Lamb looking to carve up in Melbourne

Ken Lamb has been rising through the ranks of junior squash for a while now, and has made a name for himself particularly in his home state.

In the last three years, Ken has won the under 17 NSW state title twice and the under 19s last year. With one more year in the juniors, he is hoping he can make it four on the trot.

Formerly based at Willoughby Squash Club in Sydney, Ken moved to the Gold Coast earlier this year for university and has been training under Stewart Boswell at Carrara.

Coming off a season where he made the quarter finals of the Australian and Oceania Junior Championships (under 19), earlier this year Ken had the opportunity to play in what he describes as “the best event I’ve played in”, the British Junior Open.

“I was lucky enough to go over to England to play in the tournament in early January this year, and the standard of squash there, especially the finals on the last day, were on another level,” he said. “Quite inspirational to watch.”

Naming 2019-20 World Champion Tarek Momen as his favourite player - “I feel like we kind of have similar game styles, although I wish my backhand volley drop was as good as his” - 
Ken’s focus now is firmly set on next week’s tournament Melbourne, knowing a good result there could mean bigger things later this year.

“My preparations right now are focused on the upcoming Australian Junior Open,” said Ken. “I know that it will also act as a selection event for the World Junior Championships team, so I know I'll have to bring my best squash - everyone else will, too.

Having a taste of pulling on the green and gold already, Ken is keen to do so again and will be putting his best foot forward in Melbourne.

“I was fortunate enough to represent Australia in the Trans-Tasman event versus New Zealand last year in December,” said Ken. “I won both my matches and Australia claimed the trophy for the first time since 2014.

“It was just an amazing experience; the quality of squash - and also adrenaline and support - lifts noticeably and I think that's reflective of everyone, including me, acknowledging how special that opportunity is.

“To be able to have another go at representing Australia, this time on a world stage, is something that gets me really excited.”

The Australian Junior Open will take place at Melbourne Sports Centres on 22-24 April.