and Ramy Ashour defeated Renan Lavigne. Palmer opened proceedings for Australia against James Willstrop and conceded later he felt flat after his epic battle against world number one Darwish on Friday night. The 34-year-old struggled early in the first two games before finding his range in the third and working his way back into the match. However Willstrop reasserted himself and jumped out to a big lead in the fourth game, which he maintained to clinch the opening rubber for England 11-8, 11-2, 11-13, 11-2. Cameron Pilley was next on for Australia against Alister Walker, currently ranked 12 in the world and a late replacement for the injured Nick Mathew. Pilley started strongly in the first game before Walker overcame his initial nerves and settled into the match, the first two games going to tiebreakers. Pilley played confidently in the third to move ahead 2/1 then had a bad start to the fourth, allowing Walker to take the game comfortably and level things up at two games apiece. The stage was set for a big finish and Pilley didn't disappoint as he raced out to a big lead in the fifth with tight length and precise shots into both front corners. The 26-year-old from Yamba in New South Wales closed out the match 10-12, 15-13, 11-3, 6-11, 11-4 to keep Australian hopes alive. Stewart Boswell, who has been out injured for the past three months, then played some high intensity squash to dominate Peter Barker, winning in four games 11-9, 10-12, 11-7, 12-10 to strike a big psychological blow one year out from the Commonwealth Games.
Results (prefix denotes seeding) Final 1-Egypt bt 3-France 2/1 Karim Darwish lost to Gregory Gaultier 11-8, 5-11, 8-11, 2-11 Ramy Ashour bt Renan Lavigne 11-3, 11-4, 11-5 Amr Shabana bt Thierry Lincou 11-6, 7-11, 12-10, 12-10
3/4th place 4-Australia bt 2-England 2/1 David Palmer lost to James Willstrop 8-11, 2-11, 13-11, 2-11 Cameron Pilley bt Alister Walker 10-12, 15-13, 11-3, 6-11, 11-4 Stewart Boswell bt Peter Barker 11-9, 10-12, 11-7, 12-10

3.10.09
NSW Junior Team at Australian Junior Championships
The NSW Junior Squash Team of B19 - Jacob Evans, Adam Brooks, Alex Gough, G19 - Stacey Francis, Heather Pilley, B17 - Wesley Cusick, Chrsi Badenhorst, G17 - Iritana Gray, Jennifer Brown, B15 - Michael Badenhorst, Brad Williams, Andrew Lloyd, G15 - Moana Gray, Nodoka Mazhar, B13 - Rohan Toole, Nathan Youd, G13 - Kristen Nightingale, Ellen Benequista, Claudia McGarry are seeded 4 for the 2009 AJC Teams event, but have already beaten the No 2 and 3 seeds to play off Qld for the Teams Title.

NSW Squash Senior Team to National Teams Event Announced
Congratulations to Jane Kennedy (Willoughby), Annette Green (Maash), Shahroze Kahn (Maash) and Luke Hillier (Maash) who have been selected for NSW to compete at the National Teams Event in Devonport from the 29 Oct - 1 Nov

Australia Fight Hard, but Egypt Too Good in World Mens Teams Semis
Australia have gone down to Egypt in the semi-finals of the World Men’s Teams Squash Championship in Odense, Denmark on Friday but not before giving the tournament favourites a huge fright. Egypt are currently the world’s leading squash nation and their team in Denmark features the world numbers one, three and four. World number three Ramy Ashour took on Cameron Pilley in the opening rubber and was pushed all the way by the 26-year-old New South Welshman before winning 13-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-9. Current world number one Karim Darwish and Australia’s top player David Palmer then fought out a classic five-setter which lasted for just under an hour and a half. Palmer looked to have taken control when he opened up a 2/1 lead but Darwish came back to take the next two games and the match 11-6, 4-11, 14-16, 11-8, 11-5. Amr Shabana then completed a clean sweep for the top seeds when he beat Canberra’s Stewart Boswell 12-10, 11-7 in the dead rubber. Australia will take on England in the third/fourth place play off in a repeat of the 2007 final after France upset the reigning champions 2/1. Renan Lavigne lost the opening rubber to Adrian Grant but Gregory Gaultier and Thierry Lincou won their matches to ensure an upset.Semi-final results (prefix denotes seeding) 1-Egypt bt 4-Australia 3/0 - Ramy Ashour bt Cameron Pilley 13-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-9, Karim Darwish bt David Palmer 11-6, 4-11, 14-16, 11-8, 11-5, Amr Shabana bt Stewart Boswell 12-10, 11-7
3-France bt 2-England 2/1 - Renan Lavigne lost to Adrian Grant 11-9, 5-11, 4-11, 3-11, Gregory Gaultier bt James Willstrop 12-10, 6-11, 11-6, 12-10, Thierry Lincou bt Peter Barker 11-6, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8

3.10.09
NSW Junior Team at Australian Junior Championships
The NSW Junior Squash Team of B19 - Jacob Evans, Adam Brooks, Alex Gough, G19 - Stacey Francis, Heather Pilley, B17 - Wesley Cusick, Chrsi Badenhorst, G17 - Iritana Gray, Jennifer Brown, B15 - Michael Badenhorst, Brad Williams, Andrew Lloyd, G15 - Moana Gray, Nodoka Mazhar, B13 - Rohan Toole, Nathan Youd, G13 - Kristen Nightingale, Ellen Benequista, Claudia McGarry are seeded 4 for the 2009 AJC Teams event, but have already beaten the No 2 and 3 seeds to play off Qld for the Teams Title.

