Trafford-born squash star Saran Nghiem has once again been named as the women’s wildcard for the Manchester Open at the National Squash Centre this week.

The 20-year-old Nghiem has travelled back from the USA to play the event as she is currently studying at the prestigious Harvard University having received a squash scholarship in 2022, which has allowed her to receive a top-class education while also improving her squash game under the tutelage of well-respected head coach, Mike Way.

Earning the wildcard spot in the Manchester Open is of special significance to Nghiem as the venue is the same club where she first started playing squash and she cannot wait to come home to feature in the event once again.

“I’m very happy to receive the wildcard spot again,” said Nghiem.

“The National Centre is the club where I first picked up a racket and my family still lives not too far from the venue, so it’s the perfect opportunity to come back and experience a world tour event. I’m over the moon to get to play again.”

Since featuring in last year’s event, Nghiem has risen in the world rankings to 68, as well as picking up three titles.

“I put in a lot of hard work last summer and throughout the season at college. I think I’ve added some little changes to my game and having another season of playing high level squash in the USA has been a great experience. My confidence is a lot higher going into this year, as I’ve had a good season so far and I’m feeling good on court.”

Nghiem is about to end her second year at Harvard and admits she is now benefitting from all that Harvard Squash has to offer.

She added: “I love it though, there’s a lot of support in different areas that I had never had before, such as nutrition, psychology and physio. Everything at Harvard has just helped me grow up in general.”

Nghiem’s will take on compatriot Alicia Mead in her opening match on Wednesday at 5.30pm.

Live action from the tournament will be streamed via SQUASHTV with the semi-finals and finals on TNT Sports.