Wanganui squash master Rod Bannister had to call time on his aspirations to retain his Men's 45-49yrs title at the Property Brokers NZ Masters Squash championships at the weekend.
The 46-year-old defending 2013 champion withdrew on Friday after a visit to the physiotherapist to work on his Achilles tendons.
Bannistersaid the wear and tear was no good and he had to pull the plug.
He has also withdrawn from this Thursday's final of the Inspire Net Premier Squash series in Palmerston North, with Ohakune's Joseph Watt taking his place in the Doyle & Associates Accountants team taking on Higgins Contractors, which includes Wanganui tennis pro Victor Romero.
Bannister said he had tried to do more in nine months of playing than last year, entering more regional events including the Central Squash Open in New Plymouth.
"I knew in my gut it was two weeks too long for this season," he said.
Palmerston North's Mike McSherry took over Bannister's spot as the No1 seed at the NZ Masters: the local duly claimed the title after a tough final with Marlborough's Grant Craig.
