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Event
Dunlop British Open Masters Squash Championships 2026

Wednesday 3 June - Sunday 7 June 2026

General Info:



Dunlop British Open Masters Squash Championships 2026
3 - 7 June 2026
Birmingham

Registration Closed (Closed 6 pm Friday 15th May 2026 (British Summer Time (BST)))

Players may still register after registration closes, but your entry will be moved to the reserve list and will only be allowed to participate if an age group player withdraws within the correct seeding range.

Event Constraints: 

- The maximum number per age group is 64
- The minimum number per age group is 4

Players may still register after these limits are reached, but impacted players will be moved to the reserve list and will only be allowed to participate if an age group player withdraws within the correct seeding range.

Event Venue:

Two venues will be used for this event which are located close to each other southeast of Birmingham city centre (approximately 9 miles) and to the southwest of Birmingham International Airport (approximately 7 miles).  The venues are:

Solihull Arden Club - Primary venue used for all main draw matches where possible.
         Address:  Sharmans Cross Road, Solihull, B91 1RG,   Website Link,  Map Link
West Warwickshire Sports Complex - Secondary venue used for the majority of early plate rounds and some main draws matches if necessary.
         Address:  78 Grange Road, Solihull, B91 1DA,  Website Link,  Map Link

Scheduled Start Days

Players are only required to play one match per day in the main draw. Therefore, the draws will start depending on their size as follows:

  • 32 or 64 draw – Wednesday 3rd June
  • 16 draw – Thursday 4th June
  • 8 draw / 4 Pool / 2 x 3 Pool with play-off – Friday 5th June

Note higher-seeded players with first-round byes in draws will start a day later.

Terms and Conditions for Players Entering the British Open Masters Championships

Click here for the terms and conditions.


Prize Fund

Sponsor Prizes

Winners and runners-up in each of the Championship main age groups draws will receive a trophy and equipment prizes from Dunlop as follows:

  • Winner £150*
  • Runner-Up £75*
    * Approximate retail value.

Prize Money

The following prize money will be awarded, subject to the conditions detailed below:

  • MO35 and WO35 - Winner £400, Runner-Up £200
  • MO40 and WO40 - Winner £300, Runner-Up £150

The prize money will only be awarded to the respective age groups in the Championship main draws detailed above if the respective group has 8 or more active players at the time the event starts.  Therefore if one of the age groups falls below 8 players when the event starts the prize money for that age group will be withdrawn.

Event Registration

Step 1 - Player Profile Account

In order to register for this event, you must have an active player profile account for this website with England Squash Masters.
If you have not got an account click on the link below. If you have an account proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 - Event Registration

Once your account has been created, login to this website using the login button towards the top right of this webpage.
Once logged in, register for the event using the link below.

Event Registration  (Opens midday 25 January 2026)

Step 3 - Entry Fee Payment

Once you have registered for the event, follow the instructions provided to pay the event entry fee.
Please see the registration fees at the bottom of this page.
    Registration Fees:

    Entry Fees:

    Early Bird Rate 
    		    £39.00
    		   Available from 25 January - 6 pm 18 April 2026 (British Summer Time (BST)) 
    Standard Rate
    		    £42.00 
    		   From 6 pm 18 April 2026 (British Summer Time (BST)) 

    Event participants will receive:
    • a minimum of two matches, but hopefully 3 or more matches where the schedule allows.
    • a free gift from the event sponsor (details to be announced).
    • an event t-shirt.

    Other benefits:

