Robert Edwards, PSA Technical Director and
'the Voice of Squash' sends his Christmas wishes and reflects on 2005 ...

It is that time of the year again when we reflect on the year gone by. The laughter - the tears and adventures that make our lives on the PSA Tour so different. It is Christmas Eve and I am in my study writing this final missive before starting Christmas with my family. Some thoughts and observations of the last year ...
 

 

PSA Heroes Gawain Briars and his Cardiff Angels. Keep up the good work and let's crack the $3M barrier. Get well soon Sheila - welcome back Cheryl. Anna, Lynn and Alison remain stalwarts. Keep us up there Gawain after a superb year for PSA. Passed the $2m mark and rising. ~ Pro-Active and Horizon who are the way forward. You have our total support. Jack Herrick continues to be a major asset for PSA in his capacity as Chairman. Jack is a class act and a close friend and confidante. Don't ever leave us Jack you are a priceless commodity.

GREAT PLAYERS

Our prayers last year were answered regarding Stewart Boswell & Anthony Ricketts. Just a year ago they were both off the tour and struggling with their different physical problems. This year saw them both come back - and how!!. Stewart roared through the smaller PSA events trying to get his ranking back up. He did it in style. Imagine being seeded in a $5,000 event and having to face Bozza from the qualification draw!! Hardly fair. Welcome back Stewart - stay injury free and in 2006 attack that top 10 place that you deserve.

In 2005 Anthony Ricketts - the Big Bear - won the ToC and then the British Open before reaching the final of the Saudi International. What a year. To follow Geoff Hunt and David Palmer as an Australian British Open Champion was a dream come true for him. I have enjoyed Anthony's company from when he first crept into the top 50. He has amused me with his requests at every tournament that we do together.

Big Bear on Tour
Last week at the Saudi International Anthony surpassed himself when he rang me at 0230 hours from his room, next door to mine, to ask me if I could turn my phone ring down - muffle my door bell and switch off my mobile ... I was driving him crazy. I was stressed with the extra work - he was stressed with lack of sleep & he was trying to be the "Selfish Squash Player" and at the same time not upset me. We both became helpless with laughter but when the phones started up again at - 0700 hours he moved out!!!!!!! A great year Anthony - you really have brought something special to the top of the tree. Have a great time in Aussie before travelling to New Zealand to see Shelley. And then 2006...and more Ricketts style passion.

Power Show
Jonathon Power chose 2005 to truly show his talents. Just when many of us were starting to write him off with his history of injuries and accidents he put in a big effort with his training - took on a new Physio & turned up in Bermuda for the PSA Masters.

Every doubt I had about him was dispelled in this one tournament. He really rose to the challenge. After an easy first round he played an inspired Gregory Gaultier - finally prevailing in 5 hard games. Then he met Thierry in the Quarters - what a pig fight that was - in a spectacular battle he went through in another hard 5 games. Surely the body would not go again. The Semi brought a clash with the magical John White. In a battle of the Gladiators these two guys showed us every racket skill known to man. The Great White was finally beached in another unforgettable 5 games. Waiting for Jonathon in the final was the silky Lee Beachill, who had only dropped one game all tournament. He had beaten Peter Nicol in straight games in the other semi.

I confess that I wrote Jonathon off ... no way could his body respond again. Surely the Canadian was in for a cruel final. The rest is history - he only dropped 13 points before lifting the trophy.

From that moment I had new respect for him as a great player. He was to bring the same qualities to the Saudi International - it was fitting that after beating the British Open Champion in the final he secured the world number one slot on the PSA Ranking list for January the 1st 2006. It has been four and a half years since he was numero uno - what a return to the summit.

Well done Jonathon I'm sorry that I doubted you - and thank you for the kind words - appreciated. I still want revenge on the golf course!!

The Marine Expects ..
David Palmer is a colossus of a player and a fine man. The help that he gives to myself and PSA behind the scenes at tournaments is immense. This year saw him marry his long term girlfriend Mel. She has definitely been one of the reasons for David's incredible success - together with Sean Moxham they form a wonderful two prong support team for the three time British Open Champion.

He told me not to announce it to the public during the Saudi event but now I can tell you that they are expecting their first child next year. Congratulations to you both from the whole world of squash. Enjoy your time with your families over Christmas. My memory of Mel trying to get out of the deepest bunker in Bermuda will live with me forever - I thought she was on her way to Australia!!

JK the Inspiration
Jahangir Khan continues to inspire all of us. I have spent a lot of time with JK since he retired as a player and became the President of the WSF. During these moments together he has proven that he is still a winner. At tournaments he is a wonderful ambassador for the game. JK is a terrible giggler who I take joy in making laugh and seeing him show us his private side. He is a committed family man with a profound Religious belief. Long may he reign as the King of Squash. One day JK we will make that documentary - "Khans - the Kings of Squash".

Thierry's 2005
Thierry Lincou began 2005 as the world number 1 and the World Champion. He was to lose his World Championship to the irrepressible & charming Amr Shabana & his number one spot to the brilliant Jonathon Power - but not before showing the world what a great champion he is. France should erect a statue to their number one - D'Artagnan. Together with Gregory Gaultier and Renan Lavigne France has Three Musketeers to be proud of. Thierry will hit 2006 running and hunting the top spot and the World Championship title again.

The Prince ...
Amr Shabana needs a special mention. The Prince of Cairo has won his second World Championship. A player who plays from the heart with the silky skills that Egypt seems to inject into so many of their players. Congratulations Amr and also on your wedding this year - Nadjla is as perfect as your straight drop.

Players to watch
From the English top drawer - James Willstrop, Lee Beachill and Nick Matthew. Any one of them could travel that extra foot and break clear of the pack.

Amr Shabana could lead any of the top Egyptians into the top spots. A player who has a certain golden future and a delightful personality (just like his brother) is Ramy Ashour. From Australia Cameron Pilley - who makes me laugh just by being himself. There are others, including Peter Barker, and everyone of them are good guys to spend time with. 

Pakistan - come on let's have some players to follow Jahangir and Jansher, with the fighting spirit of those players who have honoured the Pakistani name.
  

FINE TOURNAMENTS