IT was game on in the fish bowl squash court at Bathurst Panthers yesterday as play began in the 2014 Australian Masters Squash Championships.
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The $120,000 all-glass court was imported from the Australian Capital Territory especially for the tournament, costing a hefty hiring fee of $10,000 for the two-week event. Individual matches will be played this week ahead of the teams competition next week.
The importance of the event was highlighted by the fact Bathurst mayor Gary Rush hosted a civic reception for officials and players at council last night.
He noted the benefits of the event to the economy, saying the local hospitality industry would enjoy the influx of 300 players in the individual competitions and another 400 in the teams events.
Trish Fox, who travelled to Bathurst all the way from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, will be contesting the 60 years and over division two category.
She was the winner of the division two 55 years and over division at last year’s Masters.
She was watching the action at the all-glass court yesterday morning and looking forward to hopefully being allocated a match there during the week.
“I am a bit of a mug player,” she said.
“I started when I took up teaching in Toowoomba back in 1974. It was a time when squash was all the rage.”
Ms Fox said Bathurst Panthers, which also has traditional courts, was a great venue.
“Squash generally isn’t a spectator sport, but the glass court and white ball changes that,” she said.
“The players can’t see out through the sides, but the people can see in from the outside. The floor’s a bit soft and there’s a big thud we aren’t used to when the ball hits the front wall.
“But the exciting thing is the glass court. Everybody comes to have a look.
“Some of the players are just back from the World Masters in Hong Kong and they had glass there. It costs a lot of money. You don’t see them at every Masters event they play.”
Ms Fox, who has never been to Bathurst before, said her first impressions are that it’s a “beautiful spot”.
Bathurst squash fanatic David Fuller was the driving force behind bringing the tournament to the city. The local bid beat competition from Coffs Harbour and Dural.
Mr Fuller said a huge screen had been set up in the Panthers club so the action could be seen by a large crowd in the back bar area.
“It would be great to see everyone come down and support the event,” he said. “Entry is free and there will be action every day.”
The event will run until September 12.
