The annual Janes Gallery Central Open Squash tournament is being hosted by New Plymouth’s picturesque seaside Kawaroa Park Squash Club this weekend. With 158 competitors the organisers will have their hands full.
The competition runs over 3 days. Up for grabs in the Open are the Mens and Women's Central Open titles and some good cash prizes thanks to returning sponsors Janes Gallery and Subway. The women's open features two ex New Zealand Representatives Tamsyn Leevey who now resides in New Plymouth and is a sponsor of the event has won the title on 4 separate occasions previously and Lana Harrison of Auckland, the two are clear favourites to make the final placed well above the rest of the 8 strong women's open field which could make for a fantastic final on Sunday afternoon.
Lana Harrison is also playing in the men’s division and is seeded third overall behind top seed
Allan Bailey (Palm Nth) who is known for his unorthodox style but is an impressive retriever who often grinds down his opponents until they make inevitable mistakes as fatigue sets in. Second seed is another Taranaki local Max McDonald who is starting to show some good form this season and will give both Bailey and Harrison a good battle for the title.
Play starts Thursday night with a few local games but the majority of the field is coming from all over the North Island and will be descending upon both the Kawaroa Park & Waitara clubs Friday night. Both venues are open to the public and spectators are encouraged to come down and watch some top level squash at the Central Open.
