Moresby Racquets Club hosts Open C’ships

THE Port Moresby Racquets Club successfully completed the 2019 Open Championships earlier this month.
Players from across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific competed across 26 events, playing in excess of 300 matches.
Overseas competitors travelled from New Zealand and Australia to challenge some of the best players in PNG, including six representatives from the Pacific Games team.
The Open is a big tournament with competitors allowed to compete in squash and tennis.
Club president Tim Kriebisch said in a statement that he was proud of the organisers who had managed to bring both sports together and provide a great family atmosphere to not only the tournament but the club.
Tim said one of the greatest achievements was the participation of the juniors in this year’s tournament, and that he was looking forward to the time when they would be the ones competing in the finals.
In the squash men’s division, David Turner, previously the top junior player in Australia, played PNG No.1 Madako Suari Jnr in a five-set match.
Turner said the quality of the match was high and that he was made to work for every point.
He was also impressed with the country’s upcoming talent, and encouraged them to keep training and gain exposure at international tournaments.
Josh Porter, from Cairns, Australia, also made the trip and was successful in taking out the boy’s Under-18 title.
In tennis, the men’s title was taken out by Kriebisch who defeated Eddie Mera. Vera Apisah took out the women’s final with a win over Omega Ivuyo.
This year’s tournament saw players aged between seven and 70 years play in great spirits.
The club are encouraging the public to visit the them in Boroko and experience the great facilities and family atmosphere.
“Juniors are encouraged to participate in the club’s Saturday clinics in tennis or squash for a minimal fee,” the statement said.