Emma Millar from the Kapiti Club has won the NZ Under 17 Girls title at the NZ Junior Squash Championships in Palmerston North.

Other Wellington players to do well included, Keegan Burkhart, Jonathon Barnett, Rebecca Barnett, Eliza Sim & Scott Galloway.

Finals results as follows.

Auckland's Campbell Grayson and Waikato's Amanda Cranston have taken out the glamour under 19 titles at the New Zealand Junior Squash Championships in Palmerston North.

Second seeded Grayson had a tight battle with Bay of Plenty's Matiu Te Kani-McQueen in the boys final, eventually overcoming the fourth seed 9/7 9/3 7/9 10/8.

However, top seeded Cranston was more convincing in the girls final, defeating second seeded Amanda Landers-Murphy from Central 9/5 9/7 9/7.

But the most convincing victory of the day went to fast-rising star Abbie Palmer from Auckland, who beat Canterbury's Claire Cumming 9/1 9/1 9/2 in the under 13 girls final.

Full results...

Boys Under 19 Final

Alex Grayson (Auck) bt Matiu Te Kani-McQueen (BOP) 9/7 9/3 7/9 10/8

Boys Under 17 Final

Tate Matson (Nthlnd) bt Lance Beddoes (Auck) 9/2 3/9 9/6 9/3

Boys Under 15 Final

Todd Redman (Eastn) bt Jonathon Barnett (Wgtn) 9/1 9/5 9/6

Boys Under 13 Final

Jordan Le Comte bt Scott Galloway (Wgtn) 9/7 2/9 9/4 9/5

Boys Under 11 Final

Alex Revington (BOP) bt Rios McGhee-Moleta (Eastn) 9/4 9/5 9/5

Girls Under 19 Final

Amanda Cranston (Waikato) bt Amanda Landers-Murphy (Cent) 9/5 9/7 9/7

Girls Under 17 Final

Emma Millar (Wgtn) bt Megan Craig (Cant) 10/8 9/7 92

Girls Under 15 Final

Ashleigh Dunstan (BOP) bt Rebecca Barnett (Wgtn) 6/9 9/1 9/1 9/6

Girls Under 13 Final

Abbie Palmer (Auck) bt Claire Cumming (Cant) 9/1 9/1 9/2

Girls Under 11 Final

Camden Te Kani-McQueen (BOP) bt Anna Hughes (Auck) 9/2 7/9 9/3 5/9 9/0

The under 19 boy's title looks set to be hotly contested at this year's New Zealand Junior Squash Championships in Palmerston North.

(draws available from Monday - see link below)

With Wellington's Evan Williams unable to defend the title he won in 2007 due to turning 19 last week, the door has opened for his three teammates from July's Junior Men's World Championships in Switzerland.

Auckland's Alex Grayson and Cameron Jamieson, and Wellington's Keegan Burkhart all have the credentials to take out the under 19 crown, although they are not the only players with a realistic chance at winning. Bay of Plenty's Matiu Te Kani-McQueen is also capable of being in the mix, as is Auckland's Lui Syder, who was a late withdrawal from the world championship team due to injury.

In contrast, the under 19 girl's event looks likely to be a one horse race. Waikato's Amanda Cranston is the red hot favourite to retain the title she won in 2007. Central's Amanda Landers-Murphy is expected to be Cranston's stiffest opposition, while the Waikato pair of Alana Sincock and Kendyl Morris could also be in the mix.

The New Zealand Junior Squash Championships get underway at SquashGym in Palmerston North on Thursday October 2, with 250 juniors competing across the various age groups.

Previous winners of the glamour under 19 titles include Dame Susan Devoy, Shelley Kitchen and Ross Norman.

The Wellington Team is....

Boys:

Keeghan Burkhart, Collegians: Richard Pittams, Upper Hutt

Sean O’Connell, Waimea: Josh Wood, Waimea:

Ben Allan, Collegians:

Girls:

Emma Millar, Kapiti: Eliza Sim, Tawa:

Rebecca Barnett, Mitchell Park: Gemma Gee, Upper Hutt:

Leah Orr, Nelson:

Coach: Nick Mita. Manager: Christine Barnett.

We wish the Team every success.

The Draws will be available from Monday

Click Here….For Draws

Procrastination!!!!

Yesterday

Details about this great event are linked below....

Awards Information Poster

Click Here….For Awards Information Poster

Awards Reservation Form

Click Here….For Awards Reservation Form

Awards Nomination Form

Click Here….For Awards Nomination Form

Travel Alternatives

Click Here….For Other Travel Options

Get in now....Don't miss out

Wellington Teams have retained the National B Grade titles for Men & Women at the recently concluded Super Champ finals in Whangarei

Mitchell Park Men (Wellington) def Squash Palmerston North (Central) 3-1

Click Here….For the Mitchell Park report

Tawa Women (Wellington) def Panmure (Auckland) 2-2 (Tawa wins by 1 point on a countback)

The biggest celebration was reserved for the Tawa Squash Club in Wellington, with the club's B Grade women's team winning the title by the narrowest of margins over the Panmure team from Auckland.

