Champion of Champions got a revamp from Squash NZ this year with an earlier date and no Club Champs required for selection. The new event, rebranded Graded Champs had 10 Central clubs take part with around 70 odd entries heading to Inglewood to check out the new deck, and find out who was best in their grade and if any club could claim the title off of last years winners, Ohakune.
There were 88 games over two full days with Kawaroa Park taking out the banner for the most successful club with 34 points over Ohakune and Whanganui in second place on 24 points.
Matthew Ratcliffe was too strong for the B Grade draw, winning the final in three over Thor Darlington, Ratcliffe has won the National B grade title 2 times, best of luck as he goes for a third.
Toby Freyria (KP) 2023 Most Improved Junior award winner played very well, playing two five setters to reach the final of the C grade before losing to young talent from Whanganui Malachy O’Conner in four.
John Laurenson of Ohakune fought hard to beat Ben Maunder in five in the D grade men's final. Cindy Leong upset the top seed Jade Kendrick to take out the D grade women's final.
The Women's C grade was a nine draw with players playing two games each day. A sure test of fitness. Kayla Ryan proved too strong, taking out all her games in three.
The winners have qualified to go onto National Graded Champs on 21 - 23rd June in Henderson, Auckland to compete for their grades National Title. We wish them all luck and thank Inglewood for hosting everyone.
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Titles |
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A Women
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Abbie Holmes
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A Men
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Matt Nation
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B Women
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Meisha Juffermans
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B Men
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Matthew Ratcliffe
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C Women
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Kayla Ryan
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C Men
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Malachy O'Connor
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D Women
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Cindy Leong
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D Men
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John Laurenson
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E Women
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Renee Clegg
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E Men
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Campbell Harding
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F/J Women
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Aimee-Lyn Marshall
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F/J Men
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Shaun Miles
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Pictured: Matt Nation and Abbie Holmes the A grade title winners.