    • To be announced
    Age Groups:
    Website: Website Link
    Map: Map Link
     
    Draw Type 
    Finalists / Top Two 
    Result 
    Men's Over 3516 DrawLewis Doughty bt Jamie Douglas3-0 (11/4, 12/10, 11/3)
    Men's Over 4016 DrawPhil Rushworth bt Matthew Sampson3-0 (11/4, 11/6, 11/6)
    Men's Over 4532 DrawJonathan Tate bt Lee Jemmett3-2 (11/6, 10/12, 11/8, 9/11, 11/5)
    Men's Over 5032 DrawAlistair Coker bt Mark Davis3-0 (11/2, 11/8, 11/5)
    Men's Over 5532 DrawAdrian Richmond bt Steve Dodridge3-2 (11/7, 11/6, 5/11, 7/11, 11/4)
    Men's Over 6032 DrawJonas Ulvsback bt Simon Spencer3-2 (18/16, 4/11, 11/4, 6/11, 11/8)
    Men's Over 6532 DrawMark Woodliffe bt James Ockwell3-1 (11/0, 8/11, 11/3, 11/6)
    Men's Over 7032 DrawClive London bt Jan Zimdahl3-0 (11/3, 11/4, 11/7)
    Men's Over 7516 DrawJohn Hithersay bt Ian Graham3-1 (11/8, 7/11, 11/2, 11/5)
    Men's Over 808 DrawChris Ansell bt Norbert Kornyei3-0 (11/5, 11/8, 11/4)
    Men's Over 55/60 PlateFinal OnlyMark Steeden bt John Bonello3-0 (11/2, 13/11, 11/9)
    Men's Over 70/75 Plate Final OnlyGarry Irwin bt Bryan Francis3-2 (8/11, 12/10, 12/10, 10/12, 12/10)
    Women's Over 358 DrawLeonie Holt bt Kelly Eastment3-1 (11/6, 9/11, 11/5, 12/10)
    Women's Over 402x3 Pool Stacey Gooding bt Heather Joy3-0 (11/0, 11/3, 11/1)
    Women's Over 4516 DrawCaroline Hazlewood bt Kate Fuller3-2 (10/12, 4/11, 11/9, 11/8, 13/11)
    Women's Over 5016 DrawCatherine Ruffle bt Rachel Calver3-1 (14/12, 5/11, 11/6, 11/1)
    Women's Over 558 DrawDonna Cruickshank bt Jillian Lilico3-1 (5/11, 11/9, 11/7, 11/9)
    Women's Over 602x3 Pool Hilary Kenyon bt Mandy Akin3-0 (11/8, 13/11, 11/3)
    Women's Over 6516 DrawTamsin Bennett bt Jill Campion3-2 (11/8, 10/12, 3/11, 11/8, 11/5)
    Women's Over 35 Plate 1Final OnlyNichola Howell-Manning bt Laura Marshall 3-0 (11/8,11/7,11/6)
    Women's Over 45 Plate 13 Pool1st Helen Knowles; 2nd Kathryn WintersteinPool
    Women's Over 50 Plate 13 Pool1st Catherine Monday; 2nd Jane ArmstrongPool
    Women's Over 55 Plate 1Final OnlySue Smith bt Deborah Rogers 3-0 (11/4,11/3,11/5)
    Women's Over 65 Plate 13 Pool1st Maureen Duke; 2nd Wendy Norris Pool
    Men's Over 35 Plate 1Final OnlyMichael Aley bt James Hicks3-0 (11/6,11/2,11/6)
    Men's Over 40 Plate 1Final OnlyTony Webb bt Mark Thomason3-1 (3/11, 11/7, 11/9, 11/5)
    Men's Over 45 Plate 13 Pool1st Francis Stanley; 2nd Eric MokPool
    Men's Over 50 Plate 14 DrawPaul Frost bt Julian Beckett3-2 (5/11, 11/7, 11/7, 7/11, 11/8)
    Men's Over 55 Plate 1Final OnlyJason Smith bt David Weston3-2 (11/7, 11/7, 5/11, 5/11, 13/11)
    Men's Over 60 Plate 116 DrawTony Hetherington bt Tony Stewart3-1 (12/14, 11/5, 11/9, 12/10)
    Men's Over 65 Plate 116 DrawTom Burton bt Philip Maxton3-0 (11/4, 11/9, 11/8)
    Men's Over 70 Plate 18 DrawRichard Murray bt Joe Mc Auley3-0 (11/8, 11/7, 11/2)
    Men's Over 75 Plate 1Final OnlyBryan Francis bt Russell Foster3-0 (11/5, 12/10, 11/8)
    Men's Over 80 Plate 1Final OnlyAllan Whittow bt Ken Reid3-0 (11/8, 11/5, 11/5)
    Men's Over 40 Plate 2Final OnlyPasquale Ruzicka bt Murukesh Mani3-0 (11/5, 11/6, 11/5)
    Men's Over 45 Plate 24 DrawGareth Webber bt Daren Ramsey3-2 (11/5, 11/9, 8/11, 5/11, 11/9)
    Men's Over 50 Plate 2Final OnlyJavier Adrian Gonzalvez Fernandez bt Bruce Hopkin3-1 (11/8, 11/7, 9/11, 11/5)
    Men's Over 60 Plate 23 Pool1st Tim Smith; 2nd Ian Fenner-EvansPool
    Men's Over 65 Plate 23 Pool1st Nick Gollaglee; 2nd David KirkPool
    Men's Over 70 Plate 24 DrawRipley Oyler bt Phil Monaghan3-2 (4/11, 11/7, 4/11, 11/6, 11/8)
    Women's Over 50 Plate 23 Pool1st Melanie Kreisel; 2nd Kate SmithPool
    Men's Over 65 Plate 33 Pool1st Tim Luker; 2nd Don ArmitagePool
    Men's Over 80 3-4 Play-offFinal OnlyRobert Keilmann bt Robert Smith3-2 (11/3, 7/11, 13/11, 7/11, 11/7)
    Day 5 - Sunday 7th June 2026

    FINALS DAY.

    And so the culmination of five days of fantastic competition, Finals Day, when the iconic British Open Masters titles will be won, and lost.

    Men's Over 80. A final with two former World Masters Champions in Chris Ansell of Berkshire the defending Champion and Norbert Kornyei of the USA. Kornyei had beaten the very good German Robert Keilmann in the semi final and looked in good form. Ansell is a renowned shot maker, however, and playing at the top of his form took the final in straight games.

    Men's Over 75. The top seed was Sussex's Ian Graham who is the European, British Open and National Champion. Against him, new in the age group was the powerful John Hithersay of Northamptonshire. Graham was below his best here but Hithersay gave him no respite and after sharing the first two games stormed through the next two for his first British Open.

    Men's Over 70. With three British Open titles and just into the age group, Clive London of Kent was always the man to beat. The tall Swedish player Jan Zimdahl had shown his form, however, removing the Scotland No. 1 Peter Shivas in one semi final. London produced a superb display in the final, however, his movement as good as a far younger man, and a 3/0 win and fourth title.