The two sides drew the final two-all and were still all square after a countback of games won. In the end Tawa won by one point, in a countback of points won by the four players in each team.

The New Zealand Masters Games will be held in Wanganui, New Zealand in February 2009. The Squash event will be held at the Wanganui Squash Club over 4 days during the week of the Games from Thursday 5 February to Sunday 8 February (Doubles only on Sunday). This event is run in 5-year age groups starting at 35+. Each age range is also graded so players are in with opponents near to their own ability. Although the event caters for serious players the emphasis is on fun and we encourage beginners to give it a go as well. On the Friday of the Squash event there is a bar-b-q at the clubrooms.

The NZ Masters Games is renowned for its social activities with the Tent at the Games Headquarters providing a great venue for socialising. Entry to the social activities is included in the registration fee and there are normally two live bands performing every night during the week of the Games.

So if you want to experience something different and meet some new squash friends then come and enjoy the occasion. There are numerous other sports available if you want to give something else a go as well.

If you have any enquiries about the Squash event please E-Mail Ray Foster at ray.foster@eds.com

or go to the web site....http://www.nzmastersgames.com/

Under the Rules of the Squash Wellington Constitution.

Notice is hereby given that the 2008 Annual General Meeting of Squash Wellington Districts Inc,

will be held on Monday the 17th November at 7pm.

The venue is at the Mana Squash Club

All information can be obtained by clicking on link below.

For all enquiries please contact the Administration Manager

Diane Walker, Phone 04 233 9680

E-Mail - admin@squashwellington.org.nz

Click Here….For the AGM Agenda & Information

Click Here….For Board Nomination Form

Spring Inter Club will commence next Tuesday 16th & Wednesday 17th

For all the draws & information go to the Inter Club page

The Head World Masters Squash Championships

To be held in Christchurch next month will be one of the largest squash tournaments ever held with over 750 entrants taking part.

Seven hundred and fifty five players from 39 countries will compete in the eight-day event, which commences on October 19.

Barry Gardiner, chairman of the organising committee and himself a two-time world masters champion, said that the event will be bigger than Cape Town of two years ago and one of the biggest ever held in the world.

“Nearly half of the entries are from overseas which is amazing considering our isolated spot on the globe and the present tough world economic conditions. It indicates the pulling power New Zealand has as a tourist attraction and the good thing is that many of these visitors have indicated they will holiday in the country afterwards,” he said.

“We have strong support through all the grades, especially in the 45 – 49 and 50 – 54 age groups and even have 13 entered in the men’s over 75 age group which is incredible,” he said.

Gardiner was optimistic that Peter Snell would also play in the event as he is a keen racquetball player in the United States, but a knee injury while competing in the US Orienteering champs in Wyoming last month ruled him out of coming back ‘Downunder’.

The event will be held at six host clubs, Christchurch, Christchurch Football, Burnside, Squashways, Richmond and Sockburn. The New Zealand Masters Championships will be held immediately after the world event so that is another reason for our optimism.

http://www.worldmasterssquash.com

Further information: Barry Gardiner, ph 027-274-7834

Champion of Champions 2008

This prestigious District event was held at Squash@UpperHutt this weekend

The Winners of each Grade contested were....

Mens A Grade: Evan Williams - Tawa

Mens B Grade: Richard Pittams - Upper Hutt

Mens C Grade: Peter Becker - Upper Hutt

Mens E Grade: Matthew Beighton - Northern

Mens F Grade: Jordan Bailey - Northern

Womens B Grade: Nicola Durling - Mitchell Park

Womens C Grade: Jannah Wyeth - Masterton

Womens D Grade: Kandice Halbert - Thorndon

Womens E Grade: Monica Hardegger - Island Bay

Mens D & Womens F Winners will be advised later.

No contest for Womens A

Squash Wellington would like to thank all players & supporters for making this year's event such a great success

All Grade Winners will receive their Trophy at this Years Awards Dinner in Blenheim - Saturday November 15th

The Supreme Champion will also be announced at the Annual Awards Dinner.

Winner of the Development Award

Our thanks to Squash@UpperHutt for hosting this event

& TC Richard Pittams

Welcome to all Players, Coaches & Managers participating in this years National Super Champ C Grade Finals at Mitchell Park.

We hope you all enjoy yourselves during your time here

The Team Lists & Draws are linked below

Click Here….For C Grade Team Details

Click Here….C Grade For Draws

Christine & the Team at Mitchell Park

We make a living by what we get.

