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November 2007:
Movember? where
did that go ... |
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November was an amazingly busy month
for me before the squash season in Aussie winds down.
I was invited to Hong Kong to commentate for TVB Pearl
and work with Andrew Sams (An Aussie from Sydney who lives
and works there now). We commentated live for two semis on Saturday
and final on Sunday. It was a great experience as we also had to do
the pretape introduction to the program in front of spectators and
could be viewed on a massive screen sitting about the all glass
court in Hollywood Plaza, Kowloon.
I also was part of a junior clinic playing a number of juniors of
all ages…was beaten by a 7 year old girl … then played a game with
Joey Chan (Member of the HK Junior team who competed in the
2007 World Juniors), as well as presented prizes to the sponsors and
celebrities.
The following week I attended a Squash Australia Level 2 coaching
course held over 5 days at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre.
Some very familiar faces were there as well as former WISPA and PSA
players…Vicky Cardwell, Dan Jenson, Mark Ikin
and Lorraine (Hird) Howell.
A big charity event, called MOvember, begun in Australia and
New Zealand in 2003, has now gone world wide …men start with a clean
shaven face on Nov 1st and grow a mo for the full month of MOvember
to raise money for Men's Health Issues - Prostrate Cancer and Male
Depression … my mate Craig Brook was raising money, while his
other mates joined in the fun… you will notice a MO Sista there
too!!!
We all played in a masters event held in the country town of
Ballarat, Victoria, where I had the pleasure of playing,
laughing and narrowly beating former PSA player Geoff Wilcock.
 Earlier
in the year I met again former PSA player and friend of Thierry
Lincou and Greg Gaultier - David Navarre, at the Arafura
Games held in Darwin. David now lives and coaches in New
Caledonia and invited me to play his tournament.....so off I
went… sun, fun, beaches, some squash too!!! I played NC No1 woman
Marie Peirre Leca and Laurent Guepy.
David is from Marseille, France, and is good mates with Thierry and
Gregory … he plans to run an exhibition event in 2008 with Thierry,
Renan Lavigne, Wael El Hindi and Cameron Pilley, which will boost
the motivation of the already enthusiastic locals.
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October 2007:
September &
October just fly
by ... |
Event after Event ...
The month of September flew by with
compering, coaching, hosting and playing tournaments … the
English Grand Prix in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and
British Open in Manchester. I notched up wins in the women’s
O/35s in both Birmingham and Manchester.
It was great to see the British Open being hosted in a venue worthy
of its stature and history … and Manchester played magnificent hosts
once again.
Indian Ocean Return
October saw me fly out for my traditional jaunt to Reunion Island
(the home of Thierry Lincou) for a week of sun and fun and a little
squash of course…..I was taken on a paraglider for an hour and half
trip over the island and beaches…
I even got to take control and fly myself. I had the horrible
experience of turbulence which was disturbing when there is nothing
between you and the ground, then landed on the beautiful beach of St
Gilles.
I have won the event the last two years, but Alex Muller, who
I beat last year 3-0 had done some training and was in good shape…he
was determined not to lose this year…and it showed…he played the big
points well and snuck in with a 11-7, 13-11, 13-11 win.
 The ASOI club will soon be no longer, as they are tearing the
existing site down and building a new two court club nearby and
hoping to have it finished middle of next year.
Hoping to return to have my revenge!!!
League Action
 I pulled out the team t-shirt again to play league for St Georges
(Surrey) in the Premier Squash League on 16th October … it was a
pleasant surprise to see and play former world No 4 Stephanie
Brind…and what a surprise it was…
Steph is now a police woman
and has decided to keep her eye in at squash…she caught me out with
her old tricks and seemed so relaxed and enjoyed herself….had to put
on my thinking cap and pull out all stops, especially with the point
a rally system to 9. I notched up a 3-1 win.
Dutch Delight
I spent four days in Holland at Squash City and conducted
some coaching clinics with club members and WISPA players – Nicol
David, Louise Crome, Annelize Naude and Aisling McCardle.
Caught up with past players Ellie Pierce (USA – British Over 40s
champion), Nicole Beumer (Former Dutch No1) and Liz Irving (Aust,
former World No2, coach to World No1 Nicol David).
