2013

Willstrop takes 4th Canary Wharf Classic title!

March 23, 2013 • Tags: , , , , • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments

James Willstrop collected his 4th Canary Wharf Classic title with a stunning display of quality squash to subdue his England team-mate Peter Barker in the final at East Wintergarden in London.

Barker, the No4 seed from Essex had produced an outstanding performance to beat reigning champion Nick Matthew in the semi-finals, but he was unable to repeat that level of consistency against Willstrop, the world No4.

“This is one of my favourite venues – I love playing in the Canary Wharf Classic,” said Willstrop, who beat Barker 11-8, 5-11, 11-4, 11-4 after 57 minutes of play.

Ramy Ashour takes Kuwait title!

March 14, 2013 • Tags: , , , , • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments

The unstoppable world number one Ramy Ashour celebrated his tenth successive PSA World Tour squash final in sensational style in Kuwait when he beat defending champion James Willstrop in 4 games to take the Kuwait PSA Cup title.

The 25-year-old Egyptian’s triumph, in the 3rd PSA World Series event of the year at the Qadsia Sporting Club in Kuwait, is his seventh Tour title in a row, the 30th of his career – and extends his winning streak to 36 matches since May last year.

The reigning world champion beat Englishman Willstrop, the world No4 from Leeds, 6-11, 11-8, 11-3, 11-3 to take the victory.

The jubilant champion kissed the court floor in celebration as the crowd cheered their appreciation.

Nicol and Garner travel for Olympic bid!

March 6, 2013 • Tags: , , • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments

Former internationals Peter Nicol and Tim Garner will contest 7 Squash Matches in 7 Days on 7 Continents in a bid to help raise the profile of Squash’s campaign to join the programme of the 2020 Olympic Games.

The English pair will 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.

“I wanted to come up with something that would highlight the fantastic bid that Squash is putting together to join the Olympic Programme in 2020 and got thinking about the 7 Marathons Challenge and how that could be adopted,” said Tim Garner, the former World No26.

Nicol, the former world champion and World No1, said: “When Tim approached me about the idea I had no hesitation – well, maybe a little – in saying yes!”

7 Continent Challenge schedule:
Day 1: 13th April – Falkland Islands (Antarctica)
Day 2: 14th April – Santiago, Chile (South America)
Day 3: 16th April* – Sydney, Australia (Australia)
Day 4: 17th April – Kuala Lumpur, 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)

Ashour takes 2nd Richmond Title!

March 3, 2013 • Tags: , , , , , , • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments

Egyptian World No1 Ramy Ashour mastered the tenacious challenge of England’s Nick Matthew to win the Davenport North American Open for the 2nd time after 2009.

Ashour, appearing in his fifth consecutive final of the PSA World Series squash event, continued his long unbeaten run to take the 11-7, 11-8, 5-11, 11-7 victory after 65 minutes of high class entertaining squash.

Matthew, who had beaten Ashour in the 2010 and 2011 finals, produced a spirited recovery to win the third game, but Ashour turned on the style again to clinch a second Richmond title.

The 25-year-old from Cairo – both the world number one and reigning world champion – completing his 31st consecutive victory in his 9th PSA Tour final in a row, Ashour kissed the floor and the trophy.

“Nick is a great player and we seem to feed off this rivalry. We have met in so many finals and, whoever wins, the other one gets back to work to raise their game to meet the challenge,” said Ashour.

Final:
[1] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt [2] Nick Matthew (ENG) 11-7, 11-8, 5-11, 11-7 (65m)

Semi-finals:
[1] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt [3] James Willstrop (ENG) 11-5, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8 (54m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [4] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) 11-6, 11-3, 8-11, 11-7 (63m)

Quarter-finals:
[1] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt Simon Rosner (GER) 11-7, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8 (53m)
[3] James Willstrop (ENG) bt [5] Karim Darwish (EGY) w/o
[4] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [7] Amr Shabana (EGY) 11-4, 11-4, 11-3 (34m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [6] Peter Barker (ENG) 11-6, 11-7, 11-5 (49m)

