Island women’s champion Issey Norman-Ross will be up against some tough opposition this weekend in the inaugural Butterfield Senior Squash Open organised by director of island squash Ben Rosec (right). (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0659403)

SOME top senior players will be descending on Guernsey from both the UK and France to compete in the inaugural Butterfield Senior Squash Open at the weekend.

The tournament has been introduced to Guernsey Squash by island director Ben Rosec, who plans to make this an annual event.

‘My ambition is to hold a senior open every year and attract players from the UK, France, Jersey and even further afield.

‘I hope that in time this becomes a big date in the European squash calendar,’ he said.

In this first year, local competitors look as if they are going to have their work cut out as they will be competing against some of the top European players in both the men’s and women’s events.

The men’s event has an entry of 32 players with top seeds Frenchmen Guval Isambard, (formerly ranked number seven in French senior) and Arthur Moineau (ranked 14 in Europe U-17 and member of U-17 French Team), both making their debut appearance on Guernsey soil.

The women’s event has been divided into three boxes, with the winners and runners-up of each going through to the main competition.