behindtheglass ISSUE 02 / December 2018

GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2019 SPORTS UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR

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University of Nottingham vs UWE / Elite Bristol 4 December 2018 David Ross Sports Village Standings Premier Squash League 2018/19 Northern Divison - A P W L TF TA GF GA Pts Warwick/Kenilworth 4 4 0 15 5 32 16 44 University of Birmingham Lions 4 3 1 13 7 29 18 38 Team Pontefract 4 3 1 11 9 25 23 34 University of Nottingham 4 1 3 8 12 21 25 24 Northumberland/Newcastle 4 1 3 7 13 17 30 20 UWE /Elite Squash Bristol 4 0 4 6 14 19 31 19

Southern Division - B P W L TF TA GF GA Pts Tradition @ RAC 4 3 1 16 4 35 18 44 Welsh Wizards 4 3 1 12 8 27 20 36 Luxfords St George’s Hill 4 3 1 12 8 25 23 34 Coolhurst 4 2 2 9 11 21 25 27 Bexley 4 1 3 6 14 20 31 23 Chichester 4 0 4 5 15 20 31 20

niversity of Nottingham found themselves a resounding 5-0 win, topped off by on the receiving end of a 5-0 defeat away to beating two nil. UUniversity of Birmingham in last week’s Pre- mier Squash League action and will be looking to make In the Southern Division, Tradition @ RAC lead the way amends this evening. on 44 points and will have the opportunity to extend their lead this evening as they head to Chichester who Tonight’s visitors were also on the receiving end of a are yet to record a win this season. Welcome round 4 defeat as they fell to Northumberland /New- castle and slipped to the foot of the table. Welcome to David Ross Sports Village for Northern Division leaders Pontefract travelled to tonight’s Premier Squash League action University of Warwick / Kenilworth Squash – both between University of Nottingham and Dan Tilley with three wins out of three- with a strong looking Director of Sport team but came away with just a solitary point as the UWE/Elite Squash Bristol University of Nottingham “WarKens” put themselves at the top of the table with

he University is delighted to be of only a handful of permanent all We are delighted to welcome our working in partnership with glass courts in the UK. friends from UWE/ Elite Squash Tonight’s fixtures TNottingham Squash Rackets Bristol this evening and hope club and Toyota Nottingham to host The University helps to provide a that they enjoy playing David tonight’s Premier Squash League significant opportunity for young Ross Sports Village. DIVISION A - ROUND 5 match. The University has a rich and people to secure a world class proud heritage in squash with players education, alongside one of the Finally, I would like to thank such as Gawain Briars, Emma Beddoes most comprehensive higher Toyota Materials Handling for Northumberland / Newcastle and Peter Marshall graduating from education performance squash their continued sponsorship vs Warwick/Kenilworth the University. programmes in the country, and of our Premier Squash League 4th December, 7pm NEXT UP - ROUND 6 we hope this venture with the team. University of Nottingham vs The investment in David Ross Sports PSL will further embed our status Pontefract Northumberland / Newcastle Village has reinforced our intent with as one of the leading Universities I hope you all enjoy the vs Birmingham 08 January, 7pm @ NRSC squash following the creation of one for squash in the UK. action with us this evening. 4th December, 7pm

2 behindtheglass / December, 2018 behindtheglass/ December, 2018 3 Interview “I am very humble to have these with Hana Ramadan opportunities whilst studying at university. It can be frustrating It has been a remarkable summer for sometimes but I just need to be Hana Ramadan. Not only did the Sport patient and very wise with my Scholar graduate from the University time management.” of Nottingham with full honors but she also stamped her authority on the PSA tour- sending out a signal of intent.

orn in Alexandria, Egypt, What kind of 21 year old Physiotherapy challenge will Bstudent Hana Ramadan is thoroughly enjoying the balance Bristol bring this of life in the lecture hall and on the evening?It is always a squash court. challenge to play against a strong team like Bristol and I am sure my Her squash has developed signifi- team is looking forward to it. I am cantly since she joined the Univer- really glad that we get to play this sity of Nottingham 3 years ago and one at the university where we get this is epitomised by recent success a lot of support! We honestly really this summer in PSA tournaments appreciate that. around the world. In July, as a quali-

