Latest Squash News

Adelaide will attract over 10,000 participants in over 50 sports for the Australasian Masters Games this October.

Participants from across the nation and overseas will come together for 10 days of competition and festivities in a celebration of mature age sport.

So, if you are over 30 and enjoy sport and socialising then the Masters Games has something for you. The Games have no entry qualification and offer something for seasoned sportspeople as well as those who have never participated.

Feb 21:
2007 MOUNTAIN DISTRICT OPEN SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIPS [click here to view results]

Five times World Open Champion, Sarah Fitz-Gerald and 4 times Victorian Open Champion, Cameron White, successfully defended their Mountain District Championship titles, held at the Ringwood Squash Centre, 2 - 4 February.

Fitz-Gerald, who has only been beaten once in the past nine years in a women's event, the semi finals of the 2001 Hong Kong Open, as expected dominated the women's title, defeating Commonwealth Games team member, Dianne Desira in the final 9/1, 9/5, 9/0, after being down 5/2 in the 2nd.

This was Fitz-Gerald's 6th Mountain District Championship which now puts her on top of the all time winners table, ahead of Vicki Cardwell, whom she was tied with prior to the event.

Top seeded White cruised through to take his 4th Mountain District Championship defeating 2nd seeded Mark Ikin, 9/0, 9/2, 9/0 in the final. Ikin had earlier outlasted 3rd seeded New South Welshman, Matthew Karwalski in a gruelling semi final encounter, but lacked the leg speed to match it with the World No. 129 in the final.

During the Championships 2006 Victorian Grand Prix Graded Award winners and runners-up were presented with their awards by Sarah Fitz-Gerald and a full listing is listed on the VSF website.

This was the 43rd running of the Mountain District Championships and the event's popularity was again highlighted by the capacity entry it received, which placed enormous pressure on tournament organisers having to play Friday evening matches as well an 8am start to Saturday's play.

This was the initial Victorian Grand Prix Circuit event for 2007, with attention now diverted to the 2nd Circuit event, the Gippsland Championships, to be held at the Maffra Squash Centre over the weekend of 7/8 April.

Exiting news for Maffra with 2005 title holder, Sarah Fitz-Gerald, confirming to tournament organisers that she will be returning in 07.

For further information on the Gippsland Championships, please contact Greg Ikin on 03-5141-1223 or 0419-375-225.

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Resulting from a recent review of the National Junior Series, the following amendments will be take affect in the ACT 2007.

Events 1 & 2 to be conducted over 4 days each, with a rest day in between. The events are becoming too large to conduct over 3 days – requiring the use of two venues. 4 day events will enable the athletes to perform to the best of their ability, only require one venue and allow for the future growth of the events.

Overseas players to be permitted to enter in the age group above their age. Many of the overseas players are too strong for the competition in their age group. We are at risk of losing the entry of these players if they do not get a suitable level of competition. It is important we continue to encourage the entry of overseas players to provide the exposure to our players. The event purpose for the Australian players & overseas players are different. The Australian players use the events as an opportunity to secure/improve their national ranking, the overseas players have a priority of competition.

The 3rd event for the gender selection will not be placed on the National Calendar. Should Squash Australia require further head to head play offs this can be arranged via other avenues.
The confirmed dates for the 2007 NJS in ACT are;

Due to a clash with a circuit of world tour events in New Zealand, the Victorian Squash Federation has agreed to postpone the 2006 Victorian Open & Graded Squash Championships to the weekend of 14/15 October.

This decision was not taken lightly, as this is the 1st time in the events 73 year history that it has had to be postponed, but the Federation felt that it was unfortunate that this clash has occurred, but wished to ensure that all players who wished to participate in this year's Open were able to do so.

All players who have entered the Championship have been informed of our decision, and all bar one have already agreed to re-enter on the new dates.

We also wish to thank the event organisers, the Wangaratta Squash Club for their support and quick action taken following the Federation's decision.

The Championships comprise 14 events (7 men's and 7 women's) and there are events for all standard of player from Open to Novice.

The Federation has also announced the Team to represent Victoria at the National Teams Championship to be held in Queensland, 15-17 September is as follows:

Men's - Nathan L'Huillier and Steve Robinson
Women's - Jessica Gillett and Tanya Nash

June 23:
VICTORIAN JUNIOR AGE CHAMPIONSHIPS MAY BE REDUCED TO ONE DAY OF PLAY ...