NSW Squash Senior Team to National Teams Event Announced
Congratulations to Jane Kennedy (Willoughby), Annette Green (Maash), Shahroze Kahn (Maash) and Luke Hillier (Maash) who have been selected for NSW to compete at the National Teams Event in Devonport from the 29 Oct - 1 Nov

Australia Fight Hard, but Egypt Too Good in World Mens Teams Semis
Australia have gone down to Egypt in the semi-finals of the World Men’s Teams Squash Championship in Odense, Denmark on Friday but not before giving the tournament favourites a huge fright. Egypt are currently the world’s leading squash nation and their team in Denmark features the world numbers one, three and four. World number three Ramy Ashour took on Cameron Pilley in the opening rubber and was pushed all the way by the 26-year-old New South Welshman before winning 13-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-9. Current world number one Karim Darwish and Australia’s top player David Palmer then fought out a classic five-setter which lasted for just under an hour and a half. Palmer looked to have taken control when he opened up a 2/1 lead but Darwish came back to take the next two games and the match 11-6, 4-11, 14-16, 11-8, 11-5. Amr Shabana then completed a clean sweep for the top seeds when he beat Canberra’s Stewart Boswell 12-10, 11-7 in the dead rubber. Australia will take on England in the third/fourth place play off in a repeat of the 2007 final after France upset the reigning champions 2/1. Renan Lavigne lost the opening rubber to Adrian Grant but Gregory Gaultier and Thierry Lincou won their matches to ensure an upset.Semi-final results (prefix denotes seeding) 1-Egypt bt 4-Australia 3/0 - Ramy Ashour bt Cameron Pilley 13-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-9, Karim Darwish bt David Palmer 11-6, 4-11, 14-16, 11-8, 11-5, Amr Shabana bt Stewart Boswell 12-10, 11-7
3-France bt 2-England 2/1 - Renan Lavigne lost to Adrian Grant 11-9, 5-11, 4-11, 3-11, Gregory Gaultier bt James Willstrop 12-10, 6-11, 11-6, 12-10, Thierry Lincou bt Peter Barker 11-6, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8

1.10.09
2009 Australain Junior Championships Finals
NSW’s Tamika Saxby won her fourth national title in succession when she took our the Girls 17 Years event, beating Queensland’s Dijo Sexton 11-5, 11-1, 11-2, whilst NSW’s Kristen Nightingale was runner up in the Girls 15 Event. Brisbane’s Zoe Petrovansky was crowned Australian Junior Champion when she downed New Zealand’s Amanda Landers-Murphy in the final of the Girls 19 years event in Sydney on Tuesday. Petrovansky beat Landers-Murphy in four games 11-4, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2 to claim the title, a year after she lost the final to Maggy Marshall. Fellow Queenslander Sunil Seth went agonisingly close to claiming the Boy’s 19 Years trophy falling to Singapore’s Samuel Kang in a thrilling final 9-11, 12-10, 11-9, 8-11, 12-10. The 2009 AJC was the last junior tournament for both Seth and Petrovansky, with both set to make their marks on the senior tours. In other news from the championships, Malaysia was celebrating after picking up four titles.Second seed Affeeq Abedeen upset Sam Fife 11-13, 13-11, 11-4, 11-7 to win the Boys 17 Years, top seed Vincent Tan won the Boys 13 Years, Su-Ann Yong took out the Girls 15 Years and Zoe Foo won the Girls 13 Years.After claiming the Boys 13 Years last year, Darwin’s Rhys Dowling won the Boys 15 Years when he beat top seeded West Australian Kane Koteka. 

2009 Australian Junior Teams Event 1-4 October
The 2009 AJC Teams Event commences today at Thornleigh Squash Centre, where all States and Territories of Australia compete for the the Title of the best Team in Australia. Top seeds for the Event are Queensland with NSW seeeded forth.