We make a life by what we give.

A top month for New Zealand's leading men's squash players in the latest world rankings.

Kiwi number one Kashif Shuja is back inside the world's top 40 players, climbing two places to number 39 on the September list, just one shy of his career best of 38 set in January this year. It is a timely boost for Shuja ahead of a trip to England next month, where he will line up amongst the world's best at the Hi-Tech World Open Championships in Manchester.

Fellow kiwi Campbell Grayson also has plenty to smile about after being one of the big movers on the September list. Grayson is at a career best number 77 this month, up 13 places on his August ranking.

Not to be outdone, kiwi number three Martin Knight is also on the improve, up two places to equal his career best ranking of 94.

Full rankings... http://www.psa-squash.com/

Greetings from 'Downunder'

With the World Opens of both genders being held together in Manchester UK, October this year as the World Squash Championships, the sport will have a wonderful opportunity to promote and showcase itself.

In support of the WSF, England Squash, the Women's & Men's Tours could I suggest that your organisation give the closest consideration to display the World Open logo on your website.

http://www.worldsquashchampionships2008.com/

With the 'Olympic opportunity' looming large for the sport, actions like these that display unity of purpose across the globe may help build the sport's case for inclusion.

We wish you all the best,

Kind regards,

Gary O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer, Squash Australia

Coaching Director – Squash New Zealand

Squash NZ is the national governing body for squash in New Zealand and is affiliated to the World Squash Federation. Squash NZ comprises 11 District Associations, 223 clubs and approximately 22,000 members. Squash NZ is looking for a Coaching Director who will write, and implement, the SNZ Coaching Strategy designed to support our coaches to maximise opportunities for furthering their education, experience and specific squash coaching knowledge at all levels of squash; with the goals of; 1. Developing exceptional coaches to produce exceptional performances. 2. Providing pathways/ opportunities for coaches outside elite/ high performance, in particular with community clubs and schools The Coaching Director needs to be a clear thinker who can demonstrate the ability to work under pressure. The successful candidate will have coaching and/ or coach development experience and knowledge, with squash coaching experience preferred. The Coaching Director is expected to have coached at a high level. We seek someone who can lead and plan in a consultative and collaborative manner, as maintaining credibility as well as productive and positive relationships is a key ingredient to the success of the role. Please refer to the job pack linked below for details on the position and how to apply. Applications close 22nd September.

Email the Chief Executive Mike Thompson directly on mike@squashnz.co.nz if you have any further questions.

Click Here….For Job Pack

Coach Development Manager, Nick Mita today announced the Junior Team for this years National Championships

The Junior Nationals are in Palmerston North from 2-8 October

The Team is....

Boys:

Keeghan Burkhart, Collegians: Richard Pittams, Upper Hutt

Sean O’Connell, Waimea: Josh Wood, Waimea:

Ben Allan, Collegians:

Girls:

Emma Millar, Kapiti: Eliza Sim, Tawa:

Rebecca Barnett, Mitchell Park: Gemma Gee, Upper Hutt:

Leah Orr, Nelson:

Coach: Nick Mita. Manager: Christine Barnett.

We wish the Team every success.

Shelley Kitchen's squash career has hit a new high.

The 28-year-old kiwi is up to number six in the latest world squash rankings, one better than her previous career-best of seven.

It is a welcome boost for Kitchen, as she prepares for the prestigious World Open in Manchester starting on October 12.

Fellow kiwi Jaclyn Hawkes is also on the improve, up one place to 18 on the September list, while Louise Crome is at number 23 on the world, slipping one place on her career best ranking of 22 set last month.

Rising star Joelle King has continued her steady progress up the rankings, up another three places to number 52 this month while Kylie Lindsay's equalled her career best of 68, up five places on the previous list.

Full rankings... http://www.wispa.net/

Greetings & welcome to the August issue of

The BACKHANDER, newsletter from Squash Wellington

There has been a bit happening around the District & a lot more exciting events are coming up.....

The August issue can be viewed by Clicking on link below

Click Here….For Issue # 8...August 08

Congratulations Janet Udy

Janet Udy of Marlborough has now become the 4th active National Referee in the Wellington Districts

And in Janets words.......

"I have appreciated the help I've been given by the other referees. They've all been very welcoming. I was pretty lucky to have achieved my final pass I refereed as you need 15 decisions. There were 14 decisions in the first game and only one in the rest of the match. So it only just counted as a valid match!"

Issue # 2

News Letter from Mike (The T) Thompson - CEO Squash NZ

Hi, Please find linked below the August issue on happenings at Squash NZ.

I hope you enjoy this and future reads.

