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Malcolm Willstrop

presents his views and reports
from the world of squash ...

WILLSTROP'S WORDS

21-Nov-06:
The Pontefract Junior Open

The Pontefract Junior Open was conceived by Terry Young in 1978 as a boys event for U12, U14 and U16 age groups. Girls were introduced in 1980. There were a couple of years in the late eighties when the tournament was not held, but it was resurrected by Terry until another Terry – Dudley – took over the running of it in 1993. He still runs it today, some thirteen years later.

In 1998 it became a designated event and in 1999 the age groups were changed to U13, U15 and U19. In 2003 the championship had designated status at U15 level and was sanctioned at U19 level.

In 2006, this coming weekend, it becomes the first Club Competition at Silver status for boys and girls at U13, U15 and U19, testimony to the regard in which it is held.

1993, Terry Dudley’s first year, was remarkable indeed: Lee Beachill won U16 Boys; James Willstrop won U12 Boys and Jenny Duncalf U12 Girls and would you believe it, Nick Matthew lost in the second round of the Boys U14 Plate!

Since then winners have included Laura Jane Lengthorn, Suzie Pierrepoint, Emma Beddoes, Chris Simpson. Rachel Wilmott, Lauren Siddall, Victoria Bell, Deon Saffery and Neil Cordell.

This year’s event sees Saffery seeded 1 in the U19 Girls and Lewis Walters seeded 1 in the U19 Boys. The outstanding prospect, James Earles, is top seeded in the Under 15 Boys.

The entries have strength and depth and since Pontefract is one of the most accessible of venues, it usually meets with approval. Certainly the club will be a hive of activity this weekend as many of the country’s best youngsters seek to follow in the illustrious footsteps of the 1993 vintage.


The Finalists

 


09-Nov-06:

Pontefract hails its
Euro Champs ...


Last Friday night was when Pontefract Squash Club came out in force to celebrate the European Team success of their young women's team. Becky Botwright, adopted Lancastrian, Lauren Siddall, Kirsty McPhee, Deon Saffery and Sarah Bowles, all under 19 English Internationals, make up a talented team whose other talents will be displayed in the calendar about to go on sale.

The night began with a doubles challenge between Kirsty and Lauren and Mick Todd, Pontefract's owner, and Gary Siddall, ex Rugby League star and father of Lauren. It was hardly a challenge, since the girls outclassed the 'boys' in every department – squash, looks and attire. Dressed as pussy cats the two professional girls stole a march before the start and then cleaned out the opposition whose size and blocking abilities counted for nothing.

The frequent, tiresome appeals to the referee by the defeated pair fell on deaf ears – mine! - and the girls cruised to a 3-0 win, much to the delight of the crowd, who enjoyed witnessing the demise of Mick and Gary. Gary is affable off court, has a darker side on it, and much belongs to the Pontefract school of 'the more noise you make the tougher you are'.

Tribute was paid not just to the girls for their achievements, but to the long-standing managerial skill of Terry Dudley, who has guided Pontefract's women in Europe eight times, appearing in the last five finals, with a ninth appearance to come next year as holders.

Sylvan Richardson, director of the band 'Lost for Words', brought several of his musicians to the celebration for some impromptu music. Stafford Murray, Joni Tuson, Lee Beachill, James Willstrop and Andy Procter provided the entertainment and the full band will appear on New Year's Eve at the club.

Anthony Ricketts, Shelley Kitchen and Madeline Perry were among the squash notables helping to celebrate and it goes without saying that a good time was had by all.


the Ponte Girls 2007 Calendar

  
US Open Preview


The postponement of the Qatar Classic means that the US Open, the Pakistan Open and the Saudi International take on added significance.

As usual the draw throws up endless possibilities and the Hong Kong Open showed that nothing can be taken for granted with Thierry Lincou, Nick Matthew, Lee Beachill and Anthony Ricketts all failing to reach the last eight as underdogs Ramy Ashour, Stewart Boswell, Peter Barker and Karim Darwish all asserted themselves. Four was nearly five as Gregory Gaultier survived by the skin of his teeth against Adrian Grant.

Ashour’s performance in Hong Kong was sensational and he has rightly moved into the top ten, and Amr Shabana and James Willstrop, who had not had the easiest of starts to the season, came back to form.

So what does the last eight look like in Boston, without, of course, presuming anything?

   Shabana v Matthew
   Ricketts/Ashour v Willstrop
   Gaultier v Lincou/Boswell
   Beachill v Palmer


Shocks look less on the cards, though the Ashour/Ricketts confrontation is massive and Boswell, who seems to have found form, will trouble Lincou. John White lurks in Palmer’s quarter, but things look more clear-cut than they worked out in Hong Kong.

Matthew does well enough against Shabana and Willstrop against either Ricketts or Ashour will be of interest. Not for the first time Gaultier will take on Lincou if the latter gets past Boswell, and Beachill versus Palmer is always tasty, as they say.

To name the winner needs more than a Crystal Ball: Shabana, Ashour and Willstrop will be encouraged by what they did in the Hollywood Plaza; Matthew, Lincou and Palmer have points to make after their surprise losses there, and Ricketts, Beachill and Boswell will all be looking for the gig win that has eluded them this season so far.

US Open coverage

 
27-Aug-06:
The World Championship
in Cairo ...

Preparing for any championship these days is no easy matter, but with the World Championship in Cairo already upon them, the world's best players must be wondering whether they will produce their best.

Fortunately the Mamut English Open gave eight of the world's top ten some welcome match play in Sheffield and it has to be said that the French pair, Thierry Lincou and Gregory Gaultier, looked as forward as most. On the back of that they will go to Egypt with confidence.

David Palmer was hitting the ball well and although he lost to Peter Nicol, he did not look far out, and Nicol was obviously going to be left a little short for his next day meeting with Gaultier.

Lee Beachill and James Willstrop, each after comfortable wins in the quarters, played well enough and Beachill's nasty fall meant that he was not fully tested against Lincou.

Nick Matthew lost a tight 3/1 to Lincou in which the 11/9 third game was crucial and he will be better for the outing.

Anthony Ricketts will have been disappointed by his 3/2 loss to Stewart Boswell, more because he missed the chance of another match than because of his performance where he played well at times, but it was uneven, reasonable enough.

Boswell, after his win, couldn't raise a gallop against Gaultier, but he looked so far out, he will have been disappointed.

With Amr Shabana and Karim Darwish staying at home, most of the players in Sheffield will be optimistic enough and perhaps the draw will be more important than lack of match play.

The two Egyptians will obviously be favoured by being on home territory, but expectations bring their own problems. Shabana, though, has already won two world titles, so he knows what's required. Darwish has yet to live up to Egypt's best hopes, but his form at the end of last season was encouraging.

Logically Shabana and Lincou are the men to beat, but such is the competitiveness of the game at world level that predictions are worthless.

FULL WORLD OPEN COVERAGE

Malcolm will be in Cairo, providing his reports and insight

FULL WORLD OPEN COVERAGE

11-Aug-06:
Ricketts adds to
Pontefract Power


Australian squash players of note have mostly based themselves at Caversham under the care of Mike Johnson, but since Mike is leaving to live in Canada, British Open and Super Series Champion Anthony Ricketts needed to relocate.

He has been friendly for some while with James Willstrop and a recent visit to Pontefract for practice purposes was enough to convince him that the could easily settle there. He is now resident and will be joined at the end of the month by long-time girlfriend Shelley Kitchen.

Anthony adds even more power to Pontefract's playing and practicing strength as he joins James, Lee Beachill, Simon Parke, who lives locally, Ong Beng Hee, who visits often, and Saurav Ghosal, who is at Leeds University.

Add to this professional collection Pontefract's girls, Becky Botwright, Lauren Siddall, Kirsty McPhee and Deon Saffery and a group of promising boy players and the daily practice sessions are understandably high-powered.

Kirsty, Lauren, Becky, Deon ...

Anthony's record speaks for itself, so it will be interesting to see what Pontefract does for him. First test will be at The Crucible next week. He has a tricky first round meeting with Stewart Boswell and if successful a probable match up with Gregory Gaultier.

Anthony Ricketts

Shelley Kitchen

James Willstrop Ong Beng Hee Simon Parke Saurav Ghosal Lee Beachill

02-Aug-06:
Lost for Words back to
where it all began ...


Sylvan Richardson's "Lost for Words" returned to Pontefract, where it all began, to provide a whole night of music for what turned out to be an international audience.

Anthony Ricketts, at the club for some practice before the English Open represented Australia, Derek Ryan, who has played for Pontefract for a decade with distinction and is about to return to native Dublin, was there, popular as ever, visiting John Cox, who organised last year's John White and James Willstrop tour in Calgary and Edmonton, and daughter Emily and friends, carried Canadian interests and Joni Tuson, the charismatic singer with the band, who hails from South Africa, had several friends from that country with her.

Add the York interests from Dunnington, organised by Chris Doolan and York R.I, instigated by Rod Erridge, which brought together over 20 from these clubs and club members and a crowd worthy of "Lost For Words" quality was assembled.

Only Andy Procter was missing from the band's A list and the five singers led by the magical Diane Charlemagne, supported by Stafford Murray, James Willstrop, Joni Tuson and Martin Sunderland, were in prime form, offering a variety that few bands can match.

Diane, linking in to the popular TV Advert offered 'You've got a friend' and Stones 'Satisfaction' in her inimitable way and provided backing for all the other singers.

Stafford knows how to get a crowd going and 'Sweet Chicago' and Full Monty's 'You Can Keep Your Hat On' brought the house down.

James excelled with his two Franz Ferdinand numbers ' Do You Want To' ending with 'Take Me Out' and Martin added to his reputation with 'Sweet Home Alabama'.

Joni, whose versatility is remarkable, captivated the audience with 'The Last Time' and at the end the crowd were baying for more with the dance floor packed.

Only the exhausted pose of bass guitarist Paul Farr prevented more than the two encores.

Next stop is finals night at the Crucible on Saturday, August 19th, when the band will play after what is certain to be a marvellous match.

Don't miss it, remember, too it is one of the last two tournaments for the great Peter Nicol and if he makes the final, which he has every chance of doing, then it will be a special occasion.

* Although Lancashire may not be a foreign county, it almost qualifies and Dave and Sue Botwright, parents of Vicky and Becky, accompanied by their youngest Daughter, who plays for Pontefract and trains there often, were present with top M.C Andy Nickeas and wife Pam.


 

LAST CHANCE TO SEE THE GREAT ONE ...

The Mamut English Open will be the final world tour appearance of the great Peter Nicol in this country, his swansong being the World Championship in Cairo in the first week of September.

My personal opinion is that his achievements in the most competitive era of the sport make him the greatest player of all time.

He must have an army of fans and admirers and it would be fitting if the Crucible were to be packed for his final appearance at whatever stage it occurs, And after what he did in Melbourne, that may well be Saturday's final!

Be there, don't miss the opportunity to say farewell to a player who has given the game so much.

Malcolm Willstrop


Full English Open coverage

Quality Assured at The Crucible
Mamut English Open preview

Although 2005/06 was arduous to say the least, I have no doubt the world's best players are now sufficiently rested to be looking forward to the new season.

What makes everything more crucial is that the World Championships are early this year – at the end of August in Cairo. So how well sited is the Mamut English Open this year and how important, as the players look for appropriate match play to back up their summer training.

