The finals of the 2026 Alpha Bravo Construction British Junior Open proved to be a celebration for young and old! Finals day saw youngsters from around the world playing for the prestige of the British title culminating in the closest of finals between Seif Refaay and Adam Hawal in the boys under 19 event. The first men’s final of this event took place 100 years ago and was known as the Drysdale Cup.
To celebrate this year’s milestone, a group of top players from years gone by added to the occasion by watching the finals to see how today’s top juniors compared with their efforts from times past. The group included three past winners – Mike Corby in 1959, Chris Orriss in 1966 and Peter Verow in 1970 and 1972, as well as other top players who had taken part in the event over the years.
Pictured (from left to right):
- Alex Gough – (Wales International and CEO of PSA)
- Paul Millman (Great Britain and England President England Squash)
- Mo Khalifa (Egypt – World no. 17 in 1976)
- Peter Verow (Great Britain and England 1972-1983)
- Asif Chaudry (Kenya)
- Joe Richardson (Yorkshire)
- Robert Forde (Cheshire)
- Chris Orriss (Yorkshire)
- Alan Purnell (Worcestershire)
- David Gotto (Ireland International)
- Mike Corby (Great Britain and England International 1962 – 1975, Olympic hockey international 1964 and 1972)
- Wasil Khan (Son of squash legend Azam Khan whose 8-year-old granddaughter Musa was playing in the under 11 event)
Commenting on the gathering of former players, England Squash CEO Mark Williams said: “It was a privilege to see winners and participants from years gone by at the Alpha Bravo Construction BJO finals day. The 100th anniversary was all about celebrating both the past and the future of the event and we really appreciated having them there, we know what an amazing and important role they play as ambassadors for our sport.”
