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Home , 2011 ATP Challenger Tour, 2012 PSA World Series, Alister Walker, Cleveland Classic, Emily Whitlock, Hong Kong Squash

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ISSUE 43 MARCH/APRIL 2013

To: ALL WSF MEMBER NATIONAL FEDERATIONS cc: WSF Regional Vice-Presidents, WSF Committee Members, WSA, PSA, Accredited Companies

OLYMPIC UPDATE “I used to play it a lot when I was younger every The IOC Executive Board’s (EB) recent Sunday with my dad,” Federer said. “I started with a announcement recommending that wooden racket like I did in . I've always been a is dropped from the core sports for 2020 big fan of the sport.” means that it joins us with the other six sports now presenting to the IOC EB in St. Petersburg in May. The IOC EB will decide there either to nominate one sport for the full IOC session to vote on in in September, as is currently the stated plan, or may decide instead to select a short-list of two or three sports for the session to choose one from. If we are in the group or even the only one we have to then redouble efforts to convince all IOC Members that deserves its chance and that means every single person out there in the world of squash with any contact with individual IOC members should seek to add his or her voice to our efforts from the centre. In doing so it is imperative to remember that the role is to speak in support of the extra Federer and David conversed over dinner. David, a value squash can bring to the , native of and resident of Amsterdam, was details of our message can be seen at thrilled to spend quality time with the Swiss http://squash2020.com/wp- superstar. content/uploads/2012/04/Bid-Brochure- “It was exciting. He's such a great guy and true 2012_wp.pdf, and please remember that we champion,” said David. “He's so down to earth. He never comment upon any of the other sports, showed us what it's like behind the scenes to be a only talk about our own. tennis player. ______"It's very similar to squash," added the 29-year-old SQUASH FAN FEDERER SUPPORTS OLYMPIC BID from Penang who has topped the women's world World tennis No2 Roger Federer is backing squash to rankings since August 2006. "So it's been great to be added to the Olympic Games programme in 2020. spend time with him.” “I think it's a wonderful When asked if she played tennis, David said: “I'm a sport. It's unfortunate tennis fan but not a player. I follow Roger's progress some sports don't get and he definitely brings the sport up to another the opportunity to be in level.” the Olympics,” said Federer. “I think squash President N Ramachandran would deserve it. They (pictured) was delighted by run a great tour and the tennis star's they have great players endorsement: "It is fantastic and characters. I'd to have Roger Federer personally be very supporting Squash's campaign happy for them.” to join the The 17-time major champion had the opportunity to Programme. His endorsement meet women’s squash world No1 at the means a great deal because ABN AMRO World Tennis in Rotterdam. he is a true sporting icon who Federer expressed his support to David and revealed knows what it means to compete at the Olympic he played the sport growing up. Games."

1 43RD WSF AGM – IN CHRISTCHURCH, NZ REGIONAL AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP DATES As notified to member nations, the 43rd WSF Annual For a number of years the WSA and PSA Tour Rules General Meeting takes place on Wednesday 23 have restricted events in certain periods so that October 2013, together with the WSF AGM World, Regional and National Championships can be Conference which takes place on Monday 21 and protected from conflicting events - allowing Tuesday 22 October. (Committee meetings take promoters, federations and players to have more place on 20th). certainty when arranging and participating in them. Squash is hosting the meetings this Now, with the cooperation and understanding of PSA year, and they will be held in the city of Christchurch. and WSA, this system has been expanded in a trial Full details and booking form can be found at the that will begin in 2014. AGM website: http://www.2013worldsquashagm.com Essentially, there are designated periods during We look forward to seeing you there. which it is highly recommended that regional and national championships are held so that regions and ______nations can have certainty about player participation TV BREAKTHROUGH FOR WORLD SERIES FINALS that is not possible at other times. Players can also commit knowing that there will be no conflicting events. In outline, in 2014 using the protected weeks that are: National championships: 7 days from 2nd Monday in February and June Regional championships: 7 days from the last Monday in April* *Where there is regional agreement that one of the designated National Championship weeks is not used then an additional Regional Championship can be held then, of course. ______OLYMPIANS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR SQUASH 2020 BID In the latest coup for the sport, the semi-finals and finals of the ATCO PSA & WSA World Series Squash Finals offered a potential worldwide audience of more than 300 million the opportunity to watch live televised squash for the first time. The flagship World Series event - featuring the world's top eight players from both the Professional Squash Association and Women's Squash Association World Series events in 2012 - took place at The Queen's Club in . The live broadcasters included Sky Sports, Eurosport, Astro, PCCW, Starhub, SkyNet, Ten Olympians Joanna Rowsell, Victoria Pendleton and Sports, Orbit Showtime Greg Searle were cheering from the stands at the Network and One World ATCO PSA World Series Squash Finals as they came Sport - the welcome to show their support for Squash’s inclusion in the newcomer being 2020 Olympic Games. Eurosport 2, the Pan “Squash is a very physically demanding sport and it’s European operation which is distributed across 47 also very spectator-friendly,” said Pendleton. “The countries and more than 60 million households. nature of the game means that it works really well - "Last January's live coverage of the Finals on Sky it’s fast and exciting - and it has all the qualities Sports in the UK was a breakthrough for SquashTV, required to make it a great Olympic sport. I don’t and was extremely well-received," said PSA CEO Alex know why it isn’t in already.” Gough. "Adding in Eurosport 2 is another big step for Pendleton has trained alongside English squash star squash. in and watched him in "In our bid to become an Olympic sport, PSA has action against his fellow Briton Peter Barker during been investing heavily in TV coverage of the sport the evening session at Queen’s Club. Matthew is also and to now have the confidence of such a significant engaged to sports scientist Esme Taylor, who has list of broadcasters around the world airing our sport worked with both Pendleton and Rowsell as part of live is a big plus," he added. her role with the Team GB cycling team.

