Please note: this is an old article
It was published in August 2017, so the information may be out-of-date.
Squash and Racquetball Victoria, the peak body for squash and racquetball in Victoria, is again partnering with the Greater Shepparton City Council and the Goulburn Valley Squash Club to present the 2017 Shepparton International Squash Championship.
This year’s event is the first of a new three year deal between the two organisations keeping the event in Shepparton until at least 2019 and it is hoped to add a women’s competition to the 2018 event.
To be held at the Shepparton squash courts in Archer Street from August 23-27, the PSA M5 event features a highly competitive field boasting players from 13 different countries.
The list of contenders for the title are set to be headed by top seed, Australian Joshua Larkin. Larkin has a world ranking of 79 and has been competing on the PSA tour for five years. He was a semi-finalist at the recent 2017 Victorian Open.
Second seed is Kiwi Evan Williams, winner of last year’s Bendigo Open and a regular visitor to Victorian events. Williams is ranked 87 internationally and finished runner up to Larkin at the Gibson O'Connor North Shore Open in May.
Along with the top grade professional competition, there will be a number of graded events - open to players of all abilities - on the Saturday and Sunday, providing an opportunity for local players to shine.
Greater Shepparton Deputy Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe was pleased to welcome all participants, family and support teams to Shepparton.
“It’s fantastic to be hosting another world class event in Greater Shepparton and I hope all visitors enjoy their time here,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“This partnership continues to strengthen our reputation as the sporting event capital keeping the local economy strong and businesses busy.”
The Shepparton International main draw will commence on the evening of 24 August. There will be two rounds of play on August 25 from 12noon and from 6.00pm. Semi-finals will be played on Saturday 26 and the final at 3.45pm on Sunday 27 August. Qualification matches will be held on Wednesday 23 August from 6.00pm. Entry is free and spectators are welcome!
For more information on the 2017 Shepparton International Squash Championship, head to www.squashvic.com.au.