Men's World Team Championships Australia in the Quarters
Australia moved into the quarter-finals of the World Men’s Teams Squash Championship in the Danish city of Odense after a dominant 3/0 performance against Ireland on Wednesday. Stewart Boswell was first on court and was very sharp as he dispatched Ireland's number two Arthur Gaskin in three games. Boswell played at a high tempo and never allowed Gaskin to settle, winning 11-4, 11-3, 11-5. Former world number one David Palmer bounced back from Tuesday’s shock defeat against Dutch player Laurens Jan Anjema to lead Australia to an unbeatable 2/0 lead with a comprehensive win over Liam Kenny. Palmer's all court game overwhelmed Kenny and the pace was relentless as Palmer won 11-7, 11-4, 11-9. Cameron Pilley won the dead rubber against former top 10 player Derek Ryan 11-7, 11-3 to complete the whitewash. Australia will now play Pakistan in the quarter-finals following Pakistan’s upset 2/1 win over Malaysia


26.9.09
World Masters Games Squash Draws
The World Masters Games gets underway is just 13 days, when 28,000 conferge on Sydney for the biggest sporting event in the World.
The Squash event commences at Thornleigh Squash Centre on Saturday 10 October. Click here for Ladies draws, click here for Men's draws. Tickets for all the Squash social events are still available, tickets for the Individual Presentations Harbour Cruise are available click here for booking form. 

AJC Australian Junior Championships
Day 2 results click here

25.9.09
AJC Australian Junior Championships
The AJC commenced today at Thornleigh Squash with over 80 matched played. Click here for Day 1 results

22.9.09
World Masters Games
Commence on the 10 October and conclude the 18 October. 28,000 people from all around the World will converge on Sydney for the biggest sporting event in the World for 28 Sports.

World Masters Games Squash Social Events
The World Masters Games Squash event will be held at Thornleigh Squash, with over 400 entries have been received. Many social events are planned during the Squash event, BBQ, Welcome Party and the Presentation Harbour Cruise,  for more information and a booking form click here.
There seems to be some confusion, the Presentation Harbour Cruise tickets are still available, the World Masters Games Gala Ball tickets are sold out

18.9.09
Australian Junior Championships Commencing Soon
The Australian Junior Championships (AJC) commence next Friday at Thornleigh Squash Centre. The Championships boasts over 240 players from around each state and territory as well as Malaysia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Pakistan, making this years Championships a truly international affair.
NSW Squash welcomes new Sponsor Schweppes on board and thanks them for their generosity and support.
The Individual Championships runs from Friday 25 September with Finals on Tuesday 29 September, the Teams Championships starts on Thursday 1 October and concludes on Sunday 4 October. All are welcome to come and watch the cream of Australian talent. Click on the AJC logo for all information and draws and follow the links.

Palmer’s defence ends after epic battle
Australian squash star David Palmer’s defence of his British Open crown is over after an epic loss to Egypt’s Amr Shabana in Manchester on Saturday in an encounter already being hailed as the match of the tournament.
In a battle of the former world number ones, Shabana outlasted Palmer in a four-game classic 11-8, 14-12, 4-11, 19-17.
Palmer had been hoping to add a fifth British Open title to his already impressive collection but was faced with a resurgent Shabana, who lost his number one status at the start of the year and appeared to be a fading force.
But the Egyptian has regained his touch and showed he was in top form when he beat top seed Ramy Ashour to claim last week’s US Open.
He began well against Palmer, taking a commanding lead when he won two tightly contested opening games.
Palmer came back to easily win the third before they played out an amazing fourth game in which neither player got more than a two point break before reaching 10-10 and sending the game into a tiebreak.
The pair traded points until 15-15 when Shabana was clipped by Palmer’s racquet and had to leave the court for a blood injury,
He was patched up and came back on, taking the score to 17-17 before getting the vital break and closing out the match in 85 minutes.
Earlier Donna Urquhart’s fairytale run came to an end when she went down to third seed Alison Waters in four games.
A third upset for Urquhart had looked on the cards when she took the first game but the world number four, playing in front of her home crowd, regrouped to win 6-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-7.
But in good news for Australian squash, Toowoomba’s Rachael Grinham has a great chance to claim her fourth British Open title after coming from a game down to beat Englishwoman Laura Massaro 5-11, 14-12, 11-7, 11-7.
Grinham lost the first game in quick time and faced game points in the second but clawed her way back to finish far stronger than her opponent.
Her chances of winning a fourth title were then boosted significantly when Ireland’s Madeline Perry caused the biggest upset of the tournament when she came from two games down to stun the seemingly unbeatable world number one Nicol David 6-11, 12-14, 15-13, 11-5, 11-9

8.9.09
Palmer Bows out of US Open
Egyptian whizz kid Ramy Ashour played one of the best matches of his career to overwhelm Australia’s David Palmer in the semi-finals of the US Open squash tournament in Chicago on Saturday. The top seeded Ashour dominated Palmer with a dazzling attacking game to win 11-8, 12-10, 11-8 and set up an all-Egyptian final against second seed Amr Shabana. Ashour began with all guns blazing and won the first game in just eight minutes.
Palmer fought back strongly and had game balls in the second, but Ashour clawed his way back to take the game and then eased away in the third.
Palmer now heads to Manchester for the British Open, where he is the defending champion.

NSW Squash CEO Carin Clonda Recovering from Major Hip Surgery
Carin Clonda is finally on the road to recovery after a total hip replacement on August 1. Unfortunately, because of Clonda's small frame, when the stem for the hip was inserted into the bone, the bone cracked and another stem had to be inserted. Clonda is due for her 2nd total hip replacement in November. When all is healed she will be back on the court in February/March of 2010.