Mamut and Eventis have therefore been suitably rewarded by the entry at The Crucible, which included eight of the world's top ten.

Squash watchers have been spoiled in recent times by the fare offered by the world's leading professionals, since matches good enough to be finals have been seen in the last sixteen.

In Sheffield there is such an example, with Thierry Lincou facing John White in the first round.

Should seedings work out the quarter-finals would look like this:

    David Palmer v Peter Nicol
    Anthony Ricketts v Gregory Gaultier
    James Willstrop v Lee Beachill
    Thierry Lincou v Nick Matthew

It doesn't really matter what combination the quarters throw up, matches of the highest quality are guaranteed and the English Open draw is no exception.

Palmer and Nicol replay the Commonwealth final, when Nicol was so mentally strong. He has plenty of motivation here, the holder, member of the Eventis team and his second-last PSA championship ever.

Ricketts and Gaultier offer a match of physical properties, but that is by no meant to underrate their squash. They are without doubt more skilful than first appearances might suggest and Ricketts is a proven winner.

Willstrop and Beachill will offer a different sort of match where precision will be a dominant factor. Willstrop hasn't beaten Beachill, but their matches usually satisfy the purist.

Newly-wed Lincou will do battle with British Champion Matthew, local boy, who reached the final last year. This is another heavyweight contest, where home advantage may play a part.

However these potential matches are viewed it would be hard to name a favourite in any of them. All the players will be freshened up, raring to go and none of them will lack motivation. The crucial factor may be their state of preparedness.

With the worlds to follow and the Gerrard and British Open soon after, they will all be hoping to be well forward with so much at stake immediately.

Although August may not be the best of months with people away on holiday, my hope is that Northern squash enthusiasts will respond and fill The Crucible to create an atmosphere suitable for the cream of the world's players.


  
Lost for Words


Sylvan Richardson's Manchester-based band will be playing at the Mamut English Open on finals night.

Sylvan, with Andy Kingslow on keyboard and Paul Farr, bass guitarist, are all professional musicians and supporting them are Stafford Murray, who works for the English Institute of Sport but has a band of his own, and Lee Beachill, better-known as a squash player perhaps.

A feature of the band is that it utilises several singers. Diane Charlemagne, a professional who lives in London, first sang at the British Closed in Manchester and she will be in Sheffield. Stafford, besides playing guitar also sings and James Willstrop, Martin Sunderland and South African Joni Tuson will be the other vocalists.

The Mamut English Open last year was the first championship where the band provided post match entertainment, at the British Closed and the Liverpool Open as well as at squash clubs as far apart as Falmouth and Redcar.

Prior to appearing at The Crucible, Lost for Words are playing Pontefract Squash Club on Saturday 29th July at 8pm. Usually they perform alongside a squash exhibition involving Lee and James, but Saturday is a complete night of music.

Top quality entertainment is guaranteed, tickets available on 01977 793333.


Full English Open coverage

July 2006
A player with a future

In January James went to the finals of the British Junior Open in Sheffield and when he returned home he could not wait to tell me about a young Malaysian girl who he thought was sensational.

Her name was Low Wee Wern, who, happily for me, turned up at Pontefract with a 20-strong team – a combination of mostly Americans and some Malaysians – brought to the club by Jamie Hickox, now restored to Malaysian Squash as National Coach.

Reminded that this was the girl, I eagerly anticipated her match with Kirsty McPhee, a former England U19 international, now on the WISPA tour and an excellent racket player herself.

Nor was I to be disappointed: Wee Wern, still short of her sixteenth birthday, is truly exceptional. I cannot recall when a player so excited me. Her easy movement and remarkable control of the racket, allied to her mature instinct of the game, make her someone to watch out for. The match was skilful and of a high order, with Kirsty prevailing, but not by much.

Wee Wern's temperament is not in doubt; her ability certainly is not and if, and I am assured they are, all the other necessary parts are in place, then she is destined for great things.

With the visitors was another exceptional Malaysian youngster, Tan Yin Xin, already a British Junior Open champion, and these two girls will follow with ease in the footsteps of Nicol David. Lucky Malaysia to have two such jewels.

Also on show was England's best young hope James Earles, British U13 and U15 champion concurrently. He is a fine athlete, a gifted racket player and is blessed with the best of dispositions and temperament.

Pontefract Squash Club was no bad place to be this early July, with such world class potential on show and James was certainly right about Wee Wern.

When I told him later how impressed I was he said, “I knew you'd like her.”

 
Wee Wern left Pontefract for Cologne, and went on
to win the U19 title in the Pioneer Junior Cup ...




BJO U17 final 2006


Malaysia's European Tour - Reports & Photos


Pioneer Cup - U19 Champion

Lost for Words go
South West ...


My dealings with musicians more recently and with squash players over a lifetime, tells me that punctuality may not be a priority. So to leave Manchester 10 strong – we were picking Stafford Murray up en route – only an hour after the projected time was a good effort. Nine of us were ensconced on the tour bus while the industrious Brad, our star sound man, followed solo.

Sylvan took on driving duties, dominating lane three to such an extent that many drivers waved at him as they passed on the inside – one finger, two fingers and clenched firsts is waving, isn't it? The director of music explained himself by saying he thought he was abroad.

Messrs Beachill, Proctor and Kingslow were making noises about watching a football match in which England were playing. So Stafford was given the task of establishing a suitable meeting point, which catered for such misguided activities.

This he did near Bristol and whilst the football wasn't worth watching, the fish and chips were excellent.

So, at full strength, we arrived at Falmouth at 9.45pm to be greeted by chief organiser Peter Lochrie and Grant Brickell, who instigated the affair and our hosts.

After a full rehearsal on Friday, we managed an hour or so at Peter's beach before returning for the squash exhibition. Lee and James worked hard to entertain with local help and half an hour later the band were in full swing. There was little doubt the packed house enjoyed themselves; they danced, joined in and bayed for more. Few bands, I suppose, offer four singers and Andy, Martin, James and Stafford were all in great form.

The next morning was spent on the beach; the weather was beautiful, matching Falmouth itself. Several ventures out to sea in Kayaks ended in capsizing, as you would expect.

At mid-day we were heading for Bristol LT and Squash Club at Redland, driven by the hard-working Lee, who gets little respect and had hayfever to boot. The squash was to be at the Welshback, the music at Redland, where Hadrian Stiff is the coach.

Arriving at 4pm, Lee, James and myself leaded for the Welshback for a 5pm start. Another packed crowd enjoyed Lee's and James's efforts and we were soon back at Redland for the music.

It seemed quiet to begin with, but a crowd appeared from nowhere, it seemed. Rumour had it that Sylvan's better half, the mischievous Janet, and Stafford's bride to be, the lovely Sarah, had rounded the audience up locally!

The band, relieved not to be playing for themselves, gave great value and were rapturously received for the second night running. The Falmouth Club reported to me that they had had record bar takings, which can't be bad, and both clubs were quick to invite us back.

I have no doubt that squash and music is the right formula for entertaining people, especially when the quality is there. Most squash lovers would accept that Lee and James are likely to offer quality, but Lost for Words, with its blend of professional and semi-professional members, is just as good.

Thanks go to all those at Falmouth and Bristol for making us so welcome and my thanks go to the band and Lee and James for all their professionalism throughout the weekend.

Lost for Words will be helping the famous Edinburgh Sports Club to celebrate its 70th anniversary in September and happily, at Tim Garner's invitation, will be playing at The Crucible on semi-final night of the Mamut English Open. There will also be a night at Pontefract and a charity night at Duffield, dates yet to be set.
 






Falmouth

A Willstrop Evening
If your club would like an evening's entertainment with Lee Beachill,
James Willstrop
and Nick Taylor, directed by Malcolm Willstrop.

Ring Malcolm on
+44 (0) 1977 793333
+44 (0) 7986 262278

LIVE MUSIC
If any squash club with suitable facilities
requires a live musical evening of the highest quality, I can supply the band and singers.

They will, I promise, make your annual Club Dinner a great success. The musicians and singer are all all from the world of squash.

22 Jun 2006
Lost for Words ... on the road

The band 'Lost for Words', put together by Manchester musician Sylvan Richardson, has played at the Crucible at the English Open, in Manchester at the British Nationals, and in St George's Hall at the Liverpool Open, besides many squash clubs.

This weekend the band heads off for Falmouth and Bristol for two nights of squash and music. Lee Beachill and James Willstrop will provide the squash action before joining the band, Lee to play guitar, James to sing.

The object of the exercise is to give members of Falmouth Squash Club and Redlands Squash and Lawn Tennis Club an evening of high class entertainment.

The venture far South follows an approach from Grant, a member at Falmouth who heard the band in Manchester and asked would they consider going to Cornwall. Well they idi, and it's about to happen.

Peter Lochrie has been the man on the spot in Falmouth and very helpful and efficient he has been.

I contacted Hadrian Stiff, who coaches at Redlands in Bristol, to see if they would like an evening and happily after Falmouth on Friday, we will all be performing in Bristol on Saturday. David Gilroy has been the man there and the squash will be at the Welshback Club with the music at Redlands.

The keyboard maestro, Andy Kingslow, is happily available and Stafford Murray, on the verge of conjugal bliss to the delightful Sarah – how did he strike so lucky? - will add his various talents.

The gifted semi-professional singer Andy Proctor, James and Martin Sunderland, who recently sang in Milan at the Polisquash event will provide vocals together with Stafford.

We will be travelling together from Manchester and there is little doubt a good time will be had by all, since the Band is a happy and gifted group of people.

All this stemmed from a conversation between Sylvan and myself and we are both proud of what it has produced. If it has made the squash world aware of the need to entertain its audiences, all the better. Squash at world level is as entertaining as it has ever been, so adding music, which appeals to people more than any other single thing, has to be of benefit.

As I write I am happy to say that through Simon Boughton, the professional at Edinburgh Sports Club, we will be going there in September to help celebrate that famous club's 70th anniversary. There will also be a charity night at Duffield on a date to be arranged, when Peter Nicol will be involved.

 

 

09 Jun 2006
The Professional Scene

Never in the history of the professional game has the professional been so severely tested as were the world's best players in 2005-2006. For many of them, notably those involved in the Commonwealth Games, there were two long stays away from home: five weeks before Christmas involving Qatar, Hong Kong, Islamabad and Saudi Arabia, and seven weeks in 2006 taking in Canary Wharf, New York, Melbourne and Bermuda, quickly followed on return by Liverpool and Broadgate.

To the backpackers this would sound like some form of heaven, to the squash player an exciting, but exhausting prospect – a daunting combination of travelling and match play, with no time to attend to ailing bodies or to wayward technique.

I cannot think of many professional sportsmen who would take such a physical battering in such an uncomplaining manner. Although there must have been many occasions when the world's best were unable to do their best, nowhere in the world did they fail to provide high class entertainment and value.

An Epic Era

Let no-one doubt that the game is more demanding and competitive than it has ever been; nor that it is more attacking and entertaining than it has ever been. I am old enough to have watched through several eras and I state unequivocally that this is the best era, and by some distance.

This is not to undermine Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan, Geoff Hunt, Jonah Barrington, to whom the game owes more than to anyone, for it was he that brought it to the people and made it classless, happily, or any of the other great players of the past. But it would be foolish to argue that the game then was as competitive and watchable as it is now.

