Nia Seren Thomas led a trio of home nation girls’ victories at last weekend’s Karakal Welsh Junior Open in Cardiff.
Thomas, who was the only Welsh player to compete in July’s World Junior Championships, knocked out GU19 top seed Harriet Broadbridge in the group stage before hitting back from two games down against her compatriot [5/8] Mille Breach in the final 4-11, 13=15, 11-7, 11-9, 13-11.
[5/8] Erin Lauder won the GU17 trophy courtesy of a 11-5, 11-4, 11-5 victory over France’s 3/4 seed Emilie Leblond. Lauder won the GU15 title in Cardiff two years ago.
Heidi Hales also delighted the home crowd with victory in the GU13 category. The top seed conquered England’s [2] Sara Ibrahim 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 in the final.
Elsewhere, BU19 top seed Ronnie Hickling from England, who was bronze medallist at the European U19 Individual Championships in Krakow earlier this year, sailed through the draw without dropping a game, beating France’s [3/4] Thomas Mauras 11-3, 11-3, 13-11 in the final.
England’s Matthew Hong Ki Leung has now won U13, U15 and U17 titles at the Welsh Junior Open after toppling compatriot Omar Sherif 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-8.
The BU15 final was a battle between twin brother Oscar and Finley Brown, both 9/16 seeds, which Finley won 11-6, 11-4, 11-1.
Ireland 3/4 seed Ruby Carroll sailed to the GU15 crown without dropping a game as she defeated England’s [2] Siona Mishra 11-8, 11-5, 12-10 in the final to lift her third ESF junior circuit title.
England’s 3/4 seed theo Hobman defeated European no.2 ranked Irishman and top seed Harry Knox in the BU13 final 11-4, 8-11 11-6, 11-6.
England’s Yo Him Law won the BU11 trophy with a dominant 11-2, 11-8, 11-3 scoreline against Niall Goel, while Holly Thompson defeated fellow Englishwoman Gabriella Ibrahim 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 12-10 in a terrific finale to lift the GU11 title.
The 2026 Welsh Junior Open had a record number of entries and was expanded over two venues, Rhiwbina Squash Club and Sport Wales National Centre.
Squash Wales commented: “The quality of squash throughout the weekend was exceptional, with players competing hard, making new friends and gaining valuable experience on the international junior circuit.”
