PSA Squash Returns to Christchurch

The Doubledot Media Christchurch Boys High School Open kicks off this Thursday at Burnside/Squashways squash clubs in Christchurch.

The return of the US $5000 PSA event brings yet more world class squash to New Zealand with 26 entries from nine countries. Entries include ten kiwis with second seed Paul Coll looking to make full use of the home advantage and secure his predicted place in the final. 

Coll is an ex Christchurch Boys High School student now ranked 99th in the world and has recently competed for New Zealand at the World Teams Championship. Coll will be looking to add a second PSA title to the Australia Day Challenge one he won back in January.

Australia's veteran journeyman Mike Corren (pictured) is seeded first and will be looking for a repeat of last year's final where he beat kiwi Evan Williams in a thrilling five set encounter to win the title. Corren recently won the North Coast Open in Australia and will be looking to build on that victory by securing a place in his 68th Final for a chance to win his 48th tour title.

Corren looks set to come up against the young Scottish player and fourth seed Kevin Morran in the semi-finals while James Huang of Chinese Taipei completes the seedings at three.

Kashif Shuja, Lance Beddoes and Andrew Ellis join Coll as the kiwi players in the main draw. Both Shuja and Beddoes were recently knocked out of the NZ Classic by compatriot Martin Knight in the quarter finals and first round respectively and will be looking to bounce back with wins. Shuja is a five time NZ national champion with a career high of 36 in the world and despite having slipped to 210 in the rankings will be looking to use his experience to upset proceedings.

Six kiwis make up the qualifiers including Christchurch School old boy Chris van der Salm who joins Andrew Ellis and Paul Coll as the players representing joint host club Squashways Canturbury.

The event starts with qualifying rounds this Thursday with the main draw starting on Friday and Final on Sunday.

For the full draw check here and keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for results.