    Men's Over 65. Defending Champion James Ockwell of Middlesex had his hand full against eight time former British Open winner Mark Woodliffe of Gloucestershire but now based in Germany. It didn't start well for him as he lost the first 11/0, but remarkably then won the second. Woodliffe had been here before, however, and he reasserted his smooth and efficient game to take the next two for the match. An incredible ninth British Open title.

    Men's Over 60. Simon Spencer of Nottinghamshire gained a measure of revenge by beating National Champion Alex Betts in one semi final having lost to him in that National final. Against him was the top seed and former European Masters Champion Jonas Ulvsback of Sweden who had removed the classy Yawar Abbas. The Swede took the first 18/16 but Spencer struck back and it looked inevitable that they were going to go to five games. In a great contest, Ulvsback took the fifth game for a first British Open.

    Men's Over 55. Always known as very talented Steve Dodridge of Berkshire had not delivered consistently. Here, he removed the number 2, 6 and 3 seeds to set up a final with Scotland International Adrian Richmond. It looked as if the earlier efforts had cost him as the Scot went two games up but the Englishman roared back to level at 2/2. He couldn't do more, however, and Richmond maintained his pace and accuracy to take the fifth and his first British Open crown.

    Men's Over 50. England No. 1 Alistair Coker had a great season winning three Regional Opens and the National Championship. One of those finals was against Mark Davis of Cambridgeshire, who emerged as his final opponent here having despatched the dangerous Paul Boyle. Coker was always in charge in this final and playing his top squash never let his opponent settle and ran out a straight games winner.

    Men's Over 45. Birmingham University professional Jonathan Tate won the event last season but this year had to contend with the very talented Lee Jemmett of Essex who had swept all before him winning all four Regionals and the National Championship. In a superb final in front of a packed crowd which included many of Tate's students, he retained his title in five pulsating games of the very highest quality.

    Men's Over 40. The National Champion Phil Rushworth of Surrey was top seed here and in the final met Matthew Sampson of Cambridgeshire who had removed the number 2 and 3 seeds on his way to the final. The Sandown professional, Rushworth simply oozes class and went about the final in a way that Sampson could not cope with. A straight games victory for Rushworth and a second British Open to go with his two National titles.

    Men's Over 35. Another National Champion in the form of Lewis Doughty of Lancashire was top seed. Incredibly fit, there doesn't seem anywhere to hide the ball when he's on court. Unfortunately, the No. 2 seed Chris Hall of Warwickshire, the home club pro had to drop out injured but England Captain Jamie Douglas of Northumbria took advantage and won through to meet Doughty. The Lancastrian, now coaching at Wimbledon Squash & Badminton always had the edge and in spite of some excellent rallying and a very tight second game, the title went to Doughty.

    Women's Over 65    . Jill Campion of Wales is a six time Champion and was the favourite here. But Tamsin Bennett of Surrey had obviously put in a lot of work and was not going to surrender easily. Playing very positive squash the Colets player took the first but let the second slip 12/10. The third quickly followed but playing with more discipline and growing confidence took the next two games for her first British Open.

    Women's Over 60. Mandy Akin of Kent is perhaps the most successful women's Masters player with ten British Open wins. She was seeded two here and has struggled with some injuries lately. Hilary Kenyon is also a former Champion and playing very well. She took her form into the final. She maintained a good line and length and although the second was won 13/11 she wrapped up the third game to claim her second title.

    Women's Over 55. Defending Champion Jillian Lilico of Hertfordshire was top seed here but she had a challenge from Scottish No.1 Donna Cruickshank. The Scot took the first but the Champion struck back to take the second 11/9. Cruickshank remained calm and took a lead in the third which she converted. The fourth was a great game with both women playing well and going point for point. Cruickshank just managed to edge ahead and took the vital game 11/9 for a four game victory.

    Women's Over 50. Leicestershire's Rachel Calver won here last year and has two British Opens among many other titles. But she had to contend with the incredibly athletic Catherine Ruffle of Cumbria who had just moved into the group. Calver captured the first 14/12 but after that it was all Ruffle and, played at a frantic pace she reeled off the next three games for her second British Open.

    Women's Over 45. The top two seeds fell in the semi-finals and Caroline Hazlewood and Kate Fuller took their deserved places in the final. Hazlewood from Oxfordshire had removed the top seed Kate Bradshaw 11/9 in the fifth while Kate Fuller of Staffordshire had beaten second seed Natalie Lawrence in a long hard match. The final was a terrific match with both women playing well. Fuller went two games up, but Hazlewood struck back to level. It was always going to be a nail biter and Hazlewood clinched the fifth game 13/11. A first British Open for her.

    Women's Over 40. Stacey Gooding is a current senior Wales International and is in a class of her own. No one could touch her and the next best player, Heather Joy of Buckinghamshire, a former Champion, could make no headway. Playing powerful Squash the title went to the Wales star in straight games.

