Hundreds of the world’s best squash athletes have begun descending on Tauranga for an action packed few weeks of squash.

The New Zealand festival of Squash will see more than 500 matches played across three major tournaments.

The festival is made up of the NZ Squash Open to be contested December 5 – 10, the Oceania Junior Championships December 5 - 7 and the WSF Men’s World Teams Championships December 11 – 17.

With more than 400 athletes competing from across 30 nations, the event is being billed as a fantastic celebration of sport and competition.

As well as a host of big-name international athletes, New Zealand Squash stars Paul Coll (world #4) and Joelle King (world #8) are sure to be crowd favourites.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to New Zealand and playing in front of a home crowd,” says Coll.

“Last year’s tournament in Tauranga was fantastic and I’m expecting another great event this year.

“There will be a really high level of aggressive squash on display.

“It’s always a really fun tournament and it’s great to watch so I’d encourage everyone to get involved and support us.”

The Oceania Junior Championships is the first event to get underway with 141 athletes competing across the Devoy Squash & Fitness centre, and the Mount Maunganui Squash Club.

The draw features over 50 international players from around the Pacific, as well as 90 New Zealanders including a host of athletes from the Bay of Plenty who’ll get the chance to play in front of a home crowd.

The New Zealand Open kicks off the elite competition.

The event will be held at Mercury Baypark arena and boasts a world class field of 24 men and 24 women, including seven athletes with top 10 world rankings.

The WSF Men’s World Team Championship then follows at the same venue.

Commonwealth Games Singles & Mixed Doubles Champion Paul Coll headlines the New Zealand team, joined by brothers Temwa and Lwamba Chileshe, as well as young Auckland bolter Elijah Thomas.

Tournament Director Wayne Werder says they’re expecting fantastic competition as athletes begin working towards squash’s Olympic debut.

“Squash has just been announced as an Olympic sport for the LA 2028 Games,” says Werder.

“The athletes competing here are the best in the world and a lot of up-and-comers will be in action so there will be quite a few future Olympians showcasing their talents.”

With a huge field of athletes and support staff, as well as fans travelling domestically and internationally to attend, Werder says the event will provide a fantastic pre-Christmas boost for the local economy.

“Last year’s edition of the New Zealand Squash Open contributed more than 4,000 visitor nights and a gross benefit of $1.4-million dollars to the local economy,” says Werder.

“It really is a world class event and there’s a great programme running around the sport so there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.

“We’re encouraging the local community to really get behind the sport and our athletes by purchasing some tickets and enjoying the show.”

Tickets for the 2023 Festival of Squash are on sale with more information available at www.festivalofsquash.co.nz

The Lucino Vanities Men’s NZ Open draw and schedule is available here.

The Barfoot and Thompson Women’s NZ Open draw and schedule is available here.

The nations for the WSF Men’s World Team Championship are available here.

The glass court matches at the NZ Squash Open and World Men’s Teams will be broadcast on Sky TV.

The Oceania Junior Championships will be streamed through the Squash New Zealand Website.

Please note, you will need to subscribe to the free Squash NZ TV Channel if you haven’t already.

Keep up to date with all the tournament’s developments on the tournament website, or follow World Squash on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram