Canada Gets Power Boost For Pan Am Champs

Jonathon Power of Montreal, who retired from the pro circuit as the number-one player in the world earlier this year, headlines Canada's team for the Panamerican Championships from 9-16 September in Medellin, Colombia.

Power, North America's most successful international player with 32 pro victories, is joined on the men's team by David Phillips of Beaconsfield, Que., Robin Clarke of Ottawa and Graham Ryding of Toronto. Ryding, the 20th ranked player in the world, will only compete in the team event.

"Having Jonathon with us is great for the team," said Shauna Flath of Vancouver, the Canadian team's assistant coach. "While he is retired from the pro circuit he is very enthusiastic about helping Canada in international tournaments such as this."

Yvon Provencal of Montreal is Canada's head coach at the tournament.

On the women's side, Canada's team comprises of Tara Mullins of Pointe-Claire, Que., Ruchika Kumar of Oakville, Ont., Kyla Grigg of Calgary and Stephanie Edmison of Toronto. Canada's top women players won't compete because they are preparing for the world team championships September 24-30 in Edmonton.

The singles and doubles competitions run from September 9-12th while the team event follows from September 13-16.

"The seeding hasn't yet been released but we expect to be at number-one for the men's team competition," said Flath. "Overall we should be a threat for a medal in every event."

Canada's top opponents are expected to be players from the USA, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. The tournament will also determine the seedings for the squash competition at the Pan American Games next year in Rio.