Category: "all posts"
Wael El Hindi and Alister Walker: Two birds of paradise!
March 1, 2012 • Tags: Alister Walker, Wael El Hindi • Categories: all posts, players, videos
Wael El Hindi and Alister Walker: Two birds of paradise in the squash circuit, two special guys with special character. Enjoy one of their best rallies!
New face of the I love squash facebook page!
March 1, 2012 • Tags: Community, I love squash • Categories: all posts, supporters
The I love squash facebook page has changed its face. As the new look of the timeline will come automatically by the end of March, we have decided to start with it immediately to be one step ahead.
The main difference is the big picture at the top. Our 1st picture shows The Egyptian “king of the Mizuki shot” Hisham Ashour surrounded by the I love girls. What are your thoughts about the new look?
The main difference is the big picture at the top. Our 1st picture shows The Egyptian “king of the Mizuki shot” Hisham Ashour surrounded by the I love girls. What are your thoughts about the new look?
March edition of International Squash Magazine online!
February 28, 2012 • Tags: International Squash ezine, International Squash Magazine • Categories: all posts, supporters
The March edition of International Squash Magazine (ISM) is currently being distributed to the subscribers. Apart from several PSA and WSA tournament news the free interactive digital version of ISM also provides personal story of David Palmer.
Saluting The Marine, it’s headlined and editor Dominic Bliss explains why ‘The Marine’ is not hanging up his rackets quite just yet after 18 years on the World Tour, as the Australian finally calls it a day.
All squash fans who prefer the printed version, they may order it online at www.isquashstore.com
Saluting The Marine, it’s headlined and editor Dominic Bliss explains why ‘The Marine’ is not hanging up his rackets quite just yet after 18 years on the World Tour, as the Australian finally calls it a day.
All squash fans who prefer the printed version, they may order it online at www.isquashstore.com
Willstrop tops PSA World Series standings!
February 27, 2012 • Tags: Greg Gaultier, James Willstrop, Nick Matthew, PSA, Ramy Ashour, World Ranking, World Series, World Series Finals • Categories: all posts, associations, tournaments
Success in Saturday's final of the Davenport North American Open in Virginia has taken England's James Willstrop to the top of the latest Dunlop PSA World Series Standings.
A semi-final berth in the second PSA World Series of the year was enough to ensure that the 28-year-old will return to No1 in the March world rankings - but it was Willstrop's victory over Egyptian rival Ramy Ashour in the final in Richmond that saw him leap over fellow countryman Nick Matthew to head the new World Series Standings.
Matthew, winner of the JP Morgan Tournament of Champions, the 1st World Series event of the year in New York, secures 2nd place after a last 4 finish in Virginia.
Semi-final berths both in New York and Richmond enabled France's Gregory Gaultier to hold onto 3rd place, while Ashour - despite not competing at Grand Central Terminal - makes his debut this year at No4.
Egypt's Amr Shabana, a quarter-finalist in the two events to date, is in 5th place - ahead of England's Daryl Selby and Germany's Simon Rosner who share 6th place.
The top eight players in the list at the end of the year qualify for a place in the ATCO PSA World Series Finals in London early next year.
The next PSA World Series event this year will be the El Gouna International Open, in El Gouna, Egypt, from 7-13 April.
Latest 2012 PSA World Series Standings (after North American Open):
Position (Prev)
1 2 James Willstrop (ENG) 165
2 1 Nick Matthew (ENG) 140
3 3 Gregory Gaultier (FRA) 80
4 - Ramy Ashour (EGY) 65
5 5 Amr Shabana (EGY) 50
6= 3 Daryl Selby (ENG) 40
6= 9 Simon Rosner (GER) 40
8 17 Karim Darwish (EGY) 35
9= 9 Cameron Pilley (AUS) 30
9= 9 Adrian Grant (ENG) 30
9= 9 Shahier Razik (CAN) 30
12= 5 Peter Barker (ENG) 25
12= 5 Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY) 25
12= 5 Marwan El Shorbagy (EGY) 25
12= 9 Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 25
12= 9 Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) 25
12= 17 Thierry Lincou (FRA) 25
12= 17 Olli Tuominen (FIN) 25
12= 17 Alister Walker (BOT) 25
12= 17 Zac Alexander (AUS) 25
12= - Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 25
A semi-final berth in the second PSA World Series of the year was enough to ensure that the 28-year-old will return to No1 in the March world rankings - but it was Willstrop's victory over Egyptian rival Ramy Ashour in the final in Richmond that saw him leap over fellow countryman Nick Matthew to head the new World Series Standings.