2 “I think it’s really interesting that you can have a AL TAMIMI & WHITLOCK HEAD LATEST WSF sport like squash which is so universal.” said Searle WORLD JUNIOR RANKINGS “You have it played in over 150 countries and people Qatari Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi and of all different shapes and sizes can play it. Each 's headed the sport is different and has different properties. In WSF World Junior Circuit Rankings rowing, if you’re not 6ft 5 it’s hard to compete but according to the new February list squash can be played by everyone.” published by WSF. “In a sport that translates well onto TV then that’s Al Tamimi retains the top position really how you can draw people into it and get he first achieved in November. After people to try it,” added Pendleton. “The whole idea is winning the Liechtenstein Junior to give people the opportunity to get involved. I Open last year, the 18-year-old would love to have a go at squash but I think it went on to win the Dutch Junior would take me a long time to get to grips with it!” Open in Amsterdam. Jordan's Pendleton, Rowsell and Searle were also introduced Ahmad Al-Saraj and Englishman to women’s World No.1 and seven-time World Richie Fallows hold onto second and Champion Nicol David. “It’s such a total honour to third positions, respectively – meet you,” Pendleton told David. “Your consistency is Al-Saraj winning his own incredible and you really are amazing.” On showing country's junior open in April David her Gold and Silver medals from the London before making the final of the 2012 Olympic Games, Pendleton said: “You so Junior Open in deserve to have one of these.” July, and 17-year-old Fallows Another Olympian doing clinching both the Nordic so is Anjali Mandar Junior Open and Swiss Junior Bhagwat. The former Open late last year. world number one and Emily Whitlock rounded off triple shooting Olympian her illustrious junior career in is considered to be one style in January by winning of the greatest Indian the women's British Junior women athletes of all Open title for the first time - time. not only becoming the only home winner, but also Olympians are not the only ones though. Top Indian adding to the U17 crown she won two years before. cricketers including legend Sachin Tendulkar, have The 18-year-old also won the European Junior offered their backing recently. Others are being Championship last year - and is already establishing added all the time. herself on the WSA Tour, with six titles to her credit. ______India's Anaka WORLD REFEREEING CONFERENCE GOES TO Alankamony moves up JORDAN to second place, The 12th World Squash Refereeing boosted by title Conference will be held in Amman, success in both the Jordan on Friday 4th and Saturday Indian Junior Open 5th October. and the Asian Junior Championships. Third place is taken by Karla Urrutia, the 18-year-old from Jordan is a vibrant squash nation, who won both the PanAm Junior Championship and hosting the Asian Junior Individual the Canadian Junior Open. Championship this year. The WSF World Junior Circuit Rankings - based on The theme this year is ‘The Next Step: Becoming an the under-19 age grouping and launched in 2011 - Elite Referee’ and the varied programme and quality are issued quarterly, based on results achieved in presenters will ensure that attendees come away national junior opens, regional championships and having developed their skills and learnt a great deal. WSF World Junior Individual Championships. Full details and registration form are at: ______www.worldsquash.org/ws/?p=11030 BALL CHANGE ______The WSF Regulations have been M ANWAR SHAMIM amended so that they are aligned with PSA in respect Air Chief Marshal M Anwar Shamim, the founder of ball changes and now read: President of (ASF) died in The referee may decide that the ball must be hospital recently in , following a changed at any time if he feels that the shape or long illness. The Air Chief Marshal held the office playability of it is or has become inappropriate in President of ASF from 1980 – 1985. accordance with general standards or specifications.

In the case of white balls the referee may also order Photographs: Many with thanks from SquashSite.co.uk a change if the visibility of it has deteriorated, and and squashpics.com either player may request a new ball at the start of the third game.