I can remember frequent visits to Wembley for the Hi-Tec British Open on quarter-finals day hoping there would be an outstanding match. Now at any quarter final of top PSA events you are almost guaranteed four matches of final quality. Indeed with the depth of players there will be a a couple of finals in all but name in the last sixteen.

Eleven scoring has been a great success and those who thought short matches would be the norm have been much mistaken. It has also produced attacking squash – no player of defensive inclination will succeed at top world level these days - and entertainment of a high level, nearly every top PSA event nowadays sells out.

Currently these players can win or have won major titles: Amr Shabana, Peter Nicol, David Palmer, Thierry Lincou, James Willstrop, Anthony Ricketts, Lee Beachill, Nick Matthew, Karim Darwish, Gregory Gaultier and John White. So the strength of quarter-finals and last 16's is there for all to see. As things are, only the great Peter Nicol may be easing out of the world scene and if the preferred way is going out at the top, then what he achieved at the Commonwealth Games will meet that requirement. So 2006-07 promises no less than the season past.

Looking forward to 06-07 ...

The Mamut English Open, run by the Eventis team, kicks off the new season at The Crucible in mid August and will provide an excellent lead into the World Championships in Cairo at the end of the month, without understating its own importance.

Anyway, hats off to the world's top players, who provided squash watchers with such value in 2005-2006.



In praise of Peter Nicol

I watched the Commonwealth Games Singles final at Pontefract Squash Club in the company of several members and it is a long time since I have wanted someone to win so much, outside Lee and James.

Peter played very well against Gregory Gaultier in New York and nearing in mind all the circumstances in Melbourne, there was little doubt that the great man would make a gargantuan effort to win a title he has held before.

He would have been happy to have seen off Graham Ryding quickly in the quarters and once past that most durable of players, Nick Matthew, in the semis he would know that one final push would see him champion.

He started well and I was happy to see how easily he was moving, since I know how important to him that is, especially these days.

Doggedness and persistence , his trademarks, saw him through a tough second game when he led 8/5 but was taken all the way. Then came Palmer's fightback, assisted by the crowd, though Peter had his own support, a lot of it from the many Pontefract members in the crowd. We could hear them on television, so I am sure he was aware of them.

So a less than fluent third game, disrupted by a blood break for Peter's finger, and when the game resumed it was the Australian who got away and won it quite quickly.

Resolve restored, Peter quelled Australian hopes by going clear in the fourth and although Palmer fought, as he would, it was the Englishman who prevailed in style. How he enjoyed his victory, and those close to him there and here in England enjoyed it too.

What is there to be said about this great player and splendid man? For years he has been the best player in the world, challenged all the way by a genius called Jonathon Power, winning and losing with equal grace, though it has to be said winning much more than losing.

Modest, articulate, gracious and honest, he is a model for all players, young and old. Those around him will testify to his balances influence and fine example.

He would never claim it, and because of his understated way he may never be accorded it, so I claim it for him and say that I think he is the best player the world has ever seen.




Tournament of Champions ... a retrospect


To be at the Tournament of Champions 2006 was to be part of the history of the sport.

The two great players of the last eight years announced, in the case of Jonathon Power, his total retirement, and in the case of Peter Nicol his final appearance at Grand Central. Fittingly both were presented with mementos to match the occasion and since they have achieved so much in New York, it seemed sad but appropriate.

On a lesser scale I was privileged to see the rally which Peter Nicol and Gregory Gaultier played in their quarter-final. Peter said it was the best rally he had ever played; it was certainly the best I have ever seen. The crowd rose as one and gave the players a prolonged and deserved standing ovation.

It is hard to imagine a more glamorous and vibrant setting for world class squash than New York's Grand Central Station and with sell-out, enthusiastic crowds all week, the tournament was a massive success, especially as the men responded with several superb matches.


Jonathon Power


I feel I should not let pass such a symbolic event as the retirement from competitive squash of Jonathon Power without paying tribute.

There are many others who know him better than I do, but over the years I have watched him, admired his prolific talent, gasped in amazement at some of his antics, been wonderfully amused by his wit and one-liners and enjoyed conversation with him.

There is no doubt that at times he has been outrageous, made full use of injury breaks, shouted at officials and displayed all the McEnroe symptoms of the spoiled brat, which I am not suggesting for a moment he is.

But in recent years Jonathon has matured and I must say he has caused me much more admiration than outrage and he is a natural born entertainer and comic.



Jonathon's rivalry with Peter Nicol lit up the game for many years: the contrasting styles, the contrasting personalities; the closeness of the struggle.

It is fitting that he leaves the sport at the top of the game where he belongs – not for him the gradual decline – he would have struggled with that.



It was fitting that he departed at Grand Central Station, New York, at the Tournament of Champions where he has been so successful and where a presentation was made to him by John Nimick, the tournament promoter.



It is always a pleasure to be present when history is being made and I was glad I was there.

The good news is that Jonathon will continue to be involved in the sport and I am sure his impact in Canada and America, and elsewhere for that matter, will be significant.

My abiding memory of him, apart from the magic of his racket, will be those wonderfully comic facial expressions and quick-witted remarks.

NY Clubs & Elder Statesmen
For practice purposes the Harvard and Yale Clubs kindly offered their facilities. Both clubs are very close to Grand Central and we were made to feel very welcome. I am sure I speak on behalf of all the players when I say a big thank you to both clubs.

Whilst at the Yale and Harvard Clubs, I met two squash-playing veterans, both 71 years young; Jerry Coe and Mark Epstein. I was able to give them both a lesson. Mark was preparing for a tournament in 10 days' time and Jerry, a one-time professional Canadian was making a comeback from injury.

Jerry kindly invited James and myself to lunch at the Yale Club and a splendid meal it was. Nor has he lost any of the wit and humour of his early years.
Friendly Welcome
I am not sure whether it was my imagination or not, but compared with my last visit to New York, I found the people much more polite and friendly this time. I also found the same in London whilst at the ISS Canary Wharf Classic. Perhaps the major disasters these cities have suffered have been an influence.
Great Examples
One thing the players can take great credit for was the honesty they showed on court and the spirit in which almost all the matches were played. There were many examples, with Peter Nicol leading the way, but the Gaultier / Matthew semi-final was outstanding in this respect.
Behind You ...
One oddity that needs some explanation is that the referee and marker were seated one in front of the other. Surely not! Hardly likely to inspire the confidence of the players.
Close Shave for Anthony
Anthony Ricketts, whose early demise may be partly explained by the rigours of Canary Wharf, chose to have a haircut whilst in New York. Apparently the lady hairdresser frightened him to death with her hostile, foul language, and he didn't dare close his eyes in case he lost an ear!
Below-par Women ...
I don't like saying it, but I was sadly disappointed with the play in the women's event. As someone who has consistently praised the improvement in the women's game, it grieves me to say that in New York they fell well short. There were many uncompetitive matches and indifferent performances. Nor did the side by side comparison with the men's help.
NY Lock-In
Paul Johnson, the former England International, now coaching in America, found himself locked in the toilet at Michael Jordan's restaurant in the company of Peter Nicol and Lee Beachill. The latter pair were, it seems, plied with free 75-dollar bottles of wine as compensation which did neither of them any good. In the end a man with a drill secured Paul's release and he emerged unperturbed as you would expect from a man of Kent.

The England pair then ventured to a night club and because of their relaxed state managed to ring up a bill of 1200 dollars, something I am sure they regretted in the harsh light of day.
Listen In
One aspect of the tournament which was a success was the tournament radio. Bear Stearns, main sponsors, were so impressed that they ordered an additional 200 radios for the final. As someone who was involved I can say the crowds found the commentaries, by various people, mostly players, informative and helpful.
On to Melbourne
Next step for the English and Australians, and of course the Malaysians and such as John White and Alex Gough, is Melbourne. The English team left from New York, resplendent in their Commonwealth attire. The Games may not have PSA ranking points or financial rewards, but let no-one doubt that for many they are the focal point of the season.
The World in NY
What an example New York is: people of all creeds, nationalities and colour appear to be happy and inextricably woven. In a world as small as ours now is, this has to be the way forward, though it is clearly harder to achieve than any simplish notion of it all implies.

  

SQUASH & BETTING

Let no-one doubt the significance of Betfair's involvement at the ISS Canary Wharf Classic. For a long time squash has been about the only sport in the world on which betting has not been available and, if anything will raise the profile of the sport and its deserving world class players, then that is betting.

Now that Betfair, who are the most important online betting service in the UK, are showing an interest, I hope the squash public and any other interested parties will front up and make use of the service.

Although the game does not have live television, streaming, the other significant factor, means that matches can be bet on as they happen and that is a requirement.

Forget the righteous objections that some will make about match fixing, individual sports have all coped with that problem if it exists and for those who do not know, betting patterns are carefully monitored and if any unusual ones occur action is immediate by bookmakers and online bodies.

For a long time I have worked to get betting established in squash, knowing how important it is. Now that it exists I implore the squash enthusiasts and other to support Betfair.

You don't have to be a gambler; have a few bob on and it will increase your interest and when your judgement is proved correct how good will you feel. Not that it's easy to predict the outcome of PSA world tour events – and long may that situation last.
 

LOST FOR WORDS

When I suggested to Jim Quigley that music at the British Championships might be a good idea, he readily agreed that the band Sylvan Richardson had formed should play at the semi-finals.

One thing for sure is that he had no regrets, since Lost For Words, whose band members Sylvan himself, Andy Kingslow, Paul Farr are all Manchester based, with Stafford Murray of the EIS and Lee Beachill, squash player, provided entertainment out of the top drawer.

The singers are almost all squash players: Andy Proctor, Rothwell, who is coached at Pontefract; Martin Sunderland, who plays Yorkshire League squash for Queen's Halifax; Joni Tuson, who plays at Pontefract; and Rachel Crisp, a 14-year-old from Huddersfield LT&SC. James Willstrop, squash player, also sings regularly with the band.

Newcomers in Manchester were professional Diane Charlemagne from London, but originally from Manchester, who is absolutely top-class and Queen's professional Paul Hornsby.

Happily many of the semi-final crowd stayed for the music and the response from them afterwards was very rewarding.

There is no doubt that the formula of top class squash and top class music is one that will not only attract crowds, but make sure they are properly entertained.

Originally the nights in clubs were squash-only – the first being Redcar – but when James sang in the bar on his own after a night at Wimbledon I realised that music added to people's enjoyment.

The band has played after squash in many clubs and I am happy to say we are going back to Redcar in April, since that's where it all started.

Any club interested in squash involving Lee and James and Lost For Words, either together or separately, just get in touch ...
 

Ring Malcolm on
+44 (0) 1977 793333  (club)

ISS Canary Wharf Classic

The outstanding performance at Canary Wharf – and this is in no way to detract from Thierry Lincou's victory – was surely Anthony Ricketts playing four five-setters and still managing to come up for the final.

There is no doubt that if you were making such demands of any player on the tour, then he would be the one, but I cannot remember anyone playing four in a row.

Having beaten Simon Parke 3/2, his second match with the new French champion was a massive affair, top quality and lasting 105 minutes, a record for a streamed match.

