Paul Coll & Sivasangari Subramaniam Win 2026 Squash Australian Open Titles

Paul Coll and Sivasangari Subramaniam were crowned 2026 Squash Australian Open champions after overcoming Joel Makin and Marina Stefanoni respectively on a dramatic finals night at South Bank Piazza in Brisbane.

World No.2 Paul Coll claimed his second Squash Australian Open title after overcoming Joel Makin in a fiercely contested final. Despite the straight-games scoreline, the encounter proved an intense and physically demanding battle, with the Kiwi eventually prevailing 19–17 11–4 14–12 after 90 minutes.

The men's final was far closer than the score suggested after the finalists entered the decider under very different circumstances. Joel Makin had endured a draining 107 minute semi-final to defeat Mohamad Zakaria in a marathon contest. By contrast, Paul Coll had advanced more comfortably, dispatching Jonah Bryant in significantly less time. Yet any suggestion that fatigue might hinder the Welshman quickly disappeared as the pair embarked on an extraordinary opening game.

What followed was a monumental 44-minute battle of endurance and concentration. Makin capitalised on a tentative start from Coll, with the New Zealander conceding three successive strokes during the middle phase of the game to allow the British National Squash Champion to establish a 10–7 lead. From that moment, however, the momentum began to shift.

Coll steadied himself under pressure, tightening his length and rediscovering his trademark composure to erase all three game balls. The contest then extended into a dramatic tie-break as both players fought desperately for the crucial early advantage. Frequent refereeing interventions, the match referee was consulted 16 times during the opener, added further tension as the game stretched beyond the 30, 35 and eventually 40-minute mark.

Ultimately, it was Coll who edged the epic opener 19-17, a breakthrough that proved psychologically decisive.

Buoyed by his remarkable escape in the first game, the men's top seed began the second with renewed authority. Increasing the pace and precision of his attacking play, Coll quickly took control of the rallies and moved decisively through the game, securing it comfortably to establish a commanding two-game lead.

Makin, however, refused to relent. Trailing 10–6 in the third game, the Welshman demonstrated immense determination by saving four championship balls to force yet another tie-break. He even created opportunities of his own to extend the match, bringing up two game balls in a final twist of an absorbing contest.

But Coll held firm. Drawing on his experience and physical strength, the Kiwi eventually closed out the match 14-12 to complete a hard-earned victory and lift the trophy after one of the most dramatic finals of the tournament.

In the women's final, World No.6 Sivasangari Subramaniam secured the title with an assured straight-games victory. The top seed produced a composed and authoritative performance to halt Stefanoni’s impressive run through the draw, claiming the title with an 11-7 11-4 11-8 victory in just 28 minutes on the glass court in Brisbane.

Stefanoni initially struggled to settle as Sivasangari immediately asserted control. The Malaysian No.1 began with sharp attacking intent, using precise length and confident movement to surge into a commanding 6-1 lead in the opening game.

To her credit, Stefanoni responded well after the early setback. Gradually finding her rhythm, the American began to extend rallies and apply pressure of her own, narrowing the deficit to 8-7. However, Sivasangari remained composed at the critical moment, delivering three consecutive points to close out the game and establish an early advantage.

The second game followed a similar pattern, with Sivasangari again racing out of the blocks. Her intelligent use of angles, combined with clever hold and disguise at the front of the court, repeatedly forced Stefanoni onto the defensive. The Malaysian quickly built a 6-0 lead and maintained control throughout the game before sealing it 11-4 to move within one game of the championship.

Momentum continued firmly in Sivasangari’s favour at the start of the third as she created six championship opportunities. At that stage, however, Stefanoni produced a late burst of attacking play, striking four clean winners to reduce the deficit and briefly threaten a comeback at 10-8.

Despite the late resistance, Sivasangari held her nerve to convert the next opportunity and secure the title. The victory marks her first tournament win of the 2025/26 PSA squash season and the 16th professional title of her career.

The 2026 PSA Squash Australian Open was staged in Brisbane from the 10th to 15th March.