Once the squash was over, the serious stuff began…out to the Aussie
Bar to watch the final of the Rugby World Cup…great atmosphere as
the bar was full of Aussies, South Africans, English and few token
Dutch making up the numbers.
Finally, I did a photo shoot with Steve Dodd … a keen squash
player, who has taken squash and glamour photos of players and now
has a site, squash book and a fantastic commercial portfolio.
He has
taken photos of Lee Beachill, James Willstrop, Jenny Duncalf, Nick
Taylor and Laura Lengthorn…to name a few.
It is amazing what make up, lighting and a persistent photographer
can do....Take a look at the work of
Steve Dodd ...
Squash Pictures:
www.squashology.com
Commercial Photography:
www.bigcheese.co.uk |
That's me ... Woo Hoo !!!
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August 2007 |
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Out and About in August
 Many
of you will recognize the familiar face above around events in
Manchester….. Ellery Hanley MBE, former Rugby League star in
both hemispheres and captain of Great Britain and England.
Ellery is a keen squash fan and has been a huge supporter and mentor
to many top players. I have had the pleasure of having a game and a
giggle with Ellery and finally got around to taking my own
memorabilia photo with him at the recent Men’s Super Series finals.
Keep an eye for Ellery at this year's British Open…you will no doubt
find him sitting somewhere behind the back wall avidly watching
every point.
Someone has to do it ...
 My
job recently has been hosting events where I get to interview the
players….which has its serious ‘squash interview’ moments with a few
giggles too….sweaty hugs from John White, Greg Gaultier
too tired to reach top of steps, so we sit to chat, Amr Shabana
just too tired, Engy Kheirallah too excited to talk, but most
of the time, the boys wiping their faces in vain trying not get
sweat all over me ...
Over to the States ...
Each year many of the players pop over the Atlantic to North America
to conduct squash camps….this year I went to Boston and
Toronto….many players are now living or based somewhere in North
America due to rise in tournaments, access to events and of course
the lure of an income through the sport we all love.
My good friend and former World No 14 Sharon Bradey (Aust)
moved to the USA 10 years ago and now head coach at the Harvard Club
in Boston, where she runs a series of camps of which I am invited to
be guest coach….I have been going now for three years, so I watch
with interest as these kids improve, develop and grow (not only in
squash but in height).
 Next
stop on the agenda was Oakville, just outside Toronto where I help
out with Mike Way (coach to Jonathan Power and Graham
Ryding). I have known Mike and his brother Ken (sports psychologist)
for many years. Mike played a huge part in my on court comeback in
2001 after knee surgery in 1998 and 99 by helping to develop new
aspects in my game, so it is a great pleasure to work and learn from
Mike.
The main man in my squash life, Mike Johnson, coach to
Anthony Ricketts, Stewart Boswell, Rodney Martin, Rodney Eyles and
myself (basically most of the Aussies based in the UK during the
1990s) has left UK shores and moved to Vancouver Island, Canada … he
too is conducting squash camps on the west coast … I wish him well
and look forward to seeing him again soon.
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Lookit that Go !!
Tried my hand at golf… not ready to take it seriously … flip flops,
sunglasses and good company are more important… I was more
interested in how far I can hit it rather than technique!!!
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July 2007:
Another Surprise for July ... |
 The
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) which held the
2002 Commonwealth Games, 2001 World Women’s Open and Men’s World
Team event, as well as a site for the Formula 1 Grand Prix track...
held its 10 year anniversary and commemorated with an awards
night.
The focus was on athletes who had competed at Olympic and World
level, international rankings, contribution, service and
ambassadorial support for their sport.
I was given the honour of being named Female Athlete of the
Decade ahead of some amazing candidates with fantastic records:
Michelle Timms (Basketball – Bronze Olympic Medalist),
Eloise Southby (Netball – Comm Games Gold Medalist), Loudy
Tourky (Diving – 2 x Bronze Olympic Medalist & Comm Games Gold
Medalist), Louise Dobson (Hockey – Olympic and Comm Games
Gold Medalist).