With no large touring groups from overseas or interstate attending our championships this year, we may be able to run the titles over just one day - SUNDAY, 2 JULY ONLY.

Although entries officially closed today, we have EXTENDED ENTRIES until 8am, Wednesday 28 June. Players wishing to enter who can only play if it is a one day (Sunday) event are asked to advise accordingly on their entry form.

Squash Australia has been given the opportunity to achieve some financial support through the establishment of a Squash Australia Wine Club.

A percentage of every purchase (25% of the profit) made via the Squash Australia Wine Club will go directly to help fund Australian junior Squash programs and competitions.

Join your Wine Club today, and know that your next glass of wine will be helping develop today's young Australian players into tomorrow's World Champions.

For further information visit - http://www.squash.org.au

Australian squash legend Sarah Fitz-Gerald has joined the board of the sport's governing body following the Squash Australia annual general meeting in Brisbane.

Fitz-Gerald was elected as the Squash Australia female vice-president, replacing the long-serving Sandie Davis, who decided to stand down when she heard the former world No.1, was interested in taking an active role in the sport's governance.

The 37-year-old Fitz-Gerald is regard as one of the greatest women's players of all time and was inducted into the Squash Australia Hall of Fame last year.

She first served notice of her remarkable talent when she won the world junior championship in 1987 before bursting onto the senior tour to win numerous major titles, (including 5 world open championships), as well as five World Team Championship titles, a world cup gold medal and the 2002 Commonwealth Games Singles gold medal.

Sarah has worked tirelessly off the court, devoting much of her spare time to the administration and promotion of women's squash at both the international and at the grass roots level, encouraging the participation of your girls and women in the sport.

Sarah was on the Board of the Women's International Squash Players Association (WISPA) for 11 years and also served as its President for 9 years.

Sarah has also won numerous state and national awards, possibly the most significant being the 2001 Dawn Fraser Award at the Australian Sport Awards.

Other Squash Australia elected positions were as follows:

President - John Holland
Committee - Steve Derbyshire
Women's Selection Panel - Dawn Moggach, Karen Morrissey, Kaye Reeves
Men's Selection Panel - Byron Davis, Geoff Davenport, Roger Flynn
Patron - Chris Dittmar

May 17:
PROFESSIONAL SQUASH COACHES ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA - COACH OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to Richard Cagliarini who has been awarded by the PSCAV the 2005 Coach of the Year Award.

PSCAV Secretary, Margaret Zachariah commented, "Richard's selection was very well deserved due to his professionalism and body of coaching work."

Richard has also been jointly nominated by the PSCAV and the Victorian Squash Federation for the 2005 VicSport Coach of the Year Award, which will be decided at the VicSport Awards function later this year.

Hunts Fitness and Squash Club is looking for a committed and enthusiastic person to spearhead their squash program. The successful applicant must be a registered Squash Coach and be willing to develop a substantial coaching business within our centre. A proven ability to administer, promote and develop squash both within the Club and in the community is also essential. The ongoing development of Pennant, in-house, and social squash is a priority.

Hunts is a progressive, dynamic and highly successful full service fitness operation. You will be working as part of a Team with other professionals in the Fitness Industry. A desire to learn other aspects of our business is highly desirable and/or experience in other facets of the fitness industry would be highly sought.

Please contact Brooke Franklin on 039419 3636 and/or e-mail: brooke@huntsfitness.com.au your application and resume.

The "Future Athletes Program" is an initiative of the Victorian Government designed to introduce secondary school age students competing in representative school events to a wider developmental pathway in their sport. During 2005 the Victorian Institute of Sport, in conjunction with the 16 Commonwealth Games sports associations, will conduct sport specific clinics providing:

Clinics are scheduled from 10am until 3:30pm and are free of charge to participants.

All Victorian Secondary School students who meet the selection criteria may enrol in a Squash clinic. Selection criteria have been developed in consultation with Squash Victoria to assist athletes in taking the 'next step' in their sporting development. Clinic places are limited and applications will be accepted only until each clinic is full. Applications can close early should sufficient applications be received.

The 2005 Maroondah Squash Club Junior Scholarship, valued at $500, was won by Bendigo junior, Adam Murphy.

This prestigious award was presented to Adam by the Maroondah Squash Club President, Lao Biesbroek, at the 2005 Hall of Fame Fundraising Dinner, held at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club on Saturday 15 October.

This is the 7th year that Maroondah Squash Club has presented this Award and the Federation is extremely grateful of their ongoing support of junior squash in Victoria.