He then put aside Karim Darwish 3/2 in a demanding, but more uneven match, and after that he managed to perform in the final, which is greatly to his credit.

It would have been understandable if he had not been able to raise his game in the final, but he knows his responsibilities, apart from having the desire to win. And so the full house was not disappointed.

The tournament, expertly run by Tim Garner, Angus Kirkland and Peter Nicol, the Eventis team, backed by Alan Thatcher, was a great success. Sell-out crowds from Wednesday onwards, marvellous squash by the worthy players and betting and streaming in harness.

Except for the fact that my players are losing, all's right with the squash world, for me, at least ...

 
Five Weeks Away
Malcolm in a more philosophical frame of mind …

The professional sportsman should not bemoan his lot: he is presumably playing a game he loves and earning a living doing it.

But unless he compares himself regularly with many less fortunate, he can easily be engrossed in the problems of travel, being away from home and sustained heavy competition.

The next five weeks for the professional squash player will be a formidable test physically and mentally, taking in four world class tournaments: the Qatar Classic, the World Championship in Hong Kong, the World Team Championship in Islamabad – Michael Vaughan’s men are not finding life easy in Pakistan – and the Saudi International. Every one of these are of the highest world class and, as everyone knows, winning a 5-star or Super Series these days takes a lot of doing.

It is hard to imagine anybody winning twice, since the longer a player stays in the less recovery time he will have. To go from winning in Qatar, or reaching the final, will surely compromise Hong Kong.

With the significance of the World Teams in the middle of it all, those players whose countries have a serious change – Australia, England, France, Canada and Egypt – will be under any amount of pressure.

As James and Lee left Pontefract on Saturday, there were two players amongst the ten ort so main contenders with the same agenda and widely differing priorities.

Lee is almost 28, has achieved a great deal, probably has never really liked travelling and has a young family to leave behind. To him five weeks will seem a long time. To those of us at a more venerable age it will pass in a trice.

James is just 22 and will feel that he has achieved nothing yet. As far as I know he is only leaving me behind and brother David is in Qatar. Travelling is less of a problem for him and ambition will carry him through.

What they should, and I hope will, remember is that they ere privileged people and their playing careers will not last for ever, like life itself, I suppose. Enjoy them while you may.

Malcolm Willstrop



A night at Dunnington

We have done a lot of squash nights with music recently, but none have been better than the most recent at Dunnington a very well maintained club near York, with perfect facilities, both for squash and the band.

Chris Doolan, the organiser, rang me some while ago about a night and once it was arranged with Lee and James providing the squash, supported by star locals, Shaun, Dave, Chris himself, two youngsters Bradley and Chris and Sylvan and his star musicians providing the music, the 130 tickets sold like hot cakes.

Lee and James demonstrated some of the daily routines and were joined by Shaun and Chris for a series of condition games, which showed the crowd that international and club players can practise together profitably.

Lee played Bradley and James played Chris junior, the two youngsters acquitting themselves well.

And then to the music, Sylvan on drums, with Pete on keyboard, Steve on guitar, supported by Lee principally and James from time to time.

The four singers were the exceptional Andy Procter, Jane Tuson, the little girl with the big voice, Martin Sunderland, balladeer par excellence and James.

And just how well did the musicians and singers perform, so much so that the crowd were baying for more at the end.

James was pressed into a second rendition of Franz Ferdinand’s ‘Take me out’ which song always got the crowd going and the whole cast joined in.

Of all the nights we have done and we have had many splendid ones, this was the best.

Thanks are due to Chris for inviting us, to all his helpers behind the scenes and to all those who supported the evening.

Next stop on Saturday is Queen’s Halifax, when Huddersfield Giants cheer leaders will be appearing.

A future engagement is the semifinals night of the British Closed for which maestro Jim Quigley has already engaged the band, all of whom are Manchester based.

Malcolm Willstrop


 

A Willstrop Evening

If your club would like an evening's entertainment with Lee Beachill,
James Willstrop
and Nick Taylor, directed by Malcolm Willstrop.

Ring Malcolm on
+44 (0) 1977 793333
+44 (0) 7986 262278

 

LIVE MUSIC

If any squash club with suitable facilities
requires a live musical evening of the highest quality, I can supply the band and singers.

They will, I promise, make your annual Club Dinner a great success. The musicians and
singer are all all from the world of squash.

If you or your club are interested, please
contact Malcolm on
+44 (0) 1977 793333

 

 

 

Gerrard Grand Prix 2005
Sportcity, Manchester, 23-26 Sep

Not by nature too excitable, even when watching my own players perform, and anyway preferring a cooler coaching disposition - without chewing gum - I have to confess that the Gerrard Grand Prix really does excite me as a prospect.

Only Peter Nicol and Jonathon Power are missing from the line-up in terms of entertainment value, the chosen eight being just about what you would choose if you wanted to watch squash.

Perfect Format ...

The round-robin format means that on each of four days there are four matches any one of which would be perfectly acceptable as a PSA final.

With all the world's top eight currently involved in St Louis, the form there will doubtless have an effect on the proceedings in Manchester and everyone knows that predicting top events is as problematic a sporting problem as there is.

Shirt-pulling and stuff ...

Whoever comes through will not only have to be inordinately skilful, but equally tough, since to play four matches of such quality on successive days is no laughing matter. What would the overblown footballers make of such a task, even though they will earn as much in a morning's training as the winner here will take home.

Shirt-pulling in football too has become so prevalent that I wonder often what would happen were it to become a feature in squash. Perhaps it would lead to players not wearing shirts, though that might lead to shorts becoming the object of attention. And then what would happen in the women's game? Bigger crowds, I suspect ...

Anyway, enough of such trivial thoughts.

An exciting schedule ...

The Grand Prix opens up on Friday night with world number one Thierry Lincou against James Willstrop, who did well to finish third last year, and ends with Lee Beachill against Anthony Ricketts. Both there pairings may have already met in St Louis, which will indicate form, but will not necessarily be conclusive.

Nick Matthew, after his remarkable achievements at The Crucible, will have had his already-sufficient self-confidence further enhanced; John White won the Canary Wharf Classic and there is enough skill with the racket in the Egyptian pair, Amr Shabana and Karim Darwish for them to threaten anyone.

So if you are a squash enthusiast in Lancashire or Yorkshire or anywhere else within easy reach, there is only one place to be from the 23rd to the 26th September, and that is Manchester's Sportcity.

I suppose I have been around long enough and seen enough not to get too carried away - except in a wooden box! - but I have to confess that I am looking forward to the Gerrard Grand Prix with the eagerness of a 10-year-old going to watch England beast Australia at cricket.

Will I never grow up, you might ask? Probably not, but if I do I will know my days as a squash coach are up !

Malcolm Willstrop

   Gerrard Grand
Prix Details



 




TONY SMITH
Leeds Rhinos Coach


It was when Pontefract Squash Club staged a benefit night for the famed Barrie McDermott, Leeds Rhinos heavyweight, earlier this year that I met Tony Smith, coach of the very successful Leeds Rhinos, for the first time.

Tony's first coaching experience, after a playing career which saw him on the losing side twice in Grand Finals in Australia, was as an assistant coach also in Australia.

His coaching career in this country began at the Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield (formerly the McAlpine Stadium). After a productive time with the Giants Tony moved to Leeds and guided them last season to a victory over Bradford Bulls in the Grand Final at Old Trafford.

No doubt Tony will have been very disappointed by the recent one point loss to Hull ion the Challenge Cup final in Cardiff, but there were fitness problems with key players, Keith Senior in particular, which hardly helped, not to say that Hull were not deserving winners.

At the benefit night Tony, who is a regular squash player, took to the court with Lee Beachill, Lee being like James Willstrop a keen rugby league fan. He acquitted himself well, though he was struggling for breath at his post-match interview.

Since then he has been to Pontefract to sample my coaching, to Huddersfield where Lee and James, assisted by David Campion, were doing a squash and music night, and to the Crucible for the Mamut English Open semi-finals.

He is quick, being a player, to appreciate the demands of the game and the athletic abilities of the leading players,

On his benefit night Barrie was quick to ask me to get Tony on first, so that he might leave earlier, allowing the players to have the odd drink.

When I publicly announced this, the players hid their heads in their hands, leaving no doubt of their intention to stay on the right side of the coach.

Throughout my coaching life I have been much affected by outstanding rugby coaches, much more than by coaches in other sports.

Few, though, have impressed me more than Tony Smith, whose brother Brian was an outstanding coach with Hull and Bradford before returning to Australia. Tony stresses how important has been Brian's effect on his own coaching and philosophy.

Meeting and talking with him has been a fascinating experience for me, especially as I enjoy rugby league so much. It is a game where officials still command respect, where players retain a sense of proportion, and where crowds, men, women and children, mix freely and without animosity.

With Bradford and St Helens flying and the Challenge Cup disappointment, Tony will need all his coaching skills and persuasion to get Leeds back on course in their attempt to win the Grand Final.

All his squash friends at Pontefract will wish him well, since to have him as a supporter of their sport is a major gain.

Malcolm Willstrop
   




Tony Smith

 


 

 




Small Photos from
rlphotos.com

 


Leeds Rhinos

  31st August 2005

  I would like to wish Susan, the Pontefract Squash and Leisure
  Club therapist, a happy birthday, at the same time thanking
  her for being the best racing partner anyone could wish for.

     
14-Aug:
A GIANT NIGHT
AT HUDDERSFIELD

  

With Lee Beachill, James Willstrop and Nick Taylor, we have staged squash nights based on entertaining people from Brighton and Wimbledon to Newcastle, from Alderley Edge to Cleethorpes.  Invariably we have been well received, but the night at Huddersfield last Saturday was by far the biggest we have undertaken.

Lee and James, in the absence of an injured Nick Taylor, supported by National Coach David Campion and visiting young American Ryan Donegan, provided the squash entertainment, involving local youngsters and club professional Andy Learoyd.

Lee was due to play Leeds Rhinos coach Tony Smith, but a back injury prevented this and Paul Reilly, the Huddersfield Giants international full-back proved an able deputy. Tony, a keen squash player, was there, though, furthering the relationship between rugby league and squash.

The sold-out Huddersfield crowd were greatly appreciative of the squash talent on view and David and Ryan showed themselves well up to standard with individual wins over Lee and James.

David was always very watchable and despite infrequent appearances on court nowadays showed that he retains much of his ability.

At the question and answer session at the end of the night, the crowd came up with a variety of informed questions which Lee, James and David dealt with adroitly.

For the first time in these ventures music, directed by Sylvan Richardson and Andy Kingslow, who is currently working with the resurgent Frankie Goes To Hollywood, supported by Lee Beachill on guitar and local Luke Fitton, currently studying music at university, followed.

Jonei Tuson, a gifted girl singer from South Africa, Martin Sunderland from nearby Queen's Club, Rachel Crisp, a talented 14--year-old from Huddersfield and James Willstrop pounded the vocals, with James rounding the evening off with Franz Ferdinand's 'Take Me Out', a song which rarely fails to please.

The event was sold out six weeks in advance and there was a waiting list for returned tickets. The success of the night was down to Huddersfield Squash Chairman, Malcolm Pickup, a man who knows how to make things happen.

The club was spectacularly laid out with pictures of the players all over the place and every facility provided for the players and musicians.