Matthew, winner of the JP Morgan Tournament of Champions, the 1st World Series event of the year in New York, secures 2nd place after a last 4 finish in Virginia.
Semi-final berths both in New York and Richmond enabled France's Gregory Gaultier to hold onto 3rd place, while Ashour - despite not competing at Grand Central Terminal - makes his debut this year at No4.
Egypt's Amr Shabana, a quarter-finalist in the two events to date, is in 5th place - ahead of England's Daryl Selby and Germany's Simon Rosner who share 6th place.
The top eight players in the list at the end of the year qualify for a place in the ATCO PSA World Series Finals in London early next year.
The next PSA World Series event this year will be the El Gouna International Open, in El Gouna, Egypt, from 7-13 April.
Latest 2012 PSA World Series Standings (after North American Open):
Position (Prev)
1 2 James Willstrop (ENG) 165
2 1 Nick Matthew (ENG) 140
3 3 Gregory Gaultier (FRA) 80
4 - Ramy Ashour (EGY) 65
5 5 Amr Shabana (EGY) 50
6= 3 Daryl Selby (ENG) 40
6= 9 Simon Rosner (GER) 40
8 17 Karim Darwish (EGY) 35
9= 9 Cameron Pilley (AUS) 30
9= 9 Adrian Grant (ENG) 30
9= 9 Shahier Razik (CAN) 30
12= 5 Peter Barker (ENG) 25
12= 5 Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY) 25
12= 5 Marwan El Shorbagy (EGY) 25
12= 9 Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 25
12= 9 Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) 25
12= 17 Thierry Lincou (FRA) 25
12= 17 Olli Tuominen (FIN) 25
12= 17 Alister Walker (BOT) 25
12= 17 Zac Alexander (AUS) 25
12= - Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 25
Willstrop takes Richmond crown!
February 26, 2012 • Tags: Greg Gaultier, James Willstrop, Nick Matthew, North American Open, PSA, Ramy Ashour, Richmond, USA, World Series • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments
England's James Willstrop (ri) produced a tactical master-class to subdue Egypt's fiery entertainer Ramy Ashour (le) to win the North American Open squash in Richmond, Virginia.
The top seed admitted that his priority was to contain Ashour's shot-making opportunities in the 2nd World Series event of the year - but his own play at the front of the court was immaculate to take the 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 victory.
Willstrop's volley-drops, especially, worked to perfection on both sides of the court. At 6ft 4in, the Englishman is the tallest player competing on the PSA World Tour and Ashour, like so many opponents, struggled to place the ball beyond Willstrop's reach.
"He has come back after injury to play here in Richmond and it's good for the game to have him back. I am pleased with my whole week, not just today, and it's great to win the title again here in Richmond."
Willstrop's performances this week have propelled him back to the world number one position in March. Willstrop was celebrating his 6th PSA Tour final in his last eight events - and has now racked up his 4th Tour title since November, and the 16th of his career.
"I don't think many people expected that," tweeted world champion Matthew. "James played a tactical master-class and deserved the win."
Final:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) bt [4] Ramy Ashour (EGY) 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 (51m)
The top seed admitted that his priority was to contain Ashour's shot-making opportunities in the 2nd World Series event of the year - but his own play at the front of the court was immaculate to take the 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 victory.
Willstrop's volley-drops, especially, worked to perfection on both sides of the court. At 6ft 4in, the Englishman is the tallest player competing on the PSA World Tour and Ashour, like so many opponents, struggled to place the ball beyond Willstrop's reach.
"He has come back after injury to play here in Richmond and it's good for the game to have him back. I am pleased with my whole week, not just today, and it's great to win the title again here in Richmond."
Willstrop's performances this week have propelled him back to the world number one position in March. Willstrop was celebrating his 6th PSA Tour final in his last eight events - and has now racked up his 4th Tour title since November, and the 16th of his career.
"I don't think many people expected that," tweeted world champion Matthew. "James played a tactical master-class and deserved the win."
Final:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) bt [4] Ramy Ashour (EGY) 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 (51m)
Rocket Ramy rocks into Richmond final!
February 25, 2012 • Tags: Greg Gaultier, James Willstrop, Nick Matthew, North American Open, PSA, Ramy Ashour, Richmond, USA, World Series • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments
Egyptian genius Ramy Ashour (le) showed he is back on top form by crushing world champion Nick Matthew (ri) to reach the final of the North American Open in Richmond.