    Women's Over 35. Leonie Holt of Warwickshire has won the last two British Opens and was seeded one here. Against her has the very talented Kelly Eastment of Sussex who has had a great first season on the Masters circuit with two wins. In a match full of excellent squash they shared the first two games but Holt pulled away with the third. The next was close all the way but Holt found the vital edge and took the fourth 12/10 for the title.

    Thanks were made to the sponsors Dunlop who very generously supported the Championships, and to Solihull Arden Club and West Warwickshire. Also, words of appreciation were made to the Professional Squash Association, England Squash referees, the ESM Committee, Roz on the Tournament Desk and the superb and irreplaceable Event Manager, Badger Brock.

    Day 4 – Saturday 6th June

    SEMI FINALS DAY.

    Men’s Over 80. Former World Masters Champion Chris Ansell is defending champion here and proved too varied for Robert Smith of Kent maintaining the pressure and squeezing home 11/9 in the third. In the final he will meet Norbert Kornyei, another former World Masters Champion, who beat the very good German player Robert Keilmann in four competitive games in a match that the players belied their age.

    Men’s Over 75. Ian Graham is the defending champion and National Champion and the man to beat. Newcomer Richard Lowe from the home club gave his all but couldn’t dent the champion, In the other semi final John Hithersay, another newcomer to the group, proved too strong for current World Masters Champion Larry Grover and in spite of a 14/12 second won through 3-0.

    Men’s Over 70. Clive London already has two British Opens and he was dynamic for two games against National Champion David Matthew of Cornwall. Matthew managed to get into the third and take it 11/9 but London reasserted himself and powered into the fourth. In the other semi final Pete Shivas, the Scotland no 1 took the first and the lead in the second but failed to convert it and the tall Swede Jan Zimdahl took over control of the match and won in four.

    Men’s Over 65. With eight British Open titles Mark Woodliffe is a Masters legend. Jon Evans, the Wales no 1 is incredibly mobile and a very good player but got no change from Woodliffe who took the match 3-0. Defending champion James Ockwell had to cope with the powerful game of former National Champion Allen Barwise of Cumbria but took control of the match and kept ahead in each game to secure his final spot.

    Men’s Over 60. Possibly the match of the day saw top seed Jonas Ulvsback of Sweden take on the many time champion Yawar Abbas. Abbas took two very close games to go two up and with some ferocious rallying got to match ball in the fourth but the Swede proved very resilient and saved that, took the game 12/10, and ran through the fifth. He will now play Simon Spencer of Nottinghamshire who in a repeat of the National final reversed that match and beat the champion Alex Betts in three close and hard fought games.

    Men’s Over 55. Adrian Richmond, the Scotland International, is having a great tournament and continued his fine run here against Jason Fletcher. Taking the first game 14/12 he springboarded through the second before Fletcher steadied himself and went point for point in the third but Richmond clinched it to take his place in the final. Steve Dodridge is always a dangerous player who is capable of beating anyone on the day. In the past he has not done it consistently. In this tournament however he removed the no 2 seed John Musto from the USA, Scottish no 1 Peter Buchan and now the two time defending champion Gavin Roger-Lund to take his deserved place in the final.

    Men’s Over 50. Mark Davis taking advantage of a fine run having removed one 3/4 seed and the no 1 seed Marcos Mendez of Mexico withdrawing to take his place in the semi final where he had a competitive match with Jolyon Head but always looked to be ahead. Meanwhile England no 1 Alistair Coker showed his excellent form of the last season and put Australian Craig Brann to the sword taking the match in straight games.

    Men’s Over 45. National Champion and top seed Lee Jemmett produced another classy performance to nullify the powerful Mick Biggs in straight games and he will now face the winner of a superb contest between Ireland International Nigel Peyton and Birmingham University professional Jonathan Tate, the defending champion. Peyton took the first but Tate clinched an incredible second 19/17 to level. From there, although Peyton fought hard, it was going in Tate’s direction. 3/1 to him.

    Men's Over 40. The seeds in this group tumbled as Paul Wallace beat no 2 seed Murukesh Mani of India and Matthew Sampson outlasted Rory Pennell, the 3 seed coming back from two games down to win it in five. Sampson and Wallace then faced off in the semi final and Wallace took an early lead but Sampson’s determined play overturned the match and he eventually took it 3-1. He will then meet the 2024 Open Champion Phil Rushworth of Surrey who unfortunately had a walkover after Dale Diment withdrew after an attritional match yesterday, with an injury.

    Men's Over 35. Lewis Doughty, the Wimbledon Rackets Club pro is new in the group and won the National title in February. He is the top seed here and in the semi final had to face Daniel West who in that National Championship kept him on court for well over an hour in an incredibly attritional game. The second went to Doughty 16/14 and he had a match point in the third before West took it 12/10. In the fourth game sadly West pulled up with an injury and was forced to retire. Unfortunately second seed Chris Hall withdrew with injury and so in the final will face Jamie Douglas of Northumberland, last year’s England Captain.

    Women's Over 65. Two semi finals that were won convincingly by the top two seeds. Jill Campion of Wales is a many time champion and was far too good for Lesley Sturgess today while former British Open runner up Tamsin Bennett of Surrey was on top form against former National Champion Sian Johnson of Wales always keeping ahead and clinching the third game 12/10 to book her place in the final.

