Sam Buckley of Sutton LTC is heading for the Cannon Kirk GillenMarkets Irish Squash Open 2024 off the back of a fine season.
As the Men’s national number 1, Sam has had plenty of highlights this season and added plenty more silverware to his trophy cabinet including a magnificent defence of his senior national title in February. On top of this, earlier in the season, Sam proved his pro credentials, routinely dispatching Malaysian Addeen Idrakie, the world no.64 in straight games at the WSF Men’s Team World Championship in New Zealand. He’ll be hoping for a repeat performance next week.
Based on his most recent form, including an impressive Leinster League campaign in which he was the focal point of Sutton’s Premier Division triumph, Sam will fancy his chances of making a splash on court 1.
Sam was eliminated in the opening round last year and will be hoping to go at least one better this time round when he takes on world no.87, Noor Zaman in the opening round, live on Premier Sports 2 from 5pm on Tuesday 23rd of April. Zaman recently made the Hong Kong PSA Challenge Cup final in February and will be out to ruin the hometown party.
Sam is set to take the pro circuit by storm next season and this year’s Cannon Kirk GillenMarkets Irish Squash Open is the perfect platform to announce his arrival in style in front of a home crowd and televised spotlight.
Tune into Premier Sports 2 (Sky 419, VM 417) from 5pm to see 4 Irish players back-to-back including Sam as they strive for a home soil hero story.
Follow Sam’s progress across our social channels and tournament results – here