EN BREF Everything you didn't know you needed to know about the 2005 British Open...

CHARMED In each event, you meet THE person, the figure that makes it all worthwhile. Well, I'm not sure who will be the lucky one for the Dunlop British Open, but I can tell you who was in the English Open. Pat Nicol, dad of ... He is one of the most funny, charming, complex, straightforward and yet secret man I'll probably ever meet. Discrete but always supportive of his marvel of a son, I just enjoy talking to him, he makes me feel good, and simply makes my day a bit shinier. Actually, somebody this morning was telling me the story when Peter beat Barada in Egypt a few years back, and that when the Boss hit the last wining shot, the crowd of around 5,000 people stood stunned, in silence, and that only a few people were actually clapping, including Pat, who even turned round to try to cheer up the crowd, God love him ... "I always get nervous when Peter plays, but I just don't show it, because that's not what the boy needs to see in his corner," he said to Andy Nickeas before one of the matches on Saturday. "And I wanted to add how grateful we all are that the British Open is continuing, and I personally want to thank the people who made it possible ..." And when I went to talk to Peter after his Titanic encounter with Intense Ricketts, the man was just smiling through the emotion he couldn't hide for once... Courageous, discrete, funny and proud. My kind of man.

THE FRENCH CONNECTION In an earlier edition, I told you about my 'foursome' with three therapists... Well, a little word on two of them ... Pierre Canto, an osteopath living in Paris but from the same island than Thierry, la Réunion, whose also known Greg for years as a junior, as they were together in the French Junior team came along to look after the world champion, along with Mathieu Benoît, from Blois, whose know both of them since when, and who was taking care of Grégory. But as they are both out of the tournament, they were only too glad to take care of Jonathon, who was introduced to them by Greg. "Jonathan is so approachable, so open, I can't believe it. Here is he, one of the great champion, who brought so much to the game, who's achieved so much, and he has been absolutely fantastic with us." Like I said, those French, they get EVERYWHERE don't they???

VENGEANCE IS SWEET ... I told you a few days ago how difficult it is, how frustrating it is to try and write in a second language. Well, I had a sweet and nice revenge, when Jonathan Power came to the press room after his defeat to James, to have a quick phone conversation with a Canadian journalist. And as there was part of the conversation he wasn't keen on sharing with the rest of the present company, he switched to French... Obviously, by courtesy, I did remind him after the conversation that I had understood, and that actually I did quite agree with him ... As he left the room laughing, my colleagues were commenting about the incident of course, to which I said "Well, I speak English, why don't you speak French?" "Oh well," philosophically stated Steve Line, "there must be at least one advantage to being French I guess." Cheers mate!

DREAM PHYSIOS ... What can I say, they know how to take care of a lady around here ... First, I had Graham who had a look at my knee (yes I know, again somebody having a look, the question is who hasn't had a go at my knee yet) And then on the quarter final day, I just couldn't move my neck anymore, and basically was feeling faint. So, went to the desk, ask if the physio was free, and the charming Shelley came to my rescue. 15 minutes later, I was back up in the balcony, working away, fresh as a French Marguerite ... What can I say, they spoil me in Manchester ... No wonder I keep coming back, again and again...

DID YOU KNOW? We had 3 English newcomers in the ladies quarter finals: Laura-Jane Lenghtorn, Jenny Duncalf, and Alison Waters. Well, have a look at the line-up of the World Junior Teams final in Kuala Lumpur, 2001: ENGLAND 2 MALAYSIA 1 Alison Waters bt Ooi-Ean Teng 9-4, 9-0, 9-3 Jenny Duncalf lost to Nicol David 1-9 0-9, 3-9 Laura Jane Lengthorn bt Tricia Chuah 4-9, 2-9, 9-7, 9-4, 9-5 How is that for a squad... Not bad hey? And no, I didn't know it either... But I had Annette Pilling to inform me, and Steve Cubbins to do the research...

