Latest news with #SouthlandOpen
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
US-based player returns for open
Anna O'Connor won the Southland Open women's title in 2021. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Jetlag will not stop US-based Anna O'Connor from competing in the Southland Squash Open next week. Southland-raised O'Connor is using her semester break from Dickinson College, in Philadelphia, to play in the South Island tournament. The former James Hargest College student has been studying on a scholarship for the past four years. Squash Southland district manager Bruce Thirkell said it would be great to have someone of her calibre at the Open. "It is fantastic that Anna is coming all the way back from America to play," Thirkell said. O'Connor won the Southland Open women's title in 2021 and has consistently represented New Zealand nationally and overseas. Thirkell is looking forward to seeing her return to Southland where her squash career began. "She started out as a junior at the Makarewa Squash Club," he said. "Seeing her play at the tournament is a good motivator for [others]." Thirkell hoped the competition would draw at least 100 entries. "So far we have 88 entries, which is a good number. "If we can get to 100 entries then we will hold the competition across two venues." Men's and women's open winners will receive a $1000 prize sponsored by FI Innovations. The Southland Open takes place at the ILT Stadium Southland and Squash City in Invercargill on May 23/24. Competitors from age 10 from around New Zealand will take part in the two-day tournament.
Otago Daily Times
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Stage set for Open showdown
Rosalia Lo,and Ethan Lay will be competing in the Southland Open badminton competition next weekend. PHOTOS: NINA TAPU When the Southland Badminton Association hosts the Southland Open next weekend, it will have more than a competition to organise — it also has a venue to showcase. Southland Badminton Association general manager Peter Nielsen-Vold said having a "magnificent" venue with 10 badminton courts was a bonus and drew the admiration of other regions. "Recently I was at a Badminton New Zealand hui (meeting) up in Hawke's Bay, talking to other general managers around the country, and there is not that many other associations with a venue this size," he said. "Often in some wealthier areas of New Zealand, they have venues with six or eight courts. "So we're very lucky to have a 10-court venue here." The Southland Open takes place at Badminton Southland in Invercargill on May 9 to May 10. Competitors from age 18 from around the country will take part in the two-day tournament. Rosalia Lo, 17, training at the Badminton Southland courts. Nielsen-Vold said the open was at the top of the badminton competitions around New Zealand. "Every provincial area, every association runs an open annually and Southland Open is held about this time every year. "It's for the best players, the top players, usually adults but up to around age 40 and then they start to move towards masters and vets, like most sports." About 60 people are expected to play singles, doubles and mixed doubles badminton matches at the event. Nielsen-Vold believed the Southland team would be well-represented at the tournament, with 2024 Southland Open Men's Singles winner, Nic Raines, competing. "He first won in 1996 and he's still winning after 28 years. "It is quite special that he'll be here. Jo Anderson keeps an eye on the opposition as Pete McMillan, takes a shot during their doubles match at the Badminton Southland court. Southland Open "He is older now and he'll be up against a lot of young players but he's still going." Badminton Southland, Invercargill May 9-10 Friday, 7pm-10pm Saturday, 10am-7pm Prizegiving held on May 10
