From NZSportsWire
Jena Gregory has claimed her first national title while Paull Coll has secured his ninth at the 2026 New Zealand Squash Championships in Tauranga.
Second seed Gregory from Hawke’s Bay with a PSA ranking of 155 defeated top seed seed Ella Lash from Auckland with a ranking of 87 in the women’s final.
Lash was solid from the outset, taking the ball early and fast to build her lead before hitting a beautiful boast to take the first game 8-11.
Gregory, 22 then found her length and accuracy, working the angles and staying composed to get the better of Lash in the second 11-8. It was more of the same in the next two games, Lash hitting a few unforced errors while Gregory remained composed to secure the win 8-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-7.
“This means so much to me, I’ve had a pretty rough year this year so to be able to get this title is incredible and so special to me. I’ve come third twice so it’s pretty amazing,” said Gregory.
World No. 2 Paul Coll then took on teenager Ollie Dunbar ranked 108 in the men’s final.
Dunbar initially stayed with Coll before the West Coaster then pulled away before taking the opener 11-7.
Coll pushed up in the second, taking the fight to Dunbar to force a few errors and claim a comfortable 11-4 win. The third was a cut copy of the previous game with Coll staying on the attack to win 11-4 and secure his ninth national title.
Freddie Jameson placed third in the men’s division, while Shelley Kitchen took third place in the women’s.
From SquashNZ – Preview :
New Zealand’s squash stars are coming home, with world No. 2 Paul Coll and rising stars Ella Lash and Oli Dunbar set to headline the HEAD New Zealand Squash Championships in Tauranga this weekend
Held at the Devoy Squash and Fitness Centre, the 2026 national championships run alongside the National Graded Championships, bringing together the country’s top professionals, emerging stars and graded players for one of the highlights of the New Zealand squash calendar.
On the women’s side, a new champion is set to be crowned with Joelle King withdrawing from the tournament on the advice of her physio. No. 1 seed Ella Lash will be one to watch, while Jena Gregory and Emma Merson will also be hungry for the title.
In the men’s division World No. 2 Paul Coll, fresh from claiming the 2026 British Open title, returns to chase his ninth national crown in hot form.
The Championships double as the final event on the HEAD Pro Tour, and the women’s Pro Tour title is going down to the wire, with Emma Merson and Jena Gregory locked in a tight race that could be decided in Tauranga.
Running alongside the open event, the National Graded Championships have attracted record entries, with players representing 10 districts from across New Zealand competing at every level.
“This weekend is a fantastic celebration of New Zealand squash, from our world-class professionals through to the graded players who are the heart of our sport,” said Squash New Zealand Poipatu Aotearoa Chief Executive Martin Dowson.
“To have record entries across the graded championships, players from 10 districts, and the chance for everyone to compete alongside athletes like Paul and Joelle, that’s what makes this event so special. We’re looking forward to a brilliant weekend and we’re encouraging squash fans to come along and be part of it.”