3 BOTSWANA CLAIM HISTORIC ALL U.S. SQUASH LEADS THE WAY IN PRIZE CHAMPIONSHIP GOLD MONEY PARITY Botswana claimed a historic first title success in an U.S. Squash has announced that the prize purse for international squash event when beat the 2013 Delaware Investments U.S. Open Squash Zambian Kelvin Ndhlovu in the Men's Individual final Championships will provide equal prize money for of the All Africa Championships at the Wanderers both the women's and men's events. Club in the Namibia capital Windhoek. Leading the way in the industry, and ahead of many other professional sports yet to achieve parity for both genders, the prize money for the women will be raised to $115,000 to make it equal to the men's fund. The women's draw will also be increased to 32 players from a previous 16 player draw, now in line with the men's draw, providing greater opportunity for female professional players to compete in the World Series event. "It is a top priority for us to promote opportunities for girls and women to play squash," said Kevin Klipstein, New York-based Walker (pictured below), the world CEO of U.S. Squash. "Offering equal No14, was representing the country of his birth for prize money is one way we are able the first time as a senior – and had earlier led to help more female squash players Botswana to fourth place in the team championships. compete at the highest level and to captured their full potential." gold in the team Sports icon and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King championship after said: "Any time you can achieve equality in any field beating Zambia 2/1 in a of endeavour - be it in sports or in life - everyone repeat of the 2011 final wins. This announcement is so much more about the in . message than the money and I am thrilled another The mixed team was U.S. championship event has stepped up and done led by Siyoli Waters, the right thing." the world No37 from Klipstein (left, with Peter Lasusa, Chair of U.S. Cape Town who went Squash) added: "In the US we have the same on to clinch the other number of girls playing as boys and a nearly equal individual crown after number of women and men competing in college. beating Senada Haupt The women's tour has an incredible, dynamic and in the all-South African entertaining World Champion and recent U.S. Open women's final. Champion in Nicol David. The women's tour is equally All Africa Squash Championships, Windhoek, Namibia as significant and competitive as the men's tour, and Men's Individual Championship quarter-finals: the opportunities for both genders should be [1] Alister Walker (BOT) bt Jonathan Peters (NGR) 12-10, 11-5, equivalent." 11-6; [4] Christo Potgieter (RSA) bt [7] Lekgotla Mosope (BOT) The 2013 Delaware Investments U.S. Open will be 11-5, 11-4, 11-4; [3] Kelvin Ndhlovu (ZAM) bt [5] Mwinga Lengwe (ZAM) w/o; [2] Rodney Durbach (RSA) bt [6] Michael Wood (RSA) held at Drexel University in Philadelphia from 9-18 11-9, 11-7, 11-5 October. Semi-finals: ______[1] Alister Walker (BOT) bt [4] Christo Potgieter (RSA) 11-2, 11-4, 11-4; [3] Kelvin Ndhlovu (ZAM) bt [2] Rodney Durbach (RSA) 11- COURT BUILDING BOOMS 4, 11-8, 11-2 Companies who build Complete Court Accredited Final: Courts (CCA) – being a requirement for new courts [1] Alister Walker (BOT) bt [3] Kelvin Ndhlovu (ZAM) 11-9, 11-4, 11-2 that wish to be considered for event use, have Women's Individual Championship quarter-finals: projects going on worldwide. [1] Siyoli Waters (RSA) bt Longdi Dasbak (NGR) 11-2, 11-3, 11-3; Courtwall have been particularly [3] Isabell Schnoor (NAM) bt Leungo Mothlabane (BOT) 11-6, 11- 7, 11-4; [4] Vanessa Florens (MRI) bt Yemisi Olatunji (NGR) 11-5, active in the French market with 11-5, 11-2; [2] Senada Haupt (RSA) bt Udeme James (NGR) 11-4, centres such as Play`n Sports in 11-6, 11-8 Ambérieu-en-Bugey, (pictured), Semi-finals: Soccer Park in Tours and We Are [1] Siyoli Waters (RSA) bt [3] Isabell Schnoor (NAM) 11-2, 11-2, 11-0; [2] Senada Haupt (RSA) bt [4] Vanessa Florens (MRI) 11-4, Sports in Vénissieux Centre, Lyon, amongst others. 11-1, 11-7 Also in , ASB have Final: finished the Lisses Sport [1] Siyoli Waters (RSA) bt [2] Senada Haupt (RSA) 8-11, 11-6, 11- 7, 14-12 Académie near Evry / Paris Team Championship Final: (pictured) and six courts at SOUTH AFRICA bt ZAMBIA 2/1 HPark in Clermont Ferrand. Siyoli Waters bt Sharon Chimfwembe 11-2, 11-3, 11-5 Both include rainbow floor Rodney Durbach lost to Kelvin Ndhlovu 4-11, 11-5, 5-11, 11-5, 1-11 courts specifically for coaching purposes. Christo Potgieter bt Mwinga Lengwe 8-11, 12-10, 11-0, 11-2