22.8.09
Sydney Junior Circuit Event Ambarvale Junior Open
The forth event of the Sydney Junior Circuit is the Ambarvale Junior Open on Sunday 30 August, for more information contact David at Ambarvale Recreational Centre 46263033 or see Tournaments for entry form.
18.8.09
Kempsey Junior Open 22-23 August
The Kempsey Junior Open will be held this weekend at the Kempsey Squash and Recreation Centre. For more information please phone Dawn on 65621225

29.7.09
NSW Senior State Team for National Teams Event in Devonport
NSW Squash is seeking interest and availability from NSW Ranked players for the 2009 State Senior Team to compete at the Australian National Teams Event in Devonport, Oct 31 - Nov 1. Click here for details

27.7.09
David Palmer a Proud Dad 2nd Time Round
David Palmer has just sent through an email that he is a dad for the 2nd time.
Melinda Palmer gave birth to a baby girl Miley Jane Palmer 26th July at 3.57am, both are doing well and should be home in a couple of days. NSW Squash wishes David and Melinda all the best. Click here for picture

26.7.09
NSW Squash Junior Team Squad Annouced
The NSW Squash Junior State Team Squad to contect the Australian Junior Championship Teams Event was announced at the NSW Junior Age Titles. Congratulations to all players names in the Squad. Click here for Team Squad Names

21.7.09
World Masters Games Registrations Close 31 July
Do it now! Players wishing to enter the World Masters Games have until 31 July to enter this great event. Over 15,000 people have already entered into the 28 sports on offer. Don't miss out on this major Masters event of the year. Click on the World Masters Games logo now. PS enter and you have a chance to win a laptop!

Australian Women’s Open
Joelle King became the second New Zealand winner in three years when she beat defending champion Annie Au 11-6, 11-13, 14-12, 11-7 to claim the Australian Open women’s squash title in Clare, South Australia on Sunday.
The 20-year-old King was seeded sixth heading into the Open but she downed top seed Kasey Brown in the semi-finals before accounting for Au, the second seed, in the final.
Her power and speed proved the difference against Au, a player who relies more on placement than sheer force.
The Kiwi also showed enormous determination as she saved five game balls in the crucial third game, which would have given Au a 2-1 lead. “I think if I had won that third game the result would have been different,” Au said.
“But I lost concentration and she didn’t give up – I think maybe she was more eager to win than me.
“She played more shots and I felt like I was under pressure all the time.”
King’s countrywoman Shelley Kitchen won the Open in 2007 in its first year in Clare, while King and fellow Kiwi Jaclyn Hawkes both made the semi-finals last year. “This is just huge for me – this is a big step in my career and I’m just absolutely over the moon,” she said. “I knew that if I could keep on top of her with my pace I would be okay but it’s hard to do that against a class player like Annie.” King agreed that winning the third game from so far behind had been crucial.
“I don’t know where that mongrel in me came from,” she said. “It was just a kind of blur from 5-10 down and then a few quick easy points and you’re back in the game. “I think winning the third got me up for the fourth.”
King began the match as she left off Saturday’s semi-final against Brown, hitting the ball with immense power and chasing down every shot. Au appeared to feel the pressure and made a number of unforced errors, handing King the early advantage.
The defending champion played much better in the second and had King under pressure by moving her around the court, bringing her forward and then sending her to the back of the court.
Despite the pressure, King had two game balls but Au saved both then took the game in a tie-break and raced to a 10-5 lead in the third. However, the Kiwi saved all five game balls then won the tie-break to take a thrilling third game.
She was always in control in the fourth as she took the match to join fellow New Zealanders Kitchen, Susan Devoy and Leilani Joyce on the Heather McKay Cup. “This is by far the biggest title I’ve ever won,” she said.
“At the end of last year I got to a certain point on my natural talent and ability and I knew that I had to put in some big work physically and mentally to take me to the next step, and I’ve done that this year.
“I’ve always thought I could be a top 20, top 10 player and now that I’m starting to beat these girls I definitely know it’s possible.”

Australian Men’s Open
Canberra’s Stewart Boswell claimed his fourth Australian Open squash title when he beat New South Welshman Cameron Pilley in a thrilling five game final in Clare, South Australia on Sunday.
Boswell downed doubles partner Pilley 11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9 to move to fourth place on the men’s all-time list of Australian Open winners.
The match, a repeat of the 2007 final, was full of high quality squash as the two Australian teammates traded shots for over an hour, both refusing to give an inch in a drama-charged final.
There was nothing between the two players for the whole match as first Boswell, then Pilley gained the ascendancy, each game being won by the barest of margins. Going into the fifth there was still no indication as to who would end on top until at 6-6 Boswell stepped up a gear and opened a three-point break.
Pilley clawed it back to 9-9 but Boswell regathered to win the next two points and the championship.
The 30-year-old from Canberra added the 2009 title to wins in 2002, 2006 and 2007 and will now defend his title when the Australian Open moves to Canberra in 2010. “It had a bit of everything,” Boswell said of the final.
“It was a decent match as far as both grinding it out – I just probably got a bit lucky with the calls towards the end.”
Boswell said it was difficult playing Pilley because of the amount of time they had spent playing and training together.
“We practice together all the time and we both know each other’s games very well so it means the matches are always pretty tight,” he said. The two have now met six times on the professional tour, with Boswell winning five of those, and four going the full distance. Boswell, who was once ranked number four in the world before a severe back injury put him off the tour for almost two years, said he was surprised he had done so well.
“I am in the twilight of my career and I’m surprised at how I played this week,” he said.
“I thought I might sneak through a couple of rounds but I’m really happy – I will try and build on that form throughout the new season. “I played better as the week went on. I stuck to my tactical plans better than I have done.”
For more information and pictures go to:  http://www.squashsite.co.uk/2009/australian_09.htm

