Filipino squash players set to boost experience in world-class tourneys

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Squash Academy is pouncing on the opportunity to boost its stock and expose its players to world-class action by hosting two foreign-spiced tournaments this month.

Squash chief Robert Bachmann told the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum Tuesday that things are in place for the Philippine Satellite set October 22-25 and the Philippine Challenger Classic from October 27-31. Both events will take place at the PSA Academy inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“Our top athletes can improve their world rankings by competing here and for the rest this is a chance to get some exposure by playing with the best,” said Bachmann during the weekly forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, MILO and ArenaPlus, the country’s 24-7 sports app.

He said the events will serve the Philippine team well as it prepares for the 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok, the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya and the qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Joining Backmann during the forum were Malaysian coach Low Wee Wern, a two-time Asian Games gold medalist in the team event and silver medalist in the singles. The former world No. 5 has been at the helm of the Philippine team for seven months now.

“I’ve seen the progress,” said Bachmann in crediting the 33-year-old Wee, who was with the Malaysian team for nearly 20 years. 

“We’re trying to grow it. I know squash is one of the smallest sports here but we are working for the future of the sports here and its longevity,” said the former Malayian ace. 

Also on deck were Reymark Begornia, the country’s top men’s player; Jemyca Aribado, the top female player who once carried a world ranking of No. 77; and Christopher Burada, the top Filipino junior player.

Players from Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Egypt will see action in the back-to-back tournaments.

“It will be a big tournament for us. It’s a good opportunity for our players to learn and for the younger ones to watch some of the best players,” said Wee, who’s working hard to turn the Filipino players into the best in the region.