The Bermuda Squash Racquets Association announced that entries for the 2017 DIGICEL Bermuda National Squash Championships are now open.
This year’s Championships will provide two major opportunities for players. Participants can qualify for the Bermuda Team which will compete in the Caribbean Squash Championships and the 2018 Commonwealth Games to be held on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Over 100 participants are expected to take part in Bermuda’s National Squash Championship to be held March 12-17. The events categories include Men and Women's Open, Men over 45 and Women over 40.
Current World #154 and defending Men’s Champion Micah Franklin confirmed his participation in the tournament. The Bermuda based PSA World Tour player is looking to retain his title and use the valuable World ranking points available to break into the world top 150 players.
Franklin is up against tough opposition in the form of 2016 finalist and fellow PSA World Tour player Noah Browne, currently ranked WR#223. Both these young Bermudians will have to battle through a tough field including former Champion Patrick Foster, former World Tour player Kristen Johnson and BSRA Club Champion Robbie Maycock.
Franklin who just returned from a pro event in Calgary spoke about the upcoming championships, “It’s going to be a tough task for sure. Every year see’s all the players improving and working hard to win this. With the added incentive of qualification for the Caribbean’s and the 2018 Commonwealth Games at stake this is going to be a high pressure event”
The Ladies Championships will see BSRA Club Champion Rachel Barnes looking to retain her title. Barnes took the two biggest titles in Bermuda Squash in 2016 by winning back to back Club and National title in her best year yet. With Susie Lacey, Sarah Nicholson, Emma Keane and a host of others vying for the title she will need to produce her best squash to maintain her amazing run.
Running alongside the Men’s and Ladies Championships are the Veterans events for Men’s Over 45 age category and Ladies over 40. These events always draw a large entry and often provide some of the toughest most competitive matches!
The event will be sponsored once again by Digicel who’s Sales Director Shane McDonnell commented, “Digicel has been supporting squash in Bermuda for 10 years and has been key corporate sponsor to Micah Franklin. We are happy to have been part of the growth of the sport, and we are thrilled to see the success of the young players and the benefits that squash offers the local community. We wish all the players the best of luck”
Entries for the Championships close on March 3 and should be emailed to patrickf@bermudasquash.com
For details on draws and schedules for the event and any information on squash in Bermuda visit www.bermudasquash.com or call 292-6881
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