Aged just 13, Papua New Guinea’s leading squash player is making her mark on the international stage after claiming the U15 Girls title at the Belgian Junior Open on the European Squash Federation circuit last month.

Timonaliz Alarcos-Kriebisch’s victory is the latest in a growing list of achievements since her family relocated from Australia to Denmark, allowing her to compete regularly in Europe’s highly competitive junior circuit.

However, her journey began in Port Moresby, where she was introduced to the sport as a social activity among family and friends.

The daughter of former PNG squash elite Merlyn Alarcos and German national Tim Kriebisch, her competitive focus only sharpened after watching her cousin, PNG No.1 seed Amity Alarcos, compete internationally in 2020.

“I grew up on the squash courts surrounded by other kids and family, but my cousin sister Amity’s journey in this sport made me more interested to compete,” she said.

In 2022, Alarcos-Kriebisch made her international debut at the Queensland Junior Open on the Gold Coast, finishing third.

Within three years of representing PNG, she has recorded stand-out performances, including runner-up in the 2023 Australian Junior Open U11 Girls division and champion of the 2024 Australian Junior Open U13 Girls category while training under coach Bradley Hindle at Daisy Hill Squash Club in Queensland.

“Coach Bradley Hindle ran great training programs during my time at Daisy Hill. The environment was so friendly, and many members were always willing to help,” Alarcos-Kriebisch said.

Adapting to Europe’s competitive landscape

Since relocating to Denmark last year, Alarcos-Kriebisch has transitioned from Oceania and Australian competitions to the European circuit, where she has continued to impress despite cultural and language challenges.

“It’s been a challenge, especially with the language barriers. I have to learn Danish to understand what’s happening around me, apart from those who speak English,” she said.

Her recent European results include third place at the 2024 Portugal Junior Open U13, champion at the 2025 Finland Junior Open U15, third at the Luxembourg Junior Open U15, first place at the 2025 Bulgaria Junior Open U13, and runner-up at the Nordic Junior Open U15.

Earlier this year, she also competed against senior players at the 2025 Oceania Closed Championships in Samoa, finishing fourth in the women’s singles.

In recognition of her performances, Alarcos-Kriebisch was twice named PNG Junior Female Athlete of the Year for the 2024–25 season.

Looking ahead, she is targeting stronger rankings and major international appearances.

“My main goal is to improve my result at the 2026 British Junior Open,” she said.

“I also look forward to representing PNG, especially at the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.”

Future ambitions 

Her mother, Merlyn Alarcos, said the young athlete’s recent success reflects her discipline and work ethic.

“I’m really happy with Timona’s recent win. It was a testament of efforts she puts into training every time she is on court or at the tracks. She pushes hard to reach her training goals. Getting this result is a boost to her confidence for future tournaments,” she said.

“I only competed in the Pacific Games, so I didn’t do so well like Timona does. The difference is watching her win matches. She has proven to be way better, and I am proud of her and will continue to support her in this journey.”

PNG Squash Racquets Federation president Lady Anna Togolo said Alarcos-Kriebisch has now spent over a year competing consistently in Europe.

“The access to high-level coaching, individual training programs, and regular elite competition is unprecedented for a PNG junior in recent times,” Togolo said.

She confirmed that preparations are underway with the PNG Olympic Committee as part of the selection pathway for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.

“Timonaliz is currently ranked sixth in the European U15 Girls division and is being targeted for selection for both the 2027 Pacific Games and the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta,” Togolo said.

Original Source/ ABC Pacific: https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/papua-new-guinea-top-junior-squash-player-timonaliz/106169186