Miller claims NSW squash title, signs up for nationals

Squash NSW welcomed 78 junior athletes and their fans to the Elanora Squash and Fitness Centre for the championship weekend.

Miller claimed the Under 19s title, and another player to frequent the Forbes courts, Parkes' Henry Kross, won the Under 11s.

Sixteen-year-old Miller, playing up an age group as he'll turn 17 before the Australian junior titles, progressed through the round of 16 and the finals rounds to take the NSW title.

His toughest game was probably his four-set semi-final bout against Mitchell Black, he said, the pair battled it out 19-21, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7 over 44 minutes.

Taking the courts to meet Diego Hernandez in the grand final, Miller says his nerves were more settled and he won his first two sets convincingly.

The Forbes rep dropped his third set 11-9 but returned fired up to claim the fourth 11-2.

Miller now has his sights set on this coming weekend's Australian junior titles on the Gold Coast - and he's thrilled.

"I can't wait," he said.

Despite the challenges of 2020, participant numbers remained at the same level as previous years, an excellent result to indicate a dedicated enthusiasm for the sport despite the closure of many squash clubs and facilities during the COVID lockdowns.

The weekend was fueled with strong competition and community spirit as players and spectators celebrated the opportunity to play competitive squash and catch up with their friends as lockdown restrictions ease.

Kristi Maroc, the Squash NSW chief strategy officer, was very pleased with the level of competition.

"The Squash NSW Junior State Titles offer an excellent experience for junior players to experience top level matches in a competitive environment, and use the training and skills they've developed within junior programs in their home clubs to compete against new players from other regions," Maroc said.

"With the inclusion of mixed novice divisions for newer players, the event provides the opportunity for all levels to be included while still providing an important pathway for players."

Match videos have been posted on the Squash NSW Facebook page, with draws and scores at https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/2020-Squash-NSW-State-Junior-Titles