Finitsis in fine fettle ahead of Cairns cameo
INNISFAIL’S Steve Finitsis will carry the hopes of Far North Queensland when he reluctantly dusts off his racquet to take on some of the world’s best at the Cairns Squash International in Westcourt today.
But the retired professional, who represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, said a comeback is the furthest thing from his mind after spending much of the last two years coaching the region’s best juniors.
“There’s no desire whatsoever,” Finitsis said of a full-time return to the pro circuit. “Someone asked me the question the first time I played here if I’d be interested in doing that.
“My focus now is coaching the Cairns juniors and passing on what I’ve learned.
“The boys I’ll be up against train and play at such a high level consistently and for me I’m not in that zone on a regular basis.”
In a strange coincidence, Finitsis’ first round opponent will be the same player he played last year in fellow Aussie Lachlan Coxsedge.
“I played him last year and beat him and he stayed with me at my place,” he said. “And this year he’s staying with me again, so that’ll be interesting.”
While talking down his chances of winning in Cairns this week, the squash coach said taking out the tournament would be a fitting bookend to his career.
“Having lived here for two years and formed bonds with the junior players and locals it’d make it really special to win,” Finitsis said. “The last few years they’ve really gotten behind me too.
“But it’s getting harder every year. The opponents get younger and I keep getting older.
“It’ll come down to how well I play in the early rounds that will determine if I’m a chance. You can’t look too far ahead.”
Organiser Marc Forster said the wily veteran still had a chance to upstage his younger rivals.
“Yeah, I believe Steve has a very good chance,” Forster said.
“He’s got the experience and he’s got nothing riding on this.
“Steve doesn’t get nervous in the big moments, whereas the other players might. There’s nothing riding on these matches for him.
“The draw is slightly easier this year because he won’t have to play two qualifiers as in previous years, either.”
While conceding world No.95 Williams was the man to beat, Forster nominated Endo as his “dark horse” having just won the Queensland Open in Carrara earlier this week.
“He’s a really interesting guy,” Forster said.
“He did a degree at Rochester University in chemical engineering in the United States and played college squash.
“He and Evan will definitely be tough to beat.”
Finitsis, who achieved a career-high ranking of World No.45, said the secret to winning in Cairns was getting through the opening games quickly.
“It’s all about trying to get off the court as fast as you can, especially in hot and humid conditions like up here,” he said.
Matches start at Cairns Sportsworld Fitness Centre from 2pm. Entry is free.