|
|
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

|
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.

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.
 |



|
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 | |