18.7.09
Australian Open Women’s News
Top seed Kasey Brown showed she is still the one to beat at the 2009 Australian Open when she downed the Czech Republic’s Olga Ertlova 11-5, 11-3, 11-8 in the quarter-finals in Clare, South Australia on Friday.
Brown, champion in 2006 and runner-up for the past two years, took advantage of the eighth seeded Ertlova’s inexperience on the glass court as she raced away with the first two games.
Ertlova came back into the match as she adjusted to the conditions but Brown was too steady in the closing stages and came back from 4-7 down in the third to close out the match.
She will now play New Zealand’s Joelle King in the semi-finals, just as she did at the same stage in 2008.
King reached the last four with an upset win over fourth seeded Queenslander Lisa Camilleri 11-8, 5-11, 8-11, 11-6.
“I’m looking forward to playing Kasey – I haven’t played her since last year -- and it’s a good occasion as well,” the 20-year-old said.
King has been in top form heading into the Australian Open, winning the state titles in Sydney and Melbourne and she showed she cannot be discounted this year as she beat Camilleri for the second time in three weeks.
“Lisa’s a class player so it’s always nice to get a win over a player like her,” King said.
“I was worried that after I beat her at the New South Wales Open she would come back hard, and she did, so I was pleased to get another win over her.
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work this year and I’ve got a good team behind me at home, and the results are showing.”
The second semi-final will be between defending champion Annie Au of Hong King and Donna Urquhart from Yamba in New South Wales.
Au was forced to fight hard to overcome Victoria’s Amelia Pittock 9-11, 11-6, 11-7 11-3 while Urquhart demolished Au’s countrywoman Elise Ng 11-5, 11-6, 11-6.
“I was a bit nervous playing on the glass court for the first time this week,” Urquhart said.
“I had a hit on it yesterday and had a few miss-hits, and I was worried I wouldn’t play well today, but I seemed to hit it alright.”
Urquhart lost to Au in the quarter-finals in 2008 and admitted she was in for a tough semi-final.
“Annie’s really good so I’ll have to be bringing my A game tomorrow,” she said.

Australian Open Men’s News
Top seeded Malaysian Ong Beng Hee was forced to save a match ball in the fifth game before eventually subduing the challenge of New Zealand’s Martin Knight in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in Clare, South Australia on Friday.
World number 14 Ong won the first game easily but was then locked in fierce battle with the seventh seeded Knight before winning 11-2, 9-11, 13-11, 10-12, 13-11 in the best match of the tournament to date.
He now takes on New South Welshman Cameron Pilley in the semi-finals, with the winner to play either three-time champion Stewart Boswell or classy Egyptian Tarek Momen.
“I think after I won the first game easily I relaxed too much, but that is probably the best Martin has played against anyone,” Ong said.
“He made it hard for me to volley and step forward. All credit to him, I was very lucky to win.”
When Ong raced away with the first game there was no indication of the drama that was to follow.
From the start of the second Knight began to chase down everything the Malaysian hit at him and increasingly fire off winners of his own.
He took the second game to even the match up and had game balls in the third to take a 2-1 lead, but Ong held steady to regain the lead, then took the initiative in the fourth, getting his first match ball at 10-9.
Knight saved that and took the fourth before racing away to lead 4-0, then 9-5 in the decider before Ong launched a superb fight back to take the match.
“When I was down in the fifth I had to play a very safe game to try and win point by point,” he said.
“After the first game my attacking game just collapsed somehow, so that’s something I need to work on.”
The Australian Open link is http://www.squash.org.au/events.php?gdid=1125&groupid=106&year=2009

13.7.09
NSW Sage Pastel-Hi Tec Junior Age & Doubles Championships
Has attracted 165 entries from all over Australia, including: Victoria, WA, SA, Queensland, ACT,  New Caledonia and across NSW. The Championships, held at Thornleigh Squash Centre, was a great success, with Tournament Controller Sue Doherty making sure matches were on time, even when the tournament was condensed from 3 days to 2, This years's event saw a Skins event introduced, so the total number events that were held was 14. NSW Squash thanks Sage Pastel for their continued support as main sponsor, this being their 3rd year of involement, and new sponsor Hi Tech, (through Inform Connection).
Clink here for the final results.

