Members of a Finchley squash club that hosted the biggest event in its 50-year history were delighted with its success.

Finchley Manor, in Lyndhurst Gardens, played host on Saturday and Sunday to a round of pre-qualifiers for the Allum British Open – the squash equivalent of Wimbledon.

Barnet hopeful Mark Bradley lost out in the first round but club member Robin Mace said the event was nevertheless well received by spectators.

He said: “There were some close results and it was well supported. The final itself was the best ever squash played at the club. We have had friendly exhibition matches in the past but this was even better.

“It was something we were very proud to have hosted and we hope we will be invited to do so again.”

The pre-qualifier was eventually won by 36-year-old Ben Ford from Kent who will go on to play in the tournament proper at the O2 Arena later this month.