Teens face off for Auckland PSA Challenge title

Low Wa Sern from Malaysia throws himself for a shot in the Auckland Open PHOTO: PICKABOO PHOTOS

Two of the worlds best junior squash players will contest the men's final at the 2025 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Squash Open 

Low Wa Sern from Malaysia and countryman Harith Danial will square off for the PSA Challenger title as they start their professional careers

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Early shocks Auckland Squash Open

Sern overcame Jooyoung Na from Korea who was a beaten finalist at the World Junior Championship last year in a high-energy contest which saw both players display great shot-making skills.

However, Sern was too quick and agile around the court using his speed to get into position and create winning opportunities for 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 win. 

The other men's semifinal was slightly more sedate with Australian Ben Ratcliffe able to keep involved in long rallies against Danial who turned 19 that day.

Ratcliffe was able to take the first set 11-8 as the Malaysian was too loose in his shots. 

But from the second set onwards Danial grew into his game and was able to close out the match 11-5, 11-5, 11-8.

Earlier in the day the two remaining New Zealanders in the men's draw William Donnelly and Freddie Jameson lost to Harith and Ratcliffe respectively, both in straight games.

Jena Gregory in action through to th efinal of teh Auckland Open PHOTO: PICKABOO PHOTOS

The women's PSA Satellite final will be contested between four-time former champion Lana Harrison and top seed Jena Gregory. 

Harrison from Auckland played her typical fast-paced style to defeat Winona-Jo Joyce (Bay of Plenty) in straight games while Gregory originally from Hawkes Bay won over Auckland's Anna Hughes in four games. 

Finals run from 2pm for women and 3pm for men, Sunday at the North Shore Squash Club.

Results:

Women's semifinals

Harrison bt Joyce 11-4, 11-9 11-4

Gregory bt Hughes 11-3, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8

Women's quarterfinals

Jena Gregory bt Maiden-Lee Coe 8-11, 11-9, 11-6, 8-11 11-8,

Anna Hughes bt Sophie Hodge 3-11 11-5, 11-4, 13-11,

Lana Harrison bt Emma Merson 9-11, 9-11, 14-12 11-4, 11-7, 

Winona-Jo Joyce bt Lily Rae 12-10 11-9 11-6

Men's semifinals

[12] Harith Danial (MAS) bt. [3] Benjamin Ratcliffe (AUS)3-1: 8-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8 (47m)

[13] Low Wa Sern (MAS) bt. [5] Jooyoung Na (KOR)3-0: 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 (35m)

Men's quarterfinals 

[12] Harith Danial (MAS) bt. [8] William Donnelly (NZL)3-0: 11-7, 14-12, 11-9 (37m)

[3] Benjamin Ratcliffe (AUS) bt. [14] Freddie Jameson (NZL)3-0: 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 (32m)

[5] Jooyoung Na (KOR) bt. [15] Youngjo Ko (KOR)3-2: 11-8, 5-11, 11-7, 7-11, 13-11 (62m)

[13] Low Wa Sern (MAS) bt. [9] Jaejin Yoo (KOR)3-0: 11-8, 11-4, 11-7 (29m)