In 2003, the only World Squash Champion from the Americas, Jonathon Power, was on his way to winning his 3rd Canadian Classic in front of the ravenous home crowd at BCE Place in Toronto. It was a golden era for Canadian Squash: compatriot Graham Ryding narrowly lost in the semifinals at #10 in the World; the upstart Shahier Razik was entering the World Top 25; and Gary Waite was in the middle of a decade as the #1 doubles player in the World.
Power is now back at Brookfield Place in the form of the “The Power Court”, an all-glass exhibition coliseum named in his honour to usher in a new golden era. Led by World #18 and Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist Hollie Naughton of Canada, Canada’s female program will take center stage for the 2023 Canadian Women’s Open presented by Slaight Music from March 26th – 30th in the Allen Lambert Galleria. Naughton will guide a deep and talented Canadian contingent featuring National Squad teammates Nicole Bunyan of Victoria, BC and Nikole Todd of Regina, SK. North America will be well represented in the draw with #1 seed and WR #5 Amanda Sobhy, #3 seed Olivia Clyne, and #4 seed Sabrina Sobhy, all of the USA.
The Canadian Women’s Open marks a renaissance of Canadian Squash that will both celebrate our storied history and inspire the next generation of girls and boys that will lead our nation. Power, Ryding, Waite, Razik and recent female star Samantha Cornett will take part in the “Legends of Canadian Squash Corporate Challenge” as part of the Open’s festivities. As well, Shahier Razik will be formally inducted in the Squash Canada Hall of Fame on Thursday March 30th with his teammates by his side. Jonathon Power, whose documentary “Power” was just released by the online platform SquashSkills, is pleased to see the court back at one of his all-time favorite venues. “I always loved playing for the Toronto crowd and thrived on the energy of that unique venue,” says Power. “I played some of my most inspired matches in front of friends, family and supporters and am so pleased to see the event return. I wish all the best for Hollie, Nicole, Nikki and Niki, and know they will enjoy the experience of playing for your country in your country – there is nothing like it”.
The Canadian Women’s Open presented by Slaight Music, the Government of Canada and platinum sponsors Altas Partners, Brookfield Properties, Oxford Properties and Scotiabank kicks off Sunday, March 26th at 2:00pm EST with the championship match Thursday, March 30th.
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