In 2004, the Victorian Squash Federation established the Victorian Squash Hall of Fame, where the following squash personnel were inducted:

Gordon Watson
o Australian Open Champion from 1939 - 1948
o An excellent coach highlighted by his pupils winning no less than 21 National Championships.
o The Gordon Watson Squash Club won 132 premierships between 1961 - 1979.

Vic Hunt
o Won a myriad of State, National and Masters Championships, including 3 World Masters Championships.
o A member of the World Rules Committee for 12 years and national ball tester for 15 years.
o A major squash centre developer and venue owner of 3 centres.

Judith Fitzgerald (nee Tissot)
o Won 4 Australian Amateur Championships (1952, 56-58) and 3 Victorian Amateur Championships (1956-58).
o Turned professional in 1966 and became a world renowned coach, the mentor of many world, national and state champions, including 2 world champions, Sarah Fitz-Gerald and Carol Owens.
o Operated the highly successful Mordialloc Squash Centre.

Brian Boys
o Won 3 Australian Amateur Championships (1953-55) and 3 Victorian Amateur Championships (1954, 56/57).
o An outstanding coach and his pupils won numerous State, National and World titles, including Geoff Hunt and Margaret Zachariah.
o Operated 2 squash centres which were trailblazer venues in the 60's and 70's.

Margaret Zachariah
o Won the 1977 Australian Amateur Championship and 4 Victorian Amateur Championships (1974-76, 79).
o Australian Team member for 12 years and National Selector for 15 years.
o National Coach / Team Manager for 8 years and State Coach / Team Manager for 15 years.
o Secretary of the PSCAA for 15 years and the PSCAV for 27 years.

Geoff Hunt
o Won 3 World Amateur Championships (1967, 69, 71) and 4 World Open Championships (1975, 77, 79/80).
o Won 8 British Open Championships (1968, 73, 75-80) and 4 Australian Amateur Championships (1965, 69, 71) and 2 Australian Open Championships (1980/81).
o Was the Head Squash Coach at the Australian Institute of Sport from 1985 - 2003.

Sarah Fitz-Gerald
o Won 64 World Tour Titles, including 5 World Open's (1997, 2001-03), plus 2 British Open's (2001/02) and 5 World Team Championships (1992, 94, 96, 98, 2002).
o Also won 4 Australian Open Championships (1997, 2001-03), a World Cup Gold Medal (1997), Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist (2002) and Silver Medallist (1998).
o Was President of the Women's International Squash Players Association for 8 years and on it's Committee for 11 years.
o Won the Australian Athlete of the year 2002 and numerous other awards.

Last year, we held our inaugural HOF at the Westerfolds Squash Centre during the Victorian Junior Championships with around 150 squash players, parents, coaches, etc. attending.

This function is a major fundraiser for Victorian Junior Squash and in 2004 we raised nearly $7,000 for the Victorian Junior Fundraising Committee.

The criterion for the Victorian Squash HOF is as follows:

An Inductee will be a person who has made a significant contribution to Squash as a Victorian.

The above Criterion is wide open and enables players, coaches, administrators, volunteers, officials etc who have made a significant contribution to be nominated.

In 2005 we are seeking nominations for squash people who have made a significant contribution to our sport as a coach, administrator, volunteer, official or venue operator.

HOW CAN I MAKE A NOMINATION?
Any squash club, centre, association or individual can make a nomination.
Your nomination needs to comprise:
o A completed nomination form, including the nominees curriculum vitae, highlighting their achievements
o Nominations need to reach the VSF office by 5.00pm, Friday 23 September, 2005.
o NO late entries will be accepted.

HOW ARE NOMINATIONS ASSESSED?
A Selection Panel appointed by the VSF Board will review all nominations and recommend up to twenty nominees to the VSF Board who will decide on the finalists from which the 2005 inductees will be announced at the HOF Dinner.

For additional information or assistance, please contact Paul Vear at the Victorian Squash Federation on 9682-2199 or vsf@victoriansquash.com.au

MORE ABOUT THE HALL OF FAME DINNER - promo flyer
o Date: Saturday, 15 October 2005
o Venue: Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, 489 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong
o Time: 7pm
o Tickets: $45 per person. Booking Form
o Includes: Buffet Dinner, Drinks at Bar prices, Hall of Fame Presentations, Auction of exclusive squash memorabilia, fun gold coin games and silent auction.

