Couple of things - shout out to James Willstrop (who lives in Harrogate where I am based) who has reached the semis of the above event. It is a big event and James has dragged his ranking back into the top 20 and looks like going higher and maybe top 10, which at the age of 35 is pretty impressive. Well done James.
Also, does anyone here follow squash? I used to play a lot but stopped when family and kids came along. I was watching some clips on you tube just before Xmas of a big event at St George's in Weybridge. Some of the play was stunning. The retrieving and skill, awesome, and the fitness of these guys. Hats off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR2EZrqrG04
The clip is James playing an amazing double fake shot, awesome skill!
and whilst I am at it - why hasnt squash been allowed into the Olympics??! Awesome athletes, played a a fair range of countries at a high standard these days (Egypt dominate but GB, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, NZ, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India , South Africa all have top 20 players).
True, but it is a shame and a truly global sport, and with a year round circuit that binds it together. Many of the other sports are just set piece events ie European Championships, World Cup style events, whereas squash is everywhere. To be fair, many of the big events are in the USA, and Middle East, and have reasonable prize funds. This Tournament of Champions in Grand Central Station was $115k (so like a large challenger event in tennis) and the PSA World Championships (played annually) is over $300k now.
Just had the World Squash Championships this past couple of weeks, mens team followed by men and womens individual.
In the mens team, played in France, Egypt won comfortably, beating England in the final.
In the individual, played in Manchester, the Brits didnt do so well unfortunately, with all out before the semis on both mens and womens sides. Both finals were all Egyptian affairs with the winners being Bristol based if we want to take some reflected glory. But it looks like Egypt really have the squash world sewn up right now.