11.7.09
Major Grades Grand Finals Results
The Major Graded Grand Finals were held at Thornleigh Squash on Wednesday evening (8.7.09). Grade                                    Winner                        Runner Up
Premier Mens                    MAASH 2                     MAASH 1
Sydney 1                              MAASH 4                    Northmead 1
Sydney 2                              Premier 1                   Baulkham Hills 1
Premier Women's             Willoughby 1             Elanora 1
Sydney 1                              President 1                Elanora 2
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2009 Autumn Pennant.

8.7.09
The Sage Pastel/Hi-Tec NSW Junior Age Championships 11-12 July
Please note: draws are subject to change. Click here for draws

7.7.09
Autumn Pennant Grand Finals
NSW Squash wishes all teams good luck in their Grand Finals matches this Wednesday and Thursday, The Major Grades Grand Finals will take place on Wednesday at Thornleigh Squash Centre commencing at 7.30pm

The Sage Pastel/Hi-Tec NSW Junior Age Championships 11-12 July
Will be held on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July at Thornleigh Squash Centre.First round match times will be available on the website, on this page from Thursday evening or please ring NSW Squash 9484 8271 after 4pm
NSW Squash thanks sponsors Sage Pastel and Hi Tech for their support.

Spring Pennant District Meetings
The Pennant District meetings will be held: 
South-East Monday 7pm 20 July at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club Liverpool Rd, Ashfield,
North Wednesday 8pm 22 July,North Sydney Leagues Club, 12 Abbott St,Cammeray,
West Thursday 7pm 23 July, Sports House, Department Sport & Recreation,6 Figtree Ave, Homebush

4.7.09
NSW Junior Age Championships 11 - 12/13 July
The NSW Junior Age Championships have attracted over 130 entries from all over Australia. Endeavouring to complete the Championships over 2 days , matches will be scheduled commences at 8am on Saturday and finish in the evening, with Sunday matches also commencing at 8am with finals scheduled for late Sunday afternoon, some matches may be played on Friday evening. For more information please contact NSW Squash on 9484 8271 or email: admin@nswsquash.com.au

Squash on the Internet Sunday 5 July 3pm
On Sunday 5 July at approximately 3.00pm, Squash Vic, in a first for squash in Australia, will be broadcasting the Men’s and Women’s Vic Open finals LIVE over the internet.
To access, simply go to our website at www.squashvic.com.au and click on WATCH IT LIVE
(We hope to start as close to 3.00pm as possible – providing matches don’t run too far over time)
Please pass this on to your members, friends, family and anyone who has a computer to log on and have a look!

2.7.09
A Great NSW Open, Graded and Doubles Championships
This year's event saw a huge 219 entries, the biggest NSW Open Championships for over a decade.
Mike Corren’s late career resurgence continued on Sunday when he took out the NSW Open squash tournament, the 21st title of his 10-year professional career. South Australian Corren beat 21-year-old Queenslander Nathan Stevenson in an epic final 9-11, 12-10, 11-8, 7-11, 11-3 to win his third tournament of the year.
New Zealand’s Joelle King won the second title of her young career when she upset top seed Lisa Camilleri 8-11, 12-10, 11-5, 11-4 in the women’s final.
The Men's and Women's Opens entries featured players from NZ, Argentina, Qld, ACT, SA and Vic. Former NSW Squash Ambassador and British Open Champion Anthony Ricketts, now based in Auckland NZ, returned to THornleigh with 10 players in tow, many up and coming NZ juniors.
Many country players also attended, including 7 players from Warren Squash Club venturing down to the City and 13 from Wyong Squash Club. It was also very pleasing to see many juniors scattered throughout the graded events.
NSW Squash and Tournament Director Carin Clonda thanks Tournament Controller Sue Doherty and Tournament Referee Chris Sinclair on their great efforts,  
NSW Squash also thanks all players entered for their support and sponsors, HEAD , Squash Australia and the Australian Sports Commission.
Congratulations to all winners. Click here for the NSW Open Results in full
Event                             Winner                             Runner Up
Men's Classic             Matt Kawalski                Dylan Reynolds
Men's State                 Spencer Davis               James Dampney
Men's A                        Josh Souhwell-Nobbs  Weston Rofe
Men's B                        Josha Benaquista         Martin Cox
Men's C                        Jeremy Weston             Chris Kostrezewa
Men's D                        Daniel Walker                 Frank Benaquista
Women's State          Sofia Orenburg              Terri Sharam
Women's B                 Bryony Ward                   Rachael Hart
Men's Open Doubles A McGill/P Stewart        B Dunkley/W Cusick
Mixed A Doubles        S Orenburg/M Collins   S Champion/L Cook
Mixed B Doubles        T/McKay/J McKay          S Bowman/P Price

2009 Australian Women's Junior Team For World Championships
Squash Australia has named a strong team to take part in the 13th World Junior Women’s Squash Championships in Chennai, India from July 29-August 8.
The team is Sarah Cardwell from Melbourne, Rheanne Niebling (Tent Hill, Queensland), Christine Nunn (Canberra) and Tamika Saxby (Coffs Harbour, NSW). The Australian team will be coached by Victorian Institute of Sport head coach Karen Cagliarini, while squash legend Sarah Fitz-Gerald will accompany the team as the assistant coach and manager.
NSW Squash congratulates Tamika on her selectiion and wishes her the best for the Championships.

