Burnaby’s King of the Courts squash tournament has gained a reputation among Lower Mainland competitors as an event where you go for the workout, and stay for the fun.
It’s a three-wall boast that highlights the multi-division tourney that will mark its 25th year at the Bonsor Recreation Complex.
The four-day tournament, where shots like the three-wall boast will ricochet into play, kicks off Thursday with games starting at 5:30 p.m.
For Sherman Quon, the focus
is on coming together on the court and seeing a lot of familiar faces.
“It’s getting bigger and bigger, and because it falls at the end of the squash (tournament) season, a lot of players like to finish with (the King of the Courts),” said Quon, who has been competing in it for 20-plus years.
The tourney has various competitive divisions, for men and women, but isn’t known as one of the elite competition events on the calendar. Offering players from around the Lower Mainland a chance to get some good court action and mingle among friends is one reason the tourney continues to thrive.
“It’s like a family gathering for everyone,” noted Gabriel Leung, 57, who has competed frequently in the tourney since moving to Canada in the early 1990s.
“It’s not as serious compared to some other competing racquet clubs, but, even though I’m not playing, I go and watch,”
Leung said, noting a stroke last year has limited his playing to twice a week.
In fact, he suffered a heart attack while competing at the King of the Courts a handful of years ago, and says having it there at the Bonsor Rec Complex was fortuitous.
“I guess that’s the good luck – at Bonsor you have the lifeguards, the fire station, so there was quick help.”
Quon is also taking this year’s tourney off due to a knee injury. But he’s a stead-fast supporter and will be there helping out.
“I’m known around (Bonsor) as the guy with two knee braces,” Quon said. “(Squash) is great for cardio exercise, and a lot of regulars have stuck to the (tournament) and played there a long time. I’ll be there watching and wishing I could play.”
The action continues Friday and wraps up Sunday.
