Four up for squash, Australia, NZ out

 ONLY four of the expected nine teams are vying for squash medals in the Games.

Squash technical delegate Carol Kawaljenko confirmed this yesterday saying that out of the nine countries, Australia and New Zealand were not allowed to take part as they had more competitive players compared to the island nations.

“In squash, we cannot allow them to bring teams in because they are so strong and they usually take part in world challenges — compared to the other Pacific Island countries,” she said.

She said the other three expected entrants Samoa, Cook Islands and Norfolk Island, withdrew due to reasons of their own.  

That leaves only Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Fiji and Tahiti competing for the squash honours.

“The New Caledonian teams are the strongest in the Pacific and are the defending champions in both divisions (men’s, women’s). 

“Fiji is a great contender but as for us Papua New Guinea, we can be the best if only we try our best in all the events.

“PNG has a greater chance to make it to the final playoffs and snatch the grand final as they have Mark Foster as their coach.

“The Team PNG squash squad has trained really hard with Foster so they can have a chance of making it to the finals,” she said. 

The squash competition’s round 1 matches started on Monday with the team events in both the male and female categories and will enter the finals tomorrow. 

Singles, doubles and mixed events will start on Friday.