Ashour, the 24-year-old world No5, has impressed all week on his comeback after injury. But against Matthew, he stepped up a level with a performance that left England's reigning champion exhausted after 2 games.
The Egyptian fought back from 7-10 down in the 1st game to win 12-10 and produced a phenomenal recovery to win the 2nd 13-11 after being 4-8 down. Matthew was demoralised after blowing two crucial leads and fell away badly in the 3rd as Ashour took the 12-10, 13-11, 11-3 victory in 52 minutes.
The Egyptian was diving around the court to retrieve what looked like certain winners and played shots behind his back and conjured up a succession of astonishing winners due to the enjoyment of the Richmond crowd. Indian number one Saurav Ghosal Tweeted: "That proves Ramy is an alien - he plays squash from another planet.
Ashour meets top seed James Willstrop in the final and will have another point to prove with the Englishman returning to the top of the PSA world rankings in March.
Willstrop wore down French No4 seed Gregory Gaultier with a commanding performance in a 97-minute marathon. After the opening 2 games took almost an hour to complete, the Englishmen’s strength was clearly evident as he won the 3rd and 4th to take the 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5 win.
The 28-year-old from Leeds - who is celebrating the 30th Tour final of his career, and his 6th over the past 8 events - added: "I am very satisfied to beat the world number three and looking forward to the final. "It's been a long time since my last one. It's great to have Ramy back in action this week, hitting nicks from everywhere and entertaining the crowds."
Final:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) v [4] Ramy Ashour (EGY)
Semi-finals:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) bt [3] Greg Gaultier (FRA) 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5 (97m)
[4] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt [2] Nick Matthew (ENG) 12-10, 13-11, 11-3 (52m)
Ashour, the 24-year-old world No5, has impressed all week on his comeback after injury. But against Matthew, he stepped up a level with a performance that left England's reigning champion exhausted after 2 games.
The Egyptian fought back from 7-10 down in the 1st game to win 12-10 and produced a phenomenal recovery to win the 2nd 13-11 after being 4-8 down. Matthew was demoralised after blowing two crucial leads and fell away badly in the 3rd as Ashour took the 12-10, 13-11, 11-3 victory in 52 minutes.
The Egyptian was diving around the court to retrieve what looked like certain winners and played shots behind his back and conjured up a succession of astonishing winners due to the enjoyment of the Richmond crowd. Indian number one Saurav Ghosal Tweeted: "That proves Ramy is an alien - he plays squash from another planet.
Ashour meets top seed James Willstrop in the final and will have another point to prove with the Englishman returning to the top of the PSA world rankings in March.
Willstrop wore down French No4 seed Gregory Gaultier with a commanding performance in a 97-minute marathon. After the opening 2 games took almost an hour to complete, the Englishmen’s strength was clearly evident as he won the 3rd and 4th to take the 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5 win.
The 28-year-old from Leeds - who is celebrating the 30th Tour final of his career, and his 6th over the past 8 events - added: "I am very satisfied to beat the world number three and looking forward to the final. "It's been a long time since my last one. It's great to have Ramy back in action this week, hitting nicks from everywhere and entertaining the crowds."
Final:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) v [4] Ramy Ashour (EGY)
Semi-finals:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) bt [3] Greg Gaultier (FRA) 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5 (97m)
[4] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt [2] Nick Matthew (ENG) 12-10, 13-11, 11-3 (52m)
Willstrop back on top as Shabana quits!
February 24, 2012 • Tags: Greg Gaultier, James Willstrop, Nick Matthew, North American Open, PSA, Ramy Ashour, Richmond, USA, World Series • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments
England's James Willstrop will return to the top of the PSA world rankings in March after reaching the semi-finals of the North American Open. The top seed's quarter-final opponent, Egypt's Amr Shabana, was forced to concede the match in Richmond early in the 2nd game - after just 12 minutes - because of a knee injury. By reaching the last four, Willstrop earned enough ranking points to regain the world No1 position from English world champion Nick Matthew. "It's great news to be back on top”, Willstrop said.
Willstrop meets French ace Greg Gaultier who overcame young Egyptian qualifier Karim Abdel Gawad, winning 11-6, 11-2, 11-6 in 39 minutes. "I am feeling good this week," said the Frenchman.
