Cook Islands players gained valuable experience at the 2023 World Squash Federation Men’s World Team Championship, which concluded over the weekend in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Cook Islands Squash president Tutu Inamata said: “The tournament has come to an end, the team played really well considering the skill level. Otherwise, it was a great experience for the team.”

The young Cook Islands team comprised Auckland, Wellington, and Tauranga residents Dylan Russell (Raro Open winner 2023), Brian Tapurau, Joshua Simeon, and Manu Priest (multiple-time Cook Islands representatives).

Cook Islands battled hard throughout the tournament. While the side fell to Czech Republic (3-0), USA (3-0), Japan (2-0), and Korea (2-0) in the playoffs, Cook Islands secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Tahiti.

“It’s been an awesome tournament for the Cook Islands team,” Inamata commented earlier, noting that their victory over higher-seeded Tahiti was a major highlight.

Cook Islands made their World Squash Federation Men’s World Team Championship debut alongside Samoa and Tahiti. The side managed to compete in this prestigious event, thanks to a last-minute entry opportunity.

Meanwhile, Egypt claimed their third title by defeating England in the final.

Final standings: 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championship 
1: Egypt, 2: England, 3 France / Switzerland, Wales, 6 USA; 7 Germany; 8 Scotland; 9 Czech Republic; 10 Hong Kong, China; 11 Malaysia; 12 Australia; 13 New Zealand; 14 Canada; 15 Nigeria; 16 South Africa; 17 Ireland; 18 Netherlands; 19 Japan; 20 Philippines; 21 Republic of Korea; 22 Cook Islands; 23 Samoa