4 PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS The new WSA Sportsmanship Award was awarded to Recent events have seen Samantha Cornett for her commitment to fair play presentations to players and keen spirit both on and off court. Cornett was who have won awards as honoured at the Tournament of Champions event at voted for by their peers at Grand Central Station, . WSA and PSA. The WSA Cayman Islands World Open 2012 was Malaysia’s Nicol David has deemed the first ever WSA Tournament of the Year been named WSA Heather as the culmination of the WSA’s calendar in McKay Player of the Year December 2012. Voted for by the players alone, the for the 7th time following a event, run by Dan Kniepp, was regarded as highly presentation at the successful and well-run throughout the week. The quarter- Cayman Islands National Squash Association were finals night. honoured to received the award, stating that is was a joy to host the magnificent event and that they look David, who saw another forward to hosting more events in the future. immaculate year as the world’s No.1 player, was ASHOUR LEADS THE WAY just one title win short of claiming a clean sweep in 's was honoured as PSA Player of all World Series events in 2012, culminating in her the Year for the second year in a row at the annual seventh World Open title. The award, one of many World Squash Awards. The presentation took place at rebranded accolades this year, is named after a the PSA World Series JP Morgan Tournament of legend of the women’s game, Heather McKay, who Champions at Grand Central Terminal in New York. was a dominant force on the Tour throughout the In a further nomination by the PSA Board, fellow 60’s and 70’s. Egyptian received the PSA The ceremony, held at the Young Player of Year award. Cleveland Classic event, also Ashour has become one of the biggest draws on the featured further WSA PSA World Tour over the past few years. Twice a nominations from an winner of the PSA Young Player of the Year award, independent panel. Alison the two-time world junior champion rapidly made his Waters received the Vicki mark on the senior tour, becoming world number one Cardwell Comeback Player of for the first time in January 2010, aged 23. the Year 2012 after an After an injury-affected 2011, the gifted 25-year-old impressive return from a year’s from enjoyed the best year of his professional layoff saw the English 28-year- career in 2012, becoming the first player for almost old start the year at No.39 and two decades to reach the final of all events he played claim five titles on her way back up to the world’s in - winning five titles and capping the year by Top4. clinching the PSA World Championship crown for the Seventeen-year-old burst into the second time and regaining the world number one upper echelons of the WSA world rankings in 2012, ranking this month. leaping from No.28 in January 2012 to peak at No.5. The prodigal Egyptian reached the British Open final at the O2 Arena in London in May, and in acknowledgment of her excellent efforts has been appointed the Breakthrough Player of the Year 2012. Samantha Teran’s services to squash did not go unnoticed last year, as she was honoured with the Platinum Service Award 2012. Also a new award, The Platinum Service Award celebrates a player’s dedication and Samantha Cornett (centre), with Ramy Ashour (left) and Marwan service to the sport, not El Shorbagy (right) just for the past 12- After following in the footsteps of Mohamed El months, but over a Shorbagy by winning a second World Junior number of years. The Championship title last year, teenager Marwan El Mexican has been busy Shorbagy is now emulating his older brother by both on and off the tour, helping to raise the profile becoming 'Young Player of the Year' - an award won of squash in her home country, as well as opening a by Mohamed in both 2009 and 2010. new squash club and founding the Abierto Mexicano "It's an honour to be awarded the '2012 PSA Young de Raquetas event in Toluca, which she was Player of the Year'," tweeted El Shorbagy junior later. unfortunately forced to withdraw from through "Thanks to everyone who has supported me through injury. all this year."

5 FRANCE FOCUSES ON MEN'S WORLD TEAM The full list of nations participating is (in alphabetic CHAMPIONSHIP order): , , , Botswana, A maximum 32 nations , , , , Egypt, - with representation England, , France, , Hong Kong, from all five continents , , , Kenya, , Malaysia, - will contest the 2013 Mexico, , New Zealand, Pakistan, , WSF Men's World Team , , South Africa, , , Squash Championship USA and Venezuela. which will be held in The official website: France for the first time www.worldmensquash-mulhouse2013.fr/ Facebook: in the event's 46-year history. www.facebook.com/WorldSquashChampionshipsMulhouse2013 The 24th WSF Men's World Team Championship, Twitter: hosted by the Fédération Française de Squash, will https://twitter.com/WorldSquash2013 ______be held from 9-15 June in Mulhouse, at both the Espace Squash 3000 Centre and the Palais Des BRING ON 2013 Sports (pictured) - where action will take place on WSF, together with the three all-glass showcourts. Men's and Women's It was in the French city of Nimes last year that the Professional Tours, has French Squash launched a new online Federation first campaign to build support unveiled its for Squash's ambition to three state-of- join the Olympic Games in the-art all-glass 2020. courts at the Using the Twitter ID 2012 Women's @vote4squash and World Team hashtag #vote4squash, Championship. followers are being urged to show their support and help turn Squash's Olympic ambitions into reality. The initiative has already seen #vote4squash trending in Malaysia, the Middle East, the and Australia. World Squash Federation President N Ramachandran said: "Our 144 Member Federations and the leading players on the PSA and WSA World Tours are really getting behind this initiative to encourage as many fans as possible to register their support for our Olympic campaign. This comes on top of our existing use of Facebook and YouTube where our 2020 campaign film has registered nearly 100,000 views since being posted in December. "Thanks to the acquisition of three glass courts "The next few months are crucial to our bid and (which is a first for a national federation in the world) using social media to demonstrate the huge passion we have noticed a very significant increase of interest there is for Squash to become part of the Olympic from the media, and especially TV, for squash," said Games is important as we head towards our FFS President Jacques Fontaine. "This tool is specific presentation to the IOC Executive Board in May." to squash and unique in sport today. "The 32 nations expected in Mulhouse will provide a fantastic spectacle." Egypt will defend the title men's world team Official WSF Magazine title they , the World Championship won for runner-up, is a player likely to have a crucial part in the fourth the WSF World Men's Team Championship at time in Mulhouse in France from June 9 to 15. Germany in 2011 after upsetting favourites England in the final For Rod Gilmour's in-depth interview in Squash in Paderborn. Hosts France, twice runners-up, will be Player with the rising Egyptian star, click on looking to win the title for the first time. Meanwhile, http://www.squashplayer.co.uk/features/feb_2013/S Botswana and Poland will be making their first horbagy-WEB.pdf appearances in the championship.

