Otago squash players Gerard De Courcy, Mark Gribben (both Dunedin) and Tristam Franklin (Queenstown) are competing in the world masters squash championships this week.
The Dunedin players are contesting the 50-54 age grade, and Franklin, a former New Zealand junior representative, the 40-44 competition.
In his heyday, Gribben was ranked in the top six in New Zealand. He is still the best in Otago and is the province's open and masters champion.
Gribben has never stopped playing and has improved his fitness by working as a postman around the Dunedin hills.
It will not be easy in Hong Kong, because 120 players have entered for the 50-54 age group. There will be 700 players competing in total.
The 50-54 age group includes a handful of the elite players of the past including Australian Brett Martin, who was ranked No 3 in the world in his prime.
''I don't have any great expectations,'' Gribben said.
''In these events it is the luck of the draw. If you strike a top Aussie or English player you could be knocked out in the first round.''
Gribben has been in New Zealand teams for three veterans test series against Australia, and it has kept him in touch with the international game.
''When you're representing your country, you get an adrenaline rush,'' he said.
''I will be a bit more relaxed playing as an individual this time. I won't get too carried away.''
De Courcy's contribution to squash in recent years has been as an administrator.
He was vice-president of the World Squash Federation from 2006 to 2010 and is still a member of the discipline and drugs committee.
De Courcy, a Dunedin lawyer, is the New Zealand delegate to the annual meeting of world squash that will be held in October.
He has not had time to play as much squash as he would have liked. His goal in Hong Kong is simple.
''I'm hoping to get through uninjured. That is my definition of success,'' De Courcy said, smiling.
''There will be a large international field from across the globe competing and you never quite know who you might run into.''
De Courcy was as an administrator at the masters championships in Christchurch in 2008 and saw some outstanding players. The event is held at a different venue every two years.
''One of the strengths of squash is that it is a participation sport,'' De Courcy said.
''It is great that an event like that can see a whole cross-section of abilities competing.''