In the other semi-final, Matthew meets Ramy Ashour in a re-run of the last three NAO finals. Ashour won in 2009 but Matthew has won the last two events - and is hunting down a hat-trick of titles this year. Ashour confirmed his return to peak fitness with a devastating 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 11-3 victory over fellow Egyptian Karim Darwish. Ashour said: "It's never easy to beat Karim. We had breakfast together, but as soon as reached the court we know that we have a job to do."
Matthew, who had struggled to hit top form in the first two rounds, beat battling German Simon Rosner in four hard games (11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-6). The current world No1 dominated the opening 2 games and seemed as things end quickly as he led 8-4 in the 3nd, but Rosner recovered fought backt to win the game 11-9. But the effort clearly took its toll as Matthew stayed in front throughout the 4th.
Semi-final line-up:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) v [3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) v [4] Ramy Ashour (EGY)
Quarter-finals:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) bt [6] Amr Shabana (EGY) 11-5, 2-0 ret. (12m)
[3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [Q] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 11-6, 11-2, 11-9 (39m)
[4] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt [5] Karim Darwish (EGY) 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 11-3 (56m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Simon Rosner (GER) 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-6 (63m)
Willstrop meets French ace Greg Gaultier who overcame young Egyptian qualifier Karim Abdel Gawad, winning 11-6, 11-2, 11-6 in 39 minutes. "I am feeling good this week," said the Frenchman.
In the other semi-final, Matthew meets Ramy Ashour in a re-run of the last three NAO finals. Ashour won in 2009 but Matthew has won the last two events - and is hunting down a hat-trick of titles this year. Ashour confirmed his return to peak fitness with a devastating 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 11-3 victory over fellow Egyptian Karim Darwish. Ashour said: "It's never easy to beat Karim. We had breakfast together, but as soon as reached the court we know that we have a job to do."
Matthew, who had struggled to hit top form in the first two rounds, beat battling German Simon Rosner in four hard games (11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-6). The current world No1 dominated the opening 2 games and seemed as things end quickly as he led 8-4 in the 3nd, but Rosner recovered fought backt to win the game 11-9. But the effort clearly took its toll as Matthew stayed in front throughout the 4th.
Semi-final line-up:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) v [3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) v [4] Ramy Ashour (EGY)
Quarter-finals:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) bt [6] Amr Shabana (EGY) 11-5, 2-0 ret. (12m)
[3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [Q] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 11-6, 11-2, 11-9 (39m)
[4] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt [5] Karim Darwish (EGY) 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 11-3 (56m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Simon Rosner (GER) 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-6 (63m)
Rosner makes maiden World Series quarters in Richmond!
February 23, 2012 • Tags: Amr Shabana, Greg Gaultier, James Willstrop, Karim Abdel Gawad, Karim Darwish, Nick Matthew, North American Open, PSA, Ramy Ashour, Richmond, Simon Rosner, USA, World Series • Categories: all posts, tournaments
Rising German star Simon Rosner celebrated his 1st appearance in the quarter-finals of a PSA World Series event after beating world No16 Alister Walker in the 2nd round of the North American Open in Richmond, Virginia. The 6ft 3in 24-year-old from Paderborn overcame Botswana's Walker 11-6, 11-6, 11-6 to record his career-first victory over the former world No12 with a consistent display of solid hitting and confident court movement.
Rosner, ranked 20 in the world, will now face No2 seed Nick Matthew. The world champion again made life difficult for himself, struggling against Finland's Olli Tuominen before winning 11-9, 4-11, 11-8, 11-2 in 55 minutes to finally force his way through to the last eight. "I know I will need to play better against Rosner," added Matthew. "He is playing well and looking relaxed. We played each other in the World Team Championships in Paderborn and it felt like the whole of Germany was against me!"
Top seed James Willstrop endured a fierce onslaught from former world champion Thierry Lincou before beating the Frenchman 16-14, 11-7, 11-6. Willstrop will meet 4-times world champion Amr Shabana in the quarters who overcame England’s Adrian Grant in the encounter of lefthanders 11-8, 11-5, 4-11, 11-6 after 59 minutes of play.
3rd seed Greg Gaultier powered his way through to the quarter-finals by overwhelming Canadian Shahier Razik in just 29 minutes. The French maestro looked very sharp indeed as he won 11-1, 11-4, 11-4.
