Squash star at 81

Brian Sandercock has the golden touch when it comes to squash.

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Brian Sandercock has the golden touch when it comes to squash.

The West Pennant Hills 81-year-old won gold in the Men’s Over 80 Recreational Squash at the World Masters Games held in New Zealand in April.

“I was elated,” he said. “So was my family.”

Mr Sandercock was cheered on court by some friends, and his family – including­ six children, 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren – were eagerly awaiting the results.

“It was great to see people there, that sort of inspires you a little bit,” he said.

This year was Mr Sandercock’s second time at the World Masters Games, after he won bronze at the 2009 event held in Sydney.

He spent a week at the Games in New Zealand, which he said had changed a great deal since his last visit in 1999.

“Auckland has grown tremendously since then,” he said.

“I just didn’t recognise it.”

Held every four years, the World Masters Games brings mature sports people together with the aim of encouraging­ participation in sport throughout life.

Mr Sandercock – who left for a trip to Thailand with his family last Monday – has played squash “on and off” for more than 50 years.

“I’ve always enjoyed squash,” he said.

“I had a 10-year break when we were married and went and moved up to the Blue Mountains, and I started again when we went over to New Guinea for a few years and then kept it up.”

Mr Sandercock enjoys­ keeping active.

He plays squash twice a week and tennis three times a week.

Mr Sandercock will next compete at the NSW Masters Squash State Championships, which will be held in Dural in June.