Welsh ace Tesni Evans has high hopes for squash in Wales.
World number 12 Evans has played a major role in bringing the $5000 Karakul PSA World Tour women’s event to Bangor University, the latest professional tournament at a Welsh venue.
Five days of intense action starts with qualifying matches today and the final will be played on Sunday.
Regulars from the World Tour, including home-grown Welsh players, will be competing and they have travelled from all over the world with some making the trip from as far afield as South America.
This tournament in Bangor follows the second $10,000 Welsh Open at Cardiff’s Rhiwbina Squash Club, won by England’s Richie Fallows with the home club’s Peter Creed runner-up.
There has also been talk of the British Open squash championships, the World’s leading tournament which needs a new home next year after six years on Humberside, returning to Cardiff
When the suggestion was made to Tesni about the next venue being in Cardiff her eyes widened and she said: “I love playing at home.
“My gosh, please! Can somebody put some sponsorship in. I would absolutely love that and it would be the best thing to host it.”
The British Open was held in Cardiff during the mid-1990s when Pakistan’s World number one Jansher Khan was champion.
He lifted those titles at Cardiff’s International Arena, beating Peter Marshall (3-0, 1995), Rodney Eyles (3-0, 1996) and Peter Nicol (3-2, 1997).
The PSA event in North Wales is a big plus for Welsh squash and Richard Bennett, Bangor University Director Commercial Services, says: “We are delighted to welcome the PSA Karakal event and are committed to promoting women in sport and supporting our local Welsh athletes.
“The University offers scholarships to help athletes combine their academic studies with athletic participation and this event is an excellent way of showcasing the facilities and support we can offer to elite athletes.”
This inaugural tournament is being promoted by Tesni Evans, current Welsh number one, Commonwealth Bronze Medalist and Local Athlete bursary recipient, and is being backed by Karakal, Haystack Dryers, Bangor University and private sponsors.
Karakal PSA Qualifying draw: [1] Georgia Adderley (Scotland) v Lauren Evans (Wales), [7] Evie Coxon (England) v Megan Thomas (Wales), [6] Laura Tovar (Collombia) v Hannah Davies (Wales), [4] Bruna Marchesi Petrillo (Brazil) v Layna Beattie (Wales), [3] Lily Taylor (England) v Elin Harlow (Wales), [8] Lucy Beecroft (England) v Helen Barnard (Wales), [5] Nia Davies (Wales) v Emily Powell (Wales), [2] Jenny Haley (Wales) v Abby Hicks (Wales).