The Male winner was Dean Pullar (Diving – Bronze Olympic
Medalist), with other candidates - Andrew Gaze (Basketball –
5 x Olympian, Aust Captain), Matt Welsh (Swimming – 2 x
Olympic Silver Medalist & 4 x Comm Games Gold Medalist), Michael
Klim (Swimming – Olympic and Comm Games Gold Medalist).
Squash Australia Release
 Sarah
Fitz-Gerald’s added one more honour to an already impressive trophy
cabinet when she was named Female Athlete of the Decade by the
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC).
The Award is centered on sports based at MSAC and the State Netball
and Hockey Centre.
The major criteria focused on achievements of athletes at
Olympic/World Championships, international rankings, contribution
and service/ambassadorial support for their sport.
Not only has the five-time World Open squash champion and winner of
65 world tour events from 97 finals appearances excelled on the
court, her feats off it have also been quite remarkable.
She has been on the board of the Women’s International Squash
Players Association (WISPA) for 11 years and as its president for
eight years.
She has also developed interest in the game among women and girls in
under developed squash nations and each year for the past none
years, Fitz-Gerald has undertaken promotional tours into these
countries on an unpaid basis.
Fitz-Gerald is also on the Squash Australia board of directors.
In other awards, Paul Price was a finalist in the Men’s Athlete of
the Decade Award, won by diver Dean Pullar, and Denise Hill was a
finalist in the Volunteer of the Decade Award, won by Water Polo’s
Ted Donovan, who has been a volunteer in the sport for nearly 50
years. |
Trion Z
As worn by Argentinean, Angel Cabrera who won the 2007 US
Open Golf Championships and Ivan Lendl (8 x Grand Slam Tennis
Titles), is becoming involved with squash. I now wear Trion Z and
endorse the product.
The bracelets bring the power of therapeutic Minus-Ion magnets to
counteract against Positive Ions created by modern technology, daily
stress and physical activity.
MORE INFO
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Battle of the Sexes
Recently, I played Dean Finegold, from Essex, former
U/12/14/16 English Junior Champion and winner of 100+ titles in the
UK, as well as Scotland, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and Denmark.
I practice and coach a lot at ‘The Village’ in Cheadle, where Dean
plays league....so…typical….. after a few beers….the question was
asked if the ‘girl could compete against the bloke’…so…an exhibition
(all in good spirits) was organized.
Members and squash enthusiasts joined in the fun and watched me
notch up a 3-0 win.
Money was raised for the
Nick
Everton Trust, a young man who suffered Familial Adenomatous
Polyposis a rare form of cancer and died aged 17 in 2002…who was the
son of personal friends of Dean.
www.nickevertontrust.com |
June 2007:
A South American June ...
Sarah Fitz-Gerald's Diary ...
 June
saw Sarah spend a lot of time in South America, for the WISPA
promotional tour, and as she recounts here, a training week with the
Brazilian national women's team ... |
WISPA Promo Tour |
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Coaching in Brazil
An invitation was issued by Brazilian Squash and the Olympic
Committee for a squash player/coach to fly to Sao Paulo to help
train the women’s team leading into the Pan American Games to be
held in Rio de Janeiro from 13-29 July.
I received an email from my friend of 15 years and former WISPA
player Karen Redfern, so I decided to throw my hat into the
ring and offered my services.
Next thing I knew I was on a plane to Brazil to spend one week
coaching with my friend Karen and two other team members, Thaisa
Serafini and Mariana Pontalti.
Karen Redfern is two-time Pan American Champion winning the titles
in 91/92, a whopping 15-time Brazilian Champion and 6-time South
American Champion, Thaisa Serafini is the current South American
Champion, 2005 Brazilian Champion and Mariana Pontalti played in the
World Senior championships in 1997 in Malaysia.
The Brazilians will be seeded three behind the USA and Canada. This
will be Karen’s last Pan Am Games so she and her team mates will no
doubt be fighting for some big results in front of big crowds on
home soil (the team won the South
American Championships last month in Colombia).
Arriving to beautiful weather, a big smile from Karen (even at
6am)…. but no bags…unfortunately my luggage got mixed up in the
weather fiasco and Heathrow security dramas….so didn’t see or hear
much about my bag for four days…nightmare and not much fun…but a
good excuse to spend some of British Airways' money!!!!