For the details of how to watch match highlights, visit: psasquashtour.com

2026 Squash Australian Open, South Bank Piazza, Brisbane, Australia
Men's Final:
[1] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [2] Joel Makin (WAL) 19-17, 11-4, 14-12 (90m)

Women's Final:
[1] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt [7] Marina Stefanoni (USA) 11-7, 11-4, 11-8 (28m)

Men's Semi-Finals:
[1] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [4] Jonah Bryant (ENG) 11-3, 11-9, 11-6 (53m)
[2] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [3] Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) 11-7, 9-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-8 (107m)

Women's Semi-Finals:
[1] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt [4] Nele Gilis (BEL) 11-8, 13-11, 11-4 (50m)
[7] Marina Stefanoni (USA) bt [2] Tinne Gilis (BEL) 11-8, 4-11, 11-3, 11-8 (43m)

Men's Quarter-Finals:
[1] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [9/16] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) 11-5, 11-4, 11-5 (40m)
[4] Jonah Bryant (ENG) bt [9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) 11-1, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7 (66m)
[3] Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) bt [5] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5 (79m)
[2] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [8] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 11-9, 11-3, 11-9 (49m)

Women's Quarter-Finals:
[1] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt [6] Aira Azman (MAS) w/o
[4] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [8] Aifa Azman (MAS) 11-5, 11-5, 11-3 (40m)
[7] Marina Stefanoni (USA) bt [3] Salma Hany (EGY) 8-11, 15-13, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7 (73m)
[2] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bt [5] Sana Ibrahim (EGY) 11-8, 11-3, 14-12 (50m)

UNSQUASHABLE players Iker Pajares Bernabeu and Yannick Wilhelmi were denied a quarter-final place at the 2026 Squash Australian Open by Joel Makin and Jonah Bryant respectively.

Spanish No.1 Iker Pajares Bernabeu produced a spirited performance before exiting in the second round, where second seed Joel Makin proved too strong on the glass court at South Bank Piazza.

The Spaniard pushed the World No.4 through several fiercely contested rallies before Makin secured a 64-minute 11-6 10-12 11-2 11-6 victory.

Makin established control early in the opening game, imposing his trademark physical intensity and precise length to move Iker deep into the back corners. The Welshman’s relentless pressure gradually forced errors from the Spaniard, allowing him to close out the first game 11-6.

Iker responded impressively in the second, demonstrating the resilience and attacking flair that has become a hallmark of his play. Taking the ball earlier and injecting greater variety into his shot selection, the UNSQUASHABLE player disrupted Makin’s rhythm and created several opportunities at the front of the court. The game developed into a tense battle, with Iker showing excellent composure in the closing stages to edge a dramatic 12-10 tie-break and level the match.

However, the third game saw Makin reassert control with authority. Increasing the pace and tightening his lines to the back of the court, the Welshman dominated the central area and restricted Iker’ attacking options. The sustained pressure proved decisive as Makin surged through the game 11-2 to regain the advantage.

The fourth game remained competitive, with Iker continuing to battle and produce moments of creative shot-making. Yet Makin’s superior physicality and relentless consistency ultimately proved the difference. Maintaining control of the rallies and capitalising on key points, the second seed closed out the match 11-6 to advance to the next round.

Fellow UNSQUASHABLE player Yannick Wilhelmi delivered an equally determined and competitive performance before bowing out to Jonah Bryant in a hard-fought straight-games victory for the young Englishman.

Despite the final scoreline of 12-10 12-10 11-9 in Bryant’s favour, the contest was far closer than the straight-games result might suggest. Over 48 minutes of high-quality squash in Brisbane, Yannick repeatedly pushed the fourth seed to the brink, with each game decided by the narrowest of margins.

The opening game set the tone for a tightly contested encounter. Both players demonstrated excellent movement and control from the back of the court, trading long rallies and probing for openings. Yannick showed impressive discipline in his length and used clever variations to disrupt Bryant’s rhythm. However, as the game reached a tense conclusion, Bryant managed to edge the critical points to claim the tie-break 12-10.

The second game unfolded in a similarly competitive fashion. Yannick looked increasingly confident, stepping forward to attack whenever opportunities presented themselves and forcing Bryant into several extended defensive exchanges. The Swiss player created multiple chances to close out the game, but Bryant’s composure under pressure proved decisive once again, as the Englishman narrowly secured another 12-10 win to move two games ahead.

