Words by Damian Burgess 28.3.2011
On the weekend of the 1st to 3rd April players from all over Wales will travel to Newport Squash Club in South Wales for the Caffrey’s Newport Open 2011. One of the oldest and most prestigious events on the senior tour in Wales, top players will battle it out in a number of grades including Mens Over 35 and Over 45.
Top seed in the Men’s A is current National Champion and Welsh number 1 Peter Creed, Peter has won the Caffrey’s for the last two years, both times beating Greg Tippings in great hard fought finals. Number 2 seed for the event is former World number 3 and British Open Champion in 2000, David Evans. David no longer plays on the tour but is still considered a top player Number 3 seed this year is Newport born Nic Birt; Nic faced Peter Creed in the Final of the National Championships and will be looking to get to another final in 2011. Greg Tippings, Club Coach at Newport, and Matthew Crowley, current Over35 Masters Champion, are also seeded in the A Grade. Also in the A draw on the weekend; from North Wales, Jordan Davies and another junior Jacob Minett of Newport.
Heading up the Women’s draw is current Welsh Women’s number 1 Deon Saffery. Deon has recently been in great form, winning her second WISPA event in January in the States and reaching the Quarter Finals of the British National Championships in February. Deon also recently made it to the semi-final of the BSPA Wimbledon Cup in London, losing to eventual winner Dominique Lloyd-Walter. Number 2 seed in the Women’s Caffrey’s event this year is Tesni Evans from North Wales, Tesni is the current Women’s Welsh National Champion which she won in January as well as recently winning the Welsh Junior Open and reaching the final of the German Junior Open. Also in the draw from North Wales is Hannah Davies and from Newport Squash Club Abby Hicks; both will be looking to cause an upset.
So a great standard of squash in the top grades and there is plenty of great squash in the other grades, Kane Newall, Harry Booth and Joel Makin head up the B Grade and in the Over 35's Jason Burgon and Paul Johnson look to make impressions in the over age group and in the Over 45 event Welsh National Over 45 Champion Richard Murphy looks to make another final and win his second Over-Age title of 2011.
Play starts on Friday at Newport Squash Club, anyone is welcome to come and see some great squash and support your club-mates, there is always a great atmosphere at Newport and this year should be no different.
Come and SUPPORT SQUASH!
Words From Damian Burgess Press Officer, Squash Wales
www.squashwales.co.uk
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