    Women’s Over 60. This event is played in round robin groups and serial champion Mandy Akin of Kent eased through against Jackie Gregory although the second game comeback by Akin from 10/4 down was remarkable. Hilary Kenyon also secured a solid straight games win against Colette Starzak. Storte Becker of Germany secured a good win over Colette Starzak and Jackie Gregory, the top seed, had a close but straight games win over Amina Mahmood Islam of Pakistan.

    Women's Over 55. Jillian Lilico of Hertfordshire won this event last year and the England no 1 looks to be in great form again as she removed Amanda Warren in four games. In the final she will meet Donna Cruickshank, the Scotland International, who unfortunately had a walkover due to her opponent being injured.

    Women's Over 50. Defending champion Rachel Calver of England is the dominant player in this group at the moment and the defending champion overcame former National Champion Louisa Dalwood in four games, the first two being very tight and shared. But her reign is under serious threat as Catherine Ruffle of Cumbria has entered the age group and she proved too good for Christine McMullen in a game that had both women covering the court with incredible athleticism but Ruffle had the edge taking the match in four.

    Women's Over 45. A great upset here as Caroline Hazlewood played a superb match against defending champion and European Masters winner Kate Bradshaw. Five very close and hard fought games eventually going to Hazlewood 11/9 in the fifth. She will now play Kate Fuller who also upset the seedings with a 12/10 in the fourth win over Natalie Lawrence. A first British Open title for one of these two ladies.

    Women's Over 40. Stacey Gooding of Wales is still a Wales Senior International recently returning from the European Championships. She is the defending champion and the player everyone is aiming for. This group is played in a group pool and Gooding beat Gemma Barber in straight games and then later on Sophie Beake. The final match in this group will be Gooding against Heather Joy who beat Helen Walsh in straight games.

    Women's Over 35. The British Open Champion for the last two years has been Leonie Holt from Warwickshire and she looks to be in super form as she eased through against Michelle Knight in straight games to reach another final. She will face the talented Kelly Eastment who had to recover from losing the first game to Selina Harper but then took control to take the next three.

    There will be some fantastic finals tomorrow as the players reach the end of a week of tremendous world class Masters Squash. The coveted British Open titles await the winners and play will start at Solihill Ardern from 9.00am on Sunday. Spectators are very welcome.

    Day 3 – Friday 5th June

    Today was Quarter Finals Day and the match ups were going to produce some incredible world class Masters Squash. We were not disappointed and there were some fantastic matches to decide the Semi Finals.

    Men’s Over 80. Robert Smith of Kent reproduced his win over Allan Whittow in the Nationals but Whittow saved game balls in the third before Smith closed out the fourth 12/10. He will now face top seed Chris Ansell. Second seed Norbert Kornyei of the USA, a former World Masters Champion, removed Scotland’s Ken Reid and set up an interesting semi final with Robert Keilmann of Germany who comfortably beat Martin Pearse in straight games.

    Men’s Over 75. Defending champion Ian Graham of Sussex beat Andrew Edmondson 3-0 but Edmondson nearly came back to take the third going 13/11 to Graham. In his semi final he will meet Richard Lowe who had a shock result against former champion Barry Featherstone winning in four. In the other half John Hithersay had a competitive match with Phil Godfrey and now faces current World Masters Champion and no 2 seed Larry Grover who was too controlled for Patrick Butler of Ireland.

    Men’s Over 70. Double British Open Champion Clive London of Kent is the top seed here and he showed his class removing Phil Davidson in straight games. In the semi final he will face National Champion David Matthew who won an all Cornwall clash unusually beating Gordon Benbow in five games. No 2 seed Peter Shivas managed to navigate Alan Mackenzie in four games and will now meet the talented Swedish player Jan Zimdahl who beat England’s Rob Ballingall in straight games.

    Men’s Over 65. The top seed here with eight British Open victories is Mark Woodliffe now based in Germany and he showed his pedigree with a straight games win to end David Pleming’s fine run. He will now meet Jon Evans of Wales who was too mobile for the silky skills of Richard Millman. Four time National Champion Allen Barwise was too powerful for Robert Warner and in his typically dynamic style won 3-0. He will now face defending champion James Ockwell of Middlesex who had a competitive win over fellow England player Alan Borrill.

    Men’s Over 60. Jonas Ulvsback is a former European Masters Champion and needed all his experience to squeeze home 12/10 in the fourth against Andre Maur, the US based Irishman. He will now meet Yawar Abbas, another former champion, who had a good 3-1 against another previous winner in Steve McLoughlin. The other semi final will be a repeat of the National final as Alex Betts, the National Champion, beat Andrew Eilfield in four and Simon Spencer beat Eamonn Price also in four games.

    Men’s Over 55. A major upset here as England star Jason Fletcher overturned the seedings and removed German top seed Predi Fritsche in four action packed games, the match turning when Fletcher took the third 14/12. He will now meet Adrian Richmond, a Scotland International, who came from 2-1 down to beat the UK National Champion Steve Evans of Wales 11/9 in the fifth game. Meanwhile the defending champion Gavin Roger-Lund took nearly an hour to get past Sam Hanbury in five to set up a semi final with England team mate Steve Dodridge who having beaten the no 2 seed yesterday removed another seed in Scotland no 1 Peter Buchan 3-1.

