This Wednesday marks the start of the iPROSPORTS British National Masters Squash Championships 2026 — perhaps not the catchiest of titles, but a fantastic opportunity for Essex masters players to test themselves against some of the best in the country.
This year’s event will be held at Colets Health and Fitness Club in Thames Ditton, a club boasting six courts and located just a stone’s throw from Hampton Court.
We have 11 Essex-based players competing across eight age-group categories — a fantastic level of representation. Strong title hopes rest on the shoulders of Lee Jemmett, top seed in the Men’s Over 45s, who will be looking to continue his magnificent form after winning all four regional titles in the build-up to this event. Also competing in the Over 45s are Maldon’s Adam Safwat and Paul Wallace.
England international Mark McEwen will contest the Men’s Over 35s, while former world No. 139 Rory Pennell lines up in the Men’s Over 40s. Completing the Essex entries in the men’s events are England international Nigel Bacon (Men’s Over 60s) and Essex Over 45s captain Jason Potter (Men’s Over 50s).
On the women’s side, another England international, Keeley Steel, competes in the Women’s Over 35s, while Hampton’s Jackie Gregory takes part in the Women’s Over 55s. The Women’s Over 50s sees double Essex representation with Laura Northeast and Michelle Higgins both in action.
With matches getting underway on Wednesday and running every day through to Sunday’s finals, we’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our players the very best in their respective age categories.
Full Entry List Below (seed in brackets)
Men’s Over 35
Mark McEwen (9/12)
Women’s Over 35
Keeley Steel (5/8)
Men’s Over 40
Rory Pennell (5/8)
Men’s Over 45
Lee Jemmett (1)
Paul Wallace (9/12)
Adam Safwat (13/16)
Men’s Over 50
Jason Potter (17/32)
Women’s Over 50
Laura Northeast (9/12)
Michelle Higgins (9/12)
Women’s Over 55
Jackie Gregory (5/8)
Men’s Over 60
Nigel Bacon (9/12)