2nd round:
[1] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt Cameron Pilley (AUS) 11-8, 11-6, 12-10 (42m)
Simon Rosner (GER) bt [8] Omar Mosaad (EGY) 4-11, 11-8, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9 (82m)
[5] Karim Darwish (EGY) bt Hisham Mohd Ashour (EGY) 7-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-8, 11-2 (45m)
[3] James Willstrop (ENG) bt Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) 11-7, 11-7, 11-1 (39m)
[4] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt Adrian Grant (ENG) 11-4, 11-4, 11-6 (40m)
[7] Amr Shabana (EGY) bt Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 11-9, 9-11, 11-3, 11-8 (51m)
[6] Peter Barker (ENG) bt Olli Tuominen (FIN) 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-4 (55m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Tarek Momen (EGY) 11-7, 11-8, 11-6 (44m)

1st round:
[1] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt Chris Simpson (ENG) 11-4, 12-14, 11-4, 11-6 (43m)
Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt [Q] Mohd Ali Anwar Reda (EGY) 11-3, 11-5, 11-4 (27m)
Simon Rosner (GER) bt Stephen Coppinger (RSA) 11-8, 10-12, 11-5, 11-8 (64m)
[8] Omar Mosaad (EGY) bt [Q] Shawn Delierre (CAN) 9-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-8 (48m)
[5] Karim Darwish (EGY) bt [Q] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) 11-5, 10-12, 11-9, 12-10 (65m)
Hisham Mohd Ashour (EGY) bt Saurav Ghosal (IND) 7-11, 11-6, 11-13, 11-9, 11-9 (59m)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) bt [Q] Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) 11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 11-1 (44m)
[3] James Willstrop (ENG) bt Alan Clyne (SCO) 11-3, 11-6, 11-8 (28m)
[4] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [Q] Joe Lee (ENG) 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 (36m)
Adrian Grant (ENG) bt Shahier Razik (CAN) 11-6, 9-11, 11-3, 11-3 (46m)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [Q] Yasir Ali Butt (PAK) 11-3, 7-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-7 (55m)
[7] Amr Shabana (EGY) bt Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 11-8, 11-8, 11-6 (37m)
[6] Peter Barker (ENG) bt [Q] Campbell Grayson (NZL) 10-12, 11-4, 11-3, 11-6 (53m)
Olli Tuominen (FIN) bt Max Lee (HKG) 12-10, 11-7, 11-7 (38m)
Tarek Momen (EGY) bt [Q] Christopher Gordon (USA) 11-9, 11-7, 10-12, 19-21, 11-5 (85m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) 11-4, 11-3, 11-3 (40m)

Manchester gets ready for the 2013 World Championships!

February 24, 2013 • Tags: , , , • Categories: all posts, tournaments, videos

Manchester gets ready for the 2013 Men’s World Squash Championships – 26th of October to 3rd of November. Check out the lastest video …

Roger Federer backs the squash bid for 2020!

February 16, 2013 • Tags: , , • Categories: all posts, players, supporters

Swiss Tennis legend and current World No. 2 Roger Federer is backing squash to be added to the Olympic programme in 2020.

“I think it’s a wonderful sport. It’s unfortunate some sports don’t get the opportunity to be in the Olympics,” said Federer. “I think squash would deserve it. They run a great tour and they have great players and characters. I’d personally be very happy for them.”

Federer had the opportunity to meet women’s squash World No. 1 Nicol David at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam. Federer expressed his support to David and revealed he played the sport growing up. “I used to play it a lot when I was younger every Sunday with my dad. I’ve always been a big fan of the sport,” Federer said.

Federer and David conversed over dinner. Malaysian Nicol who is a resident of Amsterdam, was thrilled to spend quality time with the Swiss superstar. “It was exciting. He’s such a great guy and true champion. He showed us what it’s like behind the scenes to be a tennis player. It’s very similar to squash, so it’s been great to spend time with him,” said David.

British Open coming up at the KC Stadium!

February 12, 2013 • Tags: , , , , , • Categories: all posts, tournaments

Some visuals of what might be in store at the KC Stadium in May – a stage worthy of the world’s best squash players …

The all glass ASB show court is to be built in the penalty area of the hallowed Hull City FC pitch. The court will sit on a purpose built stage and covered by a marquee, both of which are more commonly used to accommodate some of the world’s largest pop and rock bands.