6 NEW MALAYSIAN CIRCUIT WORLD MASTERS 2014 The launch of the new Malaysian Squash Circuit in Putrajaya by Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek will fill a vacuum in Malaysian squash for national back-up and junior players lacking an avenue to showcase their talent and make a living off the sport, something that top player Mohd Azlan Iskandar has been hard at work at since he announced his retirement last year. (Cheek, left, Azlan right, in photo). David Mui, Chairman of , has "A lot of shared his vision and people run enthusiasm in bringing the to the World Masters 2014 to his ministry territory and his general for money vision in an interview with but we the World Masters team have (WM): pitched a plan which WM: HK players are rapidly will allow rising up through the world us to use ranks - including Rakan Muda and IKBN (National Youth Skills at #10 and Max Lee now in Institute) centres for squash with the ministry being the top 30. How has Hong Kong Squash achieved the facilitator," said Azlan, the 2010 such success? individual gold medalist. "With the backing of the DM: Over the past 20 years we have developed an Sports Ministry, we can also reach out to the extensive junior programme of training and Education Ministry and conduct programmes in competitions to introduce the sport through schools schools. and the community. Easy access to public courts and strong government funding have given talented "I have been running my academy for a year and a athletes the chance to refine their games and play at half and we have been providing reports on the an international level. The success of players like academy's progress to show we are serious about Rebecca Chui and now Annie and Max have provided this. inspiring role models. We have a great depth of The 10-leg squash circuit will largely run in venues players coming up through the system, so look where Azlan's academy has a presence and the forward to going from strength to strength. former World No 10 hopes that national players will WM: What do you think the prospects are for Hong gain from competing on the circuit. "I wish someone Kong players to emerge as Masters World Champions had done this when I was 17 years old. For a player in 2014? who wins all 10 events, it will be worth RM38,000 to DM: I am sure there will be great support for the him and that's a decent sum," said Azlan. event from Hong Kong players and we do have some "This is my way of giving back to the sport and help very strong competitors at all levels. Several formerly supplement the effort of SRAM (Squash world ranked players reside and still play in Hong Association of Malaysia) in developing the sport. Kong, and with a bit of training we would expect to "It will also help create job opportunities for coaches see them do well and the players can do their part to popularise the WM: What makes Hong Kong an ideal venue for the sport. The fact that the circuit will be held near my World Masters Championship? Any message to academies means the juniors will have a chance to players thinking about coming to compete? watch professionals in action." DM: Hong Kong is very compact and dynamic and boasts some of the best squash facilities in the world. The news The venues, hotels and entertainment areas are all comes at very close so players won’t need to worry much the time about getting around. I am sure that anyone coming when the to the WM’14, whether to compete or support, will Bukit Jalil have a great experience. Seize the opportunity! National WM: What are you looking forward to most at the Centre has WM’14? been DM: To meeting and talking with players from around completely the world and welcoming them to our great city. refurbished WM: I know you play regular league squash David. including a Will we see you in the draw in 2014? new ASB DM: I have started training already! all-glass centre court featuring a doubles configuration (pictured) in the Arena Nicol David.

7 POP IN TO A POP-UP SQUASH SHOP! NEW ONLINE RANKING SYSTEM ON THE BLOCK In Manchester’s Corn Exchange in England, a pop-up A new ranking system put together by squash shop making use of un-used retail space to SquashChampions.com based in Bangalore and Los create a temporary high street squash court. Angeles that has recently come on stream. Their The ‘squash shop’ system allows players of all levels to join local concept is being rolled rankings in their city or state and then challenge out across the UK by other players to meet up and play individual & matches. Key features include Facebook connect, Racketball as part of professional looking player profiles and graphs to The Big Hit campaign show playing history. which engages the SquashChampions.com already has twenty rankings public. “We feel that running in five countries. They are continuing to empty shops can be put to better use for the grow and innovate, adding new features based on community by using them as a temporary squash the recommendations from the members. shops,” said Steve Amos, Head of National Network We caught up with Navin Shenoy at ESR. “Working with retail management to make President of their Bangalore them available and staffed by our regional coaching Ranking to find out how the team, we want consumers to walk out of a clothing system is working for him. store and straight in to a squash shop for a quick Q: Please introduce yourself and taster session and to learn the fun and health how are you involved in the benefits that you can have with a squash racket and squash community a ball.” A: I started a city wide squash Launching the first squash ladder for Bangalore in 2007 to shop in Manchester was one help the squash players better their game by giving of Britain’s top female players them a platform to challenge and play other players. . The world I also run the Bangalore Squash League which is a number 3 thinks the squash team event involving the players on the ladder. The shop is a great way to get the ladder has allowed our players to challenge and play public playing; "I think it’s a people who under normal circumstances would never great idea. Squash is the get to play each other. This brought about greater perfect sport to put in the competition and has helped to improve the standard 'shop window' and because of the game in the city. we play on courts not much Q: What were your initial thoughts when you heard bigger than this shop, the about SquashChampions.com? experience for shoppers to pick up a racket and have A: I started our ladder on paper with players SMS’ing a go, gives them a real feel for how much fun the results to me. Later we had a very basic online game can be. There is so much redundant retail system. I was happy to find the Squash Champions space on Britain’s high streets, that making good use team had built a very thorough system. of it to get the public playing a sport like squash is so Q: How did your players react when you told them blindingly simple. The Big Hit should be a big about SquashChampions.com? success." A: I just had to inform our players that a new and better ladder had been created and to register online The BBC Breakfast team including sports presenter at www.squashchampions.com. Players were pretty Mike Bushell (pictured) even came down to give it a happy with what they saw and have moved to the try with Massaro. new ladder pretty easily. ______Q: Do share some tips/recommendations to other potential presidents who are thinking of setting up a Squash is now a confirmed sport ranking in their area for the World Masters Games A: So long as you have at least ten people who are which is taking place in Torino ready to play then go ahead and start a ladder. (), , 2–11 August 2013. People have a mind block to things they have not seen so just get it off the ground with a few players. Full details are at: Once people see matches being held and hear about http://www.torino2013wmg.org/?lang=en. players enjoying playing matches then the numbers The organisers are hoping for a large entry and have will grow. a back-up venue in place if necessary. Q: What are the main advantages you see in Squash ______Champions compared to other similar online ranking WSF APPROVED RACKETS systems? A: Squash Champions has covered almost all the aspects that an online ladder needs to have so using it is pretty easy and even people with limited knowledge about getting online find it easy to use. SquashChampions.com can be contacted at [email protected]

