Squash players come south

Squash players from all over the world will be in Invercargill next week for the Southern Open.

The open is a men’s competition and part of the Professional Squash Association’s international tour. Squash City is in its fourth year hosting PSA events.

Palmerston North is the only other New Zealand city holding a PSA event this year. The Palmerston North final is tomorrow and then some players will travel to Invercargill for the start of competition on Thursday.

Squash City officials are grateful to the Invercargill Licensing Trust and Community Trust of Southland for their financial support.

‘‘Without their help we wouldn’t be able to hold it [PSA event],’’ Squash City president Grant Smail said.

Prizemoney for the open totals US$15,000 (NZ$20,800), compared to the US$10,000 on offer at Palmerston North.

Rising Southland star Mitchell Kempton will attempt to gain entry into the open by competing in qualifying rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Last year’s winner, Paul Coll, is not returning. He is 12th in the PSA world rankings and plays in tournaments throughout the world.

Rex Hedrick, who is seeded second for next week’s open, will be playing in his third Invercargill PSA event. Malaysian Ivan Yuen is top seed.