Malcolm also brought with him from the Galpharm Stadium some of the Giants' cheerleaders, who opened the evening against a spectacular backdrop on the court organised by Malcolm.

All the signs were that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed the evening's entertainment, which was the product of a lot of effort by many people.

Sport nowadays is about entertaining, as well as competing, and squash, which has in many ways been left behind, needs to get wise.

Hopefully nights like these help. Certainly many in the crowd were impressed by how much the players enjoyed themselves, notably in the doubles challenge, which brought the squash to a close.

Further nights are already in place at Queen's Halifax, Manchester Northern and Crewe.

Malcolm Willstrop
   


Paul Reilly



Angela of the G-Force

LIVE MUSIC

If any squash club with suitable facilities
requires a live musical evening of the highest quality, I can supply the band and singers.

They will, I promise, make your annual Club Dinner a great success. The musicians and
singer are all all from the world of squash.

If you or your club are interested, please
contact Malcolm on +44 (0) 1977 793333


A Willstrop Evening


If your club would like an evening's entertainment with Lee Beachill,
James Willstrop
and Nick Taylor, directed by Malcolm Willstrop.

Ring Malcolm on
+44 (0) 1977 793333

03-Jul:
World Games 2005
end of the quiet times ...

The World Games in Germany ensure that for some squash players there is very little respite. Whereas up until recently players could almost guarantee a couple of months, June and July, off, in which to recharge and train as opposed to playing matches, that is clearly never going to be the case again.

Squash at the World Games will be played from 16th to 19th and organisers can be well pleased with the field they have attracted.

World no 1 Thierry Lincou heads the draw with the great Peter Nicol at 2. Nick Matthew and James Willstrop, with Nicol, representing Great Britain, are 3/4 seeds and Karim Darwish (Egypt), Joe Kneipp (Australia), Ong Beng Hee (Malaysia) and Shahid Zaman (Pakistan) are an International 5/8 group.

Predicting the outcome of top world events has proved to be a problematic proposition in recent times and although Lincou would start favourite, much will depend on the various states of preparation in which players find themselves.

For those players heading to Pakistan a few days later, the World Games may well provide some useful match play.

The Mamut English Open at the Crucible, Sheffield, follows soon afterwards in mid August, and after two very successful years, no doubt the Eventis team will be building on those successes.

The fact that there will be betting facilities at the Crucible is certainly a major happening. For a long time squash has been just about the only sport in the world with no betting opportunities.

Those who worry about bent matches need have no fear. Most sports offer head-to-head wagers and apart from the odd snooker misdemeanour and the fact that most firms void uncompleted tennis matches everything proceeds smoothly. Anyway, bookmakers are quick to recognise and deal with unusual betting patterns.

It is the most significant way of raising the profile of the world's top squash players. When you see the hype Andrew Murray has attracted, granted his sensible approach, you realise how understated squash players are, how they are underpaid, overworked and largely unrecognised.

Malcolm Willstrop

World Games


Lincou top seed
in Duisburg and Karachi

Pakistan Open

English Open



23-Jun-05:
Betting on Squash:
on its way at last ...


Squash is about the only sport in the world for which there is no current facility to bet.

A look at the back pages of the Racing Post will tell you that you can bet on Tennis, Cricket, Soccer, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Darts, Snooker, Speedway, Formula 1, Golf ... ... but not squash!

I did manage to get it into action with Stan James on the promise of eight live events, when the ill-fated Eye Group were involved. Obviously a firm of their substance want expansive coverage and once the prospect of television disappeared, they lost interest.

I have never felt that the main bodies in squash have ever realised how importanty betting is to raise the profile of the sport, still its main priority.

The good news is that plans are well advanced through Eventis - Peter Nicol, Tim Garner and Angus Kirkland - to bet on the Mamut English Open from the 17th to 21st August at The Crucible in Sheffield.

There seems, in view of previous betting on the World Snooker Championships at the same venue, to be no problem with licensing, and I have a local, but well-known bookmaker who has pitches at 18 racecourses, who is willing to stand at the venue and provide facilities on line.

Once matters are finalised I will publish further details on this site, so that interested parties will be able to bet their opinion, initially on the outright winner and individual matches in August.

Make no mistake it is very important and a magic development for the game of squash.

Happily it is on the verge of being realised ...

Malcolm Willstrop


  
Pick a winner ...

27-May-05:
No rest for the Squash Player

Most top class sport has become all year round and long gone are the days when Winter games were separated from Summer games: rugby runs alongside cricket and sportsmen and women are happy to take a break where they can.

Everyone knows that rest is necessary during the season, and certainly out of season: to be able to relax and not think about the next match; to take a holiday; to let your hair down, are all crucial if players are going to be freshened up and ready for the playing and travelling demands which squash players have to meet.

Squash certainly seems to be going in the same direction and on the go since August 2004, players are still in demand at the end of May for National League, Super League and European team finals.

Add doubles squads against Australia in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, a tournament in Sheffield and Birmingham, and speaking for the players I work with I can say without doubt that the World Games in June and the Pakistan Open in July are daunting prospects.

It is difficult to say no when allegiances are established, when lottery funding conditions need to be met, but it is important that those who influence these matters and do not see the day-to-day tiredness of players, remember just how demanding the game of squash is, especially under the conditions they are often called upon to cope with.

Take the recent example of Broadgate where it was very cold and the opposite at Nottingham, hot and bouncy - both very demanding in different ways.

If we are not careful we will end up with players physically and mentally fatigued and that will be no good for the game, or anyone for that matter.

Malcolm Willstrop

10-May-05:
The World Awards Dinner

Eventis deserve great credit for organising the World Squash Awards dinner at the RAC Club in London and they must have been gratified by the splendid gathering of world squash personalities who supported the event.

The presence of the great Jahangir Khan, who appropriately received the 'Lifetime Achievement' award, presented by the great player of recent times Peter Nicol, was a testimony to the significance of the event.

World no 1 and World Champion Thierry Lincou earned the 'Male Player of the Year', and Vanessa Atkinson the female version., the Dutch girl having emerged as currently the world's best woman player. Both grace the sport by their play and demeanour.

James Willstrop and Nicol David won the 'Young Player of the Year' awardsd and their achievements have been such on the world scene that no-one will begrudge their success. They are a good advertisement for World Junior Champions.

Adrian Davies, in his element as compere, kept everyone well amused as did the guest speaker .

Amongst the faces was one John Easter, fine player of yesteryear who I had not seen for years, one of whose sons plays rugby for the relegated Harlequins, with another oo the same course. His knees are apparently gone, but it was good to see him again, reminding of the old days when Oxford, where John went, and Cambridge used to produce players: Philip Ayton, Bruce Lovehart, Jonny Leslie, who it seems was in the building, though he did not attend the dinner.

During the day another squash legend, the ever-popular Sarah Fitz-Gerald, Lee Beachill, Jenny Duncalf, John White and Nicol David amongst others, entertained members of the RAC on court and Thierry Lincou and James Willstrop played a very watchable exhibition, which the world no one edged 11/9 in the third, entertaining a large and appreciative crowd.

Sarah had been well looked after during the day by Pontefract Club owner Michael Todd and there was some apprehension as she presented the Young Male Player award to James Willstrop. Tactile as she is, and slightly the worse for wear, anything might have happened. Happily she emerged unscathed!

I have to say that Mr Todd did less well on the way home on the train, endlessly talking rubbish for two and a half hours. Lee described it as the worts to hours of his life and I go with that.

What a wonderful start to what must become an annual event. Eventis have already made a great success of The Crucible's English Open and the Canary Wharf Classic and now the World Squash Awards dinner.

Well done Peter, Tim and Angus - the squash world owes you for your efforts.

Malcolm Willstrop






06-May-05:
Brit Insurance
Super Series Finals


The Gerrard Super Eight in Manchester, the Canary Wharf Classic in London, and the Super Series Finals are three eight-men events which provide wonderful entertainment for spectators in this country.

The inaugural Gerrard, Paul Walters' creation with Steve Evans and Jim Quigley, the second Canary Wharf Classic, sponsored by ISS, under the management of the excellent Eventis team, who also run the English Open, and Satinder Bajwa's Super Series Finals in its tenth year are all success stories, for which the promoters deserve much credit.

Two have selected players, but such is the prestige of the events that no-one is likely to refuse and the Super Series Finals are, as the title suggests, based on the Super Series results during the year.

One thing all three events have in common is that they attract the best players in the world. This means that, with the openness of the world men's game as it is, any one of the eight can and do win.

Eight of the Best ...

Thierry Lincou won in Manchester, John White at Canary Wharf and it's anybody's guess who will win in Broadgate.

Lincou and Lee Beachill have been the top two players in the world for a year, reward for their consistency, but neither have won for a while, though Beachill certainly threatened in Bermuda.

Jonathon Power came to London free of injury and reinforced by his well-earned win in Bermuda, where he had three five-setters and still came up strong in the final.

Amr Shabana and David Palmer went home early in Bermuda, beaten by Lincou and John White, who disappointingly hasn't made the draw, since he is such an attraction. Anthony Ricketts is the other major absentee.

Peter Nicol has a record second to none in this event, bidding for his fourth win, and though his very best is probably behind him, he is still capable of winning. When I worked with him in practice in Bermuda he sulked when he was losing, so there's still fire in his belly.

Nick Matthew, who did well on his debut last year, and James Willstrop, making his first appearance, will be anxious to make an impression as the two youngest players. Matthew's final in the Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong and Willstrop's win in Pakistan saw them into the line-up.

No predictions ...

I have long since given up trying to predict the outcome of any top men's event on the world tour - clairvoyants would have no chance. Players seem to be able to recover from modest performances to play near their best the next day. White could have gone out to Alex Gough in the first round in Bermuda, not that Alex is any pushover, survived and went on to lose 3/2 to Power in the semi-final. Beachill looked outstanding all week, but was no match for the Canadian, despite the latter having had a hard run to the final.

You could not rule any of the eight out, since they are all proven winners. What is for sure is that whoever wins will have to beat some serious opposition more than once.

If you want to be entertained in this golden competitive age, get along to the Broadgate Arena and see the best ...

Malcolm Willstrop




Full Super Series Coverage


 


 


 



Full Super Series Coverage
 

 

 

28-Mar-05:
Cleethorpes Club Dinner

When I was invited to speak at the Cleethorpes Squash Club Dinner and to take my band of musicians to provide entertainment, I didn't know it was their first event. So to be asked by the affable Mike Hallam and his better half Kim was a privilege indeed.

Mike runs a splendid professional tournament annually, which such as John White, James Willstrop, Nick Taylor and Mark Chaloner have all won and this year's championship will be at the end of May.

Sylvan Richardson, who masterminded the music, and Andy Kingston, the keyboard magician who has just returned from an extended tour with Chris Farlow, are the mainstays of the band, and they were supported by the Institute of Sport's Stafford Murray, since Paul the lead guitarist was touring with Errol Brown.

Vocal support came in the form of Martin Sunderland, soul singer from Queen's Halifax, pocket-sized dynamo Joni Tuson and James Willstrop.

Martin sang 'Lady in Red' and the Will Young hit 'Leave right now' before joining forces with Joni to sing 'We've got tonight', recently revived by Ronan Keating and Lulu.

