Squash community reunite for Queensland Open

It was a successful return to competition over the weekend with Bundaberg Squash Club hosting the Queensland Open.

The competition held from 5-7 November was one of the rare occasions in 2021 for the squash community to come together after two challenging years or event cancellations due to COVID.

The prestigious event saw Jess Turnbull take out the top prize in the women’s competition with a 3-0 win over Madison Lyon. While Josh Larkin bettered his training partner and National Team member Rhys Dowling 3-2 for the Men’s State title.

“It’s exciting to compete again and because I haven’t played a competitive match other than fixtures in six months it was nerve-wracking...felt like I was learning how to play squash again,” Turnbull said. 

While this year’s Open didn’t see the same large international participation compared with previous editions due to Australian border closures and interstate travel restrictions, it still offered the opportunity for players to get back to competitive squash ahead of a blockbuster 2022. 

For Larkin, who’s represented Australia internationally, the Open was another milestone in his return to professional squash after an injury spell. 

“I came back because I enjoy it [squash],” he said after his semi-final win on Saturday. “I like playing squash, I’ve done it for most of my life and I guess it’s where my heart is,” he added.

Whether or not fans can expect to see him back on the Circuit, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

“I do like a challenge and pushing myself to the limits.

“Coming back from my injuries had it’s been a tough road but I’ve sort of enjoyed it so for now just playing in some local tournaments giving it a bit of a crack and seeing how my body handles it,” he concluded.

The future also looks promising for 16-year-old Lyon after making the women’s final against Turnbull. In her semi-finals match, despite going down in the first game, she overcame Sarah Cardwell in a five-game thriller. 

“I think in the first game I was just a bit nervous to play Sarah than in the second game I built into it a bit more as you do in the match,” she said.

“I’ve played her once or twice, a couple of times in club practice but I always lose to her so this is a big thing for me.”

Check out the full list of winner’s below.

QUEENSLAND OPEN WINNERS

PSA Women’s State Champion - Jess Turnbull from Sandgate Squash Centre

PSA Men’s State Champion - Josh Larkin from Stafford Squash Centre

Premier State Champion - Brad Hindle from Daisy Hill Squash & Racquet Club

A Grade State Champion - Jim Mobbs from Bundaberg Squash Club

B Grade State Champion - Flynn Bartlett from Nerang Squash and Fitness

C Grade State Champion - Gary Smith from Redcliffe PCYC Scarborough Squash Club

D Grade State Champion - Pavel Chmelar from Carrara Squash Club