EMERGING junior squash player Gabriella Cox is looking forward to the 2025 Queensland Junior Championship set for June 30- July 2 in Townsville following her recent tour in Australia.

The 16-year-old made her second appearance at the 2025 Australia Junior Open in Melbourne Victoria last week. She competed in the U17 Girls Singles representing the Port Moresby Racquets Club and Papua New Guinea.

“Competing in the AJO for the second time was a great experience. Although I did not quite get the results I wanted, I am pleased with my efforts as I played some really good squash.”

“I learnt a lot from this tournament and I am keen to get back to training to further improve my game physically and mentally for my upcoming tournaments, the QJC and POM Open,” Cox said.

She completed her matches and secured the 17^th spot in rank out of 32.

PomRC Squash Director Lady Anna Togolo said ‘Ella’ had some good matches in this AJO gaining more experience.

This year’s rank was better compared to her 25^th spot in last year U16 Girls ranks.

“It’s great to see Ella improving on her rankings as she consistently puts in the training.”

“In the long term, we want to see her move to Daisy Hill. It’s a Racquets Club based in Australia. This will help her build on her game and gain experience. This experience will lead towards the Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games.”

Lady Anna, who is also the PNG Squash Racquets Federation president, said, “PNG Squash now has a strong foundation of girls towards Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games. Amity Alarcos (21), Gabriella Cox (16), Timonaliz Alarcos Kriebisch (13), and Faith Waffi (12) are on the rise.”

“Potentially we have 3 Juniors ready to represent PNG & Squash,” she added.

Meanwhile Cox has already returned to Port Moresby and will continue to train at the Port Moresby Racquets Club. The Club is also celebrating its 10^th Anniversary since its courts establishment for the 2015 Pacific Games.