Australian juniors raring to go for this weekend's Australian Junior Open

The 2022 Australian Junior Open is set to take place in Bendigo, Victoria this weekend (9-12 April) with more than 160 junior players from across Australia and abroad expected to take part.

The action-packed four-day event, taking place at Bendigo Squash Centre, will see the best juniors come together on a national scale for the first time since last year’s edition of the event.

With the World Junior Squash Championships set to take place from 9-20 August, the Australian Junior Open will be the only opportunity for players to showcase their skills and talent on the national stage ahead of the team selection.

Reigning Under 19 Girls champion Erin Classen of Western Australia said she is excited to get back to competing at a national level tournament once again.

“It has been nearly three years since everyone around Australia has competed against each other,” she said. “It will be great to see how much everyone has improved. 

“I am definitely looking forward to catching up with everyone again, watching entertaining matches, and ultimately winning the U19 Girls Open and the mixed doubles event with my twin brother Dylan. 

“That's what all my training has been about!” she added.

The 2021 Sport West Junior Sports Star of the Year will be one of the rising stars to watch in the U19 Girl’s division after taking the women’s open titles at both this year’s West Coast Open and Esperance Open. 

In the U19 men’s event, fellow West Australian and 2021 Australian Junior Open U19 Boy’s winner Oscar Curtis is back to defend his title, with Queensland’s Luke Eyles, set to challenge him as the second seed, returning to the Australian Junior Open after missing last year’s edition. 

Squash Australia National Lead, Competitions & Events Tamika Hunt said everyone is looking forward to the tournament. 

“We are certainly excited to see national junior competition returning after 12 months and have had a great number of entries for the event,” Hunt said. 

“There is plenty of excitement building with 160 players ready to descend on Bendigo Squash Centre from all states and territories as well as internationals from Malaysia.

“Everyone is looking forward to playing squash across the four days as well as catching up with friends they have not seen in a while and making new ones,” she added.

The Australian Junior Open will feature both individual and doubles competitions across Under 11 to Under 19 age groups.

For the full draw click here

Live streaming of the 2022 Australian Junior Open will be available at Cluch