Larkin, who won the event in 2013 was back for another round this year and took out the top prize again with a win over Brett Hyland in the open final. 

During the presentations, Hyland joked that “If Josh isn’t here, I will be back next year”. 

However, he thanked the Bega Squash Club for hosting the event and the members that had invited him to play. 

“It’s been great down here, everyone has been very welcoming," Hyland said. 

“It’s a great tournament and I hope I can come back next year.”

Larkin also thanked the organisers of the open and said he had been discussing plans with event organiser – and major sponsor – John Stylianou to ramp up next year’s tournament. 

Larkin said he had spoken at length about ways to promote the tournament and that Stylianou had an evident passion for the sport and “knows everybody’s stats, strenths and weaknesses”.

“There are many players in the world much better than myself all around the world, and I hope with John’s enthusiasm we could get some of them involved,” Larkin said. 

"That way everyone could see some of that top competition in the flesh and not just on TV.”

Stylianou said he enjoyed the weekend and is already making plans for next year’s tournament. 

“We’ve learned a lot this weekend and we want to make next year bigger and better.”

Larkin won’t be involved as he is making a move to Switzerland to train and compete. 

The event again attracted strong fields and the club room was packed to watch the finals play on Sunday afternoon. 

The women’s open was won by Lorraine Rae. 

In the men’s state competition, Shawn Kennedy topped the men’s field from runner-up Blake Dowling. 

Jeff Row finished third. 

Mark Canavan won the A grade competition with Davina Harding claiming the runner-up spot. 

Gavin Jackson topped the B grade field from an energetic Joel Tamatea. 

Meanwhile, Stylianou finished third. 

In the women’s A grade contest, Georgia Moore edged out Skye Roach. 

In B grade Janelle Curtis finished strongly to defeat Kirsti Fristad in the final. 

Meanwhile, Sarah Eastman won the C grade from Jeanette Williamson.