All the way from Japan There have been many international visitors to the Dunlop British Open, some calling in on their trip to the UK, some coming over specially. Jim Quigley went out of his way to help a group of players from Barcelona, who flew to Heathrow, hired a car to get to Manchester and were struggling to find the way from their hotel (on the other side of Manchester). But for sheer passion for squash, coming from Japan takes some beating. Chiharu Anzawa and Rieko Ohshima had planned their month-long trip months in advance, when the Open was scheduled for London. The seitch to Manchester made a few change of plans necessary, but that wasn't going to stop these two squash nuts. They've played for "a long while, but not to any great standard," says Rieko. "Squash is a small community in Japan," explains Rieko, "there aren't many top-class players but we do see most of them on a regular basis in Tokyo. But to see the world's best at the British Open is something we couldn't miss.. We've been to 3 or 4 British Opens, the World Teams, and other tournaments in Denmark, Sheffield, Hong Kong ... " Chiharu has to leave on Sunday, so misses the final, but Rieko is here for the duration ... and something tells us that they'll both be back ... maybe next year ?

AND PAMELA AS WELL One of the best comperes that the Squash World is lucky to have, Andy Nickeas, knows what he is talking about when he introduces the players, or interviews them at the end of the matches ... The man has been Cheshire Chairman for donkey's years, been involved in squash for about 30 years, and has been compering in Manchester for about 10. He is also precise, not too long, never complacent, and respects the feelings of the players. I can't wait to win a match on the glass court to get interviewed, that says it all ... But even when he goes home, Andy speaks about squash with spouse Pamela, who I believe was also involved in the over 45 British Open Masters. The man eats drinks and breathes Squash. And without him, I don't think the event would have the same resonance ... Well done mate.

FOURSOME… Oh no, not that kind, but it was nice, thank you very much… You may have heard that I had knee surgery mid July, and that I’m not doing that great. So today, as a thank you gift, three lovely therapists gave me treatment. Yes, three just for me. Two men, Pierre Canto, from La Réunion, Mathieu Benoît , from Blois, France, and Caroline Glain, from Manchester/Paris, three specialists in FasciaTherapy (don’t ask, all to do with micro articulation, great stuff, efficient as hell). The two men at my knees, well literally, one on each, and Caroline on my neck. The word Heaven comes to mind… By the time I came back to reality and got dressed, the three marvels had gone back to the French table, and obviously made a medical bulletin about my health, and obviously not a good one. So when I appeared, Thierry Lincou, always charming, welcomed me with a “So, I hear that you are in need of a complete refurbishment???” With mates like that…

BEN AT THE BRITISH OPEN ... Hold on to your racquets, guys, tremble o all you little players, I am now taking squash up to the next level, as after playing for hours at Pontefract, listening to the Voice who comes from the Gods all the way up there, I am now making my entrance on the glasscourt ... No, you've got to admit it is a nice view from here, light and all ... And they keep it so clean. They are really doing a good job ... So, I liked here, but I'm not going to be able to stay long this time, but do not fear, you'll see me, and my dad, soon. Very, very soon....

SQUASH: THE FUTURE Watching the opening match on Thursday were a group of sixteen 10 and 11 year olds from Higher Openshaw Community School. "We've been bringing them here for a while now," said their teacher Helen Hockenhull, "we bring two groups of sixteen every Thursday for coaching sessions with Taro and two other coaches. "The kids really enjoy it, and we'll be bringing another group of year 5 children (8 and 9 year olds) after half term." Not only did the kids get to see world number one Rachael Grinham in action, former number one John White was on hand to give them some tips, and the kids were really keen to get 'Big John' to autograph their programs. "We organise tournaments for them too, and Demi and Daniel both won squash rackets in the latest competition, it's a really good incentive for them." Taro is more than happy to help. "This school is really keen on squash," he says. "None of them would have heard of the sport if this centre hadn't been built, and even though the school is within walking distance they still hire minibuses to come to the sessions, so it's a real boost all round." It may be a few years before Taro's protegés start actually playing in the British Open, but given the effort and expertise that Manchester City Council are putting into junior development you can be sure that some of them will ... guaranteed.

Cheshire Girls at the Open: Natasha Townley, Louise Jones, Lucy Townley, Evie West

ROY, THE SCOREBOARD MARVEL… You may wonder how you lucky people get to know all about what’s going on on court thanks to SquashSite scoreboard… Well, it’s very simple really. The man who is pressing the buttons is called Roy Lomas, and as the National Centre dome prevents the wireless connection coming near the court, poor Roy is in a room, up in the Gods, near the refs, dashing in th update the score, dashing back .... So if you want to know why sometimes a few points appear at a time, it's because poor Roy is watching the game, dashing in th update the score, dashing back .... you get the idea, like a little buzzing bee, Roy is, so once in a while he has a well-deserved rest! So Roy, thank you very much for your help, we really, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart, couldn’t have done it without you….

