Canterbury squash titles

Press, 5 June 1982, Page 23

Canterbury squash titles

Six nationally.' ranked men and three ranked women are among the entrants for the $l2OO "Star” Canterbury squash championships in Christchurch from June 11 to 13. The men's open draw will include the surprise late entry of the British under-23 champion. Stuart Davenport (Wellington), as well as the top South Island man. Rod Hayes (Christchurch), and the members of the New Zealand under-23 team which will begin its internal tour in Christchurch. Davenport is ranked No. 2 in New Zealand at present, with Hayes No. 4. Three of

the colts side of John Mills (Wellington). No. 8. Antony McMurtrie (Hamilton). No. 14. Scott. Harrison (Auckland). No. 20. and Robbie Burnett (Canterbury) are also nationally ranked. The 1981 Canterbury representative, Bryan Simpson (now Wellington), ranked No. 21. will also be a starter. Canterbury's leading woman. Joanne Milne, ranked No. 3, is certain to be the top seed in her section ahead of the under-23 tourists. Jillian Oakley (Wellington). No. 15. and Kay Collins (Auckland). No. 16. The Canterbury championships will be the fifth of 11

quaiifying events on the $20,000 Adidas national circuit. This year the prize money (split between men and women on a 60:40 basis) will be boosted further by a bonus system whereby players who accumulate more than 50 points in the qualifying events will receive 50 cents for every point in excess of 50. Last year's top qualifier. Rod Hayes, amassed the big tally of 341 points after competing in seven out of 12 events. Such a bonus sytem would thus have supplemented his income by the useful sum of $145.50.