Refusing to fade, Yannick continued to battle strongly in the third. His court coverage remained sharp and he frequently matched Bryant shot for shot in demanding rallies. The game remained finely balanced deep into the latter stages, with both players producing high-quality squash in front of the Brisbane crowd. Ultimately, Bryant’s ability to deliver at key moments saw him claim the decisive points and seal the match 11-9.

Men's 2nd Round:
[1] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Henry Leung (HKG) 11-1, 11-5, 11-6 (35m)
[9/16] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) bt [6] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) 11-6, 5-11, 7-11, 11-1, 11-7 (79m)
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) bt [7] Curtis Malik (ENG) 9-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-3 (79m)
[4] Jonah Bryant (ENG) bt [9/16] Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) 12-10, 12-10, 11-9 (48m)
[3] Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) bt Ryunosuke Tsukue (JPN) 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 (42m)
[5] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt Matias Knudsen (COL) 11-6, 11-5, 11-6 (35m)
[8] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) bt [9/16] Moustafa Elsirty (EGY) 10-12, 11-4, 11-6, 11-8 (65m)
[2] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) 11-6, 10-12, 11-2, 11-6 (64m)

Women's 2nd Round:
[1] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt [9/16] Grace Gear (ENG) 11-4, 11-3, 11-7 (24m)
[6] Aira Azman (MAS) bt [9/16] Tomato Ho (HKG) 11-4, 12-10, 8-11, 5-11, 11-6 (44m)
[8] Aifa Azman (MAS) bt Marie Stéphan (FRA) 11-9, 11-9, 11-4 (31m)
[4] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [9/16] Ka Yi Lee (HKG) 11-6, 11-9, 11-6 (41m)
[3] Salma Hany (EGY) bt [9/16] Hollie Naughton (CAN) 11-5, 11-6, 11-9 (34m)
[7] Marina Stefanoni (USA) bt [9/16] Nour Heikal (EGY) 11-8, 11-9, 11-8 (31m)
[5] Sana Ibrahim (EGY) bt Alina Bushma (UKR) 11-7, 11-7, 3-11, 11-5 (54m)
[2] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bt [9/16] Torrie Malik (ENG) 11-5, 7-11, 11-4, 14-12 (47m)
 
UNSQUASHABLE player Iker Pajares Bernabeu made an assured start to his campaign at the 2026 Squash Australian Open, progressing comfortably through the opening round with a straight-games victory over Australian wildcard Dylan Molinaro in Brisbane.

Competing on the all-glass show court at South Bank Piazza, the Spanish No.1 delivered a composed and tactically disciplined performance to secure an 11-5 11-6 11-7 win in 43 minutes, to advance confidently into the next round.

From the outset, Iker established control through precise length and intelligent court positioning. The Spaniard consistently forced Molinaro deep into the back corners, limiting the Australian’s attacking opportunities while maintaining steady pressure from the centre of the court. His accuracy and patient rally construction proved decisive as he claimed the opening game 11-5.

Molinaro, buoyed by local support, attempted to raise the tempo in the second game, looking to inject more aggression into his attacking play. However, Iker responded with impressive composure, absorbing the pressure and continuing to dictate the rhythm of the rallies. By varying the pace and exploiting space at the front of the court, Iker extended his advantage and closed out the game 11-6.

The third game followed a similar pattern, with Iker demonstrating his tactical maturity and movement around the court. While the Australian wildcard produced several positive attacking moments, the Spaniard’s disciplined shot selection and ability to regain control of the ‘T’ ensured he remained firmly in command. Gradually edging ahead, Iker sealed the contest 11-7 to complete a professional straight-games victory.

The result marks another confident performance for Iker, whose blend of controlled aggression, accurate hitting and intelligent movement continues to make him a dangerous competitor on the PSA World Squash Tour. With momentum on his side, the UNSQUASHABLE player will now look to build on this strong opening display as the tournament progresses in Brisbane.

Fellow UNSQUASHABLE player Yannick Wilhelmi also produced a composed and confident performance to secure his place in the second round of the Squash Australian Open, defeating India’s Veer Chotrani in straight games.

Competing on a traditional court at Sandgate Squash Club, the younger Swiss player delivered an assured display to record a 12-10 11-4, 11-6 victory in 40 minutes.