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MANCHESTER HOSTS WORLD MEN’S CERTIFIED EYEWEAR BRANDS 2013 CHAMPIONSHIP FOR SECOND TIME The following brands have passed national safety The $325,000 PSA Men's World Championship 2013 standards and have applied for WSF Certified listing is to be staged at the English National Squash Centre and so are eligible for use in WSF, Regional and with finals at Manchester Central, from 26 October to many national junior events. When buying new 3 November. products look for the WSF Certified Tested logo on Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, them. explained: "Manchester is the home of UK squash Brands that become certified will be added to the and it will be exciting to welcome the World's best WSF website and featured in forthcoming WSF players back to the city. Instant Updates. "The Men's World Championship will be a highlight of BRAND NAME APPROVED MODELS Manchester's enviable 2013 sporting programme - that also includes the UCI BMX Supercross World Dunlop Cup, the Bupa Great Manchester Run and Great CityGames, a pre-season NBA basketball exhibition Dunlop I-ARMOR game and the final. "Manchester has a remarkably strong track record for i-Mask hosting both national and international sporting events that not only showcase our world-class i-Mask facilities but helps encourage local residents to become more involved with sport." Prince Rage (9903V) ______Rage Junior (9903JR) WORLD HARDBALL DOUBLES GOES TO NEW YORK Prolite (RB10C) Speed (R601) Attitude (Pro2) R615

The 2013 World Hardball Squash Doubles Championships from April 11-15 are hosted by U.S. Squash and the New York Metropolitan Squash ASIA ELECTS NEW MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Doubles Clubs and offer $70,000 in prize money The ASF AGM held in alongside the Asian across a men’s division, women’s division and mixed Junior Championships resulted in outgoing President division. Dato Sani Karim becoming Emeritus President and Head of the U.S. Squash Doubles Committee and Hong Kong Squash Chairman David Mui taking over Tournament Co-Chairman Tim Wyant says the event as President. The full officer list is: is the most significant tournament on the hardball President: David Y Y Mui, MH JP (Hong Kong), Vice doubles calendar. “This event brings together the Presidents: Kim Won Kwan (Korea), Fayez Al-Mutairi world’s most talented hardball doubles players for an (Kuwait), AVM Syed Razi Nawab (Pakistan), Secretary intensive battle to be crowned the World Hardball General: Duncan Chiu (Hong Kong), Hon. Treasurer: Squash Doubles Champions,” says Quick. “The title is Cedric Tyen (Hong Kong) the highest honour in hardball doubles squash, and Appointed Officers are: Coaching Director: Tony Choi attracts so much interest from all over the world. It’s (Hong Kong), Referees Director: Munir Shah great that hardball doubles is so popular (Singapore), Assistant Secretary General: Karl Mak internationally.” (Hong Kong). The men’s division will be made up of 64 players for ______a 32 team draw, while the women’s and mixed WSF APPROVED BALLS events are 16 team (32 player) draws. “Women’s doubles is a growing area, and interest in this tournament is always strong,” says Emily Lungstrum, Tournament Co-Chairperson. “It is great to see so many strong teams put forward to compete in this event each year.” Registrations are open until Tuesday March 19, and National Squash Associations can use this form http://www.worldsquash.org/ws/wp- content/uploads/2013/02/2013-World-Doubles- Entry.pdf to submit their entry to U.S. Squash.

9 RACKETS FOR AFRICA ARE IN PLAY ...... in a number of countries. A few have reported In .... here: This initiative has seen the introduction and Making a difference in disadvantaged development of squash in most of the communities communities in South Africa through squash. around Zimbabwe. The donated rackets have been distributed to the Zimbabwe Squash Academy (Belgravia) &(Harare Sports Club), Matebeleland

