Melton’s first racquetball event is fast-approaching, with the centre behind the tournament encouraging locals to give the sport a try.
Running over two days from Saturday, June 21 to Sunday, June 22, the Western Squash and Racquetball Centre is hosting the Western Racquetball Open Classic that will feature some of the top players in the state.
This will be the first racquetball event in Melton and will be one of just five racquetball events held across the state each year.
The Saturday schedule will include a singles event graded from open to E-grade and a junior division, with about 60 entries expected.
Sunday will be a doubles event, graded from open to F-grade.
Centre owner Oliver Haley said that the tournament has received some interstate entries that the centre is “very pleased about.”
“We’re very excited to be hosting this year as we have been working very hard to develop the sport in the western suburbs and increase participation,” Mr Haley said.
“Entries will close on Wednesday, [June 18], so if you haven’t signed up – best get on it,” he said.
He said that unlike squash, racquetball uses a bouncier and slower ball, making the game easier for all ages while it can still be played on a squash court.
“Because the ball is slower, it’s easier to improve quickly and keeps older people playing sport longer and helping them remain fit,” he said.
The centre will also be hosting the bronze competition for the Australian Junior Squash Tournament on Sunday, June 29, with over 20 junior players from across the state set to participate.
Entries for this competition close on Tuesday, June 24.
Mr Haley said squash attracts players for social, competitive, fitness, and mental health reasons.
Details: westernsquashandracquetball.com.au
