The Massachusetts Racket Masters, the only FIR sanctioned tournament held in North America, returns to the tour once again this year. The fourth edition of this tournament will be held from the 27th – 28th of April in Northampton, Massachusetts, and looks to continue to build on the recent growth of Rackelton in the USA. The unique tournament offers the only chance for North America’s finest racketlon players to compete on the world tour, and to test their skills against some of Canada’s (and hopefully Europes’s) strongest players. Former world champion and current #1 ranked North American Patrick Laplante along with Jeremy Easterbrook look to be the two biggest threats. Both have entered and have teamed up as a formidable pairing for the men’s doubles. The tournament has been host to a number of world champions in prior years – along with Laplante, Britain’s Dan Busby and Martyn Langston have taken home titles, as well as America’s own Katrin Maldre.
Patrick Laplante, Pat Moran, Andy Stenson and Jeremy Easterbrook at the 2019 event.
Massachusetts Racket Masters Information
The tournament itself will take place in the vibrant college city of Northampton, Massachusetts. Northampton is home to lots of restaurants, independent shops and a thriving music scene. Northampton is just two hours away from Boston, home of legendary sports teams the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics. The tournament is held at Smith College Northampton in the Ainsworth Gymnasium. All facilities are on site as well as free parking. There are also several accommodation options a short distance away from Smith College including both hotels and Airbnb options.
The nearest airports to the tournament venue are Bradley International and Logan International. On Saturday night a player’s dinner will be hosted at a local restaurant in downtown Northampton.
The tournament is sponsored by Ping Pong Depot, Dunlop and Oliver.
The entry deadline for the tournament is Monday, 15th of April. Those players with a FIR license can enter the tournament directly here. Others can email tournament director Andy Stenson at andy.m.stenson@gmail.com