Many learners at township and Johannesburg inner- city schools in South Africa are not receiving the Province, and a few given to the upcoming and benefits of physical and sporting development. developing junior squash players in Zimbabwe. Educators do not have the time and schools do not have the resources to offer extra-mural or sport The under privileged communities have received the development facilities. rackets with great thanks. Egolisquash is working hard to reverse this condition And in Botswana through the introduction of squash to disadvantaged kids in these areas. Youngsters were able to utilize the rackets in the local Egolisquash . These included the Inner-city – Soweto tournament which is a friendly tournament for kids from these centres. Similarly, about 60 kids from the inner-city, Soweto and Alexandra were full of excitement as they participated in the annual Egolisquash Heritage Day and had enough rackets as opposed to the previous tournaments. The visit of Riley Waterous (pictured with a group), who had made initiative possible through the collection of rackets to the kids involved in the The rackets for Africa initiative was described as programme. Currently, there are about 2500 kids probably the biggest thing to happen to Botswana involved in the programme. Riley handed them 200 junior squash in a long time, according to Koketso squash rackets to be used in their training sessions. Ntshebe, BSRA’s Development Manager, saying it This was the second consignment of rackets from Rackets For Africa. The rackets were used to ‘provided our junior players with rackets of such a facilitate coaching clinics run for about 800 kids who high quality and enough for us to share with all our participated in one of our largest squash annual four main development centers around Botswana events- Egolisquash Festival. The younsters also used namely Francistown, Selebi–Phikwe, Francistown and the rackets to design World Squash Day art designs Gaborone. Sadly but true we do get very limited which were uploaded in the World Squash website. funding from our governing bodies which impedes with our development. But this initiatives has done The rackets were further used to build capacity wonders. It has enabled us to find more players and among adults from these disadvantaged naturally for juniors it just meant more competition communities. Three squash training courses were for places and courts. run; Coach the Coach, Level 1 and Level 2. Twenty- five Sports Coordinators and parents were trained in ……..While in Kenya these courses. The programme has taken adults from A pilot junior programme at KCB Club in Nairobi has the disadvantaged communities, given them different brought in a number of youngsters and via it Kenya skills including squash, fitness and coaching so they SRA have been able to get other clubs interested and are now able to earn a living from the structures. hope to launch it in these clubs soon. They have also The rackets have enabled Egolisquash to engage in been able to initiate a schools programme where expansion projects and run introductory clinics which around ten schools are already on board. The formal cater for learners who are physically and intellectually launch of the scheme takes place in March. challenged aged from 8-18 years.

10 WORLD JUNIORS, WROCLAW AWAITS & TIM GARNER BOOST OLYMPIC There will be great BID WITH 7 CONTINENT CHALLENGE excitement while the Former participating nations internationals fight for the Peter Nicol MBE Women’s Junior Team Championship in the Polish and Tim Garner city of Wroclaw, but first the destiny of the male and will contest 7 female individual crowns will need to be decided. Squash Matches Entry forms have been circulated to all national in 7 Days on 7 federations Continents in a In terms of schedule - World Individual Under-19 bid to help raise titles for both men and women are 16-21 July, the profile of followed by the Women's World Junior Team Squash's Championship, 22-27 July. campaign to join the programme of the 2020 Olympic Games. The full list of competing teams is: Australia, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, England, France, The Xodus 7 Continent Challenge, inspired by Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, New legendary British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes' Land Zealand, Poland, South Africa and USA. Rover 7x7x7 (ie. seven marathons in seven days on seven continents), was conceived by Garner. The Xodus 7 Continent Challenge will see the English pair travel more than 40,000 miles and spend over 70 hours on planes over the course of a week that will be a test of endurance both mentally and physically. Crossing squash rackets in each of the destinations the matches will be the focal point of squash activity on each continent at that time. The championships are being played at the Hasta La "I wanted to come up with something that would Vista Club, a new Wroclaw facility which opened last highlight the fantastic bid that Squash is putting year featuring twelve courts, which include a three- together to join the Olympic Programme in 2020 and glass-wall 'centre court'. got thinking about the 7 Marathons Challenge and Website: http://hastalavista.pl/wjc-2013 how that could be adopted," said Garner. "This will not only hopefully do that, but will also demonstrate the global universality of the sport. "It is fantastic to have someone with the profile of Peter Nicol to share it with," added the 42-year-old former world No26. "Hopefully we will start and finish as friends - though I have the feeling we both intend winning!" As well as profiling the Olympic Bid, the Xodus 7 Continent Challenge will be raising monies for two squash causes: The first is to support Squash's inclusion in the LV= SOS Kit Aid Scheme, and the second Natasha's Steps, a trust set up help young squash player Natasha Drake who is recovering from an idiopathic bleed on her brain. Xodus 7 Continent Challenge schedule: Day 1: 13th April - Falkland Islands 'Antarctica' Day 2: 14th April - , South America Day 3: 16th April* - , Australia Australia Day 4: 17th April - , Malaysia Asia Day 5: 18th April - Cairo, Egypt Africa Day 6: 19th April - London, UK Europe Day 7: 20th April - New York North America (*lose a day due to international date line) Nicol, the former world champion and world number one, said: "When Tim approached me about the idea I had no hesitation - well, maybe a little - in saying yes! Through the course of this bid process, Squash has been demonstrating all of its strengths and why it will be a great addition to the Olympic Programme and the more people that hear about it the better."