Spectator seating will be in the central section of the magnificent KC Stadium’s south stand which will have large drapes installed to create an enclosed and colourful arena for the world class action. Whilst building a squash court on a football pitch is a new concept the KC Stadium promises to be a very worthy venue for the world’s oldest and most prestigious tournament – The Allam British Open.

Gaultier retains Swedish Open Title!

February 5, 2013 • Tags: , , , , , • Categories: all posts, tournaments

A scintillating performance by Gregory Gaultier (le) in the final of the Case Swedish Open saw the Frenchman beat England’s world No2 Nick Matthew (ri) in straight games to retain the Swedish Open title in Linköping, Sweden.

It was the dream climax of the biggest event in continental Europe which was celebrating its tenth anniversary – in which Matthew was marking his fifth successive final appearance since 2004, and denied a record fourth title. The clash brought up the 50th Tour final of Gaultier’s career – and produced his 23rd title!

World No4 Gaultier took control of the match and recorded his fourth straight games win in a row to clinch the title 11-3, 10-12, 11-9 in 72 minutes.

“I am very pleased with the match,” said the 30-year-old from Aix-en-Provence as he collected his trophy. “Me and Nick know each other well and have played against each other since junior time.

Final:
[2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [1] Nick Matthew (ENG) 11-3, 12-10, 11-9 (72m)

Semi-finals:
[1] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Tarek Momen (EGY) w/o
[2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [3] Peter Barker (ENG) 11-6, 11-3, 11-2 (30m)

Quarter-finals:
[1] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Cameron Pilley (AUS) 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 (37m)
Tarek Momen (EGY) bt Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 20-18, 11-3, 11-9 (55m)
[3] Peter Barker (ENG) bt Simon Rosner (GER) 11-8, 5-11, 11-9, 11-9 (70m)
[2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt Tom Richards (ENG) 12-10, 11-5, 11-3 (53m)

1st round:
[1] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [Q] Chris Simpson (ENG) 11-6, 11-5, 11-3 (36m)
Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt [Q] Henrik Mustonen (FIN) 11-7, 10-12, 8-11, 11-7, 11-2 (64m)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) 6-11, 11-7, 11-9, 10-12, 11-5 (88m)
Tarek Momen (EGY) bt [4] Daryl Selby (ENG) 3-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8 (78m)
[3] Peter Barker (ENG) bt [Q] Adrian Waller (ENG) 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 (46m)
Simon Rosner (GER) bt Rasmus Hult (SWE) 11-7, 11-3, 11-3 (35m)
Tom Richards (ENG) bt [Q] Jonathan Kemp (ENG) 11-7, 11-7, 13-15, 11-7 (40m)
[2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 11-9, 11-4, 11-6 (53m)

Qualifying finals:
Henrik Mustonen (FIN) bt Marwan El Shorbagy (EGY) 11-4, 11-7, 11-5 (27m)
Adrian Waller (ENG) bt Muhd Asyraf Azan (MAS) 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 (34m)
Jonathan Kemp (ENG) bt Kristian Frost Olesen (DEN) 11-7, 11-5, 11-5 (31m)
Chris Simpson (ENG) bt Siddharth Suchde (IND) 11-9, 11-4, 11-2 (43m)

1st qualifying round:
Marwan El Shorbagy (EGY) bt Robbie Temple (ENG) 11-8, 11-7, 3-11, 11-5
Henrik Mustonen (FIN) bt Andre Wikstrom (SWE) 11-2, 11-3, 11-5
Muhd Asyraf Azan (MAS) bt Carl Remle (SWE) 11-9, 11-7, 11-6
Adrian Waller (ENG) bt Joey Barrington (ENG) 11-9, 11-8, 11-7
Jonathan Kemp (ENG) bt Steven Finitsis (AUS) 2-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7, 12-10
Kristian Frost Olesen (DEN) bt Anthony Graham (ENG) 11-7, 11-8, 11-4
Siddharth Suchde (IND) bt Romain Tenant (SWE) 11-9, 11-4, 11-3
Chris Simpson (ENG) bt Eddie Charlton (ENG) 10-12, 5-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-7
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