Darwin primed to host finals of Australian National Championships

Day three of the Australian National Championships saw the U23 and Graded competitions take to the court for the first time.

At Darwin Squash Centre, the Open Men’s and Women’s also took to the court for the semi finals, with tomorrow’s National Championship playoffs decided.

It’s set to be a blockbuster finals day in the Open Men’s and Women’s competition, with the national championships title to be decided between Donna Lobban and Jess Turnbull in the women’s, and Rex Hedrick and Rhys Dowling in the men’s.

“Sarah and I have played against each other alot in the last two years, we train together all the time so it’s always going to be tough playing someone who’s game style you’re used to,” Turnbull said.

“I’m really happy to get through it, she’s obviously a very good player. She moved me around the court a lot so it was great to get through it.

“I don’t think I’ve ever played Donna before, it’s really nice to have her here and to be able to play her.

“She’s such a high calibre athlete, and just being able to have access to her and be on the court with her will be really good for my squash. 

“And obviously being in the finals of the Australian Open is awesome,” she said.

Hedrick said it was a tough match, but he was pleased to be able to get the win.

“It was a tough match, you are never going to be able to finish the ball quickly in conditions like this, not that I do anyway,” Hedrick joked.

“It was a hard fought win, and I’m really happy to be through to the final.

“Everytime I play him (Jo) he gets harder and harder. His resolve and willingness to dig in keeps improving.

“Today he made me work for it right up until the very end, which is a real positive for him and I’ve got to take these wins while I can because he’s catching up,” he said.

In the U23 competition, 18-year-old Sophie Fadaely remains unbeaten after the first day of competition, with hard fought wins over Jamie Schubert (3-0 | 11-3, 11-2, 11-6) and fellow World Juniors team member Hannah Slyth (3-0 | 11-1, 11-4, 11-7).

Fadaely, who also played in the Women’s Open quarter finals, said it was great to be back on court.

“I was feeling pretty strong today, playing well and I was happy to come away with two wins,” Fadaely said.

“I lost to Hannah in five a couple of weeks ago, so it was nice to be able to get the win against her today.

“I played Pascale a couple of weeks ago, and it was a close match so I think it’s too early to call our match.

“I’m really hoping to finish at the top of the competition tomorrow,” she said.

In the men’s U23 competition, both Nicholas Calvert and David Turner remain undefeated, with the pair set to meet tomorrow on the final day of competition.

Graded competition also got underway today, with athletes going head to head across seven divisions, and bragging rights up for grabs.

Jason van der Walt and Brad Freeme remain undefeated in the Men’s Premier Grade, after two good hit outs. The pair will meet on Sunday morning.

West Australian Clare Slyth is shaping up to be the one to beat in Women’s A Grade after two strong performances on day one.

15-year-old Henry Siviour was the stand out in the Men’s B Grade, with two good wins under his belt against Mitchell Northey and Brendon Johnson.

For full results here.

The action will return to Darwin Squash Centre tomorrow, for the finals of the Australian National Championships. Follow the action from the Australian National Championships via Cluch TV. Click here to find the live stream from Court 4.