James sang his Eric Clapton classic 'Wonderful Tonight' and the Franz Ferdinand hit 'Take me out', whilst Stafford, in great form, gave the Cleethorpes crowd 'Mustang Sally'.

They loved it all, and bayed for more. Andy played the theme from the film Sting out of tune, brilliantly, and without doubt a great time was had by all, giving Mike every encouragement to make the event an annual occasion.

Thanks to him for the invitation. We enjoyed it immensely.
  

HOME INTERNATIONALS ...
Dates and England Teams

Malc's Dilemma ...

There is clearly someone who has got it in for me at the moment, who has influence on dates.

Recently Eventis moved the excellent Canary Wharf Classic into Cheltenham week and now I have just heard that the English Open at Sheffield's famous Crucible is to clash with the York meeting in August.

To add further to my woes I have learned that the Commonwealth Games clashes with Cheltenham next year, where I have been for seventeen successive years.

What am I to do, and just who is it up there who has it in for me ???

 

LIVE MUSIC

If any squash club with suitable facilities requires a live musical evening of the highest quality, I can supply the band and singers.

They will, I promise, make your annual Club Dinner a great success. The musicians and singer are all all from the world of squash.

If you or your club are interested, please contact Malcolm on 01977 793333

A Willstrop Evening

If your club would like an evening's entertainment with Lee Beachill, James Willstrop and Nick Taylor, directed by Malcolm Willstrop.

Ring Malcolm on
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23-Mar-05:
Late Cap For Lonsdale
Malcolm is delighted for a new England cap ...
 
To learn that Peter Lonsdale had been selected for England at Over 40 level for the Home Internationals in Dublin no doubt afforded him great pleasure.

Having known him for many years since the time of the sadly defunct Northern Centre of Excellence, out of which so much good came, his selection gave me equal pleasure.

Peter has for many years played for Pontefract's second team in the Yorkshire League, travelling wherever required from his home in Teeside. He has no doubt profited from regular quality matchplay over the years.

In the last two seasons he has been a member of Durham's Over 35 Inter County Championship winning team - another source of pleasure for him.

Last weekend he won the Masters' event at Grantham which clinched his selection, since that is now based on performance at the excellent Masters' championships.

The Northern version was held recently at Pontefract and was a considerable success, bringing together some of the best age group players in the country.

Peter is proof that if you make the required effort England selection is attainable. He is also a good advertisement for giving up smoking, which he has done, and for getting married, which he did, to Lisa last year.
  

HOME INTERNATIONALS ...
Dates and England Teams


Peter's a family man ...

A Willstrop Evening

If your club would like an evening's entertainment with Lee Beachill, James Willstrop and Nick Taylor, directed by Malcolm Willstrop.

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01977 793333

 

13-Mar-05:
Canary Wharf or Cheltenham?
Malcolm looks ahead to the second Canary Wharf Classic, but sadly has other priorities next week ...
 
The inaugural Canary Wharf Classic was an unqualified success and it is hard to think that the second renewal will not match last year, especially looking at the lineup.

Despite the absence of world no 1 Thierry Lincou, the eight invited players are as exciting, entertaining and accomplished a collection as can be imagined.

Led by the two truly great players of recent times, Peter Nicol and Jonathon Power, who will play the first match on Monday, Lee Beachill, David Palmer, Amr Shabana, holder James Willstrop, John White and Anthony Ricketts are guaranteed to please the crowds.

World no 1s and world champions abound. Ricketts may not have been either, but he comes to London on the back of a famous victory in New York.

Format finds favour
The group format means that the programme every night will be a series of major head-to-heads. As with the Gerrard invitation, these tournaments have proved to be popular with squash enthusiasts and the crowds in Manchester were excellent, as they were in Canary Wharf last year.

The spectacular setting of the Wintergarden is up with the best venues in the world, matching the quality of the players.

No predictions this time
Ask me who will win and I wouldn't know where to start.

Some of the older players find consistency more of a problem these days - hardly surprising considering the strength and depth of the challengers - and Beachill, who has been very consistent, has suddenly lost to Shabana, twice, and Palmer in the last three events.

Ricketts, White, Nicol, Willstrop and Palmer have won the last five major PSA events, and Power is a proven winner at the highest level.

The format - nine american - is no particular advantage to any player, as all the leading players have shown themselves very adaptable to whatever the scoring system requires.

My recent predictions have been more or less useless, so I am not offering this time, since any one of the eight could win.

My idea of Heaven
Sadly for me the clash with the Cheltenham Festival - my concept of heaven - makes my presence a problem. Shame on Tim, Peter and Angus for altering the date without consulting me. Maybe they didn't want me there!

Well done to them for their continuing success as promoters. I have no doubt that Canary Wharf will be a worthy counter-attraction to Cheltenham and Best Mate!
  


14-18 March, London

CANARY WHARF
FULL COVERAGE

CANARY WHARF
MAIN PAGE

 

05-Mar-05:
The Professional Squash Player's Lot

It is a privilege to play squash for a living, especially as the game generally maintains standards of behaviour and play. But to say it is an easy way to make a living is not quite right, since everyone, barring the top professionals, are underpaid for the entertainment they are currently and regularly providing.

Without wishing to bore anyone by writing about James, a look at his recent schedule shows just what demands are sometimes made.
  • 26 Feb:
    Arrive back in Manchester at dawn from New York after the disappointment of losing to Anthony Ricketts, having had a match ball
  • 27 Feb:
    Fly from Manchester to Paderborn at 8am. Beat Hisham Ashour 3/2 in German League.
  • 28 Feb:
    Arrive in Manchester at 8am, home 10am. Play Super League match at Queen's, beat Mark Chaloner 3/2 - a comical match, according to Lee.
  • 01 Mar:
    A day's rest, but did hit the ball.
  • 02 Mar:
    Beat Simon Parke 3/2 in crucial top-of-table Yorkshire Premier League match. Played pretty well, too!

All this to earn less than a Premier League footballer would receive for a morning's training!

Then I hear that someone in their wisdom thinks the National League should be 'salary capped'.  Surely not.

Duffield and the National League

It was very disturbing to read of the possibility that Duffield have played their last home National League match. If any club epitomises what the National League stands for Duffield is it: Brian Hargrave's enthusiasm and expertise: packed and enthusiastic crowds and first class hospitality and friendliness.

Pontefract supporters, including Michael Todd, raved about their recent visit to the club for the Duffield v Manchester/Pontefract match, saying what a great club it was and how well received they had been.

So nothing has changed since my regular visits there when Brian put his faith in the 14 year old James Willstrop.

Having to move from Duffield was one of the hardest decisions to make and although they were disappointed, we have always been well received subsequently.

Why then is Brian talking of Duffield no longer having a National League side? He has had wonderful support from his sponsors, notably Felix Frixou, Benz Bavarian Tamworth Street Motors, and still has.

I understand there have been talks about the National League and mention has been made of capping the fees of the players. If that is so the league will lose its playing standard, as top players will withdraw. The leading squash players are vastly underpaid and no way should they be paid less.

Everyone involved in the sport at high levels should be trying to improve the financial lot of the best players, who are at present excellent value.

A Willstrop Evening ...

If your club would like an evening's entertainment with Lee Beachill, James Willstrop and Nick Taylor, directed by Malcolm Willstrop ...

 Ring Malcolm on  01977 793333
Pontefract v Harrogate
Wed 2nd March

Harrogate, leading the Yorkshire Premier League, met Pontefract, the champions in second place at Harrogate in a match which must have been the highest class league match of all time. The lineups were:

Lee Beachill v Ong Beng Hee
James Willstrop v Simon Parke
Lee Drew v Peter Barker
Derek Ryan v Phil Barker
Shaun Le Roux v Paul Hornsby

Nine out of ten have represented their countries, five are current internationals and five have been in the world's top ten, two currently.

On paper it looked like a 3/2 win for Pontefract and that's how it worked out.

The Barker brothers made youth count to give Harrogate their two wins, but Shaun Le Roux, now eligible for England, beat Hornsby 3/1, although the Harrogate club professional played well enough. He has done a great job at Harrogate and this night was a reward for his efforts.

Willstrop, involved in a horrendous schedule, played well too to beat Simon Parke, who ran as only he does without ever looking like winning.

Beachill, despite playing his third match in three nights, was far too good for Ong Beng Hee, who showed glimpses of his old form, controlling matters as only he does to give Pontefract the win.

The gap between the two teams is now 22 points, Pontefract having a game in hand with 20 points the maximum.

Availability is the name of the game, but at Harrogate the Yorkshire Premier League and squash in general were the winners, as the packed club enjoyed a night to remember.

Yorkshire Premier
League Table

 

14-Feb-05:
British National Championships

Life teaches, I suppose, that good things don’t last forever and since the wonderful crowds at Sports City had been treated to a surfeit of squash of the highest world quality, there were grounds for thinking that the finals might not reach the same standards. In the event that’s how it was.

Malcolm at the Nationals
 
A Willstrop Evening ...

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10-Dec-04:
The Tie Break

Malcolm Willstrop

I thought from the beginning that 11 scoring was going to be a great success and everything I have seen since, in Hong Kong, Nottingham and Doha has vindicated that opinion.

I have to say that in all the years of watching top class squash I have never enjoyed the game so much or been better entertained.

The tie-break, too, has added extra dimensions: match balls and game balls one after the other create excitement, perhaps previously missing. I also think that the tie-break gives players incentives, which lead to recoveries from losing situations, which the 15 scoring didn't have.

But if we are trying to make the game intelligible to a wider audience - and I hope we are - then the confusion in the final declaration of the score needs to be eradicated.

Call it what it is

11-10 (2-0) or whatever is not necessary.

Just call it what it is, 15-13, 18-16 or whatever
.
That would be simpler for everybody.

It doesn't seem to me that it would take much to do that and it would be for the general good.

Malcolm in Doha
for the Qatar World Open

Thanks ...

Could I thank everybody who has sent messages of congratulation on my induction into the Coaching Hall of Fame.

Apart from the personal pleasure the award gave me, I hope the fact that the game of squash has received publicity at such exalted levels helps it to achieve more recognition than it currently receives and certainly deserves.

 

Special Night
at Pontefract

or how Derek Ryan
ended up behind the bar ...
 

 

27-Oct:
Gerrard Super 8
A retrospect

Anyone who attended the Gerrard Super 8 will know that it was a success.

A venue transformed

The venue had been transformed by Jim Quigley and his merry men and women into a warm and intimate setting and its compact nature meant that spectators were close to the action. The crowds were large all four days, and knowledgeable at that. Everyone working at the Centre was friendly and helpful and the whole atmosphere was to the organiser's credit.

Steve Evans, the former Rugby League international, representing Gerrard, was instrumental in making it all happen.


Players out to Impress

The players, as they rarely do these days, let no-one down. Disappointingly Peter Nicol sustained an unpleasant-looking injury in his first match and Lee Beachill a less severe one in his second, so they bowed out. But the organisers did well to get in-form pair Simon Parke and Peter Barker as replacements.

The champion, Thierry Lincou, showed his durability, winning two massive matches against David Palmer and the final with John White, both lasting over 90 minutes, on successive days. He also survived the award of a conduct game against him at a crucial stage of the Palmer match - and it was a harsh decision. So nobody can deny him his success - he earned it!

