SA squash professional aims for national title boost in preparation for world circuit return
ALEXANDRA Fuller, South Africa’s world-class professional squash player, will make a rare local appearance as she targets a third national title.
Before the break enforced by the coronavirus pandemic, Fuller had been campaigning on the World Tour circuit. She is 35th on the rankings.
This weekend she will be in action on home turf in Cape Town where the regional qualifiers for the Growthpoint SA Nationals are taking place. The men’s and women’s winners will progress to the finals in Pretoria next week.
There are seven other regional qualifiers around the country this weekend. The regional qualifiers end on Sunday afternoon.
Over the last few months, Fuller has been keeping fit and has declared herself “match-ready” heading into the weekend’s action.
“I feel like I am match-ready,” Fuller said. “I have been putting in a lot of hours training and getting myself geared up, and I am excited to compete again.
“It is my first tournament back, like so many others competing in the Growthpoint Nationals. The nerves and excitement levels will be high, I am sure.
“My goal going into the regional nationals is to win so I get to play in Pretoria and fight for the SA title.
“There is always great pride in winning your national tournament and so it means a lot for me to go out there and do my best to win.”
After the nationals, Fuller will return to the world circuit from her base in the UK.
“I am currently in the process of organising and sorting a visa to get back to the UK to stay long term and to base myself from there,” Fuller said.
“The tour has resumed but due to international travel [restrictions] in and out of South Africa, I am unable to travel at this point.”
The finals at the Brooklyn Mall, Pretoria, from October 15 to 17, will feature the eight regional winners in the women’s and men’s categories.
The women’s champion, Cape Town-based Milnay Louw, has suffered a back injury and will not be defending the title.