Match Results:

BOYS
Adam Greenberg DEF Robert Templeton 9/5, 9/3, 9/6
William Abrams LOST TO Stephen Morris 6/9, 9/7, 5/9, 1/9
Kevin Cecala LOST TO Luke Sims 3/9, 5/9, 6/9
Hunter Abrams DEF Ewan Croft 9/3, 9/8, 9/3
Ben Keller LOST TO Barry Bannon 2/9, 1/9, 5/9

GIRLS
Emily Keller LOST TO Sarah Cardwell 1/9, 2/9, 6/9
Christina Matthias DEF Grazia Guida 9/7, 9/6, 9/6
Kiera Murasko Blank DEF Natasha Cirona 9/3, 9/5, 9/2
Alexis Saunders DEF Jordan Gray 9/2, 9/0, 9/3
Margery Saunders LOST TO Nicola Templeton 0/9, 1/9, 5/9

June 27:
WINNERS OF CDN EYEWEAR COMPETITION ANNOUNCED
Recently, the Victorian Squash Federation offered clubs/centres the opportunity to WIN either 6 pairs of i-Mask or 6 pairs of Dunlop protective eyewear by simply becoming members of the Australian Sports Commission's FREE Club Development Network.

A total of 15 clubs/venues joined the Club Development Network as part of this incentive and we welcome them on board.

The web based program offers a range of great on line resources and information which will assist you to develop and better manage your club or venue. Join online: go to http://www.ausport.gov.au/clubs where you can enter your club or centre contact info.

June 24:
CHANGES TO 1 MAY 2005 STATE JUNIOR RANKINGS
Please note the Victorian Squash Federation Victorian Junior Rankings as at 1 May 2005 have been updated on 24 June 2005, in the following age groups:

The reason for the changes is due to an error detected in the data entry for one round of the State Junior League competition.

If any player requires further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact VSF Development Manager, Karen Morrissey or VSF Executive Director Paul Vear on 9682-2199.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

1. The National Coaches Panel (NCP) has been operating for almost one year and established to provide Squash Australia with a group of elite coaches from whom individuals can be selected to meet national junior coaching requirements.

3. The NCP policy details the role, composition, term of appointment, eligibility, selection criteria and process, and other administrative requirements and can be found on the new Squash Australia website under Policies, Regulation 26.

4. Addressees, including our State/ Territory Squash Associations, are requested to give this advertisement for vacancies the widest possible distribution so that all eligible coaches have the opportunity to apply and are encouraged to so.

5. This initiative has already provided several Squash Australia coaches with an open opportunity to gain experience at a national and international level.

6. Questions relating to the policy or selection to the panel should be directed to the CEO, NCD or HP Manager.

7. Applications for the Panel are to be directed to the CEO, Norman Fry, and close on Friday 8 July 2005.

June 6:
JOB OPPORTUNITY: Squash Co-ordinator / Squash Coach
Hunts Fitness and Squash Club is looking for a committed and enthusiastic person to spearhead their squash program. The successful applicant must be a registered Squash Coach and be willing to develop a substantial coaching business within our centre. A proven ability to administer, promote and develop squash both within the Club and in the community is also essential. The ongoing development of Pennant, in-house, and social squash is a priority.

Please contact Anthony Favaloro on 039419 3636 and/or e-mail: anthony@huntsfitness.com.au your application and resume.

June 6:
OPPORTUNITY FOR CLUBS/CENTRES TO WIN FREE PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
The Victorian Squash Federation is offering clubs/centres the opportunity to WIN either 6 pairs of i-Mask or 6 pairs of Dunlop protective eyewear by simply becoming members of the Australian Sports Commission's FREE Club Development Network.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A MEMBER? Join online. Go to http://www.ausport.gov.au/clubs where you can enter your club or centre contact info and you will be finished in no time.

WHY JOIN THE CDN? 1). It's Free!; 2). The Victorian Squash Federation has been fortunate enough to benefit from some funding via the Club Development Network (CDN) to support its highly successful Squash in Schools Program (SiS), so in future any clubs/centres wishing to utilise the SiS Program to establish or top up a junior squash or racquetball program MUST be members of the CDN; 3). The web based program offers a range of great on line resources and information which will assist you to develop and better manage your club or venue; 4). It takes only 2 minutes to complete the online application; .. need we say more!

HOW TO WIN 6 PAIRS OF PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR - Any Club or Centre that joins the CDN and notifies our office by Wednesday, 15 June will be in the draw to win. Simple!

