International Squash Comes to Joburg as SA’s Best Take Centre Stage

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The Assore Classic gives local players a chance to earn valuable ranking points and test themselves against some of the world’s top talent.

Johannesburg, South Africa (23 September 2026) – South Africa’s leading squash players won’t have to travel overseas to find serious international competition this week.

The Assore Classic at Parkview Squash Centre in Johannesburg is bringing a strong international field to local courts, with South African stars Hayley Ward and Dewald van Niekerk leading the charge.

The men’s and women’s events have a combined R341 000 prize fund, making it one of the biggest competitions on the local squash calendar.

Egyptian players will provide some of the toughest opposition, including world No 110 Seif Tamer and women’s world No 79 Menna Walid.

Ward, ranked 64th in the world, and Van Niekerk, ranked 79th, will headline the South African challenge.

They’ll be joined by other local contenders, including 2026 Growthpoint SA Nationals men’s champion Damian Groenewald and provincial teammate Helena Hudson.

For Van Niekerk, having international players come to South Africa is about much more than a strong draw.

“The development and benefits for squash players are amazing, and the fact that we are having tournaments with prize funds of $6 000 and higher has a massive impact on the development of the sport.”

He believes younger players can also learn simply by watching how higher-ranked international opponents prepare and approach their matches.

Ward is returning to competition after taking a short break following her first Growthpoint SA Nationals title.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge, and although my world ranking might be a bit higher than some of the others, I know that the Egyptians are formidable players and it will be a tough week of squash.”

And the Assore series is not only about this week’s tournament. A second event with the same status will take place from 20 to 24 October, giving local players another opportunity to collect ranking points and test themselves against international opposition.

The international exposure continues later in the year, with South Africa preparing to send men’s and women’s teams to the World Squash Federation World Team Championships in Cheongju, South Korea, from 14 to 19 December.

The tournament will also form part of South Africa’s longer-term preparation towards Los Angeles 2028, when squash will make its Olympic debut.