11 WSA / PSA RANKINGS Malaysian while also enlarging the gap between her and her challengers. Meanwhile, 17 year old Nour El Sherbini has a wafer-thin lead over Gaultier Rises to Three in the While Egypt's Ramy Ashour and Englishman Nick race for fourth place. Matthew strengthen their grip on the top two places, Above them is France's Gregory Gaultier (pictured below) moves up England’s Laura to third position in the new March Dunlop PSA Men's Massaro, who was World Squash Rankings. beaten 3/2 by Waters With three PSA World Tour in the final of the titles since October, the 30- British Nationals, who year-old from Aix-en- is in the third slot. Provence is enjoying one 1 Nicol David MAS 1 3193.529 the most spectacular 2 EGY 2 2021.563 phases of his 14-year 3 Laura Massaro ENG 3 1709.000 professional career. Already 4 Nour El Sherbini EGY 4 1213.656 this year, Gaultier has 5 Alison Waters ENG 5 1209.524 followed a runners-up berth 6 Low Wee Wern MAS 6 1036.250 in the JP Morgan 7 NZL 7 1002.389 Tournament of Champions 8 ENG 8 872.647 in New York with title success in last month's Case 9 FRA 9 867.368 in Linkoping where he upset world 10 Annie Au HKG 10 834.700 No2 Matthew in the final. 11 IRL 12 806.136 His latest achievement saw him notch up his 50th 12 NED 11 768.824 appearance in a PSA Tour final - a magnificent 13 AUS 13 718.143 milestone only equalled by Matthew on today's Tour. 14 EGY 14 599.735 15 Dipika Pallikal IND 15 569.658 England's slips to fourth place, whilst 16 AUS 16 532.727 22-year-old Mohamed El Shorbagy moves up to a 17 Donna Urquhart AUS 17 485.386 career-equalling-high No5, ahead of fellow Egyptians 18 Samantha Teran MEX 18 430.556 and . 19 HKG 19 409.925 1 [1] Ramy Ashour EGY 1,451 20 Sarah Kippax ENG 20 380.975 2 [2] Nick Matthew ENG 1,095 ______3 [4] Gregory Gaultier FRA 928 WORLDWIDE COACHING LEVEL STANDARDISATION 4 [3] James Willstrop ENG 854 5 [6] Mohamed El Shorbagy EGY 637 The WSF Coaching Committee have finalised core 6 [5] Karim Darwish EGY 608 content for coaching courses so that regions and 7 [7] Amr Shabana EGY 515 nations have base areas that need to be covered in 8 [8] Peter Barker ENG 504 courses they provide (adding to as they wish). Not 9 [9] EGY 496 only does this ensure that worldwide there will be 10 [10] Borja Golan ESP 435 assured quality in coaches taking certified courses, 11 [11] EGY 396 but for the coaches themselves, their qualifications 12 [12] Tom Richards ENG 360 will be recognised internationally. 13 [15] Laurens Jan Anjema NED 333 They have started with Level 1, which is now 14 [14] Alister Walker BOT 323 completed, to be followed by Level 2 and Level 3 15 [13] ENG 314 during the coming year. 16 [16] Simon Rosner GER 291 What this means in practice is the intention that 17 [17] Adrian Grant ENG 290 every region cross references the core content with 18 [19] AUS 275 their own Level 1 outline to ensure that it embraces 19 [18] IND 275 all the topics (and others too, if desired), or simply 20 [20] RSA 265 adopt this version if they wish. Then the details can be submitted by the region to the WSF Coaching Committee so that the WSF can then offer the WSF Certified Course logo to be added to course materials No Change at the Top and certificates as published by the regions. The March WSA Women’s World ranking sees an Meanwhile, regions will be able to check the content unchanged top ten with Malaysian Nicol David of courses offered by national federations, so that if (pictured right) and Raneem El Weleily from Egypt, they include all the core content the regional and maintaining their grip on the top two places. El WSF certification can be added to them too. Weleily had mounted a great fightback from 2/1 Thus anybody taking and passing such a coaching down in the final of the Cleveland Classic to beat qualification will have the national, regional and David, and her reward is to edge closer to the world certification.

12 SNIPPETS Beast Nominated Medical Appointment A film called "Beasts of the Southern Wild" was Dr Anne Smith, the Director of the WSF Medical nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Commission has been invited to join the International The production company for the film is called Court Association Medical Committee. 13 - named after an abandoned squash court (at US Pro Series Wesleyan University in Connecticut) where the U.S. Squash and the Professional filmmakers first set up shop, and even lived for a Squash Association (PSA) have time. joined in partnership to launch the Iran embraces Racketball US Pro Squash Series Iran already has a (www.usprosquashseries.com). The strong squash primary goal of the series is to serve community, with Tour as a marketing umbrella for US men's professional events having already tournaments and to increase the awareness of been played there, but squash through the professional game. now there are A real Wing Ding racketball seeds being The Hong Kong Wing Ding sown. Led by coach Charity Event regular spawns Fereshteh Vaziri, some interesting photos such as groups in Tehran are this one! trying racketball as an Charity is the name of the game introduction to squash and a game in its’ own right. raising over US$200,000 for local Vaziri (back row, centre), who also takes coaching charities this time, and is a and refereeing courses, provides strong support to colourful and fun family event the Iran Squash Federation. that brings together non-league National Centre for Japan social players, league players and Japan Squash Association has local and international submitted plans for a national professionals, including former squash centre with the HK number one Ladies player government supported by 25 Rebecca Chiu, Hong Kong member of congress. The case will number one mens players Max Lee and Dick Lau, and be discussed during the present other current professionals including , session of the Diet. Alister Walker, Cameron Pilley and Line Hansen. It will be built in the heart of Tokyo with six courts plus one all glass court.

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