Regards

Mike Thompson Chief Executive

Click Here….For Issue # 2

Team Wellington have come away from this years National Championships with a great record

In the individual honours Tamsyn Leevey finished in 3rd place in the Womens & Martin Knight was runner up in the Mens

In the teams event, Team Wellington Women retained their 3rd seeding winning against BOP 4/0

Tamsyn Leevey won 3/0, Liz Wilson won 3/0,

Katrina Palmer won 3/0 & Liz Day won 3/1

In the Mens event it was always going to be a battle, however Wellington prevailed to retain the title they won last year in Palmerston 3/0 against a very confident Auckland team. (the 4th tie was not required)

Evan Williams won 3/0, Shane Johnston won 3/0,

& Martin Knight had his second win over Campbell Grayson in as many days 3/2

The Team's were......

Men: Martin Knight, Evan Williams, Willie Bicknell, Shane Johnston, Keegan Burkhart, Mike Pittams.

Women: Tamsyn Leevey, Emma Millar, Liz Day, Katrina Palmer, Liz Wilson, Stephanie Smith.

Coach: Nick Mita, Manager: Mark Millar.

Congratulations Team Wellington & thank you to the Coach, Nick Mita & Manager, Mark Millar

Last years National Mens Team Champions

& this years as well.............

L to R: Martin Knight, Willie Bicknell, Shane Johnston, Evan Williams, Mike Pittams, Keegan Burkhart & Coach, Nick Mita

An impressive line-up will take to the courts at this week's New Zealand National Squash Championships at the Remuera Rackets Club in Auckland.

The draws are linked below

For regular updates & progress go to....http://www.squashsite.co.uk/nznats08.htm

Team Wellington head off tomorrow & we wish the every success

The Team is......

Men: Martin Knight, Evan Williams, Willie Bicknell, Shane Johnston, Keegan Burkhart, Mike Pittams, Mark Millar.

Women: Tamsyn Leevey, Emma Millar, Liz Day, Katrina Palmer, Liz Wilson, Stephanie Smith.

Coach: Nick Mita, Manager: Mark Millar.

In the Teams competition the Men are seeded # 1

and the Women are seeded # 3

CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR ALL THE DRAWS

Click Here….For Individual Draws

Click Here….For Mens Teams Draw

Click Here….For Womens Teams Draw

The mind is like a parachute.......

It doesn’t work unless it’s open.

Good news for New Zealand squash fans who missed out on seeing the International Festival of Squash in Mt Maunganui at the weekend.

SKY TV is to screen highlights of the event, which has been labelled a huge success by the organisers, players and spectators alike.

The mini tournament featured no fewer than six players ranked in the world's top 20, battling it out on an all class court in the heart of the BayFair Shopping Centre. New Zealand's world number seven Shelley Kitchen was the eventual winner of the women's event, while Malaysian world number 13 Mohd Azlan Iskander took out the men's.

SKY TV will screen a half hour highlights package on SKY Sport 1 on Monday August 25 at 8:30pm, and on SKY Sport 2 on August 26 at 7pm and August 27 at 6:30pm.

Results from the recently concluded Pelorus Trust Wellington Junior Open & Black Knight North Zone Series Finals, held at Island Bay Tennis & Squash Club

Wellington Junior Open

Boys A: Richard Pittams, Upper Hutt. R/Up: Josh Wood, Waimea

Girls A: Emma Millar, Kapiti. R/Up: Eliza Sim, Tawa

Boys B: Zac Millar, Kapiti. R/Up: Michael Hughes, Waimea

Girls B: Amy Seymour, Motueka. R/Up: Kate Walker, Mana

Boys C: Reece O'Connell, Waimea. R/Up: Nicholas Gadd, Mana

Girls C: Kadi-Eve Leggett, Tawa. R/Up: Ellen Verry, Tawa

Boys D: Jordan Bailey, Northern. R/Up: Myles Price-Moore, Mitchell Park

Boys E: Robert Humphrys, Thorndon. R/Up: Rhys Moen, Upper Hutt

Boys F: Bayley Leggett, Tawa. R/Up: Conor Meredith, Island Bay

The Black Knight North Zone Winners

1st, Richard Pittams, 2nd, Jason van der Walt, 3rd, Paris Dalrymple-Mortleman, 4th, Rebecca Barnett, 5th, Billy Fitzgerald, 6th, Nicholas Gadd, 7th, Jonathan Barnett, 8th, Jordan Bailey, 9th, Manan Acharya, 10th, Cameron Jamieson, 11th, Jessie-Rose Ward-Thomas, 12th, Christian Martin

Squash Wellington would like to thank all the Sponsors, the Team @ Island Bay & the Players for making these events a great success

To all Squash Players & Interested Parties in the Squash Wellington (North Island) District

Duncan McEwan our dedicated Inter Club Convenor of 10 years has decided to retire.

His valuable services will be sorely missed and we thank him sincerely.

