Alexandra Fuller and Mahesh Mangaonkar are the lucky champions of the SEKISUI OPEN 2016. From 7th to 13th March, the fourth edition of the squash tournament took place at Sportpark Pilatus in Kriens, Switzerland. Once again, top squash players from around the world competed against each other. SEKISUI OPEN is made possible by SEKISUI, which has committed itself to sponsoring the tournament from 2013 to 2020. Due to its continuous sponsorship, SEKISUI makes a significant contribution to the promotion of squash in Europe.
For the first time, the Professional Squash Association 5 (PSA) women’s tournament took place on the same weekend as the PSA 15 men’s tournament. With 16 female and 32 male competitors, this year’s tournament was the largest one the Professional Squash Association has ever held. Moreover, it was the first one with a prize money of 20,000 USD. A long and intense week full of thrilling matches has been followed by two grand finals. South Africa’s Alexandra Fuller dominated Chloé Mesic from France in an honourable women’s final with 3-1.
This is the first ever PSA World Tour title for the World’s No. 70. The final match of the men’s PSA 15 was played between last year’s winner Kristian Frost from Denmark and SEKISUI OPEN newcomer Mahesh Mangaonkar from India. After a two-hour plus battle with intensive, fast pace shots the SEKISUI trophy was richer for one name – the one of World’s No. 65 Mahesh Mangaonkar.
“I’m just lucky to do something I love, like playing squash”, said Alexandra about her dedication. Mahesh added: “I’m very fortunate to play Squash and getting to do what I love and what I’m passionate about and have the full freedom to pursue what I’m good at.” Congratulations to these two very ambitious winners.
Finalist Chloé Mesic (l.) and lucky winner Alexandra Fuller (r.)
SEKISUI Squash Tournament
Mr. Isamu Nagafusa, Managing Director of SEKISUI EUROPE B.V. at the presentation ceremony with Kristian Frost and winner Mahesh Mangaonkar
