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Cuskelly and Turnbull looking for more ANC glory

Published Wed 21 Jun 2023

It’s been more than two years since former World No.12 Ryan Cuskelly stepped away from professional squash, but the game will forever be a part of his life.

This week Cuskelly returns to the Australian National Championship which he last won in 2019, entering the tournament as the top seed.

Currently the head pro at Ox Ridge Racquet & Riding Club in Connecticut USA, Cuskelly’s competitive outings are limited to hardball doubles tournaments he plays with fellow NSW north coaster and Commonwealth Games teammate Cameron Pilley.

However opportunity knocked this week with a trip back to his home country coinciding with the ANC in Sydney and he’s looking to see how he fares against some of the nation’s rising stars.

“I’m actually trying to move out to Australia so the tournament actually fell on a perfect date that I could play, so I said ‘why not?’” said Cuskelly. “I’m also looking to help the next generation so it’s a great opportunity to see the talent from around the country.

“I’ve been training with a few of the players at Carrara over the last week so there is some decent talent with some of the young players coming through.

“I’m sure I’ll have my work cut out as I’m sure they would want to take out an old-timer like me!”

Rhys Dowling is seeded second in the men’s draw and will be aiming to go one-better than 2022 when he finished runner up to Rex Hedrick. The men’s field also includes World Cup team member Nick Calvert and World Junior Championships representative Oscar Curtis.

Along with Calvert, Jess Turnbull is also back from the World Cup in India and is seeded on top in the women’s draw.

The defending champion has been in strong form this year and will need to maintain that high standard of play if she is to overcome a women’s draw which includes fellow World Cup team member Alex Haydon, second seed Sarah Cardwell and World Junior Championships representatives Madison Lyon and Erin Classen.

The 2023 Australian National Championships get underway on Thursday afternoon at Thornleigh Squash Centre in Sydney, with the finals to be contested on Sunday afternoon.

Live streaming will be available at SquashAUS.TV.

Click here for draws and results.

Click here for the Australian National Championships Honour Roll.
 

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