If you require any further information regarding the CDN, please do not hesitate to contact Karen Morrissey on 9682 2199 or 0409 526 224.

Five times world open squash champion, Sarah Fitz-Gerald, has been appointed the inaugural Patron of the Victorian Squash Federation. Sarah is recognised as one of the top three female squash players of all time, having been the winner of 65 world tour titles from 94 finals appearances and having been beaten only once in the past seven years (the semi finals of the 2001 Hong Kong Open).

Sarah's career started by winning the World Junior Championship in 1987, before bursting onto the Senior Tour which included capturing five World Team Championship titles, a World Cup Gold Medal and the 2002 Commonwealth Games Gold Medal along with her five World Individual titles. Sarah also represented Australia from the age of 14, having worn the 'green & gold' on 75 separate occasions.

Although her on-court feats are excellent, Sarah also worked just as tirelessly off the court, devoting much of her spare time to the administration and promotion of women's squash at the international level, as well as the grass roots component of the sport, to increase participation, especially for young girls and women.

Sarah was on the Board of the Women's International Squash Players Association (WISPA) for 11 years and as its President from 1995 - 2003. Sarah has been an outstanding ambassador for the sport and for Australia on the world sporting stage, as well, an excellent role model for women. Sarah has also won numerous state and national awards, possibly the most significant being the 2001 Dawn Fraser Award as the Award winner must display excellence on the sporting field as well as demonstrate outstanding qualities through their contribution to other areas in Australian society.

Other major Awards Sarah has won include:

When announcing the appointment, Victorian Squash Federation Executive Director, Paul Vear, remarked "Sarah has arguably been the most recognised and most marketable person in world squash for the past six years and the Federation is delighted to have a person of her ilk to be the public face of the sport in this state, particularly with the upcoming Commonwealth Games being held in Melbourne and the launching of several squash initiatives in Victoria over the next 12 months".

Sarah who has spent the vast majority of the past 20 years being based overseas is delighted to accept this prestigious position and stated, "it is a great opportunity for me to give back to the sport that has provided me with so many memorable moments, as well, hopefully encourage more youngsters into squash".

Mar 22:
VICTORIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL SPORTS AWARDS
Kimberley Bessell and Bradley Soutar have won the Victorian Secondary School Sports Awards for Squash for 2004.

These Awards were initiated in 1994 by the Department of Eduction, Employment and Training to recognise sporting achievements obtained by students in government primary and secondary schools and the 2004 Awards were presented at a prestigious ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom on Sunday 6 March.

Awards are presented to outstanding achievers in 19 sports, and awards can only be obtained once in any given sport at Primary and Secondary level.

Kimberley, who attends The Grange College in Hoppers Crossing, had an outstanding year winning the Australian 15YAG title, and only losing one game at the number 1 position, representing Victoria at the Australian Teams Championships.

With her victory at the 2004 Championships, Kimberley has joined an elite group of squash players, having now won 3 Australian Junior Titles:

Bradley attends Kurnai College in Morwell, and although only 13 years of age, he excelled in the Victorian 15YAG events he competed in during 2004.

Bradley was only able to compete in 5 junior championships, winning 3, on each occasion defeating the No. 1 ranked Victorian player, and finishing 2nd in the other two, which included the Victorian Junior Age Championships.

Although playing a limited number of tournaments and not being able to represent Victoria at the National Championship, due to a freak accident leading up to this event, (which had a dramatic effect on both his National and State rankings), he was still able to finish in 2nd position in the 15YAG.

Previous winners of these Awards were:
1996 - Dianne Desira & Mark Ikin
1997 - Daniel Orsino & Karen Kronemeyer
1998 - Scott Huffer
1999 - Audrey Day
2000 - Jeff Batey
2001 - Gabrielle Sharpe
2002 - Nathen Takacs & Courtney Jury
2003 - Emily Shea & Rex Hedrick

Mar 16:
WORLD SQUASH DAY - 19 MARCH 2005 (ACTIVITIES AT MSAC)
The Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, in conjunction with the VIS Squash unit will be conducting the following activities on World Squash Day:

Feb 18:
2005 NATIONAL TEAMS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The 2005 National Teams Championship is to be held in Adelaide, 9-11 September.

Victorian Senior Team Selection Criteria
To qualify for selection a player must have played at least two thirds of the total number of scheduled matches for the 2005 Autumn Season.

Subject to the above clause, the top 2 available number 1 players in each of the Men’s and Women’s Premier Grade competitions for Autumn Season 2005 will be selected.

