Sport
23 February, 2026
Seven masters of squash
SEVEN Cairns players will travel to Perth in August to compete in the World Masters Championships, an international event expected to attract more than 1000 competitors from around the globe.
Competing as Cairns Masters Squash, the squad includes Steve Finitsis, Marc Forster, Peter Anich, Alan Zaeh, Masee Naidoo, Martin McBride and Jo Johnston. Chris Baker, a former Cairns local, will also travel with the squad.
The players have been preparing for the championships while balancing work commitments, fitness and on-court training.
Steve Finitsis enters the tournament after claiming two Australian titles, while Marc Forster brings 11 state titles to Perth. Jo Johnston has also claimed four state titles and will be in contention at the championships.
Preparation has included gym sessions, fitness work and technical court drills in the lead-up to the event.
Mr Forster said managing training loads had been just as important as the training itself.
“There’s always extra you could do, but you have to be smart about how much you can handle,” Mr Forster said.
“If you push too hard, you’ll hurt yourself and set your training back. It’s a real balancing act.”
The World Masters Championships will provide the Cairns Masters Squash squad with the opportunity to compete on the international stage when they travel west in August.
