Racquets hosts British #1 Squash Champion exhibition

EXCITING results from Racquets Graded Tournaments and excitement at playing British Closed Champion

Over last weekend 50 people played in the Racquets June Open Graded Tournament and enjoyed watching the British Closed squash champion exhibit how the game is played professionally in a social but competitive game with local professional Will John.

Our tournament, designed to allow everyone – of all standards and all ages – to play and enjoy the great games of squash and racketball, saw top county players playing alongside juniors and ladies who have only been playing the game for weeks and months.

The ladies grade was won by a relative new comer to the game, Alice Draycott from London, who had to borrow a racket for each game.  The junior beginners tournament was competed for by 5 boys and girls who have been playing only since the beginning of the year.  Chris Watts, from Barley Hill Primary School, won the grade which was played in true competitive but clean sporting fun.

Other grades, including a racketball doubles tournament, were entered by players ranging in experience from a few years of playing right up to those who’ve been playing for over 30 years !  One of two were back from a break from the game as the buzz of the club this year has been inspiring them to start playing again.  Beth John who has been playing squash at Racquets for 15 years won the Racketball doubles with Ossie Mustafa who is recovering from a back injury with help from the Racquets gym staff.

The winners of the tournaments walked away with some neat prizes sponsored by Meritus Hotels and a sense of achievement as many have played few, if any, tournaments before.

Alison Waters played 10 of the tournament entrants each including juniors who’ve been playing for a few months and Peter and Annabel, pictured here, were so excited to have the chance to play such a top professional player.

Alison Waters appears to have enjoyed visiting our Thame club as she tweeted ‘@Simonracquets great night @Racquetsfitness playing exhibition with @WillROJohn. Great club and people! Hope to be back…’ from @AliWat1.