White is threatening to win, and sometimes, with the new scoring, he looks unplayable. But he has yet to see it through.

James Willstrop contributed plenty. His match with White was another exceptional one and he put Parke aside before finishing third after an excellent performance against Karim Darwish, two genuine racket players.

Palmer will be disappointed with fifth place, but it all hung on a thread - 11/10(2-0) in the fifth to Lincou and he played well against Beachill to lead 2-0 before the world no 1 retired. So he can be consoled by that.


Far from Heaven

I suppose not much in life is perfect and the M62 to Manchester is no-one's idea of heaven. On Friday night it needed three hours to get from Pontefract to Sportcity, not much over forty miles.

I didn't understand the 11am start on Saturday morning, especially as Manchester City were not at home and a late start on finals night meant a very late finish, with spectators presumably working the next day. I got home at 1.45am. But then I don't work much! I wonder too, if Monday is a good night for finals, or would Thursday to Sunday be better.

Just suggestions, and I'm sure there were good reasons for things as they were.

An oddity was Tournament Director Paul Walters' decision to promote himself as compere, whilst the capable and experienced Andrew Nickeas acted as his sidekick. He certainly gave the word 'huge' new significance in the English language, and having failed, he should restrict himself to the things he does well - compering is not one of them.


Here to stay we hope

The whole venture, however, was a success indeed and one which everyone will hope will become a feature of the Squash Calendar.

Well done Steve Evans and Gerrard and well done Jim Quigley, as ever.



 

 


 


 


 



Final:
Thierry Lincou
bt John White
11/10(3-1), 5/11, 11/9, 8/11, 11/7 (98m)

 

05-Oct:
Raising the Profile


LEE ON TV

Lee going to one in the world has enabled the game of squash to obtain some welcome publicity.

An appearance on BBC TV Look North at peak viewing time gave Lee the chance to show that , although he is not an effusive type, he can certainly put himself over. And although nobody, except perhaps footballers, get too much time in such programmes, Lee was accorded his share.

Harry Gration, who was instrumental in setting up Lee's appearance - thanks to him for that - asked most of the right questions, but one less pertinent one: "Why Pontefract?"

There is no particular reason why world champions or no 1's can't come from anywhere. All that is needed is the right circumstances for players to prosper. Peter Nicol (Aberdeen), David Palmer (outback Australia) and Cassie Jackman (rural Norfolk) are immediate examples of places that perhaps wouldn't suggest themselves as ideal for the production of world champions.


SQUASH: BE PROUD

We have a game to be proud of: it involves top class athletes, who stand comparison with any sportsmen/women. They are invariably articulate and personable and conduct themselves in a proper manner.

We have courts that can be and are placed in the most spectacular settings imaginable. Raising the sport's image is most necessary to improve the material lot of the tour players, to stimulate clubs and encourage youngsters.


LET'S HAVE A BET

The other thing that needs developing is betting. Any game you can name can be bet on and they are all featured in the Racing Post. Squash is one of the very few remarkable for its absence.

A start was made with Stan James, but when the Eye Group deal, with its promise of eight televised tournaments, fell through the interest of such a big company waned, understandably.

However I have not given up and a bookmaker friend, who is a squash interested person, is hoping to set things up very shortly, so watch the Squash Player website for details.

So let's all get with it and wherever there is a chance to publicise the sport, let's do it.


 

Pontefract Celebrates Lee's Success ...

Pontefract Squash Club is well known for its sociability and doesn't need much invitation to stage a party. So Lee's elevation to world no 1 was as good an excuse as anyone could wish for. I have to say I noticed a massive difference between him being no 2 and no 1. I suppose the lesson is that there's not much room in life for runners-up or no 2's.

Originally scheduled for October 1st, the day the official rankings were released, Lee had to be in Warwickshire for a promotional exhibition with David Palmer. So it was re-scheduled for Sunday 3rd.

Lee (very generously) although enriched by his achievement, provided a free bar between 7.30pm and 9.30pm and Gerrard, sponsors of the forthcoming Super Eight at the end of the month, provided the champagne.

As Lee said in his speech, whether because of the free bar or in celebration of his achievement, he was impressed by the size of the turnout there to greet him.

I had the pleasure of recounting Lee's achievements through my 17 years' association with him at Pontefract. The recommendation of Tim Heeley, who clearly recognised his potential, that he join me; the month's ban, after a show of petulance after losing a match and from there a lesson learned.

Lee had an outstanding junior career, winning British titles at every age group and leading England to World Team success in Cairo, beating the World Junior Champion, Ahmed Faizy. Although European U19 Champion, he did not win the world title, though those who were there considered that his defeat in Cairo had very little to do with fair play.

His injuries and illness in his early twenties have been well chronicled and after a couple of years in the top ten, he made the final breakthrough. Beginning with the Qatar Classic late in 2003, followed by the Bermuda Open, the English Open and, crowning all, the US Open which took him to no 1, a level of consistency at the highest levels which earned due reward.

He has one or two special achievements: he became the first player to win successive British titles and he won the last PSA event players PAR to 15 when he took the English Open at The Crucible.

There is not much chance of anybody, not even the world no 1, getting too big for his boots at Pontefract and Lee's eloquent speech made it clear how he feels about the club that has fostered and nurtured him.

He paid tribute to those close to him and to all the members, who had contributed in any way to his success, stating how much more pleasurable shared success is.

The party went on long into the night, Lee being one of the last to leave because, sober, he had the responsibility of guiding club owner Michael Todd, not sober, home.

Top Elvis impersonator Alan Norrish was still there at 4am and two neighbours of James Willstrop, Diane and Pam, did their best to lower house prices in Tennyson Way.

Late on, or in the early hours, Lee sang 'Angels' to remind us that not only can he play squash and talk, he can sing as well. He will be performing again at the Club's Christmas Dinner in December when Sylvan Richardson and his top class musicians will be making a welcome re-appearance.

An Evening with
the Willstrops ...

James Willstrop and Nick Taylor will provide your club with an evening's entertainment, managed by Malcolm Willstrop.

If you are interested, please contact Malcolm on
01977 793333.

The Willstrops at Wimbledon

"As a general rule, I don’t like exhibition matches. But I must say, the Willstrops know how to entertain."

              
Framboise Gommendy

25-Sep:
The US Open ...

    

in distant retrospect

Malcolm looks at the the US Open and its ramifications at the top of the game ...

Lee Beachill's win in Boston, which gave him the World no 1 spot, was obviously a great pleasure personally, since Lee is a model professional, gifted, hard-working and steadfast. He has been rewarded for consistently applying himself in the face of difficulties and the lesson is, I suppose, that endeavour and persistence are often rewarded.

The welcome return to form of the world's outstanding player, Peter Nicol, was another feature of the event. Having just resisted Anthony Ricketts, also on his way back after injury, in the first round, he beat the improving Nick Matthew 3/1 and Joe Kneipp more comfortably 3/0 in the semi final. Peter's resilience is legendary and he is clearly not finished by any means.

Jonathon Power's enforced absence was disappointing, since he is very popular in America, and there were signs in Hong Kong that the new scoring would suit him. Let's hope he gets over his injuries soon.

Simon Parke continued his run - final at the Crucible, 1st round in Hong Kong and quarters in Boston, having to qualify in all - with an outstanding win over Thierry Lincou, who must have fancied his chances after Hong Kong where he won convincingly. Simon also dashed the Frenchman's hope  of a return to number one and Lee owes him a drink or two.

John White made an early exit at the hands of the skilful and easy-on-the-eye Dan Jenson. By no means under-rating the Aussie, John may not have been helped by his travelling programme: Hong Kong -  Bratislava - Boston with little time in between. He might have been better off at home with the twins!

Amr Shabana is not finding the World crown easy to live with - a loss to Thierry in Hong Kong and now put out in Boston by the competent Graham Ryding, who himself looked in good form in Hong Kong.

There is no doubt that refereeing has become more crucial than ever with the increased value of points with 11 scoring. Not being privy to the refereeing situation, I am not sure how the standard can be improved, but official bodies need to know how significant they and their decisions are.



 


 

14-Sep:
Becky Botwright:
EUROPEAN CHAMP!

Malcolm Willstrop reflects on the European success of a Pontefract favourite

The field of the revived European Women's Championship in Bratislava may not have been the strongest, but Becky's win gave me great pleasure.

She has been part of the Pontefract set-up for four years or so and she has been a joy to coach, since I know of no player who works harder or who is more receptive. A fine athlete, I am sure there is a lot more to come from her.

Universally popular, all Pontefract will share in her win in Bratislava, as will her friends in Lancashire.

Nor will her popularity decrease after she appears on the front cover of the next issue of the Squash Player magazine!

 




Becky with fellow champion
Gregory Gaultier in Bratislava



Semi-final v Sarah Kippax



Advice from Big Sis Vicky

 

FINAL:

[2] Becky Botwright (Eng) bt
[1] Vicky Hynes (Eng)
      8/10, 2/9, 9/4, 9/4, 9/5 (72m)  

10-Sep:
PSA 11-point scoring
 
In my approval of the new scoring system (see below), I omitted to say how the tie-breaks had added to the excitement. Two points clear produces highly-charged rallies, with match balls and game balls often alternating.

The more distant 15 produced less crucial rallies and took too long to reach.

Another factor which emerged was that players were able to recover against unfavourable scorelines, surprisingly perhaps. But it happened too often to be ignored.

Another undesirable aspect of the 15 point game was the willingness of players to let a game go if they fell well behind. That was not acceptable and I am happy to bid that goodbye.

07-Sep:
Hong Kong Afterthoughts

Back in Pontefract after the Cathay Pacific Open,
Malcolm reflects on Hong Kong ...


Unable to re-arrange my flight home, I was unable to be with Lee in the semi-final and unable to complete my coverage of the championship. I was unhappy to have missed the match, and if anyone missed my account of events - probably doubtful [oh, I don't think so, Ed.] - I apologise.

The dignity of losers: Peter Nicol, John White, Anthony Ricketts, Azlan Iskandar, two of whom led 2-0, is a credit to them. James Willstrop struggled a bit after leading 2-0 and losing to Amr Shabana. He disappeared into the Hong Kong night!

The world no 1 spot is looking likely to change again, though the US Open will clearly affect matters. Thierry Lincou and Lee Beachill are principal contenders and Peter Nicol will need to score in Boston, since he goes there as champion.

Perhaps the dark spot of what was a quite exceptional event, was the refereeing. How you solve the problem I have no idea, but the quality of the play and the players deserved better. Several matches were very badly handled and when points are worth 15/11ths more than before, and when the finishing line is 4/15ths closer, points become more and more crucial.

Congratulations to Heather Dayton and Tony Choi and the tournament committee on a job well done. They both made everyone feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble.

With the Hong Kong Open behind them, the players will arrive in Boston next week better armed. What they produced last week was great to watch, so those at the US Open are guaranteed excitement and attack of a high order.

I can honestly say I have never been so well entertained at a squash tournament. There were many excellent matches, few disappointing ones, and there can only be one reason - the 11 points a game scoring. For those who think the game may be devalued by the reduction from 15 to 11, have no fear. It's the best thing to have happened for ages.