The District is now seeking a capable person to take over this very important role of Inter Club Convenor (North Island).

A reasonable knowledge of IT is required, along with Internet access.

The processes are in place to support the requirements of this role.

Duncan is prepared to assist with the transition and familiarisation with this role

Duncan leaves for an Overseas trip on August 13th and as the conclusion of Winter Club is upon us and the start of Spring Inter Club not far away, we are urgently seeking “Expressions of Interest” from anybody prepared to take this role on.

Should you be able to commit to this role or know of someone who may be interested, I would appreciate you contacting me at any of the numbers listed below.

Kind regards, Dave Christie, SDM Squash Wellington

DDI: 04 236 0302

MBL: 0274 778 274

E-Mail: sdm@squashwellington.org.nz

Update # 6

Grayson get fair play award at World Champs

The New Zealand team hasn't arrived home empty handed from the recent Junior Men's World Squash Championships in Zurich, Switzerland.

Kiwi number three Alex Grayson has stepped off the plane with a trophy under his arm, after being named as the recipient of the fair play award.

Grayson was announced as the winner at the presentation ceremony, following Pakistan's crowning as the 2008 World Champions. The Auckland teen was presented with his trophy by former world top 20 ranked Australian John Williams, who is now the Swiss National coach.

Grayson says he is thrilled with being selected for the award, with more than 150 players were involved in the tournament. "The world championships were a fantastic experience with great people and awesome squash, and winning the fair play award is icing on the cake".

Update # 5

New Zealand ends world champs on winning note

An 11th place finish for New Zealand at the Junior Men's World Championships in Zurich, Switzerland.

The ninth seeded kiwis have beaten 8th seed Hong Kong 2-1 in the 11th place playoff.

The pressure was on New Zealand after the opening match of the playoff, with kiwi number one Evan Williams going down in straight games to Chun Ming Leo Au.

However, Alex Grayson levelled the scores at 1-all, with a commanding 9/1 9/3 9/6 victory over Ji Yang Fung.

Keegan Burkhart and Kai Chi Nelson Chan then squared off to decide the tie, with Burkhart claiming the spoils for New Zealand, with a hard-fought 10/8 7/9 9/6 9/5 victory in 55 minutes.

Results 11th place playoff 9. New Zealand def 8. Hong Kong. Evan Williams lost to Chun Ming Leo Au 2/9 2/9 4/9 Alex Grayson def Ji Yang Fung 9/1 9/3 9/6 Keegan Burkhart def Kai Chi Nelson Chan 10/8 7/9 9/6 9/5

Update # 4

Mixed day for New Zealand at World Champs

A win and a loss for New Zealand at the Junior Men's World Squash Championships in Zurich, Switzerland.

The ninth seed kiwis missed out on a spot in the quarterfinals of the event, after suffering a 2-1 loss to 10th seeded Canada in the first round of the knockout draw. However, they bounced back to crush Kuwait 3/0 in the playoff for 9th-16th.

Kiwi number one Evan Williams suffered his second defeat of the teams event in the loss to Canada, going down 3/1 to Kelly Shannon.

That meant Alex Grayson had to win to keep the tie alive and he looked on target to do that after taking out the first two games against Nicholas Sachvie. However, the Canadian fought back gamely to win the match 9/4 in the fifth, giving his side an unassailable 2/0 lead.

Cameron Jamieson then won the dead rubber for New Zealand, beating Andrew Schnell 2/1.

The New Zealand team quickly shook off the disappointment of defeat to beat Kuwait 3/0 in the 9th-16th playoffs.

Williams bounced back from his earlier loss to crush Mohammad A. Al-Tawari 3/0 while Keegan Burkart won a five game thriller against Shamlan A. H. Ali, winning 9/6 in the deciding fifth game of a two hour battle.

Cameron Jamieson then sealed the 3/0 win with a 2/0 victory over Nasser Kh. Al-Rashid.

New Zealand will take on USA for a spot in the 9th-10th place playoff.

Results 1st-16th Playoffs 9. New Zealand lost to 10. Canada 1/2 Evan Williams lost to Kelly Shannon 9-10 9-5 6-9 6-9 Alex Grayson lost to Nicholas Sachvie 9-2 10-8 5-9 2-9 4-9 Cameron Jamieson def Andrew Schnell 9-5 6-9 9-5

9th-16th Playoffs 9. New Zealand def 15. Kuwait 3/0 Evan Williams def Mohammad A. Al-Tawari 9/2 9/4 9/1 Keegan Burkhart def Shamlan A. H. Ali 8/10 5/9 9/1 9/6 9/6 Cameron Jamieson def Nasser Kh. Al-Rashid 9/5 9/3

Update # 3

A perfect record for New Zealand in pool play at the Junior Men's World Squash Championships in Zurich, Switzerland.

