Thame squash pro crowned Oxfordshire champ

THAME professional squash player, Will John, has won his first county championship title.

The competition was held for the first time in four years at Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame, over the weekend, April 17-19, with  participants coming from all over Oxfordshire to compete.

Racquets’ squash coach, Sue Martin Downhill said: “The tournament started in Friday night and after coming through the first rounds of the tournament the grand final approached on Sunday afternoon. It had been a fantastic weekend of squash from players young and old but this was the long awaited match.”

Speaking before Will’s final,  Simon Martin, the club’s manager and a coach alongside Will, said:  “We are so pleased to have Will, who started here aged just four, bidding to become Oxfordshire champion, now aged 22. It’s a real testament to what can be achieved when you nurture talent in a promising child who then goes on to apply themselves to the highest degree.”

Will went on to defeat Alastair Roberts in the grand final. “It wasn’t an easy task,” said Sue, “with Roberts taking the first game. It looked for a minute like the local favourite might be struggling with his opponents determination and fitness. However, the young pro did not yield and found another gear to his game to sail home clinching the match 3 games to 1.”

After the match, an elated Will said: “I’m really excited to have won my first senior county title. I have three or four titles from my junior days but when you step into the senior game it really is difficult to make the transition. But this is a real reward for the years of hard work.”

Many of the members and participants in the tournament were thrilled to see such a high level of squash. One lady said: “I can’t believe how good you guys are! It really is an inspiration to watch such a high level of squash being played here in Thame!”

Will has recently finished his professional squash tour around the world to join the Racquets team as the club pro, and along with Sue and Simon has been working within the local community and especially the schools, to spread their passion for the game of squash.

Sue added: “One teacher from a local school has noticed that after a few weeks into one of the clubs squash programs that certain children have shown increased in their attention span and improved behaviour in lessons. The club and the school are keen to explore this correlation.

“If you would like to take up the wonderful game of squash then please come and see us at your local rackets and fitness club in Thame, Racquets Fitness Centre, in North Street, Thame.

SOURCE: Contributed