Former World Champion Palmer returns to boost Australian team
By ANDREW DENT
Two-time world champion David Palmer will don Australian colours once again when he lines up for the national side at the World Men’s Teams Championship in Mulhouse, France from June 9-15.
Palmer, 36, retired from the main Professional Squash Association tour in November 2011, but has continued to play on the US-based Professional Squash Tour since then.
He has made himself available for Australia and intends to fight for a spot on next year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games team as well.
Palmer, originally from Lithgow but now based in Orlando, is renowned in the sport for his incredibly high fitness levels.
He is joined in the team by fellow New South Welshmen Cameron Pilley and Matthew Karwalski, along with Melbourne’s Rex Hedrick.
South Australian Mike Corren and Queensland’s Steve Finitsis are non-travelling reserves.
Squash Australia CEO Gary O’Donnell said former world number one Palmer was a welcome addition to the Australian team.
“Having Dave back is a huge boost for the team and adds enormous depth,” O’Donnell said. “He’s been an integral member of the past three Australian teams and will provide invaluable support for Matthew and Rex.”
Pilley, from Yamba in New South Wales, will be playing in his fifth championships while Karwalski and Hedrick will be making their debuts.
Cameron Pilley (Yamba, NSW)
Age: 30
Current world ranking: 17
Best world ranking: 11
Career Titles: 13
Career Highlights: Gold Medal (Mixed Doubles) 2010 Commonwealth Games, Dutch Open 2010, National Capital Open (US) 2008; WA Open 2002; Queensland Open 2003; Victorian Open 2003; SA Open 2005
World Men’s Teams Championships: 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011
David Palmer (Lithgow, NSW)
Age: 36
Current world ranking: Unranked
Best world ranking: 1
Career titles: 27
Career Highlights: World Open 2002, 2006; British Open 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008; Australian Open 2008.
World Men’s Teams Championships: 2001*, 2003*, 2007, 2009, 2011
Matthew Karwalski (Port Stephens, NSW)
Age: 27
Current world ranking: 60
Best world ranking: 56
Career titles: 3
Career highlights: Golden Open 2011, NSC Championships (Malaysia) 2009
Rex Hedrick (Melbourne)
Age: 24
Current world ranking: 63
Best world ranking: 60
Career titles: 5
Career highlights: Australia Day Challenge 2012, NSW Open 2012, Queensland Open 2012