invitational a big draw

Busselton Squash Club held its much anticipated annual invitational tournament at the Sebel Resort Busselton last month.

This year’s event was in high demand, with 72 players representing 12 WA squash clubs.

Competitors from as far afield as Broome, Exmouth and Esperance travelled for the event.

During the weekend, a new WA Squash record was set, with 108 matches played, and WA Squash general manager Dean Williams said it was the biggest tournament since it began.

“No invitational tournament has ever had this many players — 72 players on two courts — imagine what we could do with more courts,” he said.

“It was an amazing effort from everyone, it is definitely the most successful tournament we’ve ever done.” A highlight of the tournament was the high number of women’s divisions, accounting for one-third of all entrants.

Two-time runner-up Fiona Whooley and past winner Leigh Kaye went head-to-head during the women’s open competition, but Kaye’s precision triumphed again in a four-set classic.

Member for Vasse Libby Mettam enjoyed the competition and said it was amazing to see what Busselton Squash Club could achieve with such limited capacity.

“This is a fantastic, growing club with worthy future plans to expand to Busselton Golf Club, where there is capacity to upgrade current courts and share club facilities,” Ms Mettam said.

Busselton players Ryan Callegari and Ed Jennings competed ferociously and received first prize in their divisions, and Sean Brockman and Corey Smith placed second. If you are interested in playing squash, call Ryan on 0420 947 425.