Groenewald, Hudson head South African challenge in Assore PSA tour event

South African stars Damian Groenewald and Helena Hudson will spearhead the home challenge when the Assore Tour #3 squash tournament takes place at the Parkview Squash Centre in Johannesburg from Wednesday to Sunday, 20 to 24 May 2026.

The latest leg of the popular PSA series has again attracted a strong international flavour, with players from Austria, Egypt, Spain and Zimbabwe joining a talented local contingent for the four-day event.

In the men’s draw, Austrian professional Aqeel Rehman headlines the field as he returns to South Africa after several previous appearances on local courts.

The vastly experienced 40-year-old reached a career-high world ranking of 76 in September 2021 and continues to enjoy success on the international circuit.

Rehman claimed his 15th PSA title when he won the Shepparton International in July last year before adding a 16th career title at the Liechtenstein Open in December.

Northerns ace Groenewald and fellow South African Ruan Olivier are expected to mount a serious challenge for top honours, while Zimbabwe’s Ryan Gwidzima adds further quality to the draw.

Egyptian pair Youssef Kabbash and Omar Gohary will also be players to watch, while Spain’s Ignacio Fajardo is set to make his first appearance in South Africa.

The tournament will also showcase some of the country’s brightest young talent. SA juniors Christiaan Swanepoel and Juan-Corne Brand are among the exciting entrants, while 15-year-old Liam Fehrsen will make his debut as a PSA junior member.

Fehrsen, who recently became eligible for PSA participation at 15 years and 31 days old, is regarded as one of the country’s most promising prospects.

The women’s section is headed by Egyptian Lojayn Gohary, currently ranked 136 in the world and a former world junior top performer who has enjoyed notable success at events such as the US Open and British Junior Open.

The 20-year-old has steadily climbed the professional ranks after an impressive junior career which included top-six finishes at major international age-group tournaments in the United States and Hong Kong.

Hudson, one of South Africa’s leading players and a recent standout performer on the Assore circuit, will carry strong local hopes alongside a quality domestic field.

Another intriguing storyline will be the debut of rising South African junior Jasmaine Rust, who recently turned 15 and is now eligible to compete as a PSA junior member.

With established international campaigners, leading South African contenders, and emerging junior stars all in action, the Assore Tour #3 promises an entertaining showcase of squash at Parkview.