https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/young-squash-talent-eyes-australian-open/3668025/ Squash: A rapid ascension through the ranks has rising squash star, Wes Dyer, primed for success. The 16-year-old has been a fierce competitor on the court, and will be taking his talents to the Australian Junior Open in April. The swashbuckling athlete was on display at a Squash 52 members tournament on Saturday, going in as the No. 2 seed behind venue owner, Ben Courtice. In a dramatic final, the young dynamo staved off Courtice's challenge - claiming the deciding game 15-12. Dyer is already playing in under 19's divisions, in a testament to his blossoming ability. He will gear up for the Open in a Q Squash North Queensland selection tournament in Townsville this weekend. The tournament will determine who goes into the North Queensland team for this year's Queensland State championships. However this pressure is nothing new to the emerging star. "I've been going there (Townsville) for about eight years, and I've won all eight years, so I'm just trying to continue the streak a bit," Dyer said.
"I want to do well and get a bit of confidence going into my Australian Junior Open," he said. After moving to Australia nine years ago, the South African-born Dyer picked up the sport from his brothers and was enticed the moment a racquet was in his hands. The upcoming Australian Open will pit the best players under 19 years of age from around the country against each other. While he will continue to work on his skills, fitness and stamina, Dyer is confident he can take his game to the next level and challenge for the Open title. "My main goal is to get into the Australian team for the World Junior Championships, so if I do well in those tournaments I will be able to get selected for that," he said. "I've played a lot of those guys before, they're very tough. "I feel like I'm ready, I just need to do that extra training and try and back myself against those top guys, because I do believe I can compete with them." Despite his tender years, Dyer has his eyes set on taking his skills to the United States when the curtain draws on his junior career. He has been trained by Courtice and James Toohey in preparation for his upcoming competitions, along with a host of other talented Mackay juniors making an impression in the game. Toohey has operated on the international circuit throughout his career. With all the players he has seen and mentored, he said what Dyer brings to the table is stunning to behold. "I've seen a lot of players in the world and I've never seen anyone have as many shots as Wes," Toohey said. "His potential is untapped, if we can get him to where we need him to be here, he'll be a champion of the future."
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November 2019
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