The venue was called the Harmonia Club (Sociedade Harmonia de
Tenis) which is not far from downtown Sao Paulo, but in the middle
of an exclusive area called Jardim Americas and Jardim Europa. The
club has two glass back squash courts, 9 clay tennis courts,
swimming pool, kids pool, gym, judo room, crèche, hair dresser,
beauty salon and 2 restaurants.
Not only did we have a motivating and consistent week hitting two
sessions a day (hitting in the mornings and games in the afternoon),
but managed some laughs, (I know about 10 words of Spanish and even
less in Portuguese, so English was a major priority), enjoyed some
amazing winter weather (22-27 C each day), good catch up time and
shopping for Haviana Flip Flops and clothes.
 A
major highlight in Karen’s illustrious career was four days ago, she
was given the honour of running 400 metres at the International
Airport of Guarulhos with the Pan Am baton. A very proud
moment for her and Brazil squash.
The President of Brazilian Squash, Lawrence McGrath was
investigating whether I could go back for the Pan Ams, but the rules
are very similar to Commonwealth Games, where accreditation for
access to the ‘area of play’ is very strict and must be cleared and
applied for many months in advance…
No matter the outcome for players or the Brazilian Team … to
experience a multi sport event and Rio de Janeiro in party mode
would be truly amazing.
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Karen & Sarah
South American Champs
Karen carries the baton |
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May 2007:
A Busy May up North ...
Sarah Fitz-Gerald's Diary ...
May
has been a busy month with trips, events, BBQs, bonfires and horse
riding as well as a lot of on-court time with VIS players and the
last few rounds of pennent (league).
I took my family to see an Aussie
Rules Football match between
Carlton and St Kilda at the Telstra Dome, where I was wined and
dined and had to give a speech in front of 200 mainly male Friday
Night Carlton footy fans…….managed to hold my own!!!
BUT you will never believe who I bumped into at the game…..Billy
Haddrell…former Aust, Vic and PSA player….who works in the
family business, married to Sue, son Lachlan and not a squash racket
in sight!
 The
second week of May took me to Darwin to represent Squash Australia
at the Arafura Games and was given the opportunity to play
the WISPA tournament.
It had been 10 years since I was last in the North of Australia, it
was fun to see some familiar faces. Just so everyone realizes how
big Aussie is…it took five flying hours and no direct flight from
Melbourne to Darwin.
 The
open event was small as players were split between an event also in
Perth the same weekend, but I was fortunate enough to go on and win
over Amelia Pittock (Victoria). I guess there is still life in the
old girl yet ….and experience.
 I
also managed some sightseeing and went off to Crocodylus Park
to hold and feed the crocs, went out to Litchfield National Park
to see some of the beautiful outback- Buley Rockpool, Wangi falls
and Florence Falls.
Immediately upon returning to Victoria I was off into country
Victoria on a promotional tour to the beautiful towns of Bright,
Myrtleford, Milawa and south west NSW to Deniliquin…..I did local
media, exhibitions, coaching and received a reverse boast drill for
good measure by a country cop.
My team has made finals in Monday night Club Circuit… the boys
aren’t happy with me as I have left to go overseas only four days
before the actual final.
Played my second racquetball tournament in Ballarat beating
Di Desira in the final.
My last interesting bit of news is…I did three radio commercials for
a company called Rapid Aluminium – they are being aired at 7.15am
Monday-Wednesday in Melbourne.
Sarah's May missive
was sent from Rio de Janeiro, the first destination for the
2007 WISPA promotional tour ...
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Arafura Games Opening |
|
 ARAFURA
GAMES
Arafura started in the 1980s by Northern Territories Government to
give developing athletes an opportunity to gain experience with
regional neighbours and to lead to future success on the national
and international arena.
It was initially open to countries on the Tropics of Capricorn and
Cancer and countries on the Arafura Sea with only 8 countries
competing (Arafura Sporting Festival). In 1995 it was extended to 24
sports/18 countries and became the Arafura Games.
In 2005 the games extended across 30 sports/31 countries and 3000
athletes. Visitors in 2007 came from as far as South Africa, Kuwait,
USA, Italy and Brazil.
