Raymond Terrace Squash Centre will have three members represented at one of the sport's largest and most competitive tournaments, the Hong Kong masters.
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John Carroll, Rosalind Dixon and Dragan Mijatovic will be taking on some of the world's best in their respective age groups at the masters open to be conducted from May 31 to June 2 at the Hong Kong Football Club complex.
Raymond Terrace's 76-year-old Mike McDonald was expected to join his squash colleagues before receiving the call to compete in a masters hockey series in Vancouver, Canada, kicking off on May 29.
"I didn't want to miss this rare opportunity to represent Southern Cross [made up of primarily Australian players] over 75s team to play a series of matches against a combined United State/Canadian team," McDonald said.
"I would have loved to accompany my fellow squash members to Honk Kong, but unfortunately it has clashed with the Canadian tour.
"I only began playing hockey again three years ago following a 50-year absence and I am thoroughly enjoying the sport and the camaraderie," added McDonald, who was also a member of the hockey team which won the [over 75s] championship earlier this year in Hobart.
There is no real expectation for the squash trio as they embark on their three-day international competition featuring some of the world's best in their age groups.
Ranked in the top three in the world for the 65-70 year age group and an international tour regular, John Carroll says he is approaching the tournament like any other masters.
"It will be tough, I have no doubt it will be very competitive but I do like to be challenged and I am feeling fit for the tournament," Carroll said.
Rosalind Dixon, who finished third at the world masters at the same venue in 2014, said she was looking forward to mixing it with the ladies in the 60-65 year ago group. "I love the game and have been playing around Port Stephens and Newcastle for some time now. Honk Kong will be another competition where I can test my game against elite players," she said.
Competing is his first ever international masters, Dragan Mijatovic (55-60 years) says he is still enjoying the game he has been playing for more than 40 years.
"Because this is my first international tournament I am trying not to put too much pressure on myself ... I am really just going over there to play as well as I can."
The four are regular players at Raymond Terrace Squash and Fitness Centre, where membership is on the increase where a number of squash enthusiasts led by manager Phil Jenkinson enthusiasts are trying to recreate the glory days of the sport. Coaching is available at the centre, contact Jenkinson on (02) 4983 1350.