Clearly coaches and players will need to adapt, but apart from Nicol, the seeded players all made the last eight. Lincou's persistent precision, White's power, Power's racket skill, Palmer's all-round game and Beachill's control and delay will all reap rewards and there are plenty of others with enough to their game to be a threat. Nick Matthew is proof of that.

 

18-May:
National Club Championships - Ladies
Pontefract's Young Guns On the Up

Pontefract's ladies team have been hitting the high spots, recently having been featured in the Sunday Newspapers for their looks and they showed that they can play squash.

Bidding for a record third consecutive win, the all-international team with an average age of 20, dismissed hosts Nottingham 5-0 in the semi-final to set up a final with the experienced New Eltham side.

Experience could not counter youth of this quality and Pontefract's young guns shot the opposition to pieces 5-0 without yielding a single game.

As holders, Pontefract go to Austria to defend their European title in September and with such a classy, young side they are sure to acquit themselves with credit, under the managership of Terry Dudley.

The travelling Pontefract support returned to the club for celebrations and were joined by squash legend Sarah Fitz-Gerald, five times World Champion, and looking at her in the National League final still the best woman player in the world. Fitzy played for Pontefract when they won last year's European Championship and she remains a great favourite at Pontefract.

The future has to be bright for the young Pontefract side and they are already European, British and Yorkshire League champions, as well as Yorkshire Cup holders.

The appearance of Becky Botwright, Laure Siddall and Kirsty McPhee, suitably attired, in The People and The Daily Star has already brought challenges from Hollywood, the LA Club, Bishops Stortford and Monton.
 

 


Pontefract's winning squad

 


National Club Champs,
Ladies Results

 

08-May:
Charity Night at Pontefract
Malcolm reports on "the night of all nights"
at Pontefract ...


Pontefract Squash Club staged the night of all nights when Peter Nicol, John White, Lee Beachill and James Willstrop provided the squash and Sylvan Richardson directed a star cast of musical talent from the squash world.

A crowd, sold out weeks in advance, saw Peter and Lee challenged by John and James at singles and doubles, with David Campion as master of ceremonies.

The outcome of the matches was of little consequence as the four stars of the squash world shared their skills and humour. John revels in such situations, Lee was high from the birth of his son Ben, and Peter and James were determined to make a night which commemorated their mums, Sigrid and Lesley, an enjoyable one.

Sylvan had left no stone unturned to match the squash and the band consisted of himself on the drums, the brilliant keyboard player Andy Kingslow, Daryl Clarkson guitar, supported by Stafford Murray, who, able performer though he is, confessed that he felt humble in such company, all supported by top class sound systems.

Anne Jones, a classical mezzo-soprano, topped the bill with George Shearing's Lullaby of Birdland and Habanera from Bizet's Carmen. Andy Procter has an outstanding voice and his offerings of Baby Grand and Never Saw a Miracle brought the house down.

Alan Norrish, in full regalia, gave his unique Elvis treatment to
Trouble and The Wonder of You and James Willstrop, despite never having sung live before and confessing to being very nervous, responded with Somewhere only we know and Tender, much to the delight of the crowd.

Martin Sunderland from Queen's Halifax, Dave Walker and stepdaughter Claire, Hayley Nevins and Willis Rushton were the remainder of an outstanding bill and to witness superb performances, much aided by Sylvan and Andy, was a privilege.

The whole cast came together to end the programme with Lou Reed's Perfect Day and deservedly Sylvan, his band and singers were given a tumultuous ovation.

The auction with 4 badges for Timeform's Charity Day at York in June, hairstyling, and therapy massage by the club's resident stars Susan and Sarah, shirts signed by the players as well as signed photographs, taken by Andrew Box, and other items helped towards an outstanding total of £3,500 to go to Cancer Research and Raynaud's Scleroderma.

Peter Lonsdale followed with his disco and there were several left at 6am, including Mick Todd, proprietor, Susan, Sarah and would you believe it the World no 1 Peter Nicol.

Longstanding members of the Pontefract Club said that it was the best night in its history, praise indeed for a club renowned for its
sociability.
06-May-04
The England Team
A Happy & Successful Camp ...


Nick Matthew, whose dramatic progress up the world rankings has, I am sure, been helped by international recognition, made the point that he would rather have the England team cheering for him than the 2,200 French supporters in the magnificent Le Liberté in Rennes.

Having been a peripheral part of the England team during the week of the championships, I have been very aware, as I was in Vienna, that the England camp is a very happy one. Everyone knows that a happy team in any sport is likely to produce results, which is what happened in Rennes.

No doubt the semi-final in Vienna had left scars which needed to be healed and the English response was evident to everyone in Rennes.

In truth, on paper, French prospects were negligible. The England youngsters Matthew, Grant and Willstrop have all improved rapidly since Vienna and with Nicol back at world no 1, where he still belongs, and Beachill steady at 4, the team has a balanced look.

From the moment Matthew and Willstrop bestrode the court, French optimism diminished. They both had a focused, “thou shall not pass” look and played accordingly.

Nicol then captured the necessary game with the same approach and proceeded to entertain the crowd with an amazing display of skill and shots. What a remarkable player he is and how England has profited from having him.

With the Australians in disarray from injuries, the England team is arguably as good an international team as currently exists and, being young, it has a future.

It was interesting to hear the views of many experienced squash men outside the England camp recognising the quality of the side and that it is a happy camp.

The World Class Performance strategy will always have its critics, many of whom may have a personal agenda - indeed I have just lost two players, both of whom work very hard, Lauren Siddall and Kirsty McPhee - but in the last analysis results speak for themselves and England’s World Class Performance players are achieving results.

The selection policies have become more aware of future needs and the choices of Vicky Botwright, Jenny Duncalf and Adrian Grant are to be applauded. They all performed well and fitted in readily - they are classy players who work hard and will benefit from the Rennes experience.

Malcolm Willstrop
 

 


Another Euro win for England

 



Malcolm reports
from Rennes

 

Full Euro Teams Details

16-Apr-04:
League Star sings the
Praises of Squash


Rugby League legend, Ellery Hanley, who, since last year’s English Open has been present on many squash occasions, is proving to be a major asset.

His friendship with John White is well-founded and John – the world number 1 – was quick to acknowledge Ellery’s contribution at the British Closed. Being around Ellery is most definitely a learning experience, since his knowledge of world class sport, coupled with his philosophical outlook, makes him compulsive listening.

He is quick to acknowledge the top professionals in squash and, as a player, he knows what it takes to become top-class. What is more he misses no opportunity to tell people what a demanding game squash is and how good the players are.

Recently he took John White and James Willstrop as his guests to Headingley for the Leeds v Bradford match. Speaking at the pre-match dinner and then again at half-time in an on the field interview he was quick to sing the praises of his guests.

Full story, with more photos & mini-video
 


 


Ellery congratulates White on
winning the National title

15-Apr-04:

Rugby League legend, Ellery Hanley, who, since last year’s English Open has been present on many squash occasions, is proving to be a major asset.

His friendship with John White is well-founded and John – the world number 1 – was quick to acknowledge Ellery’s contribution at the British Closed. Being around Ellery is most definitely a learning experience, since his knowledge of world class sport, coupled with his philosophical outlook, makes him compulsive listening.

He is quick to acknowledge the top professionals in squash and, as a player, he knows what it takes to become top-class. What is more he misses no opportunity to tell people what a demanding game squash is and how good the players are.

Recently he took John White and James Willstrop as his guests to Headingley for the Leeds v Bradford match. Speaking at the pre-match dinner and then again at half-time in an on the field interview he was quick to sing the praises of his guests.

So the sell-out Headingley crowd listened to a man they revere telling them about squash players.

Never have I seen anyone sign so many autographs as Ellery could hardly take a step without being greeted with affection and respect, and he had a word for everybody.

Just what a great spectacle Leeds and Bradford provided: superb athletes playing a sport that preserves standards: sportsmanship, respect for the referee, and what a treat to be in the crowd of men, women and children without any of the unseemly aggression that characterises some sports.

Malcolm Willstrop


Three number ones - Nicol, Hanley, White


J.Willstrop 0, E.Hanley 3!
(referee: M.Willstrop)


external link to video



You can't use that one
here, Ellery ...
 


Nicol feels the force
at Canary Wharf

23-Mar-04:
PROFILE:
RAISING THE GAME

by Malcolm Willstrop

I doubt if anyone with the welfare of squash at heart would disagree with me when I say that raising the game's profile is of paramount importance.

After those seemingly heady days over twenty years ago, when the game became public property, we are probably at our lowest ebb in terms of newspaper and television coverage, despite the efforts of such journalists as Colin McQuillan, Dicky Rutnagur and Richard Eaton. Nor am I undermining Sky's splendid offerings, but in the days of the Hi-Tec British Open we had terrestrial television coverage.

The quality of the world's leading players, the positive way in which the game is played these days and the glamorous settings in which the glass court can be placed are surely assets, which could earn more recognition.

Do not pretend, either, that publicity is unnecessary, since the financial lot of the professional player is not always a happy one. I am amazed how little players in some major events earn even when they have reached the later stages. They deserve more and publicity is the main way of achieving that.

The National Bodies who represent squash have not always, if ever, seemed cognisant of the need to attract publicity and few employ the necessary specialists for that purpose. That should be a first requirement.

It is never enough to offer criticism without suggesting how matters may be improved.

My own experience is that coverage, even at advanced levels can be achieved but not without persistence, and as with all things, it is the glamour aspects of the sport which will appeal to a more general public.

Some of the world's leading players are not too good at promoting the game themselves, but there are several that are. Peter Nicol is a prime example and he and those like him must be maximised.

At the considerable risk of being branded sexist, there is a host of attractive girls playing the game at high levels. Not only could they raise the profile, but they would appeal to younger girls who may be attracted to the sport.

Whatever people think most younger girls want to play a sport that makes them feel comfortable and look good. Squash fits that bill.

I may be appearing to talk about top players, but they are the means by which the game can attract publicity, from which everyone can benefit: youngsters and new players will be made more aware of the sport and more inclined to give it a try.

Local coverage is much less of a problem, I believe, and certainly in the area I live Fred Willis has done over the years, and still does, a marvellous job for squash in the Yorkshire Evening Post, and the local Pontefract paper is very receptive. My experience of other areas is similar.

But useful and worthwhile though that is, it is not sufficient on its own and national coverage is what is required.

The other factor which would influence profile is betting. Look in the Racing Post and you can bet on any sport you care to name, except squash. The misguided notion that it would lead to fixed matches is bound to be raised, but if tennis and snooker can handle it, as they have done with not much trouble, then there is no reason to suppose squash cannot do so.

Certainly with the men's game as it is, any bookmakers would be happy to be involved. They could hardly have lost this year.

If we had nothing to shout about, there would be no point in these thoughts, but I think the game is as good or better than it has ever been.

We can all welcome the Canary Wharf Invitation Eight, staged by Eventis which begins tonight.

Set amongst London's wealth, in glamorous surroundings, here is an event guaranteed to raise the profile.

Well done Peter, Tim and Angus and everyone connected. I hope it is a great success.

 

 


 

 


Making a start:
The 2004 British Open
will feature in a BBC TV Grandstand highlights programme on 7th Oct.


 


The Glamour Aspect:
Willstrop in the Sunday Times

 


 
Local Coverage:
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
FULL STORY

 

 

 

squashsite.co.uk

 

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