Young sensation Kriebisch to lead PNG charge into Oceania Squash Championships

The Papua New Guinea Squash Rackets Federation is set to showcase rising female talent Timonaliz Alarcos-Kriebisch, who will continue her promising form at the upcoming Oceania Closed Championships in Samoa next month.

Fresh off her impressive victory at the Finland Junior Open, where she claimed the Under-15 title, Kriebisch will join PNG’s top-ranked female player, Amity Alarcos, at the tournament in Apia from September 22 to 27.

PNG Squash president Anna Togolo confirmed the pair will be joined by their male counterparts, including Feanor Siaguru, in preparing for the regional event.

“Timonaliz is tracking very well. With the experience she’s gained on the European Junior circuit, PNG Squash is targeting her for the 2027 Commonwealth Games in Malta,” Togolo told NBC News.

She said the Samoa tournament will serve as a crucial platform to test PNG's athletes against some of the top contenders they may face at the 2027 Pacific Games.

“This event is key for assessing our athletes’ readiness for major tournaments leading up to the Games in Tahiti,” Togolo added.

While the Oceania Closed Championships is not an official Team PNG event, it remains an important regional competition on the road to Tahiti 2027. Togolo said players will gain valuable experience competing against potential future rivals.

Amity Alarcos, who secured a bronze medal at the 2023 championships in Fiji, will be aiming to improve her performance and ranking in this year’s edition of the OCC.

With continued support from major sponsor Moni Plus, the federation is confident Alarcos will deliver a strong performance in Samoa.

“While Amity continues to benefit from generous support from Moni Plus, her younger cousin Timonaliz is still seeking sponsorship as she aims for gold at the 2027 Pacific Games,” Togolo said.

Both athletes are currently in their final stages of preparation as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting and challenging Oceania tour.