AJO/OJC Tournament Report – MSAC, Melbourne

AJO/AJC Tournament Report – MSAC, Melbourne

Thanks Sue Hillier!

22 players travelled from WA to compete in the 2026 Australian Junior Open (AJO) and Oceania Junior Championships (OJC) held at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), Albert Park, Melbourne. The venue features 9 glass-back courts and one permanent all glass court, providing an excellent setting for high-level competition.

The events attracted strong international participation, with players from China, Malaysia, Singapore, India, New Caledonia, Sri Lanka, French Polynesia, Norfolk Island and New Zealand. Several players had a practice hit on the Saturday prior to competition, with some gaining valuable experience on the all-glass court.

I was fortunate to assist and watch players throughout the events who have been working hard with their anchor coaches in Perth.

Results

AJO- U17

• Ruby Foo (2 seed): Runner up - Played her first AJO final, she gave it her all 
• Kayla Clarke (3/4 seed): 10^th
• Andreas Christou (2 seed): 3^rd

OJC – U17

• Ruby Foo (3/4 seed): 4^th
• Jacob Curry (3/4 seed): 4th
• Andreas Christou (1 seed): 5^th

U11

• Miranda Clarke (3/4 seed): 4^th
• Jasper Tapley (3/4 seed): 4^th

Overall, players performed largely in line with seedings.It was always difficult to seed the international players, who knocked out quite a few seeds early in the events. Full results Draws & results - Squash Australia

Key Takeaways

The AJO served as an important adjustment period, with players taking the first tournament to adapt to the intensity and standard of the international competition. By the OJC, this experience translated into improved performances across all age groups.

Success was built on strong serve and return, creating length with height and showing patience to wait for the attacking opportunities. Discipline and fitness were areas that challenged many players.

The U19 and U17 boys demonstrated clear game plans and used breaks effectively to make adjustments. The U15, U13 and U11 players gained valuable exposure to higher intensity competition, showing clear improvement by the OJC. The U11s were particularly courageous, with significant development across the events.

Moving Forward

• It is now up to the players to build on this momentum and commit to the work consistently advised by their coaches.
• Work on serve (especially lob serve) and tight return.
• While some players were understandably disappointed with their performances-often due to fitness and the discipline required to maintain quality length- these are areas within their control to improve.
• Working the rally to get the loose shot to attack and put your opponent under pressure.

Highlight

Players met expectations by showing strong effort and great attitudes throughout. The U11s grew in their ability to control emotions. What more can one ask.It was a joy to watch everyone play.

Lowlight

The warm-ups.It was disappointing to see players hit 8 balls to themselves, whilst the opponent just stood flat footed. I am not a fan of this new way to warm up.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Luke Jamieson Snr for his outstanding contribution to refereeing. The role requires significant concentration and time and is essential to the success of the event.I don’t know how he and the other referees do it. Thank you.

Thanks to Carlie Trewen who kept us updated with the time schedule each day.

Thank you to the parents who assisted and were amazing support.