World number one David Palmer
is on track for Squash Singles
gold.
The outlook for Aussie gold in the men’s Squash Singles is promising after Australian David Palmer was named as the top seed for the Games.
Following the recent retirement of Canadian world number one Jonathon Power, the 29 year old Australian from Lithgow in New South Wales has become the world number one and is aiming to top his bronze medal from the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.
Australia's Anthony Ricketts is ranked world number six, but an all-Australian showdown is unlikely as Ricketts and Palmer would meet each other in the semi-final if the matches go according to seedings. Palmer is instead tipped to meet England’s second seed James Willstrop in the men’s final.
In the women's event, world number one Nicol David from Malaysia is the top seed, ahead of Australian rival Rachael Grinham, who won bronze in the Singles at the Manchester Games. David is expected to meet Grinham's younger sister Natalie, the third seed, in the semi-finals.
The Australian squash team is aiming for at least three of the five gold medals on offer: Men’s and Women’s Singles, and Doubles and Mixed Doubles events.
The Commonwealth Games Squash competition will be held across 11 days at a new purpose built all-glass show court at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. Squash will be represented by a record 28 nations and 91 athletes in Melbourne 2006.
Buy Squash tickets now.