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Natalie Grinham (winner) and Natalie Grainger (runner up)
Martin Knight (runner up) and Campbell Grayson (winner)
| Festival of Squash Sky TV Schedule |
| Date |
Time |
Channel |
| September 7 |
9.00pm |
Sky Sport 1 |
| September 8 |
2.30am |
Sky Sport 2 |
| September 8 |
7.30am |
Sky Sport 1 |
| September 8 |
3.00pm |
Sky Sport 2 |
| September 9 |
7.00pm |
Sky Sport 2 |
| September 13 |
3.00pm |
Sky Sport 2 |
A1 Homes New Zealand Squash Open has big future says Dame Susan
Four time world squash champion Dame Susan Devoy believes the successful revamped A1 Homes New Zealand Open can form a crucial part of the sport’s future in this country.
It is the first time in 16 years that the New Zealand Open has been staged with the $82,000 women’s event carrying gold star world tour status.
World No 3 Natalie Grinham gained her first gold star victory of the year with a straight-games win over top seed Natalie Grainger (USA) in a dominant display 11-9 11-5 11-8 in 28 minutes, while No 3 seed Campbell Grayson edged out his training partner Martin Knight in an all-kiwi final of the New Zealand Men’s Classic at Bayfair in Mt Maunganui.
Devoy said she was delighted to play a role in re-establishing the event which she won eight times in her illustrious career.
“The New Zealand Open was a really important part of my squash career. I spent most of the year travelling overseas and it was a great chance to play at home.
“The men’s and women’s tournament this week on the glass court here at Bayfair coupled with attracting the world’s best players down here is great for the profile of the game in this country. It shows out young players where they need to get to, and it’s been a real boost for the likes of Joelle King and Shelley Kitchen who have played so well this week.”
Grinham, the Australian-born, Netherlands-based player, finished a successful four-event tour with a superb display over Grainger, her eighth win from 17 head-to-head clashes with the South African-born American citizen.
The diminutive Grinham never let Grainger into the game, showing lots of deft touches at the front of the court and using her sublime speed around the court to good effect.
“At the beginning of the year I was quite sick to get back really fit and to win a gold star event is just great,” Grinham said.
“The plan was to move Natalie around today. She loves to dominate the centre of the court although she did put a few balls down today. I tried to keep it away from her volley. I was hitting my drops well again today and overall I am really happy with my game.
“All the girls are happy with this event. We have had a great week and been looked after so well. To come out and win is the icing on the cake for me.”
Grinham will bypass the British Open and return to the Netherlands to prepare for the world championships later in the year, where she hopes to come up against world No 1 Nicole David who beat her in two finals in Asia before New Zealand.
“I wish Nicole had come here actually. I want to keep having another go at her until I get her. It’s nice to win a tournament but I kind of wish she was here.”
Grainger, in her first tournament back since May, said she was unable to get into the match today.
“She just never let me into the match. I made some mistakes early and tried really hard but could not get going. I thought if I could get one game I might be able to put some pressure on,” Grainger said.
“She has come off three good tournament results and I am just coming back to the game. Natalie was really far too good for me today. I am disappointed obviously but pleased with my progress after a layoff.”
Both Grainger and Grinham said they plan to return next year to the A1 Homes New Zealand Open.
Earlier Grayson impressed with his effort in beating Knight 12-10 11-5 10-12 11-7 in a 79 minute battle.
It was a top performance from the 23 year old who had to dig deep after a five-game quarterfinal victory and four-game win over top seek Kashif Shuja in the semifinal.
“I felt really good at the start but as the match wore on it got tougher. He is such a good receiver and I missed match ball in the third, and felt really tired,” Grayson said.
“I just got through on adrenalin. I’ve worked so hard in the last four months on my fitness and got a second win and came through with the win.”
Grayson said the pair, who train together and will travel to Europe together tomorrow night , always have tough battles.
“We are good friends and we know eachother so well. But when you step on to the court you are another rival really. When you have played eachother so many times, it feels like normal now.”
He was thrilled with what he believes is his best career performance for the world no 57.
“This is the best tournament I have ever played in. I am so happy to win it. This tournament is just so amazing. The atmosphere here, the court, having your friends and family here is just so awesome.
“Martin and I are both travelling away for three months based in Cardiff. I am confident we can push our world rankings up. This is a good way to start. I am in good form and I am fit so it’s exciting.”
Results:
A1 Homes New Zealand Open final:
[2] Natalie Grinham (NED) beat [1] Natalie Grainger 11-9 11-5 11-8 (28 mins)
New Zealand Men’s Classic final:
[3] Campbell Grayson (NZL) beat [2] Martin K night 12-10 11-5 10-12 11-7 (79 mins)
The week long Festival of Squash includes three exciting events:
A1 Homes NZ Women’s Open
A Gold Star event on the WISPA International Women’s World Circuit.
The World’s best players will compete for New Zealand’s highest honour.
Click here for the Draw
NZ Men’s Classic
A One Star event on the PSA International Men’s World Circuit.
Watch New Zealand’s top male players take on internationally ranked players.
Click here for the Draw
Mt Maunganui Open
A Graded Championship event open to all squash players.
The event will be played at the Mt Maunganui, Te Puke, and Tauranga Squash Clubs.
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