Feb 18:
2005 NATIONAL TEAMS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The 2005 National Teams Championship is to be held in Adelaide, 9-11 September.

Dec 13:
EVENTS WHICH COUNT TOWARDS OFFICIAL STATE JUNIOR RANKINGS IN 2005
The following events have been accepted by the VSF Board as the official Victorian Junior Rankings Tournaments for 2005.

Dec 8:
NATIONAL JUNIOR SERIES UPDATE
Squash SA will be hosting the National Junior Series from 15-23 April, 2005.

There will be two x four day tournaments:

The following venues will be used:

- South Adelaide - 2a Midera Ave, Edwardstown
- Somerton - 11 Moore St, Somerton Park
- Impact Health Club- 43 Gulfview Rd, Christies Beach

These venues are South of the CBD and accommodation at Adelaide Shores Tourist Park or the Glenelg area is suggested.

Dec 8:
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Squash Australia is seeking applications for the appointment of Australian Squash Section Manager for the Australian Squash Team for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Applications will close on Tuesday 1 February 2005 and further details can be obtained from the Squash Australia website - www.squash.org.au

Nov 29:
GLASS BACK FOR SALE
One Glass Back from a Squash Court For Sale. Contact Bill: 0414 818 226.

Nov 26:
CHANGES TO NATIONAL JUNIOR TRI-SERIES ...
In 2005 the Tri-Series will be replaced by the "National Junior Series" which will be a two event series.

Regulation 13 will be amended to reflect a two event series. The playing rules, eligibility, age groups, seeding and draw will contain no major changes. The revised Regulation 13 will be published by 3 December 04. The first two event series will be held in Adelaide in 15 - 23 April 2005.

In accordance with the new National Talent Squad policy a third event for the 19 YAG (for the gender participating in the World Championships of that year)will be conducted in the May/June period as part of the Australian team selection process.

Oct 29:
10th AUSTRALIAN DEAF SQUASH TITLE FOR WALTERS
South Australian, Peter Walters, claimed his tenth Australian Deaf Squash Title, defeating New South Welshman, Ben Bruggy, 9-4, 8-10, 9-3, 9-5 in the Men's final, held at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, over the weekend of 2/3 October.

The two finalists have also won between them the only two World Deaf Squash Championships played to date - Walters in 2001 in the UK, and Bruggy in 2003 in Holland.

The final rankings for the Men's Championship were as follows:
1. Peter Walters
2. Ben Bruggy
3. Anthony Stanford
4. Lance Hately
5. Mark Friend
6. Simon Hogan
7. Matthew Stephens
8. Alan Sandon
9. Greg Faulks
10. Chris Storer
11. Jarrad Nicholas
12. Peter Moclair
13. Leigh Harrison
14. Dean McKenna
15. Andrew Welshe

In the Women's final, the number 1 seed, Roslyn Thrasy (NSW), took out her 2nd successive Australian Deaf Squash Championship title, defeating Margaret Hartney 9-2, 9-7, 10-8.

The final rankings for the Women's Championship were as follows:
1. Roslyn Thrasy
2. Margaret Hartney
3. Karon Fowler
4. Joanne Richards
5. Berna Hutchins
6. Melinda Walters

The 2005 World Deaf Squash Championships will be held at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre from 4 - 9 October.

Oct 19:
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR VIS SQUASH PROGRAM
Application forms are now available for scholarships to the VIS squash program.

The Victorian Institute of Sport offers Victoria's best athletes: coaching, athlete services such as nutrition, medicine, career and education support, physical preparation and sport science testing as well as some support with travel.

Victorian Institute of Sport Squash Scholarship Applications close on Friday 19 November 2004.

For further information and application forms, check the Victorian Institute of Sport web site on www.vis.org.au

Oct 15:
SQUASH TO BE FEATURED ON CHANNEL TEN'S TOTALLY WILD
There will be a feature on the VIS Squash Unit on the Totally Wild program which will be screened on Channel 10 at the following times:

Oct 14:
2005 STATE JUNIOR RANKINGS & STATE TEAM SELECTION - IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL JUNIORS
As at 1 May 2005, each player on the Victorian Junior Rankings list is to be circulated with a notice advising them that they must confirm with the Federation by 31 May if they are available/not available for the 2005 State Junior Team. The VSF will then publish a list of those players available/not available for selection, so that all players on the rankings list are aware well in advance of their potential State Team opportunities. If a player does not respond to the notice, by the required date, they will be declared unavailable for the State Junior Team for that year, but will be included in the state rankings.

