Conning Lands Kashif In Auckland Comeback

Local star Jared Conning caused the biggest upset in today's qualifying finals for the Auckland Open at the North Shore Squash Club in Auckland, New Zealand.

The 25-year-old from Auckland is through to the main draw of the PSA Tour event after beating Australian Steven Robinson 11-7, 11-10 (2-0), 11-2. His reward for his first appearance in a Tour event for two years is a first round clash against the top seed, New Zealand number one Kashif Shuja.

Fellow kiwi Chris Lloyd has also qualified for the main draw, after a thrilling 8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6 victory over England's Will Jones. Lloyd will face North Shore-based Australian Mike Corren - runner-up in the event last year - in the first round.

The other two qualifying spots have gone to Australians Matthew Karwalski and Jacob Lohrisch.

Qualifying finals:
Matthew Karwalski (AUS) bt Gary Duberly (NZL) 11-4, 11-1, 11-3 (17m)
Chris Lloyd (NZL) bt Will Jones (ENG) 8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6 (47m)
Jacob Lohrisch (AUS) bt Brent Lewis (NZL) 11-6, 11-4, 11-5
Jared Conning (NZL) bt Steven Robinson (AUS) 11-7, 11-10 (2-0), 11-2