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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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 !
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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
01977 793333
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
The
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.
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. 
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.
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.
No doubt
Tony will have been very disappointed by the recent one point loss
to Hull ion the
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.
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.
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.
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.
To
learn that Peter Lonsdale had been selected for England at
Over 40 level for the 
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!
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. 
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
v Harrogate
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.
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. 
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.
