Mike Buchanan can’t remember the last time he lost a squash tournament on P.E.I. soil but he knows he will have to be at his absolute best next week.
For the first time ever, the Island will host some of the world’s top players during the Vogue Optical Atlantic Canada Open and PSA Event, April 4-8.
The qualifying rounds and Thursday’s round of 16 will take place free of charge at The Spa Total Fitness before the tournament moves to UPEI for the quarter-finals, semis and final.
“My expectations are to get into the main draw and see what happens,’’ said Buchanan. “It’s kind of hard to know how we fit in with a lot of these guys because they’re from all over the place. We don’t know an awful lot about them but, obviously, they’re going to be tremendous players. It’s a good experience for everybody, too.’’
Top players will be arriving from Australia, Pakistan, Egypt, Spain, Bermuda, England, Mexico, Columbia, Ireland and India, although the top two seeds are from the United States and Canada. Tournament organizers have managed to attract Chris Hanson, world ranked No. 65 who is currently the national champion in the U.S., and his Canadian counterpart, Nick Sachvie of St. Catharines, Ont., the tournament’s No. 2 seed.
Carrying the P.E.I. flag will be Buchanan, Nathan Phillips, Mitchell Chaisson and Connor and Liam Jinks.
Between the qualifying event and the main rounds of this $5,000 event, the tournament will be hosting these young professionals.
“Hopefully this isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime thing but it’s definitely rare for this high level of squash to be played here,’’ Buchanan said. “(Islanders) should definitely get out and support the local players that are trying to get into the main event (and) cheer us on. It should be exciting.’’
Buchanan had a chance to practise with one of the pros on Wednesday and he’s played in pro events in Nova Scotia in the past.
“You can tell it’s going to be tough. I’ll have to be on my game to . . . get a win over them. “(I’d like to take out) a high-ranked player. That would be good.’’
In total, there will be 12 professional squash players entered in the main event, all ranked between 65 and 500. Sixteen players will compete on the first day in a qualifying event, which includes the Island contingent.
The qualifying rounds and Thursday’s round of 16 are free to watch but the matches at UPEI will require a ticket.
Those interested in procuring a ticket for the semifinals and/or final are asked to go to Sportyhq.com and see Vogue Optical Atlantic Championships.
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