Squash: Top-class centre attracts champs

Tauranga is reaping the rewards of having New Zealand's newest state-of the-art squash facility, winning hosting rights for the New Zealand secondary schools championships.

More than 350 students in 52 teams will showcase their talent at the Devoy Squash and Fitness Centre.

The players will compete over three days from August 17-19. The event is the largest squash event in New Zealand, with more than 650 games played during the tournament weekend.

Club president Dame Susan Devoy said the event was a great way for the student players to measure their performance against their peers.

"Events like this provide pathways for our emerging players to progress ...

"What's more exciting is that we may well see New Zealand's future world champions emerge," she said.

"We have been working collaboratively with Squash Bay of Plenty and Tauranga Boys' College to ensure squash is well delivered in our region."

The building is on Tauranga Boys' College land, giving students access to world-class facilities in an arrangement with the club.

Tauranga Boys', second at the tournament last year, are optimistic the home court advantage will allow them to take out the title.

Talent runs in the blood in the Susan Devoy-John Oakley household and three of the Oakley boys, Alex, Josh and Jamie, will compete in the tournament.

"Tauranga Boys' College have a real chance this year," Devoy said. "Standout player Ben Grinrod has recently returned from competing in the junior men's world team squash championship in Doha, so his recent performances will no doubt be a confidence-booster for the team."

Entry is free for spectators. The Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre is located corner Devonport Rd and 13th Ave in Tauranga.

Tauranga Boys' team: Ben Grinrod, Alex Oakley, Jo Lyons, Michael Dunston, Jamie Oakley and Alex Revington.