Sep 28:
VICTORIANS FEATURE STRONGLY IN AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALS
Four Victorian juniors have reached the finals of the 2004 Australian Junior Squash Championships which were held in Canberra from 24-28 September.

Tom Steward (17YAG) and Kim Bessell (15YAG) won national titles in their respective age groups, while Jessica Gillett (17YAG) and Sarah Cardwell (13YAG) were runners up.

The Victorian team then went on to finish fourth overall in the teams event with the Girls 15YAG team, comprising Kimberley Bessell and Grazia Guida, finished 2nd in their age group.

The Victorian Squash Federation extends its congratulations to our four finalists and the members of the Victorian Team for their efforts during these championships.

Sep 22:
SQUASH RECEIVES OLYMPIC BOOST
Squash received a major boost with the confirmation that the sport has been approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as one of five Recognised Federations that should be "studied further" with a view to inclusion in the Olympic Games programme for 2012.

The IOC is assessing the merits of all the sports and disciplines that were on the programme of the Athens Games, plus the five selected Recognised
Sports: Golf, Rugby, Roller Sports, Karate and Squash. The final decision on the Olympic Programme for 2012 will be taken in July 2005.

Susie Simcock, Emeritus President of the World Squash Federation, commented: "Squash is played by 15 million enthusiasts in more than 150 countries across the world and is in all other major multi-sports events, including the Commonwealth Games, World Games, Pan American Games, All-Africa Games and Asian Games.

"We have fought for 20 years to achieve our dream of being on the Olympic program, in the sure knowledge that every top Squash player would rank an Olympic medal as the greatest prize in the sport.

"This review by the IOC is wonderful news for Squash as we are now able to present our case for inclusion alongside the current Olympic sports and other major sports bidding for a place," added the Federation's former President.

Replying to the news in a letter from Olympic Games Executive Director Gilbert Felli and Sports Director Kelly Fairweather, WSF Secretary General Ted Wallbutton wrote:

"The worldwide Squash family will be overjoyed to learn that our sport is to be included in the review of the Olympic Programme. We are delighted that such an objective and unbiased review has been put in place and will be privileged to report on how Squash meets the 33 criteria set by the IOC Executive Board.

"Please convey our thanks to President Rogge and his colleagues on the Executive Board for giving us this great opportunity to achieve our ambition and be included on the programme of the world's greatest sporting event."

On hearing the news, the WSF's esteemed President Jahangir Khan, the record ten-times British Open champion, added: "I know every Squash player in the world will rally around the WSF at this important time for the sport. 2012 is a long time ahead, but if we achieve our objective our best players will have the honour of showing their skills in the Olympic Games, a privilege which I would have loved to have shared."

Following a review by Squash Australia, seven Victorian/VIS athletes remain in the 2006 Commonwealth Games Squash Squad, which has been reduced to 18.

World No.20, Paul Price, has retained the Santa Barbara Open title to provide him with the 11th PSA Tour title of his career, when he defeated second seeded Welshman, Alex Gough, 11/9, 10/11 (2-0), 11/8, 11/8 in 70 mins.

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Sep 12:
RESULTS OF THE FINAL ROUND (ROUND 8) OF THE 2004 STATE JUNIOR LEAGUE SQUASH COMPETITION

13 YAG BOYS		Totals
	James EDMENDS (LCM)	91
	Tyler HENDY (GIPPS)	74
	Ruari REGAN (LCM)	55
	Jake RODGERS (CH)	51
	Marcus SULLIVAN (CH)	50
	Michael KONOPACKI (GNE)	30
	Nathan STEWART (GIPPS)	19

15 YAG BOYS		Totals
	Robert TEMPLETON (GNE)	89
	Luke SIMS (CH)	75
	Adam MURPHY (LCM)	68
	Hamish RILEY (CH)	56
	Brad SOUTAR (GIPPS)	52
	Aidan KARAILAN (GNE)	39
	Reece HENDY (GIPPS)	37
	Zac JURY (LCM)	32

17 YAG BOYS - A		Totals
	Jeff BATEY (GNE)	81
	Nathen TAKACS (LCM)	76
	Rex HEDRICK (GIPPS)	72
	Dillon FARRELL (GNE)	54
	Jonathon WHEATLEY (GIPPS)	50
	Brad KEMP (CH)	45
	Ben FRY (CH)	30
	Clint GRENFELL (LCM)	5

