Over the weekend, the Sport Wales National Squash Centre in Cardiff hosted the 2024 Welsh Junior Open, with 140 players from across Europe and beyond converging to compete for titles in boys and girls events ranging from U11 to U19. The tournament was a showcase of exceptional talent, with high standards of play evident throughout.
The host nation, Wales, particularly excelled in the girls’ categories, securing all the titles and achieving a clean sweep. This outstanding performance highlights the strength of Welsh squash at the junior level, especially in the girls’ events. The challenge now is to replicate this success in the boys’ categories. The event also provided a valuable opportunity for Welsh players to compete against some of the best junior talent from across Europe, gaining exposure to top-tier competition.
Girls’ Event Results:
- U11: Winner – Heidi Hales (Wales), Runner-up – Elsie Griffiths (Wales)
- U13: Winner – Eliza Hales (Wales), Runner-up – Grace Breach (Wales)
- U15: Winner – Erin Lauder (Wales), Runner-up – Madalena Sidoli (Wales)
- U17: Winner – Millie Breach (Wales), Runner-up – Harriet Broadbridge (Wales)
- U19: Winner – Ellie Breach (Wales), Runner-up – Emily Coulcher Porter (England). This match was a standout, with Ellie Breach narrowly securing victory in a thrilling 3-2 match.
Boys’ Event Results:
- U11: Winner – James Swinden
- U13: Winner – Euan Thomson
- U15: Winner – Matthew Hong Ki Leung
- U17: Winner – Murdo McKenzie
- U19: Winner – Alexander Broadbridge
The tournament was not only a celebration of high-quality squash but also of sportsmanship and camaraderie, with all players competing hard and fair. The event was well-organized, with many new friendships formed along the way.
As the new season begins, the positive outcomes of this event set a promising tone for Squash Wales. A special thanks goes out to the players, referees, organizers, and parents who contributed to making this event a success.
Greg Tippings
Squash Wales National Performance Coach
