Johannesburg – South African and top Northerns players Damian Groenewald and Helena Hudson are looking to turn a year of valuable international experience into strong performances at the Assore Joburg Open.
The Joburg Open will be played at Parkview Squash Centre in Johannesburg from 20 to 24 October 2026.
This final Assore Series event of the year will see the country’s leading players test themselves against a quality international field, with Egyptian players again expected to make their presence felt.
The series has provided a consistent platform for local players to compete against overseas opposition, offering not only valuable PSA ranking points but also lessons that can be applied to their own games.
Groenewald, who is among the top eight seeds in the men’s draw, believes the exposure has been particularly beneficial as South Africans continue to measure themselves against some of the world’s best.
“The Assore Series has been amazing this year. The exposure we get from playing against more international players, especially the Egyptians, has been so good for us,” Groenewald said.
“I think they have realised this is a good opportunity to collect points, but for us it is such good experience playing against them.
“I have been knocked out by two Egyptians, and every time I play against them I learn something different that I can apply to my game.
“They are so good in the big points; they know how to win them and stay in a rally when it gets tight.
“They are very gritty and force errors out of you.”
Groenewald expects another stern test in the men’s draw, with Egyptian Mohamed Sharaf the top seed and South African Dewald van Niekerk seeded second.
The increased strength of the field means the local contingent will have to be at their best to progress.
However, Groenewald is encouraged by his improved seeding.
Having been ninth seed at the previous tournament, he has moved into the top eight, giving him a more favourable starting position.
“It is still a big opportunity for the South Africans to proceed further in the draw. It is a very strong field, but I am up for the battle and will be ready mentally and physically,” he said.
The South African also arrives in good form after winning the Western Province Open, a PSA Challenger 3K event.
He defeated SA Country Districts player Reuel Videler 3-0 before overcoming young Dutch star Samuel Gerrits in a tough five-set final.
“I am happy with my form and looking forward to representing South Africa again at PSA level. I will do it to the best of my ability,” he added.
Hudson, the fourth seed in the women’s draw, is equally eager to make the most of the opportunity, with Egyptian Nour Megahed heading the seedings.
She believes the international competition throughout the Assore Series has helped South African players broaden their tactical understanding and approach to preparation.
“The Assore Series has definitely been a good learning curve. Playing against international players has broadened our thinking in terms of how we approach tournaments, preparation and tactics during matches,” she said.
“It also brings a new flavour to our squash, with different ways of using shots, breaking the South African pattern of play and introducing a unique approach to the game.”
Hudson expects the women’s draw to be competitive but is optimistic about her prospects after working on specific aspects of her game.
“I am feeling quite good. I have been working on improving certain areas, and naturally, when you change and tweak things, they are not always instantly successful,” she said.
“My draw is pretty good, and I am excited for the challenge this week. You have to take it match by match, but I am hoping to see the preparation and experience from the series throughout the year culminate in this tournament.
“I am hoping to get our flag to the final.”
Hudson also paid tribute to Assore, Parkview and organiser Craig van der Wath for their continued commitment to the series, which she described as invaluable in providing players with competitive experience and opportunities to earn PSA ranking points.
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