Whitchurch makes squash squad

Youngster Christopher Whitchurch, pictured, has been named in the squash train-on squad for Team Papua New Guinea ahead of next year’s Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.
Sixteen-year-old Whitchurch proved himself an aspiring athlete when he ousted his opponent Do Linus Jr 3-0 in the U19 boys’ final at the PNG Squash Open which ended on Sunday in Port Moresby.
Whitchurch outplayed Tyrone Pople in the U18 final at the Mt Hagen Squash Open in September and was the runner-up in his division at the Lae Squash Open.
Before the PNG Squash Open, Whitchurch had already set his sights on making the train-on squad.
According to the Port Moresby Racquets Club, Whitchurch and Amity Alarcos are looking to make the final cut.
Whitchurch hopes to attend the Singapore Squash Junior Open this month.
“It is great to see that we have athletes from around the country and overseas making the squad for the men’s and women’s teams,” a PNG Squash Federation statement said.
“It is worth noting that it is also made up of veterans who have represented the country in previous games, and also young players, including our U19 boys champion Chris Whitchurch.
“This is great for the future of PNG squash.”
Train-on squad: Men – Madako Suari Jr (Pom), Michael Rucklinger (Mt Hagen), Lokes Brooksbank (Cairns), Chris Whitchurch (Pom), Schubert Maketu (Pom), Moreaina Wei (Lae); Women – Lynette Vai (Melbourne), Nicole Gibbs (Mt. Hagen), Eli Webb (Pom), Phyonna Silikara-Gangloff (Pom) Bridgette Matrus (Lae), Olding Suari (Lae).