The Wānaka Squash Open, contested over King’s Birthday weekend, will feature some of the country's best squash players again.

New Zealand representatives Lwamba and Temwa Chileshe have entered the tournament and Wānaka Squash Club president Tony Johnston says it is exciting to have two players of their calibre playing in the Open.

“They have recently returned from playing professionally in England for a two-month break and will be in top form,” Tony said.

“They played each other in last year’s Wānaka Open final with the younger Temwa winning in five sets and the expectation is that Lwamba will be highly motivated to reverse last year’s result.”

The brothers are ranked second and third among New Zealand male squash players and are expected to take over the mantle as the leading New Zealand male players when former world champion and current world number five Paul Coll retires.

Tony said the Women’s Open will also feature a strong field featuring former Wānaka player Martha Toghill who recently represented New Zealand at the Trans-Tasman Junior Series against Australia.

“Her most likely opponent in the final is our vice-president, Emma Brown,” Tony said.

“We are very grateful to our main sponsor Jerram Tocker Barron Architects and our mid-tier sponsors Flooring Xtra and Stonewood Homes.

“Without them, we would not have been able to have players of such a high calibre entering our tournament.”

He said the club continues to grow with its juniors making up the largest junior group in Otago. There is also a large number of women joining the club.

“Our plans to extend the club’s building are close to being finalised which can’t come soon enough,” Tony said.

The Wānaka Squash Open will be played on Saturday and Sunday of King’s Birthday weekend with the finals on Sunday afternoon (June 4). Spectators are welcome to come along to the club and enjoy top-level squash at no charge.

PHOTO: Supplied