The annual Anzac Wanganui Squash Open has attracted record entries for the two-day tournament this weekend.
Wanganui Squash Club media liaison Rod Bannister said he was blown away by the 100 entries with players coming from Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, South Taranaki, Auckland, Wellington, Hawkes Bay and locally.
"We have six full men's and women's draws consisting of A grade players right through to F grade with locals playing their first round matches on Thursday night," he said yesterday.
"The success comes down to a strong marketing presence through social media and a designated tournament crew led by former top New Zealand woman's player and Stirling Sports owner Paula Darlington."
Bannister said 100 entries was a novelty in a provincial open tournament. "We have only one player in the event out of the Squash Gym Club in Palmerston North, the district's most populated squash club. The Wanganui club is excited about hosting so many out of towners and we plan to ensure they have a great squash experience while enjoying our wonderful city at the same time.