A phenomenal field featuring a host of the world’s best squash athletes has been confirmed for the 2025 New Zealand Squash Open in Christchurch.

The Barfoot & Thompson Women’s Open draw boasts 9 of the world’s top 20 athletes, with Kiwi squash legend Joelle King and up and coming New Zealander Ella Lash joining the event as wildcards. World No.9 Nele Gilis-Coll, the wife of Paul Coll, has also been named in the women’s draw and will be looking to defend the title she won when the tournament was last held, in 2023. 


“I’m really looking forward to playing at home again,” said King.


“I love the New Zealand Squash Open, it’s such a competitive event and the field is absolutely stacked. There’s going to be some amazing squash on display so it’ll make for a great event.”


The Lucino Vanities Men’s Open field is headlined by hometown hero Paul Coll and features five of the world's top 20. He’s joined by World No.5 Mazen Hesham and runner up from the previous NZ Open, Marwan Elshorbagy. Exciting young New Zealanders Anthony Lepper and Ollie Dunbar have also secured places as wildcards and will be looking to cause an upset in front of friends and family.  


The overall draw features 24 men and 24 women from 17 nations and six continents making it a truly global event. The competition will be held at Christchurch’s iconic Isaac Theatre Royal, which will be decked out with a glass court on stage from March 4th to 9th 2025.


Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa Chief Executive Martin Dowson says it’s one of the strongest ever fields for a New Zealand Squash Open.


“We’re thrilled to have so many high caliber athletes coming to our backyard to show off their skills,” said Dowson.


“Squash has been added to the 2028 Olympic programme and I have no doubt that many of these athletes will go on to compete at LA 2028, so this is a pretty unique opportunity to see these future Olympians in action.


“Tickets start at $20 and are getting snapped up with only around a third left and even less for the finals sessions. We’re encouraging not just squash fans but anyone who likes events to grab theirs and enjoy the action.”


ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events Karena Finnie said, “We are thrilled to welcome The New Zealand Squash Open to our vibrant, friendly city for the first time. 


“Ōtautahi has a diverse sporting events portfolio and we are delighted this now includes squash, especially for our local squash community and fans of the growing sport. Amongst the excitement of the tournament, athletes and supporters will be able to find some balance and enjoy the unique experience Ōtautahi offers to all who visit.”


The tournament will be run as part of The New Zealand Festival of Squash, which will see the New Zealand Junior Open held at the Christchurch Club in conjunction with the elite event, as the next generation of squash stars are inspired by their sporting idols.


Tickets for the 2023 NZ Squash Open are on sale through the event website www.festivalofsquash.co.nz


Further information about the NZ Squash Open, including schedule and streaming information, will be announced prior to the event.

Men’s Field:
[1] Paul Coll (NZL)
[2] Mazen Hesham (EGY)
[3] Marwan Elshorbagy (ENG)
[4] Eain Yow Ng (MAS)
[5] Greg Lobban (SCO)
[6] Sebastien Bonmalais (FRA)
[7] Baptiste Masotti (FRA)Ryunosuke Tsukue (JPN)
[8] Iker Pajares (ESP)
Velavan Senthilkumar (IND)
Henry Leung (HKG)
Cesar Salazar (MEX)
Rui Soares (POR)
Yahya Elnawasany (EGY)
Auguste Dussourd (FRA)
Addeen Idrakie (MAS)
Abdulla Al-Tamimi (QAT)
Alex Lau (HKG)
Sanjay Jeeva (MAS)
Tom Walsh (ENG)
Abhay Singh (IND)
Bernat Jaume (ESP)
[WC] Oliver Dunbar (NZL) 
[WC] Anthony Lepper (NZL)

Women’s Field:
[1] Tinne Gilis (BEL)
[2] Amina Orfi (EGY)
[3] Rowan Elaraby (EGY)
[4] Nele Gilis-Coll (BEL)
[5] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS)
[6] Satomi Watanabe (JPN)
[7] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY)
[8] Salma Hany (EGY)
Nour Heikal (EGY)
Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG)
Rachel Arnold (MAS)
Jessica Van der Walt (AUS)
Tomato Ho (HKG)
Georgia Adderley (SCO)
Cindy Merlo (SUI)
Marta Dominguez (ESP)
Marina Stefanoni (USA)
Aira Azman (MAS)
Ainaa Amani (MAS)
Ka Yi Lee (HKG)
Hana Moataz (EGY)
Enora Villard (FRA)
[WC] Joelle King (NZL)
[WC] Ella Lash (NZL)