    Men’s Over 50. Unfortunately the top seed and World Masters Champion Marcos Mendez of Mexico had to withdraw due to illness and allowed Jolyon Head to proceed to a semi final where he will meet Mark Davis who beat a former champion in Paul Boyle in four games. There was a tight match in the other half as Australia’s Craig Brann went two up against Mat Lowery but was pulled back to 2-2 before re-asserting himself and taking the fifth in 52 minutes. He will now play National Champion Alistair Coker who coped admirably with the power hitting of Wayne Beglan to win in four.

    Men’s Over 45. National Champion Lee Jemmett of Essex burst onto the Masters scene last season and carried all before him. Top seed here he booked his semi final slot with a well taken 3-1 win over Antony Savage. His semi final opponent will be Mick Biggs of Middlesex who survived a 13/11 third game with Matt Marshall to progress. Meanwhile Irish International Nigel Peyton had a cracking match with the powerful Julian Wollny of Germany, the Irishman winning in four entertaining games. In the semi final he will face Jonathan Tate, the defending champion who sensationally triumphed last year and overcame a serious challenge from England star Steve Davies.

    Men's Over 40. 2024 British Open Champion Phil Rushworth took on the talented Pasquale Ruzicka of Germany. In a match with some incredible shot making and skills Rushworth recovered from losing the first to run out a four game winner. He will take on England player Dale Diment who saved match points against Alex Preston to win in five highly competitive games. In the other half, Paul Wallace overcame the seedings to beat Murukesh Mani of India in four games. And in the semi final he will meet Matthew Sampson who overturned the seedings with a tremendous five game victory against Rory Pennell.

    Men's Over 35. Lewis Doughty is the National Champion and top seed. He looked comfortable in the first against Oliver Dixon but the second game was a marathon. Doughty eventually took it 15/13 and that was the end of it. 3-0 to Doughty who seems to have endless energy. He will now play Daniel West who is looking in great condition and beat the 3/4 seed David Allman in four. In the other half, Jamie Douglas eased through against Oliver Hudson while home pro Chris Hall the no 2 seed produced a display to delight the home crowd and take out the unique talent that is Gbenga Adeyi in three straight games.

    Women's Over 65. Many time champion Jill Campion of Wales opened her account with a four game win over Ireland’s Maureen Duke and she will now face former National Champion Lesley Sturgess who beat England team mate Julie-Anne Pegram in five well contested games. In the other half Tamsin Bennett of Surrey played an elegant match to keep in control against Wendy Norris of Wales and in the semi final will play another Wales player in Sian Johnson who overcame a regular adversary in compatriot Lynne Davies.

    Women’s Over 60. This event is being played in a round robin pool and second seed and many time champion Mandy Akin of Kent produced a fine display to beat Amina Mahmood Islam of Pakistan in straight games. Former National Champion Hilary Kenyon was also in fine form and defeated Storte Becker of Germany also in straight games.

    Women's Over 55. Defending champion Jillian Lilico is the top seed and will face Amanda Warren after she removed Wendy Hiscox in straight games. In the other half there were two straightforward wins for the higher seeded players and second seed Donna Cruickshank, the Scottish Champion, removed Deborah Rogers while Izzy Bramhall proved too good for Sue Smith.

    Women's Over 50. Current British Open Champion Rachel Calver opened her account with a 3-0 win over Debbie Locke and will now meet Louisa Dalwood, a former National Champion, who beat Germany’s Melanie Kreisel in four games. Second seed Catherine Ruffle, just in the age group, was dominant against Kate Smith and will now face Christine McMullen who had an epic battle with Sarah Parr winning 11/9 in the fifth.

    Women's Over 45. British and European Champion Kate Bradshaw got her campaign off to a great start with a straight games win over Lynn Hetherington although was stretched to 13/11 in the third. Her semi final opponent will be Caroline Hazlewood who got through against Natalie Townsend. In the other half of the draw Natalie Lawrence proved the stronger in her quarter final against Kathryn Winterstein and will now meet Kate Fuller who beat Helen Knowles in straight games.

    Women's Over 40. In an early match in this event there was a cliffhanger Sophie Beake edged home in the tightest of matches with all the games being decided by the odd point against Gemma Barber but Beake scraped home 12/10 in the fifth.

    Women's Over 35. The British Open Champion for the last two years has been Leonie Holt and she started her campaign with a solid 3-0 win over Laura Marshall. Selina Harper also progressed with a straightforward straight games win against Jodie Hodgkins and she will meet Kelly Eastment who made her Masters debut last season with two Regional wins and overcame Sara Gardner to book her semi final slot.

    So now the tournament gets really serious as the semi finalists have been decided and the matches to decide who can play in the final for the most coveted championship in squash. All to play for on Saturday and play starts at 10.30 with spectators welcome.

    Day 2 – Thursday 4th June

    Thursday is the moving day where the big seeds all start their campaigns and other players are trying to stop them. Playing for places in the quarter finals there were some intriguing match-ups and some great squash matches.

    Men’s Over 75. Playing for the chance to take on the top seeds there were some interesting matches. There was a shocker for Bryan Francis of Middlesex as he looked completely out of form against Andrew Edmondson who played a solid match and powered through in straight games. Ireland No 1 Patrick Butler was too good for Russell Foster and will now meet Larry Grover, the current World Masters Champion, in the last eight.

