SQUASH: Epke triumphs in teenage title fight

Auckland's Ellie Epke came out on top against Waipu's Abbey Palmer in a heated encounter of the final of the open women's division at the annual Whangarei Squash Open.

The two teenagers fought out the title at Whangarei Squash Courts during four tightly contested sets, with Epke eventually triumphing 3-1.

In Squash New Zealand's Year of Women's Squash, organisers welcomed the top class women's field to the event.

Fellow A-grade player Sacha Pou-Tito from Mangakahia Squash Club also contested the open women's division.

Pou-Tito won the special plate, triumphing over club-mate Jacinta Matson in three sets. Miranda Harrison claimed the consolation plate.

Sixteen-year-old Matson, with Epke and Palmer, both 13, have been named in the national women's junior development squad recently, and are all vying for a spot in the team for next year's world junior championships in the Cayman Islands. The men's event also featured some fierce battles over the three days of competition, which concluded on Saturday.

In the open men's division, A2 player Brent Lewis pipped B-grade competitor Daniel Notton for the top spot, winning the title in three competitive sets.

Ari Welsh took the special plate honours, while Jared Gravatt claimed the consolation plate.

Squash Northland administrator Sharon Crawford said the Open attracted 79 competitors - a good number for this early in the season.

The next event on the Squash Northland calendar is the Manaia Squash Open from March 8-10.