Womens Winner – Kylie Burnell-Jones (NT) Runner-Up –
Tamsyn Noble (NT),
Semi-Finalists – Marie-Pierre Leca (New Caledonia), Christine Jean
(New Caledonia)
Mens Winner - Mohd Shahril Shahidan (Brunei) Runner- Up
– Jamie Broadfoot (NT)
Semi-Finalists – Daryl Bessell (Aust Defense), Laurent Guepy (New
Caledonia)
Womens Team Event - Winners – Northern Territory
2nd – New Caldonia, 3rd- Papua New Guinea, 4th – Australian Defense
Organsiation
Mens Team Event – Winners - Northern Territory
2nd - Australian Defense Organsiation, 3rd - New Caledonia, 4th -
Papua New Guinea, 5th -Brunei Darassalam.
Arafura Games promotional video
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April 2007:
Autumn and April in Melbourne
Autumn
in Melbourne is a beautiful time of year and the squash season is
well underway.
I certainly can not be accused of being a lazy squash player this
year.
In January I became Consultant Coach to the Victorian Institute of
Sport where I get to work with players such as former world No 48
Cameron White, who is hoping to get on top of his game again in
2007.
 Tournaments
have come and gone with Cameron and myself wining all events so far
this year with the recent result being the Maffra Open in
eastern country Victoria.
I have had my work cut out with helping to prepare the VIS kids for
tournaments in and around the state as well as pennant (league),
racketball and my own private coaching.
I recently conducted a Promotional Tour of country Victoria which
took me 3 hours north to Shepperton, Benalla and
Albury (NSW). After Benalla I went by motor bike 120kms due
north to Albury…it was a real case of ‘have racket will travel’…my
equipment was shoved into compartments on the bike and hang on for
good luck!!!
I met Alison Farish who shoots skeet (clay targets)…so was
invited to join her and Gill (current National Champion) for
a morning learning how to shoot ……Yes…I did hit the high and low
targets…wasn’t a typical giggling female and felt quite comfortable
with the gun…scary thought!
Next…thought I would try my hand at racketball ... it seemed a real
case of hit and run, but soon got to grips with it, got a blister
for my efforts, a bruise by a determined opponent, singles all on
one day, but managed a win in my first ever racketball tournament in
the country town of Wangaratta. This was quickly followed by a well
earned winery tour.
The remainder of the month was filled with city coaching clinics,
referees exams, pennant, interviews, aunty duties and meetings.
Haven’t been home in Melbourne for the month of April for as long as
I can remember…and what a beautiful time of year.
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March 2007:
Hall of Fame dinner – Brisbane
More from a retired squashie in Melbourne ... |
The
Squash Australia Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards night
commenced two years ago and it was a great success.
The first year opened with a
‘bang’ by inducting Legends Geoff Hunt, Heather
McKay and Ken Hiscoe followed by Chris Dittmar,
Vicki Cardwell, Michelle Martin and myself .
We all received plaques to commemorate the night and our
induction.
The second year saw the
introduction of Rhonda Thorne (World Champion),
Col Clapper, Bob Finch, John Cameron and
Jean Walker.
This year's event commenced at 6.30 with cocktails and canapés
with guests dressed in black tie/formal … it was great to see
everyone dressed up and looking glam. Not only were there
players past and present, but referees, coaches, state
associations, onlookers and squash enthusiasts.
So many familiar faces and names
from the past, present and future were all there.
The new inductee for 2007 was
Rodney Martin. He was welcomed onto stage by the current
Hall of Fame players present and was personally congratulated by
his mentor and friend Geoff Hunt.
 After
a superb three course meal, Anthony Ricketts was invited
onto stage to speak about his career, up coming travel and
answer questions, and was followed by Geoff Hunt, who had only
arrived home from his new base in Qatar in time for the evening,
to speak about his experiences and a few anecdotes in the middle
east.
Dunlop, a sponsor of Squash
Australia, supported the evening, and placed numbered squash
balls in front all of guests as everyone was given an
opportunity to win prizes.
Over the three years of the Squash
Australia Hall of Fame dinner, signed memorabilia has been
donated by players, been framed with action photos and an
explanation plaque of the item.