    Men’s Over 70. Top seed and two time British Open Champion of Kent overcame Paul Gregory of Surrey and will now meet Phil Davidson who upset Robert Houldsworth who was seeded above him. Meanwhile Gordon Benbow beat Lou van Talligan in straight games and will meet Cornish compatriot David Matthew who removed Mike Quartley 3-0. In the other half Jan Zimdahl of Sweden showed his form removing Peter Quarman in straight games and he will now meet National Championship Runner Up Rob Ballingall who beat Wales star Phil Monaghan in five. Alan Mackenzie defeated Ripley Oyler 3-0 and will now meet Scottish Champion Peter Shivas who ended Paul Reader’s run.

    Men’s Over 65. Many time British Open Champion Mark Woodliffe put on an imperious display and removed David Kirk and he will now play David Pleming of Hampshire who has removed two former England players in Tom Burton and Gordon McManus, today in five games. Richard Millman was too good for George Kousseff and will now meet Wales No 1 Jon Evans in one quarter final. Allen Barwise, a four time National Champion removed Steve Barlow and will now face Robert Warner who had a tremendous battle with Stephen Edmondson winning 13/11 in the fifth having saved two match balls. Alan Borrill removed former champion Nick Gollaglee and has earned quarter final against defending champion James Ockwell of Middlesex who removed Germany’s Peter Hofling in straight games.

    Men’s Over 60. Top seed and former European Champion Jonas Ulvsback dropped the first game to England’s Tim Smith but was then too powerful for the Cornishman. The Swede will now meet Andre Maur from the USA who had a good tussle with Marvin Rust of England edging through in five games. Seeded players Steve McLoughlin and Yawar Abbas both former Champions won through in straight games and now meet in what should be a cracking quarter final. In the other half Simon Spencer will meet former champion Eamonn Price in another version of their ongoing battle having both won through today. Price had a tough one against David Gray from Cumbria but won in four. National Champion Alex Betts navigated the skilled of Peter Lonsdale and sets up a quarter with Andrew Eilfield who beat Wales star Ian Fenner-Evans.

    Men’s Over 55. The German star Predi Fritsche is the top seed here and he had to battle hard to get through against Karl Hardy in five and will now meet Jason Fletcher who had a tight three game win over higher seeded Mark Steeden. Scotland International Adrian Richmond needed five games to cause a minor upset and beat John Simpson in five competitive games. He will now meet National Champion Steve Evans from Wales. Scotland No 1 Peter Buchan was in convincing form against Jonathan Simpson of Ireland and he will now meet Steve Dodridge who caused a major upset beating the formidable John Musto, the No 2 seed of the USA, in five games 11/9 in the fifth. Meanwhile Sam Hanbury defeated fellow England player Nigel Rowe to set up a match against defending champion Gavin Roger-Lund who was too good for Vinod Duraikan.

    Men’s Over 50. Marcos Mendez of Mexico is the World Masters O50 Champion and the top seed here. England Allan Walton shocked him by taking the first game but after that Mendez showed his class and powered through the next three. He will next face Jolyon Head who overcame Andy Marsh, a 5/8 seed, in a tough 50 minute match. In that half Paul Boyle also got through against Bruce Hopkin and he will face Mark Davis who had a tough five game match against Wiltshire’s Simon Lucas. Australia’s Craig Brann eased through to the next round and will face Mat Lowery who prevailed against the talents of Javier Adrian Gonzalvez Fernandez of Spain. There was a battle royale between two fine Masters Internationals in Rob Staunton of Ireland and Wayne Beglan of England. Staunton was 2-1 up but got pegged back by the relentless Beglan who won through in five to set up a match with National Champion Alistair Coker.

    Men’s Over 45. National Champion Lee Jemmett of Essex is the top seed here and proved to be too good for Ayman Massoud of Egypt booking his quarter final slot where he will meet Antony Savage who showed some great form against Jason Vigiers. Meanwhile Matt Marshall had a very stern test to upset the seedings and beat Gareth Webber of Wales 12/10 in the fifth to reach a quarter final against Mick Biggs of Middlesex who had a fantastic battle with James Greenhead of Surrey emerging the victor 13/11 in the fifth in 50 minutes of pounding squash. In the bottom half Ireland star Nigel Peyton will have an intriguing clash with German star Julian Wollny who beat Simon Rodwell 3-0. Steven Davies will now face defending champion Jonathan Tate.

    Men's Over 40. National Champion Phil Rushworth of Surrey is the man to beat here. He will play Pasquale Ruzicka of Germany who was just ahead of George Shoulder. Alex Preston, a former Open Champion who beat Tony Webb in three will play Avon’s Dale Diment. In the other half 3/4 seed Rory Pennell will play Matthew Sampson who put out Ben Shakespeare in five against the seedings, while the no. 2 seed Murukesh Mani of India opens his tournament against Paul Wallace a four game winner over Mark Thomason.