25.6.09
NSW Open, Graded and Doubles Championships
A record 210 entries will be competing at the NSW Open Championships this weekend. Matches commence Friday with Finals played on Sunday. Friday night matches include the Women's and Men's Open, Mens Classic, State and A grades. Players please ring NSW Squash on 9484 8271 for first round match times. Click here for draws

22.9.09
NSW Open , Graded and Doubles Championships
Over 150 entries have been received for the NSW Open, Graded and Doubles Championships being held this weekend 26 - 28 June at Thornleigh Squash Centre. The Men's Open is a PSA event whilst the Women's is a WISPA event, both Open's will be a 16 draw commencing on Friday night, along with the Graded events. The Men's Opena qualifying event is on this Thursday 24th June commencing at 10am. First round match gtimes for all events will be available from Wednesday evening.

NSW Junior Age Championships 11 - 13 July
The NSW Squash Junior Age Championships will be held be held at Thornleigh Squash from 11 - 13 July. The Entries closing date has been extended to Monday 29th June.

9.6.09
NSW Open , Graded and Doubles Championships
Will be played from the 26 - 28 June at Thornleigh Squash Centre with the Men's and Women's Opens PSA and WISPA events respectively, Graded divisions will be from State to D grade in the Mens divisions and State to B in the Women's divisions, with the Doubles events being; Men's Open, Women's Open, Open Mixed, A Mixed and B Mixed, entry closing date has been extended to Wednesday 17 June, see tournaments for entry form.

6.6.09
SQUASH IN THE MEDIA
The June 2009 issues of magazines "ALPHA" has a general article on Squash, pages 66-67, and “INSIDE SPORT” has a 4-page article in their regular section "Training Day" on NSW Squash Ambassador David Palmer, pages 96-99 with a colour spread of photographs.

NSW Squash Country Junior Age Championships
The NSW Squash Country Junior Age Championships were held on the 23/24 of May at Wyong Squash, with players from all over the state competing. NSW Squash thanks hosts Sue and Kevin Dillon for a great weekend. For full results click here. 
Event      Winner                     Runner Up
Boys 19 Brendan Rankin     Glen Hagen
Boys 17 Andrew Lloyd         Dominque Benaquista
Boys 15 Kailan Harris          Adam Craine
Boys 13 Nathan Youd          Jesse Keegan
Boys 11 Beau Harris            Kody Pearson
Boys 9 Corey Harris             Ryan Bushell
Girls 13 Ellen Benaquista    Claudia McGarry
Girls 15 Nodoka Mazhar     Jessica Turnbull

30.5.09
Spring Pennant Competition Scoring System
After receiving feedback for the trailing of the PAR 11 scoring system in the 2009 Spring Pennant, NSW Squash now confirms that the PAR 15 scoring system will continue to be used for all District Grades and Major Grades except for Men's Premier grade.

22.5.09
Special Deals for NSW Squash Players at Sponsors Alto Group Huge Sale This Weekend at Pennant Hills
This weekend our Sponsors Alto Group are having a HUGE sale at Pennant Hills on Toyota, Mitsubishi and Audi.
If any NSW Squash registered player is in new or used car head out to Alto at Pennant Hills, quote the Word SQUASH which entitles you to additional savings.

21.5.09
NSW Squash Country Junior Age Championships Sat 23 - Sun 24 May
The draw for this event will be available after 12noon Friday 22 May, matches commence Saturday morning 10.30am at Wyong Squash Centre.

17.5.09
NSW SQUASH PAR 11 Scoring System Survey
The World Squash Federation has confirmed that the new official scoring system from 1 April 2009 will be the PAR 11 system. NSW Squash has adopted the PAR 11 scoring system for all NSW Squash run events ie NSW Junior Titles and NSW Open etc as well as the Major Grades in the Pennant competition. NSW Squash is considering trailing the system in the Spring Pennant 2009. NSW Squash encourages all players to test the PAR 11 system. If you agree to trail the PAR 11 scoring in the Spring pennant competition please fill out the survey and fax or email the survey to NSW Squash on  (02) 9980 9684  (02) 9980 9684 or admin@nswsquash.com.au and place in the subject line: PAR II scoring.  Click here for survey form

NSW Squash State Junior Team Australian Junior Championship (AJC) Officials
NSW Squash is calling for expressions of Interest (EOI) for Team Officials for the NSW Squash Team at the Australian Junior Championship in Sydney 25 - 4 Oct. Click here for AJC Junior State Team Selection Policy and EOI form