TENSION AT THE TOP ... First rounds are famous for being tricky, and recently, we had some pretty famous losses, David Palmer first round of the English Open, Lee Beachill first round of the St Louis, Joe Kneipp here at the Dunlop British Open. And it's not getting better in the second round, is it? Thierry pushed to 4 by a fantastic Alex Gough, David Palmer in trouble against Ong Beng Hee, down 2/1, end of match this morning at 11am, Peter Nicol had a close match against Shahid Zaman ... And the common point you may add? The will to win. The desire to get that title so badly they are all stressed, nervous, shaky. Does the Dunlop British Open still means a lot for the players? Bet your life it does ...

TOUGH DRAW DAD… Just before his match against Thierry Lincou, Alex Gough called his son Jayden ... "Who do you play today dad?" "Thierry Lincou, world number 1" "And after that?" "Euh, Peter Nicol" "And then?" "I don't know, son, David Palmer or Anthony Ricketts" "Well, tough draw dad ..." Don't you just love them????

DOOMED MATCH… Lee and Phil were not that overjoyed during their match, part 2, on what was supposed to be the rest day, when the ball went off court to disappear under the backwall seatings. Jonathan Power tried to picked the ball up, but it had rolled straight under the metal bars, and couldn’t be reached, and for a short moment, the two players thought they would have to warm a new ball up, and as we were in the 3rd at 5/2, and we’d been playing for something like 10 minutes, they were not exactly looking forward to doing that … Thank God Jim Quigley was around and succeeded to pick up the ball from the other side, and after a short delay, the play resumed. Once again. Boy, you’ve got some matches which are cursed, haven't you ???

GOOD YEAR FOR THE PSA... The PSA board was actually meeting in Manchester while the British Open was on, and a little bird told me that PSA members have a lot to rejoice about, and that the figures are looking pretty good, something like prize money 25% increase for this year, which makes 50% in the last two years, not to mention that there have never been so many PSA members .... Like I always say, so many men, so little time...

WET CHAOS AT SPORTCITY Must be something in me that attracts, creates and perpetuates hell wherever I go ... As you may have read in my St Louis coverage, if you want rain for your garden or vegetables, just invited me round, I'm a sure thing. And if you want to be expelled from a building in the cold or/and in the rain, just make sure I'm on your guests list ... After the English Open, John White, Peter Nicol, Alan Moody (Mr Mamut), Tim Garner, Angus Kirkland and your servant were having a bleeping well deserved beer/diet coke after the final back at the Hilton, when a loud siren started to wail, shortly followed by the 'ladies and gentlemen, please kindly evacuate the building' ... Well, here we were enjoying Adrian and Davide battling around, when the whole lightning system went down. Not to worry, we thought, will be back in a few seconds ... The hell it did ... Five minutes later, without jackets, under pouring rain, we were all looking for shelters, running around the Sport City parking lot, like headless chickens ... Some of the more lucky ones had their car keys on them, the others tried to get near the other buildings around the Centre to find refuge and a roof to prevent drowning ... It didn't last long, fortunately, and we all re-entered the Sport Centre, now smelling slightly of burned plastic, before being told that all play was suspended, and that we were calling it a night ... And as I went back to the plunged into darkness Press Room, I could hear the sound of the 'day of rest' flapping its wings away with a nagging crackling squeak ...

THE IRANIAN LADY We had a very nice guest among us at the beginning of the tournament, as Fereshteh Ghazaei Vaziri came all the way from Iran to come and admire players at the Dunlop British Open. "Squash really started in Iran about 13 years ago, and I'm proud to say that I've played quite a crucial role," says Fereshteh. "I translated the first squash book ever in Iranian, 'Teaching Squash' by Jahangir Khan, and then 'The Rules of Squash' by Andrew Shelley." "I now have a lot of students that learn to play, to coach and to referee," she adds. "And we've succeed to have squash accepted in the school program of Physical Education." Fereshteh was everywhere, looking at all the matches she could put her eyes on, talking, smiling around as a kid in a toy shop. And it was very nice to have among us the 'Mother of Iranian Squash', as she is often referred to ... So hope to see you soon lovely lady...