    Men's Over 35. Yet another National Champion is Lewis Doughty and he will play Oliver Dixon who caused a seeding upset by winning in five close games against Gordon Harpur. Daniel West of Sussex continued his great return to form despatching Michael Aley to set up a quarter final with David Allman of Avon the 3/4 seed. In the other half England Captain Jamie Douglas will meet Oliver Hudson who beat Shahab Raza in straight games while home club pro and no.2 seed Chris Hall will play the remarkable Gbenga Adeyi who did very well to get past Gurbhaj Kahlon in five all action games.

    Women’s Over 65. In an early match Ireland’s Maureen Duke recorded a good win against Germany’s Iris Hofling 3-1 and will now meet top seed and defending champion Jill Campion of Wales.

    Women's Over 50. An early match in this event saw former National Champion Sarah Parr overcome Wales International Rhian Davies in straight games to set up what should be an excellent quarter final against Christine McMullen, a 3/4 seed from Merseyside. Meanwhile Melanie Kreisel of Germany recorded a fine four game win over Jane Armstrong to progress to the next round. Debbie Locke had a competitive five game win over Catherine Monday and her reward is a match against top seed and defending champion Rachel Calver. Kate Smith booked her match with second seed Catherine Ruffle with a well played straight games win over Laura Northeast.

    Day 1 - Wednesday 3rd June

    The 2026 edition of the Dunlop British Open Masters got underway today at the excellent Solihull Arden Squash Club and the West Warwickshire Club. The start of five days of fierce competition and some top class Masters Squash with over 270 players registered from 17 countries.

    Men’s Over 70. This group got under way with some good contests and Peter Quarman had a fine five game win over William Johnson coming back from 2-1 down to win a well contested fifth. Surrey’s Paul Gregory managed to keep ahead of Joe Mc Auley and Mike Quartley proved too strong for Keith Ragg. Lou Van Talligan found himself against Richard Murray of the USA but produced a very good performance to get through in straight games. New in the age group Ripley Oyler had to contend with Australia’s Garry Irwin and won through 3-0 in spite of a very tight second. Phil Davidson and Paul Reader both had four game wins against Alan Smallman and Ireland’s Robert Garvin respectively.

    Men’s Over 65. Kent’s Gordon McManus produced a smooth display to remove Adrian Lindfield in three well controlled games while former England player George Kousseff of Hampshire removed Martyn Faulkner by the same score. There was an upset of seedings when former England player Tom Burton lost to David Pleming in three close games. There were also wins for Stephen Blacksell and Steve Barlow of Bedfordshire. Another former England player Robert Warner removed Michael Roden of Ireland but current England star Alan Borrill had to battle past Dillwyn Rosser in four games. Former British Open Champion Nick Gollaglee eased through against Don Armitage while Germany’s Peter Hofling overcame Gokhan Ugur of Turkey.

    Men’s Over 60. Wiltshire’s Paul Clark recorded a solid 3-0 against Kirk Woodward of Avon as did Nigel Bacon, Jason Fletcher and Yawar Abbas, a former champion here. Scotland International Adrian Richmond showed his pedigree by removing a good player in Courtney Downing 3-0 while another former champion Steve McLoughlin of Hampshire removed Ville Leppanen of Finland in straight games. Marc Atkinson had too much for Yorkshire’s Andy Hall although he had his chances in a 14/12 second game. England star Simon Spencer had an interesting match against John Bonello of Australia but the National runner up was too strong, 3-0 to England. Another former international in Tim Smith of Cornwall produced a solid performance against Richard Bishop and Cumbria’s David Gray did likewise against Tony Stewart. Among the top seeds in this group Jonas Ulvsback of Sweden and National Champion Alex Betts with Eamonn Price go forward after comfortable wins. American based Irishman Andre Maur had a thrilling five setter against Alejandro Dominguez of Argentina winning 3-2 with four of the games going into extra time.

    Men’s Over 55. Nigel Rowe of Wiltshire debuted for England this year and carried that through here beating Nick Derbyshire in four good games. James Piddington meanwhile had a great match with Steve Jukes eventually outlasting to win a comfortable fifth game. Karl Hardy and Vinod Duraikan both recorded solid wins to progress.

    Men’s Over 50. Jolyon Head proved to be too good for Julian Beckett. Simon Lucas beat Graham Stanford in three with the first two games going to the Wiltshire man 12/10. The longest match of the day saw Bruce Hopkin beat Paul Frost in a full blooded five game affair in an hour, the first game setting the scene with a 16/14 win to Hopkin. Ashley Sandyford-Sykes had a real battle with Dominic Curtis before proving the stronger in the fifth game. Spain’s Javier Adrian Gonzalvez celebrated his first match in the British Open with a 3-0 win over Nigel Stephens.

    Men’s Over 45. There were only a few early matches in this group but one very entertaining one saw Ayman Massoud of Egypt take on Jon Hunter with the Egyptian ahead in the third when unfortunately Hunter suffered a muscle pull and had to retire. Surrey’s James Greenhead produced a powerful performance to defeat Francis Stanley 3-0. Robert Dale of England took on Nishant Jadhav of the USA and the Englishman was in control for a 3-0 win.

    So an excellent first day of squash and the scene is set for more seeded players to enter the fray and there will be even more competitive matches over the two venues tomorrow starting from 10.00 am. Spectators are welcome at both venues.

    Stuart Hardy
    Chairman




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