Challenger Tour Weekly Preview: Events on Three Continents

The Challenger Tour has action from three continents this week, with tournaments in Andorra, Iran and New Zealand over the next seven days.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all three events, all Challenger 5 level men’s draws, have some form of restrictions on entries, from regional to domestic restrictions.

Anyos Park Open
The first event of the week will be held in Andorra la Vella, Andorra, with the Anyos Park Open taking place from Monday 7 to Friday 11 June.

The Challenger 5 level event is allowing regional entrants, meaning those residing in Europe are permitted to play. Seven nationalities, all from the continent, will be in represented this week at Club Esportiu Anyos Park.

Frenchman Sebastien Bonmalais will be the top seed for the tournament, with Spain’s Hugo Varela, Czech Republic’s Ondrej Uherka and Scotsman Rory Stewart making up the rest of the top four seeds.

Northland Open
The Whangarei Squash Club in New Zealand plays host to the Northland Open this week, with only players currently based in New Zealand being allowed to enter the tournament.

Top seed Evan Williams will be looking to continue his fine form, after wins at the Henderson Rochelle Hobbs Open, Waikato Open, Panmure Tecnifibre Open and Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Open already this year.

Once again, the Chileshe brothers, Temwa and Lwamba, Joel Arscott and Sion Wiggin will be amongst those who are challenging for the title. Australia’s Damon Macmillan will be the sole foreign player in the field.


Ramadan Cup
For the fourth time in 2021, following the Commemoration of the Martyrs of the Iranian Navy Army, Zarbaf Farahan Squash Tournament and Kish Yasi Cup, the Challenger Tour heads back to Iran.

The Ramadan Cup begins on Friday 11, and will run through to Monday 14 June at the Enghelab Sport Complex, with Mohammad Kashani as the top seed.

Alireza Shameli, who won the Kish Yasi Cup last month, will be one of the main challengers for the trophy, along with Navid Maleksabet, Amin Ataei and Sami Ghasedabadi.

This Week’s Schedule
Anyos Park Open: Monday 7 – Friday 11 June

Northland Open: Friday 11 – Sunday 13 June

Ramadan Cup: Friday 11 – Monday 14 June