fier in the Women’s Des Pyramides Open 2018, Ramadan progressed What is it like to be a to the semi-finals where she beat full-time student and fellow student Coline Aumard in straight sets. Despite taking the play in the Premier first set against Millie Tomlinson in Squash League? the final she had to settle as a run- To be honest I am very humble to ner up over 4 sets - still a brilliant have these opportunities whilst achievement. studying at university. It can be frustrating sometimes when you Buoyed by her summer success, are not training as you should be You are without the ith Hana rising up the Ramdam then went on to reach the as a full-time pro. I just need to be You are the current “We will be rankings with a fantastic final of the Women’s Australian patient and very wise with my time likes of , 2018 BUCS Woman’s run in the summer there under pressure Open 2018 at Mulgrave Country management to overcome this. tonight, how will this W is no doubt that the future is bright Club in Melbourne before returning Team Champions. but I am sure we affect the team? for the Egyptian in 2019. Hana will to University to begin her Masters Keeping a balance between my Are you hopeful of It is a shame not having Nick this be second on the all-glass court will still have degree. squash and my studies is a big fixture. He is a very strong player retaining this title tonight against Makgosi Peloakgosi responsibility. Even though I am on our team and everyone loves to a great night again this season? looking to secure a crucial point for in my fourth year now (Hana watch him play. It would’ve I won this title twice and looking University of Nottingham. and the crowd is studying a masters degree in definitely made our team even forward to winning it for the third Physiotherapy) I am still facing stronger if he was playing with will still enjoy We caught up with Hana to find out time. I know some of my team new challenges and still learning us. However, I am sure we will still Tonight’s one to watch more about here fantastic summer and mates have picked up injuries this a high-level of look ahead to what her bright future and adapting to it with the support have a great night and the crowd season which is unfortunate. We Hana Ramadan has to offer >> from the university. will still enjoy the high-level of squash.” will keep supporting each other v Makgosi Peloakgosi squash. and work together to move forward All-Glass Court, DRSV as a team and hopefully take the title at BUCS Big Wednesday. 4 behindtheglass / December, 2018 behindtheglass/ December, 2018 5 THE VISITORS Bristol Both of tonight’s teams will wish that they were battling at the opposite end of the table this evening and it has been an equally frustrating start to 2018/19 for tonight’s visitors,who are stacked with talent.

or many years, UWE / Bristol have be myself, and best enjoy the rest of my built a reputation for delivering time on the circuit, and beyond. Fhigh quality squash players and this year is no different. “I am not famous. But if I can be a source of inspiration to any others in a similar Adding exciting young talents such as situation, I am pleased. This has not Youseff Soliman (PSA WR 33) to the been easy for me. It has taken me a long roster had an immediate impact with the time to accept myself as I am. But now Egyptian winning his opening match of I have, and am ready to put all of this the season. behind me and move on with my life.”

The frustration of the team may well be UWE / Bristol’s Lily Taylor enjoyed a fine evidenced by how hard they have fought weekend at the BUCS individual in recent weeks to no avail. Mike Harris championships in Nottingham. Taylor has had a strong season winning 4 of 6 beat tonight’s opponent Hana Ramadan available sets in his last 3 matches, only from University of Nottingham over 4 to have tasted victory just once against sets in what was a close fought and University of Birmingham Lions. entertaining final. Taylor was originally set to face Ramadan tonight (just 2 days Off the course, UWE/Bristol’s Todd after the final) but is a late omission to Harrity (pictured) made squash the squad, with Makgosi Peloakgosi set headlines in April after he became the to come in to replace her. first male professional squash player to openly identify himself as gay. The UWE / Bristol currently lie in 6th place of squash world was unified in its support Division A in the Premier Squash League for Todd following the announcement and will be hoping that a victory tonight and the US number one took to social against University of Nottingham can media to tell the world his story. lift them off the foot of the table as the regular season reaches the half-way “To the Pro Squash world, We are a point. diverse group of different nationalities, ethnicities, and faiths. I don’t know how Tonight’s one to watch this will be received by everyone. But I Richie Fallows have been dealing with this for a long time. This is what’s necessary for me to v Tom Ford All-Glass Court, DRSV