 A
professional auctioneer assists the evening and the memorabilia
raised a very impressive $7225 which will go towards junior
development programs.
After lots of catching up with old
friends and faces the evening finally wound down at 11.30 as
people headed home or moved onto other venues.
The evening was a great success
again as we wait to see which past champion will be inducted in
2008.
Rodney Inducted (shorts) |
Squash Australia Hall of Fame
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21-Mar-07:
Magnificent Melbourne in March
an insight into the life of a retired squashie in Melbourne ... |
 My
weekend started on Friday 16th with an event called the 'World's
Longest Lunch' It was held at the Telstra Dome which is
one of the stadiums which hosts cricket, football and concerts.
It was one loooong table holding 1500 people and we all ate and
drank our way through a three course meal of local produce.
Expectations of the day were a few brave punters indulging in a few
too many wines, ran the length of the field pretending to bounce,
pass and kick a goal....it ended with one individual stripping off
naked and doing cartwheels about 50 metres out from the goal posts.
My Friday ended with an exhibition match at the Real Tennis club
where I played Malcolm McLarty who moved here recently from
South Africa and is the world masters champion from Edmonton 2005.
We also played some Real Tennis... odd but interesting.
 Saturday
I was given VIP tickets to attend the FINA World Swimming
Championships opening ceremony...it was all lights, music, pool
activity depicting Aussie culture and introducing our World Swimming
Heroes. I had the opportunity to meet with Dawn Fraser again
who I hadn't seen since she presented me with her Award in 2001.
Finally, I had tickets to the Motor Racing Grand Prix. The
weather was spectacular and I sat just in front of the start/finish
line. The atmosphere was electric as usual with FA18s, Roulettes,
Jumbo Jets, Airforce helicopters, cars, acrobats, dancers and
singers. After the race spectators flood the track creating a crazy
yet fun packed scene.
Melbourne in March is awesome with swimming, concerts, international
fashion show, air show, food and wine festival, grape grazing,
comedy festival, theatre and more.
Can you believe it was a year ago since the Commonwealth Games?
|
The Telstra Dome
What's on in Melbourne
Fly-past at the start of the
Motor Racing Grand Prix
Sarah commentating at the Commonwealths |
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06-Feb-07:
World Champions in
Melbourne
Sarah Fitz-Gerald
reports from Melbourne |
Just
thought I would give you an update of things here in Aussie ...
I have had Nicol David staying in Melbourne training for the
last three and a half weeks. She arrived Jan 8th and flew out early
Feb to Malaysia before heading to Europe.
While here, not only has she trained twice a day, doing racket work,
pressure session, games, weights, running, she has been wined and
dined at the tennis by the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club and by
Tennis Victoria at the Australian Open, watched Australia
beat England in cricket at the MCG, played beach cricket,
boating, BBQs, wine tasting at the Yarra Valley wineries.
Her last little adventure was where Nicol and I went to play squash
in a private court at a house in Melbourne owned by Bert
Armstrong. Bert and his wife Jo built the house around the
court, so it blends into the house with a balcony and own changing
area. Bert is a keen masters player who has played all over the
world and I caught up with him at the World Masters Games in
Edmonton, Canada 2005 and the World Masters Open in Cape Town, South
Africa, 2006.
He is an avid squash racket collector who has an amazing collection
of rackets, rule books, memorabilia etc which has taken him 20
years. His racket collection starts at the beginning from the first
wood racket to modern day rackets. He plans to donate a selection of
this collection to be hung in the Hall of Fame at the Kooyong Lawn
Tennis Club (which has 4 glass backs) when the proposed renovations
are completed.
Kooyong was the home of the Australian Open tennis tournament on
grass prior to the new Rod Laver arena which has a retractable roof.
Visitors to his home court are Geoff Hunt, Vicky Cardwell,
Anthony Ricketts, Ong Beng Hee, Dan Jenson,
Craig Rowland and now Nicol David as well as myself of course.
Anthony, Beng Hee, myself and now Nicol have each given him a
racket, which are now proudly hung on the wall to add to his ever
growing collection.
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The MCG
Kooyong LTC
Nicol at the Winery
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