May 23 World Squash Day Squash 2016
Dedicated to the promotion of Squash's entry into the Olympic Games.
A message from the WSF - 2016 Olympic Bid - World Squash Day - May 23rd 2009
In the recent update this was highlighted as an opportunity for clubs and centres worldwide to contribute directly to our Bid by supporting the Bid Fund.
However of equal, if not greater, importance is the opportunity this day gives for the squash community worldwide to put on a mass demonstration for all the sporting world and in particular the IOC Members and the Press, to see how much so many care about squash at last getting into the Olympic Games.
Please circulate every Club and Centre you can reach in your Country and also every individual member on your mailing list and ask them to support the bid on this day. Every Club and Centre, large and small, ought to aim to have something going on. Contact all your PSA and WISPA players and ensure that they are at their home clubs that day, taking part - running a clinic, coaching juniors, playing an exhibition, something in support of the bid.
Also please get all the Clubs and Centres and any Individuals to tell you what they are doing and let World Squash Day 2009 know - see information below.
Also very important is to ensure that your IOC Members and all your Press contacts are told just how much is going to be happening on May 23rd in your Country. Invite your IOC delegate to a Club to see (and the Press). Let us know as well, so that we can brief our PR Company and ensure that every IOC delegate sees in the publications, which they read, news of this 'Mass Demonstration Worldwide in Support of Squash's Campaign to get into the Olympics'.
We can only do so much from the centre - now is the time to marshal the immense power of the vast number of squash players out there, who want to see our sport in its rightful place in the Olympic Games - you as a National Governing Body must now do everything you can to ensure that it happens in your Country. Please redouble all efforts in these remaining weeks and do keep us informed.
Information from Alan Thatcher, Coordinator of World Squash Day 2009, follows:
Everyone - Ambassadors, National Federations, Regional Associations and clubs - can post news of their forthcoming activities on the World Squash Day website www.worldsquashdays.com .
During the day itself, you can also upload news and pictures as the events happen, so we will have a rolling 24-hour service to watch events unfold all over the globe.

7.5.09
Squash Makes an Appearance on Channel Seven
Squash make a quick appearance on Channel Seven's new reality program 10 Years Younger in 10 Days Tuesday (6/5/09) evening. Each week one of the two contestants have to do a "challenge", this week's contestant Donald had to play a squashie of some claim to fame. Donald had a go and squash got a go in the media.

27.4.09
Jahangir Khan becomes a World Masters Games Ambassador
The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Organising Committee today announced Jahangir Khan, the Pakistani squash champion adjudged to be sport’s best player ever, as an ambassador for the world’s largest multi-sport event later this year.
Winner of the World Open six times and the British Open ten times, Mr Khan won 555 consecutive matches between 1981 and 1986. It remains the longest winning streak in squash history and one of the greatest unbeaten runs in any elite sport.
Now Emeritus President of the World Squash Federation, Mr Khan is proud to be a Games Ambassador, encouraging people of all abilities and all sports, not just squash, to register for the event in a country of which he has fond memories.
“Australia was where I made my first mark on the international stage by winning the 1979 World Amateur Squash Championship. Thirty years on and the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games provide you with the chance to do likewise,” said Mr Khan.
Running 10-18 October, the Games are open to everyone rather than just elite athletes and will see 25,000 people from more than 100 countries compete in 28 sports across 72 Sydney venues, including many famous Olympic sites.
To enter the Games people need only meet their sport’s minimum age, which ranges between 25 and 35 years. Squash is restricted to people aged 35 and over but the majority of the 28 Games sports are open to people aged 30 plus.
“This October in Sydney, thousands of everyday people will have extraordinary experiences at the world’s largest multi-sport event. You can be one of them,” Games Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer Shane O’Leary said.
“It doesn’t matter how good or how old you are. Everyone’s invited to take part in this great festival of sport. The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games are all about being fit, fun and forever young. Don’t miss out on your opportunity of a lifetime.”
Mr Khan has joined the list of Games Ambassadors that includes Olympic champions Lord Sebastian Coe, Murray Rose and Daniel Kowalski, as well as Sarah Fitz-Gerald.
Games registrations are open now at www.2009worldmasters.com.

24.4.09
2009 World Masters Games Information Sessions
We would like to invite you to attend one of the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Information Sessions. During April, we are conducting 5 Information Sessions at the following venues:
Tuesday 28 April at 6.30pm, The Annex, South Sydney Junior Rugby League Club, 558A Anzac Parade, Kingsford
Wednesday 29 April at 6.30pm, Sovereign Room, Castle Hill RSL Club, 77 Castle St, Castle Hill
Thursday 30 April at 6.30pm, Liverpool Catholic Club, Cnr Joadja & Hoxton Park Rds, Liverpool
Join fellow sport participants and representatives of local sporting associations to learn more about how you can become involved in the world’s largest multi-sport event
Topics Covered - Sport and Venue Information - Social Events - How to Register - Travel Information
Places are limited so please book now!!! Sport participants 30 years and over (and partners) are welcome to attend www.2009worldmasters.com. If interested in attending, please email us at info@2009worldmasters.com

23.4.09
Robbie Deans vs David Palmer