The opening game proved the most closely contested phase of the match, with both players exchanging lengthy rallies and testing each other’s accuracy from the back of the court. Chotrani looked sharp early on, applying pressure with attacking shots into the front corners, but Yannick responded well by tightening his length and forcing his opponent into extended exchanges. As the score moved towards a tie-break, Yannick displayed strong composure, edging the crucial moments to take the game 12-10.

That breakthrough appeared to settle Yannick, who began to assert greater control over the rallies in the second game. Using disciplined lines and intelligent movement around the ‘T’, he dictated the tempo more effectively and limited Chotrani’s attacking opportunities and building a commanding lead before closing out the game comfortably 11-4.

With momentum firmly on his side, Yannick continued to apply pressure in the third. His accuracy to the back corners and willingness to step forward into attacking positions kept Chotrani on the defensive for much of the game. Although the Indian produced occasional bursts of attacking play, Yannick’s consistency and tactical patience ensured he maintained control of the match, eventually sealing the contest 11-6.

The straight-games victory represents a strong start to Yannick’s campaign in Brisbane. Demonstrating calm decision-making, solid court coverage and precise shot execution.

Men's 1st Round:
[1] Paul Coll (NZL) bye
Henry Leung (HKG) bt [9/16] Velavan Senthilkumar (IND) 5-11, 11-8, 11-13, 11-6, 11-2 (78m)
[9/16] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) bt Sanjay Jeeva (MAS) 6-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8, 11-4 (71m)
[6] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) bye
[7] Curtis Malik (ENG) bye
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) bt Joseph White (AUS) 13-11, 11-5, 11-9 (43m)
[9/16] Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) bt Veer Chotrani (IND) 12-10, 11-4, 11-6 (40m)
[4] Jonah Bryant (ENG) bye
[3] Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) bye
Ryunosuke Tsukue (JPN) bt [9/16] Patrick Rooney (ENG) 11-7, 8-11, 11-6, 11-3 (49m)
Matias Knudsen (COL) bt. [9/16] Alex Lau (HKG) 12-10, 13-11, 5-11, 11-8 (64m)
[5] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bye
[8] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) bye
[9/16] Moustafa Elsirty (EGY) bt Simon Herbert (ENG) 11-6, 13-11, 4-11, 11-7 (53m)
[9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) v [WC] Dylan Molinaro (AUS) 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 (43m)
[2] Joel Makin (WAL) bye

Women's 1st Round:
[1] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bye
[9/16] Grace Gear (ENG) bt Alicia Mead (ENG) 7-11, 11-9, 11-2, 5-11, 11-8 (44m)
[9/16] Tomato Ho (HKG) bt Joelle King (NZL) 11-1, 6-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8 (52m)
[6] Aira Azman (MAS) bye
[8] Aifa Azman (MAS) bye
Marie Stéphan (FRA) bt [9/16] Amina El Rihany (EGY)     11-4, 11-6 ret.
[9/16] Ka Yi Lee (HKG) bt [WC] Jessica van der Walt (AUS) 11-8, 11-6, 11-5 (24m)
[4] Nele Gilis (BEL) bye
[3] Salma Hany (EGY) bye
[9/16] Hollie Naughton (CAN) bt [WC] Madison Lyon (AUS) 11-6, 11-1, 11-4 (21m)
[9/16] Nour Heikal (EGY) bt Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG) 11-6, 8-11, 11-2, 11-6 (29m)
[7] Marina Stefanoni (USA) bye
[5] Sana Ibrahim (EGY) bye
Alina Bushma (UKR) bt [9/16] Haya Ali (EGY) 13-11, 11-4, 11-9 (35m)
[9/16] Torrie Malik (ENG) bt Cindy Merlo (SUI) 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 (35m)
[2] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bye

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has released the draws for the 2026 Squash Australian Open, with New Zealand’s Paul Coll and Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam leading the men’s and women’s fields respectively at the PSA World Squash Tour Gold-level event.

The tournament will run from 10th to 15th March, with the showpiece all-glass court returning to Brisbane’s iconic South Bank Piazza. Early-round matches will also be staged at Sandgate Squash Club.

Paul Coll, the 2015 champion and runner-up in 2025, returns to Australia targeting a second Australian Squash Open crown more than a decade after his breakthrough victory over home favourite Cameron Pilley. A triumph in Brisbane would represent the World No.2’s third title of the 2025-26 squash season and further underline his consistency at the very top of the men’s game. The New Zealander will open his campaign against either Switzerland’s Nicolas Müller or Pakistan’s Muhammad Ashab Irfan following a first-round bye.