The ninth seeded kiwis have upset eighth seed Hong Kong 2/1 in the final round of pool play in the teams event, to finish with three wins from three in Group H.

They will now face 11th seeded Canada in the first round of the top 16 knockout phase.

Cameron Jamieson got the kiwi team off to a winning start against Hong Kong, outlasting Ji Yang Fung 9/5 1/9 9/4 6/9 5/2, with the Hong Kong player forced to retire with cramp after 113 minutes on court.

However, Chun Ming Leo Au levelled the tie for the Asian side, handing kiwi number one Evan Williams his first defeat of the teams event, with a 9/3 10/9 9/5 victory in 50 minutes.

That left Alex Grayson the task of winning the tie for New Zealand, which he duly achieved with a 9/3 9/3 9/4 victory over Kai Chi Nelson Chan in the battle of the number threes.

Result... Cameron Jamieson def Ji Yang Fung 9/5 1/9 9/4 6/9 5/2 - retired injured (113 mins) Evan Williams lost to Chun Ming Leo Au 3/9 9/10 5/9 (50 mins) Alex Grayson def Kai Chi Nelson Chan 9/3 9/3 9/4 (39 mins)

New Zealand wins its pool in Zurich

Update # 2

New Zealand has won it's second tie at World Champs

Another one-sided win for the New Zealand team in pool play at the Junior Men's World Squash Championships in Zurich, Switzerland.

The ninth seeded kiwis have thrashed 25/31 seed China 3/0, dropping just nine points in the three matches of the tie.

New Zealand number one Evan Williams was again in superb form, thrashing Chinese number one Xiaomin Meng 9/2 9/3 9/1, while Alex Grayson thumped Jun Jie Wang 9/2 9/0 9/0.

However, the most impressive effort went to kiwi number three Keegan Burkhart, who crushed Jia Qi Shen 9/0 9/1 9/0 in just 12 minutes!

New Zealand will now face eighth seeded Hong Kong to decide the winner of Group H. Hong Kong also won its second tie comfortably, thrashing 17/24 seed Switzerland 3/0.

The top to from the group go through to the knockout round of 16.

Results Group H 9. New Zealand def 25/32 China 3/0 Evan Williams def Xiaomin Meng 9/2 9/3 9/1 (15 mins) Alex Grayson def Jun Jie Wang 9/2 9/0 9/0 (15 mins) Keegan Burkhart def Jia Qi Shen 9/0 9/1 9/0 (12 mins)

8. Hong Kong def 17/24 Switzerland 3/0

Update # 1

New Zealand has made a winning start to the teams event at the Junior Men's World Squash Championships in Zurich, Switzerland.

The ninth seeded kiwis have swept 17/24 seed Sweden aside 3/0, with all three matches won in straight games.

New Zealand number one Evan Williams was in impressive form, crushing Johan Detter 9/2 9/0 9/3, while Alex Grayson was also too good for Truls Olterman, strolling to a 9/5 9/1 9/1 victory. Keegan Burkhart made it a clean sweep for New Zealand with a 9/5 10/8 9/4 win over Alex Christensson.

New Zealand will play 25/31 seed China in the second round of Pool H, before squaring off against 8th seeded Hong Kong in what should be the Pool decider.

The top two from each pool go through to the top 16 knock-out phase.

Results Pool H 9. New Zealand def 17/24 Sweden 3/0 Evan Williams def Johan Detter 9/2 9/0 9/3 Alex Grayson def Truls Olterman 9/5 9/1 9/1 Keegan Burkhart def Alex Christensson 9/5 10/8 9/4

8. Hong Kong def 23/31 China 3/0

New Zealand's top players are making their presence felt at the Clare Valley Australian Open Squash Championships in Clare, South Australia.

Update # 3

Shuja goes down fighting in South Australia

Shuja, the world number 41, pushed Palmer hard and played some stunning squash in the final, surprising his higher ranked opponent with some of his shot making. "He's a talented player - he's number 40 in the world and after this he'll probably go to number 30, so he can play," Palmer said. "But I thought I was on top for most of it. He had me running around a bit, but that's part of he game. When my attacking shots aren't working I can rely on my retrieving ability."

Shuja was left ruing his lack of self-belief on important points. "I'm happy with the way I played today - it was a much better game than the last time I played him," Shuja said. "He absolutely dominated me the last time we played. "Obviously because of who he is and the way he plays he has a presence about him and I think I doubted myself at the end of each game and that made a huge difference."

Result 1. David Palmer (AUS) def 3. Kashif Shuja (NZL) 11/7 14/12 11/8.

Update # 2

A stunning exhibition of squash from New Zealand's top two men's players at the Clare Valley Australian Open in Clare, South Australia.

Kashif Shuja and Campbell Grayson have gone toe to toe in a five game thriller, with Shuja eventually winning through to the final 11/9 9/11 7/11 11/5 11/6.

