ByAnonymous, Anonymous
Israeli champion Daniel Poleshchuk was eliminated in the opening round of the Global Relocations Israel Open Tournament.
A high-class field featuring 16 players from 11 countries converged on Ra’anana Squash Centre for the first-ever PSA-recognised tournament in the country.
The European Squash Federation-sponsored competition was brought to Israel following the progress of its junior players, who have made giant strides under the guidance of Stan Tannen, the Head of Junior Squash.
While Poleshchuk, who is 18 and is the no. 1 under-19 player in Europe, found the going tough, Kristian Frost overcame Christophe Andre of France in the final. He overcame England’s Tom Ford in a gruelling semi-final that lasted almost 90 minutes the previous evening.
In his victory speech, Frost told how all the players had "come to Israel for the first time, full of apprehension". He said: "To a man, we’re leaving with the highest regard for the country and people.
"We were totally overawed by the warmth and hospitality, as well as the immaculate organisation of the tournament."