WORKING IN A SECOND LANGUAGE Very few among you I guess must have an idea of what I'm about to talk about, which is how frustrating it is, how unsatisfactory is grows into to write in a second language... First, it takes you longer to write, you can't find the exact word, or the adequate expression, not to mention that your choice of words is about  1/20th of the one in your own language. Then, you're never sure if what you are writing doesn't have a meaning that is unknown to you... An example among thousands, I thought that 'hitting on somebody' meant like in French, actually inflicting pain, or that 'giving one' actually meant what it is supposed to mean ... Frustrating as hell ...

SITTING NEXT TO JONAH If you want to learn and analyse a squash match, just stick to Jonah Barrington ... I was lucky enough to be sitting not too far away, and it was like being in my living room with a commentary of a pro in my ear. Admiring the shots of both the competitors, encouraging his son in a quiet manner, or praising David's precision or tactics, describing the pattern of the rallies, of the thought process, I tell you, I was enjoying the experience immensely. As you know, in his quote, Mr Barrington talks about the three times he saw Joey play. Funnily enough, I was also there those three times. I don't know how to explain it, but it gives me a feeling of 'belonging' that is quite precious ... Yes, I'm a sentimental frog, sue me ...

AS MAD AS I AM… Well nearly, really, as nobody really is… But last night, as I was typing away my last quotes, Anthony Ricketts and girlfriend Shelley Kitchen ware training on the glasscourt. And who was still on the glass court as I walked in today? Yep. Did you sleep here? I laughed…. Did YOU sleep here, Shelley retorted… In conclusion, we are all lunatics, really now, aren’t we…

DARREN, THE SAVIOUR Darren is a computer genius. Last time he sorted out my computer, I was starting saying to Linda (again, Magic Linda who sorts everything out…) “that could take a wh…” and by that time, we heard a “it’s sooorted” coming from the office… Well, my computer was sooooo not working, that it took the man a good two hours to sort it out. How bad that was, I tell you. So, every 10 minutes, I was asking him how it was going, and he always had the same answer “it will take a while”…. And as Hisham and Saurav were battling for their lives, I heard the magic words “it’s sorted”…. Well, he was not going to get away that easy, was it now… He also sorted the Broadband connection out in the Press Room, and then another computer internet connection problem…. Darren the Saviour, Darren the Magician, the words are too bland really…

FEELING GUILTY BUT…. I’d better come out with it… After our evening meal last night, instead of writing the last quotes of the day, as in Davide against Chris, I was relaxing with a few squash people that happen to stay in the same hotel than we are, PSA board member Martin Macdonnell, PSA President Jack Herrick, PSA executive director Gawain Briars, Tour Director Sheila Cooksley, Howard Harding, Press Officer to the stars, and Steve Line, the tournament official photographer. And as I happened to have received some lovely-delicious-awfully-bad-for-you mint chocolates from America (yes, David Barry sent Steve and I some chocolates as a token of appreciation for our work in St Louis), all those fine personalities helped me not to put on weight by sharing the box with me. And we chatted away late into the night… And where was Steve Cubbins you may rightly ask? He was working away he was… Like I said, feeling guilty, but I’m sure I’ll get over it somehow…

NOT GETTING LOST If you've been following my reports from the word go, as in the Nationals 04, you cannot ignore that I have a tendency to get lost when I get to the National Sport Centre. To the extent that one evening, I actually saw the words "Liverpool 10 miles" as I was desperately trying to find my way round the motorway hub that surround the Sport City area. Well, you'll be surprised to know that none of that happened today.... I am staying at the Village Cheadle Hotel, a lovely place right off the A34, that happens to be the road I take when I visit Linda Davie, who lives in Prestbury. So, I know the way quite well to go from her place to the NSC. Actually, it's the ONLY way I know to go to the National Centre... Wasn't that nice of Paul Walters to book me in an hotel just to help me find my way to the venue? I tell you, I am spoiled....

I'M COMPUTER DOOMED... You may remember that, when I was in the TOC, my computer suddenly decided that it would not open... Well, as I was trying to type my reports away early this morning, and we are talking early, as in 5am, neither bleeping word or frontpage wouldn't work anymore... Not good.... So, after 90 minutes of battle, I had to wake up my poor webmaster (mind you, by that time, it was his nearly wake-up time anyway) who could only confirm the damage... How am I going to do? Well, so far, I'm writing using WordPad, what ever that is...