The two kiwis left the court to a standing ovation after a see-sawing match which ended when Grayson, who was on court for 78 minutes in the quarterfinals yesterday, ran out of steam in the fifth game.

Shuja will play Australian top seed David Palmer in the title decider tomorrow. Palmer, the world number five, will start as the red-hot favourite to win his national title for the first time.

Shuja is thrilled to be in the final, saying he always knew he was in for tough semi-final against Grayson, who had accounted for the sixth and second seeds in the previous two rounds. "I train with Campbell every day and I've played some really tough matches against him in the past," he said. "We know each other's game so well it makes it extra hard."

The 29-year-old says he is looking forward to playing Palmer. "What a great opportunity - playing David Palmer in the final of the Australian Open," he said.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's Jaclyn Hawkes and Joelle King have both missed out on a spot in the women's final.

Second seeded Hawkes has been upset in straight games by seventh seed Annie Au from Hong Kong, going down 11/9 12/10 11/5. King, the eighth seed also went down in three, beaten 11/6 11/9 11/1 by Australian top seed Kasey Brown.

Results...

Men's semi-finals 1. David Palmer (AUS) def Robbie Temple (ENG) 11/4 11/6 11/4 (29 mins) 3. Kashif Shuja (NZL) def Q. Campbell Grayson (NZL) 11/9 9/11 7/11 11/5 11/6 (61 mins)

Women's semi-finals 1. Kasey Brown (AUS) def 8. Joelle King (NZL) 11/6 11/9 11/1 (28 mins) 7. Annie Au (HKG) def 2. Jaclyn Hawkes (NZL) 11/9 12/10 11/5 (28 mins)

Update # 1

Campbell Grayson has continued his giant killing run in the men's draw, grabbing a spot in the semi-finals at the expense of second seeded Englishman Chris Ryder. The 22-year-old Aucklander downed the world number 38 in a marathon five game battle, winning 14/12 11/6 5/11 8/11 11/9, immediately describing the victory as the most important of his career.

Grayson said he played some of his best squash during the match. "The first game was really tight, but the second was probably the best game I have ever played," the kiwi number two said. "I think I put so much effort into the first two games I got a bit tired in the third and lost momentum heading into the fourth. "In the fifth I just wanted to win so badly, and I got my length right and started to create more opportunities."

The world number 90 will face fellow kiwi Kashif Shuja in the semi-finals. The third seed advanced after bouncing back from a game down to beat fifth seeded Australian Scott Arnold 5/11 11/5 11/7 11/7. Shuja said he realised after the first game he needed to put some more pace on the ball and keep it low against the taller Australian. "He was volleying so well in the first - he had really good ball control on his backhand volleys so I knew I had to keep it low so he couldn't volley it," Shuja said.

In the women's draw, Waikato teenager Joelle King has also staged an upset, knocking fourth seeded Christina Mak from Hong Kong out of the tournament. The sixth seeded kiwi claimed a spot in the semi-finals with a 5/11 11/6 11/5 1/7 victory in 34 minutes. King said her nerves almost got the better of her on court. "I played Christine a couple of months ago in a tournament in New Zealand and I lost so I was pretty nervous," the 19-year-old said. "I don't think I stopped feeling nervous until the fourth game. "I knew if I won here I would be in the semi-finals, so it was a huge motivation for me to do well."

King will play top seed Kasey Brown in the semi-finals, after the Australian celebrated her 23rd birthday in style with a tough 11/7 11/8 11/6 win over fellow Aussie Amelia Pittock.

Meanwhile, second seeded kiwi Jaclyn Hawkes continues to look ominous, cruising into the semi-finals with an 11/5 11/6 11/2 demolition of Australian sixth seed Lisa Camilleri. However, Hawkes is playing down the ease of her victory. "It wasn't as easy as it looked, the rallies were quite hard," Hawkes said. "Even though I won most of the points, I had to work really hard to do so." The world number 19 will play Hong Kong's Annie Au in the last four. The 19-year-old seventh seed is through to the semi after an 11/5 6/11 11/6 11/3 upset of third seeded Australian Donna Urquhart.

Results...

Men's quarterfinals 1. David Palmer (AUS) def 8. Khawaja Adil Maqbool (PAK) 11/9 11/4 11/8 (23 mins) Robbie Temple (ENG) def 4. Aaron Frankcomb (AUS) 11/8 11/6 11/8 (52 mins) 3. Kashif Shuja (NZL) def 5. Scott Arnold (AUS) 5/11 11/5 11/7 11/7 (45 mins) Q. Campbell Grayson (NZL) def 2. Chris Ryder (ENG) 14/12 11/6 5/11 8/11 11/9

Women's quarterfinals 1. Kasey Brown (AUS) def 5. Amelia Pittock (AUS) 11/7 11/8 11/6 (41 mins) 8. Joelle King (NZL) def 4. Christina Mak (HKG) 5/11 11/6 11/5 11/7 (34 mins) 7. Annie Au (HKG) def 3. Donna Urquhart (AUS) 11/5 6/11 11/6 11/3 (30 mins) 2. Jaclyn Hawkes (NZL) def 6. Lisa Camilleri (AUS) 11/5 11/6 11/2 (18 mins)

Efficiency is intelligent laziness.

