Challenger Tour Preview: Canada and New Zealand Host Events

The PSA Challenger Tours heads to both Canada and New Zealand this week, with events taking place in Calgary, Winnipeg and Auckland.

Calgary CFO Consulting Services PSA Women’s Squash Week

The women’s event is the first PSA Challenger tournament of the week, with Calgary event getting under way on Wednesday March 4.

The Challenger 20 event will see four Canadians in action as Danielle Letourneau, Nikki Todd and wildcards Jen Godziuk and Molly Chadwick will all be contesting the title.

England’s World No.30 Julianne Courtice leads the line-up, with other top seeds including Netherlands’ Milou van der Heijden and USA’s Olivia Fiechter, who along with the other top eight seeds receive a bye into the second round.

Last year saw Fiechter reach the semi-finals of the event before falling to compatriot and eventual winner Olivia Blatchford Clyne, so no doubt the American will be looking to make an impact at this year’s event.

You will be able to keep up with the live scores from the event here.

Qualico Manitoba Open

Also taking place in Canada this week, is the Qualico Manitoba Open in Winnipeg from Thursday March 5 to Sunday March 8.

Four Canadians are in action on home soil at the men’s event with Michael McCue, Nick Sachvie, Connor Turk and wildcard Cory McCartney all competing.

England’s Nathan Lake is the top seed and is joined by the likes of Mexico’s Leonel Cardenas and USA’s Shahjahan Khan as the other top seeds at the PSA Challenger 10 event.

Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Open

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The final event of the week sees the PSA Challenger Tour head to New Zealand with the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Open taking place between Thursday March 5 to Sunday March 8.

Hong Kong’s Henry Leung leads the draw, while New Zealand’s Evan Williams flies the flag for the home country in the draw as the No.2 seed, but will face tough competition from the likes of Hong Kong trio Leung, Chi Him Wong and Tang Ming Hong.

Challenger Tour Schedule
Calgary CFO Consulting Services PSA Women’s Squash Week – Wednesday March 4 – Sunday March 8
Qualico Manitoba Open – Thursday March 5 – Sunday March 8
Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Open – Thursday March 5 – Sunday March 8