17 YAG BOYS - B		Totals
	Cameron MORRIS (CH)	86
	Nathan PATTERSON (GNE)	79
	Stephen MORRIS (GIPPS)	58
	Chris SAXBY (GNE)	58
	Allister EDMENDS (CH)	28
	Tim AUSTIN (LCM)	20
	Chris ROSATO (GIPPS)	13
	Adam KING (LCM)	12

19 YAG BOYS		Totals
	Matt LANG (GIPPS)	66
	Nick SMITH (CH)	63
	Simon STEPHENS (GIPPS)	56
	Paul TAKACS (LCM)	52
	Dennis GIBSON (GNE)	51
	Cameron GOUGH (LCM)	37
	Anthony BOSSNER (CH)	28
	Daniel SCOTT (GNE)	2

13 YAG GIRLS		Totals
	Sarah CARDWELL (CH)	89
	Natasha CIRONA (LCM)	46
	Haley WRIGHT (GIPPS)	45
	Nicola TEMPLETON (GNE)	34
	Clair STEPHENS (GIPPS)	21

15 YAG GIRLS		Totals
	Kimberley BESSELL (GNE)	69
	Sarah CARDWELL (CH)	68
	Karina CHILMAN (GNE)	49
	Grazia GUIDA (GIPPS)	39
	Roschelle MEEHAN (LCM)	19
	Kait BROWN (LCM)	7

17 YAG GIRLS		Totals
	Emily SHEA (GNE)	68
	Jessica GILLETT (CH)	62
	Kirstie PICKERD (GNE)	56
	Vanessa JEEVES (CH)	47
	Linda JEEVES (GIPPS)	25
	Larissa HUFFER (GIPPS)	22
	Jessica WALSH (LCM)	10
	Tristen VAN-DEYK (LCM)

19 YAG GIRLS		Totals
	Skye MILLAR (LCM)	82
	Jessica GILLETT (CH)	75
	Kimberley BESSELL (GNE)	68
	Emily SHEA (GNE)	61
	Courtney JURY (LCM)	59
	Casey NOLAN (CH)	31
	Larissa HUFFER (GIPPS)	26
	Cathryn MORRIS (GIPPS)	18

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Despite having a record-equalling six players in the quarter-finals, hosts Pakistan failed to take the ultimate prize in the PIA Men's World Junior Squash Championship when Ramy Ashour beat home hero Yasir Butt in today's final in Islamabad to claim the title for Egypt.

A packed crowd, which included the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Choudhary Shujaat Hussain, applauded the players onto the all-glass court at the new Mushaf Squash Complex, for the final of the 13th staging of the event since the inaugural championships in 1980 - featuring two players expected only to reach the quarter-finals.

Right from the start, it was clear that 16-year-old Ramy Ashour, from Cairo, was in the same form which had seen him dismiss the 'Find of the Tournament ' trophy winner, 14-year-old Amir Atlas Khan, in the semi-finals. Butt, in contrast, looked ill at ease and unable to get the long, hard rallies he wanted. The opening rally was completed with an exquisite cross-court backhand drop from the Egyptian.

It was no surprise that the first game went to Ashour 9-5 in some 13 minutes. The second saw his Pakistani opponent come out all guns firing, and errors from Ramy saw Yasir race to a 5-0 lead. But again, Ashour showed a remarkable ability to re-focus and within minutes he led 6-5. At this point, the crowd excitement was such that there were some correct lets for shouting disturbance.

Yasir stuck in and levelled - and at eight-all played what many thought was a winner in a rally he was controlling. A massive shout resulted in another disturbance let and Yasir did not recover from that, losing on a stroke, for not clearing, 8-10.

In the third, Yasir tried to up the pace but was looking demoralised and his error count increased sharply. As a result Ramy did not need to go for any spectacular shots, but simply kept up the pressure - and a mixture of forced and unforced errors saw him triumph 9-5 10-8 9-3 in 46 minutes.

So the young teenager from Egypt, who has endured two major knee operations, became World Junior Champion - "and a most worthy one at that," said event spokesman George Mieras. A section of the crowd were local Egyptians and they raised the roof as Ramy had the gold medal put round his neck by the Prime Minister, then received the World Squash Federation (WSF) trophy from President Jahangir Khan, the former ten-times British Open champion.

In addition, Ashour received a special trophy from the President of the Pakistan Squash Federation Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat