Mike McCue is eager to play host to some of the best squash players in the world in his hometown of Sudbury, though he’d be just as happy to take a few of them down on the court.

McCue will serve as a co-organizer and a player at the sixth annual event, which will be hosted by the local YMCA from April 20-25.

"It will be cool," said McCue, who was just coming off the court from a practice session in Toronto, where the national team member now makes his home. "It’s the sixth year in a row we have had a Pro Squash Association event and it’s grown in prize money. We started $10,000 and it’s up to $25,000, which is I believe the fourth biggest tournament in Canada, which is pretty cool. The prize money helps draw the players."

However, it is not only the prize money that draws. The tournament has become a preferred destination for some of the world’s best for other reasons as well, McCue said.

"It’s got a pretty good reputation among the players for its hospitality and how well organized it is," he said. "Just because of my knowledge of the events I play each year, I have learned what makes a tournament good, what to focus on, so that’s why I help. The volunteers haven’t been exposed to these types of tournaments and I know what is most important, so I do what I can to assist. I’m happy to do it because it’s so special to play a main event and I wouldn’t be able to do that otherwise. It’s such a great chance to play a world-class event every year at the place where I learned to play squash."

McCue, 22, is no slouch on the squash court, having moved up to No. 114 in the world rankings in the last month.

"I’ve played pretty well this season," he said. "I had a busy fall and early winter where I won a couple of tournaments, non-tour events around Ontario, and I have had some good PSA events as well, making it further than before, and my ranking is the highest it has ever been."

The tournament begins next Monday and wraps up the following Saturday. Games take place daily through the week from 5-10 p.m., with free admission for spectators. The final is set for Saturday at 4 p.m. There is a $10 admission fee for the final.

The top-ranked player coming next week is Marwan El SHorbagy of Egypt, who is ranked No. 12 in the world. Other players hail from Australia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, New Zealand, Botswana, Pakistan, USA and Canada.

"We’re getting the number 12-ranked player and another who was recently in the top 10, so it’s a seriously high level of players coming to town," McCue said. "There will be lots of Canadians here, too, lots of the younger guys trying to get to a main draw."

McCue will sit out Monday and Tuesday’s qualifying rounds as he gets a bye to the main draw. His first match will be Wednesday at 7 p.m.

"In previous years, I was out of my depth realistically at this tournament," he said. "I’m playing a top 30 guy this year, and any match you get of that calibre is amazing. Now I can try to win games off them during a best of five and try to push them instead of just being happy to be there. I have an opportunity to get some sort of result now instead of just trying to learn and it’s great to play someone at that level and watch matches at that level, it’s so good for your development."

McCue is also looking forward to getting home to Sudbury for a full week.

"I was home for Christmas and maybe one other time the year before, so it will be nice to get back home and see everyone and sleep in my own bed," he said. "I’ve been so busy, so it will be nice to play a match in front of my family and friends and see everybody. I also know all the other guys in the tournament, so it’s fun to show them around Sudbury for the week and show them all the unique places you can go."

bruce.heidman@sunmedia.ca

On Twitter: @bheidmanSS