Who will succeed Victor Crouin (No. 8) and Marie Stephan crowned elite French champions, in Chartres, in 2023?
The French elite squash championships begin this Wednesday, February 7.
The two champions will come to defend their title but the men's draw will also count on Baptiste Masotti, world No. 14 and finalist last year on the Chartres courts.
Grégoire Marche (n° 18), Antonin Romieu (n° 21), Antoine Herbeaux (n° 23), Matteo Carrouget (n° 25) and Mathias Grondin (n° 57) will also be present in Chartres.
Among the women, Marie Stephan will also find her 2023 runner-up, Enora Villard (No. 51).
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Better ranked, Taba Taghavi (n° 11), Marine Van Egroo (n° 25), Éva Cicéri (n° 26), Yuna Loaëc (n° 31) and Cécile Pescina (n° 34) are added to the regulars to compete the title !
Great champions in Chartres, enough to stress the organizer, Denis Bourret, a little.
“Victor Crouin comes back from New York (United States) and was in the semi-final of the tournament of champions so that puts pressure on us.
This is the high level of our discipline, we must live up to these great champions” confides the sports director.
32 players from the French Top 60 gathered in Chartres
Thirty-two players from the French top 60 are expected on the pitch.
Not all players in the French top 10 will be present in Chartres, because these athletes prioritize their world ranking.
“They are often registered in tournaments to score PSA points for the rest of the season” recognizes Chartrain.
Hundreds of spectators are expected for this competition with stands capable of accommodating two hundred and fifty people for each match.
The finals will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
“No need to be an expert to attend and see the combative side, the length of the exchanges, and the trajectories with these double walls,” assures the specialist.
Even if you are a novice, the intensity of this sport will be taken in your face.”
In parallel with the French Elite Championships, the club will also host the French U15 Interleague Championship with 80 young people.
“It allows young people to take ownership of the high level and to have autographed posters of their idol.”
First racket shots Wednesday from 10 a.m.