Inaugural IW Classic Showcases Strength Of Squash On The Isle Of Wight

Nearly 200 matches were played across a packed weekend as the Isle of Wight hosted its first-ever IW Classic squash tournament, attracting players of all ages from across the UK.

Held at Westridge Squash Courts, the inaugural event welcomed 90 competitors, ranging from six-year-old first-time tournament player Jeffrey Fu, from Hong Kong, to experienced players in their sixties.

The competition featured an even split of Island and mainland entrants, with players travelling from across the country, including a family from Yorkshire.

Travel to the Island was supported by Wightlink.

A total of 172 matches were played, with organisers introducing a dedicated Isle of Wight junior category to give less experienced local youngsters the opportunity to experience tournament squash.

Island players enjoyed a number of successes, with Millie winning the girls' Under-17 Bronze event, Olivia claiming the girls' Under-13 title and Finn taking victory in the boys' Under-11 competition.

In the Everything Squash events, Marc Burton won the J Grade, Shane East took the C Grade title, Freddy Fentum claimed B Grade honours and Oli Staunton won the A Grade competition.

Tournament organiser Chris Husson said the dedicated junior category had given young Island players a valuable introduction to competitive squash.

He added that support from Wightlink and other sponsors had helped attract mainland players, creating an event that featured an equal mix of juniors and seniors, as well as Island and mainland competitors.

Chris said:

"The overall numbers were an even split of juniors to seniors and mainlanders to islanders; this made for a brilliant, mixed, fun event.

"We hope we can repeat this formula each year so people can really rely on an event like this for fun and inclusivity as well as a really high standard."

Among those travelling to the tournament was the Dukes family from Yorkshire, who entered three sons. Cameron won the boys' Under-17 competition, while Aiden finished runner-up in the boys' Under-9 category.

Praise also came from Island parent Alex Holbrook, whose daughter won the girls' Under-13 event.

She said:

"What a fab event - everyone was saying how great it was to have it on the Island."

Sam Woodman, Wightlink's Partnerships Marketing Manager, said the ferry operator was proud to support an event that brought together players of all ages and abilities while helping to inspire the next generation of squash players.

Alongside Wightlink, the tournament was also supported by One Holyrood Hotel, Hampshire Squash and JPR Combustions.