6 behindtheglass / December, 2018 NICK MATTHEW OBE NICOLAS MÜLLER NOVEMBER PSA RANKINGS Otherwise known as ‘The Wolf’, Nicolas is firmly established as Nick Matthew OBE first drew the Switzerland’s greatest player, #N/A Nick Matthew squash world’s attention when, in being the only Swiss player ever to 2006, when he became the first reach top 20 in the World rankings #19 English player to win the British in 2012. He then reached a #20 Nicolas Mueller Meet the Open men’s title since 1939. From career-high of #17 in December then on his career rocketed, seeing 2014. In 2016, he reached the #57 Richie Fallows him reach World No.1 in June 2010 semi-final of the IG Open De Paris, #142 Adam Murrills and winning both the British Open where he narrowly lost out to and the World Open three times. Declan James over five games. #83 Chris Binnie The British No. 1 has enjoyed He also reached the semi-final Players #66 Chris Hanson an illustrious career which was stage of the CCI International JSW crowned by an honour from Her ISC but was knocked out of #221 Adam Auckland he University of Nottingham HANA RAMADAN CHRIS HANSON Majesty the Queen of who the tournament by Mohamed #294 Julian Tomlinson squad features some of the Joining the PSA World Tour in 2011, Chris has swiftly climbed the world awarded Matthew an OBE in her Abouelghar over three games. Tworld’s top squash players Hana claimed her first World title in rankings since making his first birthday honours list in 2015. Securing the Charlottesville Open #486 Lewis Walters including former world number 1, 2015 at the Brqthru Pharco Alex- PSA World Tour appearance back Having secured the Premier Squash Title in late September showed he’s #476 Matt Broadberry Nick Matthew and University of andria Open, breaking into the top in 2010. Born in New York, Chris league title last year as captain, in strong form this season. Nottingham student’s Coline 50 in the following year. Originally became the US National Champion Nick will be looking to repeat the Aumard and Hana Ramadan, from Egypt, Hana now studies at the end of the 2016-17 season as feat in 2018. CHRIS BINNIE #35 Coline Aumard both amongst the world’s top 75. physiotherapy at the University of well as winning two bronze medals Jamaican national Chris Binnie is Nottingham and won the British from the Pan American Champion- DECLAN JAMES the Jamaican and Caribbean top #62 Hana Ramadan The 2017/18 season came to Universities women’s singles title ships so heads into the Premier Declan, who is originally from ranked player. With a career-high postive end with the Team England in 2016 and 2017. Squash League season in top form. Nottingham, has been rapidly ranking of #72 from 2016, Chris selection of both Nick Matthew and climbing his way up the world won his 8th Caribbean champion- HIGHLIGHTS FROM TODAY’S Declan James for the Gold Coast COLINE AUMARD RICHIE FALLOWS rankings reaching the top 20 this ship title in August 2017 without PSL GAMES AT DAVID ROSS 2018 Commonwealth Games . Coline is one of the best French Richie is another of England season for the first time. After a dropping a game. Off the court, SPORTS VILLAGE Declan James returned home with players on the world PSA Tour, Squash’s top young players and is promising start to the year at the Chris is the Assistant Men’s coach bronze medal at his maiden games with a huge year in 2014 where a former National and European Tournament of Champions, Declan for the Trinity College Connecticut You can catch all the action from after finishing 3rd in the Men’s she lifted three tour titles. Coline Champion. He competed in the drew attention World No.1 squash programme in the United tonight and our other matches Doubles with James Willstrop. went on to break into the World top PSA World Tour for the first time Mohamed Elshorbagy, who named States. via our Facebook page. 30 in 2016 and continues to rise aged only 17 in 2012 and has been him “certainly one of the best Here’s a quick overview of some up the rankings. Coline is also a cur- a consistent presence ever since. young English players coming www.facebook.com/ of the players who make up the rent student at the University of This year saw him break the World through. James is now the highest uonsport University of Nottingham Premier Nottingham, studying for an MA in top 60 after victory at the PSA Tour ranked player in England. Squash League team. Education. event in Toulouse.

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Tonight’s Teams

University of Nottingham UWE / Elite Squash Bristol

Richie Fallows Tom Ford Julian Tomlinson Brian Byrne Lewis Walters James Peach Ollie Holland Theis Houlberg Hana Ramadan Makgosi Peloakgosi

David Ross Sports Village Beeston Lane, Nottingham NG7 2RD

VIGATIO A N If you are interested in supporting our University of Nottingham N Premier Squash League team then please call 0115 748 7000 or email [email protected]

Phone: 0115 748 7000

Email: [email protected] Online: www.nottingham.ac.uk/sport