Update # 3 Alex Grayson has joined his New Zealand teammates on the sidelines at the Junior Men's World Squash Championships in Zurich, Switzerland.

Grayson has suffered his second defeat of the tournament, going down 9/1 9/2 5/9 9/5 to Canada's Nicholas Sachvie in the quarterfinals of the plate. He also lost to top seed Aamir Atlas Khan from Pakistan in the third round of the main draw. Khan is now through to the final.

The New Zealand team will now focus their attention on the teams event, which gets underway tomorrow night (NZT).

Update # 2

New Zealand's title challenge has come to an end in the individual event at the Junior Men's World Squash Championships in Zurich, Switzerland.

Evan Williams and Keegan Burkhart have both bowed out in the fifth round overnight, to miss out on a spot in the last 16.

Williams, the kiwi number one, put up a good fight against Pakistani 5/8 seed Waqar Mahboob, but was ultimately beaten 9/6 9/5 10/9.

Burkhart was also beaten in straight games, going down 9/0 9/4 9/2 to English 5/8 seed Adrian Waller.

However, there has been some success for the New Zealand players who were knocked out of the main draw earlier in the tournament.

Cameron Jamieson has bounced back from his fourth round exit to win his opening match in the Classic Plate, downing England's Oliver Holland 9/4 9/2 9/7.

Teammate Alex Grayson has also shaken off his third round loss to the top seed, winning his second straight match in the plate section, with a 9/2 9/5 9/2 victory over Sweden's Gustav Runersjo.

Results (New Zealand players only)

Fifth round 5/8 Waqar Mehboob (PAK) def 17/32 Evan Williams (NZL) 9/6 9/5 10/9 5/8 Adrian Waller (ENG) def Keegan Burkhart (NZL) 9/0 9/4 9/2

Classic Plate 17/32 Cameron Jamieson (NZL) def Oliver Holland (ENG) 9/4 9/2 9/7

Plate Alex Grayson (NZL) def Gustav Runersjo (SWE) 9/2 9/5 9/2

Update # 1

A good first day for two of the New Zealand team at the Junior Men's World Squash Championships in Zurich, Switzerland.

Kiwi number one Evan Williams and fellow Wellingtonian Keegan Burkhart are safely through to the last 32, after picking up two wins apiece overnight.

Williams has cruised through his first two rounds, thrashing Canada's Arjun Gupta 9/0 9/6 9/0, before strolling to a 9/3 9/4 9/2 victory over South African Wian Louwrens. The 17/32 seed will taken on Pakistan's 5/8 seed Waqar Mehboob for a place in the last 16 tonight.

Burkhart had to work much harder to upset Welsh 17/32 seed Hywel Robinson in five, but was then too good for India's Mahesh Mangaonkar, winning 10/8 9/4 9/6. He will meet English 5/8 seed Adrian Waller tonight.

Meanwhile, New Zealand number two Cameron Jamieson won his opening clash against Finland's Mikael Siren in straight games, but was then beaten in three by France's Petrucci Antoine Camille.

The fourth team member, Alex Grayson had the worst possible draw, facing top seed Aamir Atlas Khan from Pakistan first up. Grayson was no match for the world number 23, going down 9/3 9/0 9/0. However, the young Aucklander bounced back to beat Spain's Hugo Varela Campo 9/2 2/9 9/4 9/1 in the first round of the plate.

Results (New Zealand players only - all had byes in opening two rounds)

Third round

1. Aamir Atlas Khan (PAK) def Alex Grayson (NZL) 9/3 9/0 9/0 17/32. Evan Williams (NZL) def Arjun Gupta (CAN) 9/0 9/6 9/0 Keegan Burkhart (NZL) def 17/32. Hywel Robinson (WAL) 9/1 9/7 3/9 2/9 9/5 17/32. Cameron Jamieson (NZL) def Mikael Siren (FIN) 9/6 9/6 9/0

Fourth Round 17/32. Evan Williams (NZL) def Wian Louwrens (RSA) 9/3 9/4 9/2 Keegan Burkhart (NZL) def Mahesh Mangaonkar (IND) 10/8 9/4 9/6 Petrucci Antoine Camille (FRA) def 17/32. Cameron Jamieson (NZL) 9/6 9/2 9/4