Wales’ Joel Makin is set to make his sixth appearance at a PSA World Squash Tour event in Australia. The powerful Welshman reached the semi-finals in 2016 and will be eager to go one step further this time as he hunts his maiden Australian Squash Open title. After a season interrupted by injury, Makin will be hoping to build momentum as the tour enters a demanding phase.

Egyptian pair Mohamad Zakaria and Youssef Soliman complete the top four seeds. Reigning World Junior Champion Zakaria arrives in Brisbane fresh from claiming his first PSA World Squash Tour Gold title at the Karachi Squash Open, a result that propelled the 18-year-old into the world’s top 10 and marked him out as one of the tour’s most exciting young prospects. Soliman, meanwhile, lifted the Australian Squash Open trophy in 2024 and will be keen to rekindle that form after managing injury issues in recent months as he makes his third successive appearance at the event.

The women’s draw is topped by World No.6 Sivasangari Subramaniam, who continues to build momentum after reaching the final of the recent Karachi Squash Open. With greater consistency evident in her performances this season, the Malaysian No.1 will be aiming to secure a second career PSA World Squash Tour Gold title and close the gap on the world’s top five.

Belgium’s Tinne Gilis, a former World No.5, is seeded second and will be determined to claim her first title of the campaign after slipping slightly in the rankings. She shares the same half of the draw as No.3 seed Salma Hany, the defending Australian Squash Open champion. Egypt’s Nada Abbas completes the top four seeds and will be targeting another deep run as she looks to reach her second final of the season.

Home interest will be strong throughout the week, with Australian No.1 Joseph White and Dylan Molinaro flying the flag in the men’s draw. In the women’s event, Alexandra Haydon and Madison Lyon will look to harness home support as they bid to make an impact on familiar courts.

2026 PSA Squash Australian Open Men’s Draw:
[1] Paul Coll (NZL) Bye
Muhammad Ashab Irfan (PAK) v [9/16] Nicolas Mueller (SUI)
[9/16] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) v Patrick Rooney (ENG)
[7] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) Bye
[8] Kareem El Torkey (EGY) Bye
[WC] Joseph White (AUS) v [9/16] Karim El Hammamy (EGY)
[9/16] Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) v Veer Chotrani (IND)
[4] Youssef Soliman (EGY) Bye
[3] Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) Bye
Moustafa Elsirty (EGY) v [9/16] Curtis Malik (ENG) 
[9/16] Alex Lau (HKG) v Velavan Senthilkumar (IND)
[6] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) Bye
[5] Jonah Bryant (ENG) Bye
Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) v [9/16] Bernat Jaume (ESP)
[9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) v [WC] Dylan Molinaro (AUS)
[2] Joel Makin (WAL) Bye
 
2026 PSA Squash Australian Open Women’s Draw:
[1] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) Bye
Alicia Mead (ENG) v [9/16] Grace Gear (ENG)
[9/16] Tomato Ho (HKG) v Haya Ali (EGY)
[7] Aira Azman (MAS) Bye
[8] Rachel Arnold (MAS) Bye
Marie Stephan (FRA) v [9/16] Marina Stefanoni (USA)
[9/16] Ka Yi Lee (HKG) v [WC] Alexandra Haydon (AUS) 
[4] Nada Abbas (EGY) Bye
[3] Salma Hany (EGY) Bye
[WC] Madison Lyon (AUS) v [9/16] Hollie Naughton (CAN)
[9/16] Nour Heikal v Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG)
[5] Nele Gilis (BEL) Bye
[6] Sana Ibrahim (EGY) Bye
Alina Bushma (UKR) v [9/16] Aifa Azman (MAS) 
[9/16] Torrie Malik (ENG) v Amina El Rihany (EGY)
[2] Tinne Gilis (BEL) Bye

The 2026 PSA Squash Australian Open was staged in Brisbane from the 10th to 15th March.

For the details of how to watch match highlights, visit: psasquashtour.com

UNSQUASHABLE will be represented at the 2026 PSA Squash Australian Open by Iker Pajares Bernabeu and Yannick Wilhelmi.

2025 Australian Squash Open Results: InternationalSquashMagazine.com