Kaitaia Squash Club will host world No2 Natalie Grainger from the US on Monday for an exhibition match against the top Kiwi and world No10 Shelley Kitchen. Kitchen, whose family is from Kaitaia, said the match would give her an indication of the level she was at leading into the NewZealand Open next week. "It's really good practice for me because, in New Zealand, I usually practise against guys. For me, to play the world No2 is a great experience," she said. Kaitaia Tennis and Squash Rackets Club vice-president John Stewart said they were thankful for Kitchen's constant support for the club she grew up playing in. "Hopefully, the local turf and support help her get started on a winning way for the NZ Open," he said. The A1 Homes NZ Women's Open at Mt Maunganui runs from August 11-16. Kitchen is seeded seventh while Grainger is the top seed. This is the first time the New Zealand Open has offered such substantial prizemoney in 14 years. Seven of the top 10 players in the world have entered. The US$55,000 ($82,046) tournament will be played at glass courts erected in Bayfair Shopping Centre at Mount Maunganui. Kitchen was excited about the prospect of playing a Women's International Squash Players Association tournament in her own country. "It'll be nice to play in front of home supporters. I've never played a tournament of this level in New Zealand and it's good for the community of New Zealand to appreciate and see this level of squash," she said. The exhibition match at Kaitaia Tennis and Squash Rackets Club is on Monday from 6pm, with a mix and mingle session from 5pm.
