Australians set for big final day of World Squash Masters

FIFTEEN Australians will be chasing glory at the 2026 World Squash Masters Championships in Perth on Sunday. 

Over 900 competitors from over 55 nations have taken part in the championships, with Sunday set to host finals across three venues, Mirrabooka Squash World, Belmont Squash Centre and the feature glass court at Karrinyup Shopping Centre. 

It was an action-filled day of semi-finals with the feature court at Karrinyup hosting record crowds. 

Australian Jane Kennedy came back from 2-1 down against South African Janet Byrnes to secure her place in the Women’s 50+ final in an epic five game match.

Kennedy will take on fellow Australian Melissa Martin in the final after Martin claimed victory in an all Aussie semi-final against compatriot Michelle May. 

“Words can’t explain being in the final, I never would have thought I’d be in a World Final at home in Perth,” Kennedy said. 

“I had to dig deep, I was down 2-1 and really needed to knuckle down to get the result. I’m super excited to play in the final on Sunday.

“I’m really looking forward to taking on Melissa in the final.”

There was high drama in the Men’ 45+ with Australian Jeff Osborne overcoming No.2 seed Rene Mijs in a thrilling five-set match. Osborne was down match-ball in the fifth, before securing an emotion charged victory. 

“I really had to stick to my game plan to win,” Osborne said. 

“He just covered so much of the court, it’s very hard, because if you don’t execute, he just got to everything and punished it.

“It’s good to be in the final, it is why I’m here.”

Osborne will take on England’s No.1 seed James Bowden who had a highly entertaining semi-final victory over Spain’s Guillermo Pedernera, including multiple contenders for rallies of the tournament. 

Australian Matthew Karwalski secured his way through to Sunday’s final, the No.1 seed accounting for South African Jason Le Roux. It’ll be an all Australian final with Steve Finitsis winning in four. 

“I’m glad I have got this far, the glass court is amazing and the atmosphere has been electric,” Finitis said. 

“It’s so special to have this court in the middle of Karrinyup Shopping Centre, so many people have been coming and watching the matches and I’m sure there’ll be a heap here tomorrow for the final.”

Australian Results

Men’s50+ 

Michael Corren def Adam Dominey 11-6. 11-5. 11-6

Women’s 50+

Jane Kennedy def Janet Byrnes 11-5. 8-11. 8-11. 11-8. 11-7.
Melissa Martin def Michelle May 11-3. 8-11. 11-3. 11-2. 

Men’s 45+

Jeff Osborne def Rene Mijs 11-8. 12-10. 7-11. 2-11. 13-11. 

Men’s 40+

Matthew Karwalski def Jason Le Roux 11-7. 11-3. 11-7.
Steve Finitsis def Devon Hendrikse 4-11. 11-3. 11-8. 11-6. 

Men’s 35+

Joshua Larkin def David Allman 11-8. 11-5. 11-5. 

FINAL - Karrinyup Shopping Centre

10:00 Women’ 50+ Jane Kennedy [1] v Melissa Martin [2]
10:40 Men’s 50+  Michael Corren [1] v Alexander Clark [3/4] (USA)
12:00 Men’s 45+James Bowden [1] (ENG) v Jeff Osborne [5/8]
13:20Men’s 40+Matthew Karwalski [1] v Steven Finitsis [3/4]
14:00 Women’s 35+Zoe Petrovansky [1] v Samantha Foyle [2]
14:40 Men’s 35+Joshua Larkin [1] v Samuel Kang [2] (SPG)

Final - Squashworld Mirrabooka 

11:20 Men’s 75+ Geoff Chambers v Kai Ki Chan [1] (HKG) 

12:00 Women’s 70+ Pauline Douglas [1] (Sco) v Gaye Mitchell [2] 

Final - Belmont Squash Centre

11:20 Women’s 60+ Sue Hillier [1] v Phoebe Trubowitz [2] (USA)

12:00 Men’s 60+ Michael Fullick v Jean Jacques Pineau [1]

12:40 Women’s 55+ Susan Davis v Amanda Hart [2]