Ramy Ashour was 10 minutes late on court but attacked right from the start against Cameron Pilley. The 24-year-old Egyptian won 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 in just 28 minutes. Both players produced fast, attacking squash but Ashour was always likely to be the man hitting more winners. Ashour, who is returning to action after injury, echoed Gaultier's comments about diet and fitness. He said: "I love the food here in Richmond so I have to be very careful about what I eat and how much.
In the quarter-finals, Ashour meets fellow Egyptian Karim Darwish, who beat Australian qualifier Zac Alexander 11-5, 11-4, 11-3 in 30 minutes. Darwish said: "Zac is a very strong player and improving all the time. I am looking forward to playing Ramy. He is one of my best friends. The last time I played him, I lost 3/2 in Hurghada."
Number 8 seed Azlan Iskandar conceded his match against young Egyptian Karim Abdel Gawad because of a thigh injury. The Malaysian world No10 stayed in his chair after losing the first two games and said: "I have been suffering for a few days and trying to play through it. The adductor muscle is causing the problem and it started bruising badly."
Gawad now meets Gaultier in the quarter-finals, a huge challenge for the skilful 20-year-old from Alexandria.
Quarter-final line-up:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) v [6] Amr Shabana (EGY)
[3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v [Q] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
[4] Ramy Ashour (EGY) v [5] Karim Darwish (EGY)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) v Simon Rosner (GER)
2nd round:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) bt Thierry Lincou (FRA) 16-14, 11-7, 11-6 (50m)
[6] Amr Shabana (EGY) bt Adrian Grant (ENG) 11-8, 11-5, 4-11, 11-6 (59m)
[Q] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [8] Mohd Azlan Iskandar (MAS) 11-8, 11-4 ret. (26m)
[3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt Shahier Razik (CAN) 11-1, 11-4, 11-4 (29m)
[4] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt Cameron Pilley (AUS) 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 (28m)
[5] Karim Darwish (EGY) bt [Q] Zac Alexander (AUS) 11-5, 11-4, 11-3 (30m)
Simon Rosner (GER) bt Alister Walker (BOT) 11-6, 11-6, 11-6 (46m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Olli Tuominen (FIN) 11-9, 4-11, 11-8, 11-2 (55m)
Rosner, ranked 20 in the world, will now face No2 seed Nick Matthew. The world champion again made life difficult for himself, struggling against Finland's Olli Tuominen before winning 11-9, 4-11, 11-8, 11-2 in 55 minutes to finally force his way through to the last eight. "I know I will need to play better against Rosner," added Matthew. "He is playing well and looking relaxed. We played each other in the World Team Championships in Paderborn and it felt like the whole of Germany was against me!"
Top seed James Willstrop endured a fierce onslaught from former world champion Thierry Lincou before beating the Frenchman 16-14, 11-7, 11-6. Willstrop will meet 4-times world champion Amr Shabana in the quarters who overcame England’s Adrian Grant in the encounter of lefthanders 11-8, 11-5, 4-11, 11-6 after 59 minutes of play.
3rd seed Greg Gaultier powered his way through to the quarter-finals by overwhelming Canadian Shahier Razik in just 29 minutes. The French maestro looked very sharp indeed as he won 11-1, 11-4, 11-4.
Ramy Ashour was 10 minutes late on court but attacked right from the start against Cameron Pilley. The 24-year-old Egyptian won 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 in just 28 minutes. Both players produced fast, attacking squash but Ashour was always likely to be the man hitting more winners. Ashour, who is returning to action after injury, echoed Gaultier's comments about diet and fitness. He said: "I love the food here in Richmond so I have to be very careful about what I eat and how much.
In the quarter-finals, Ashour meets fellow Egyptian Karim Darwish, who beat Australian qualifier Zac Alexander 11-5, 11-4, 11-3 in 30 minutes. Darwish said: "Zac is a very strong player and improving all the time. I am looking forward to playing Ramy. He is one of my best friends. The last time I played him, I lost 3/2 in Hurghada."
Number 8 seed Azlan Iskandar conceded his match against young Egyptian Karim Abdel Gawad because of a thigh injury. The Malaysian world No10 stayed in his chair after losing the first two games and said: "I have been suffering for a few days and trying to play through it. The adductor muscle is causing the problem and it started bruising badly."
Gawad now meets Gaultier in the quarter-finals, a huge challenge for the skilful 20-year-old from Alexandria.
Quarter-final line-up:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) v [6] Amr Shabana (EGY)
[3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v [Q] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
[4] Ramy Ashour (EGY) v [5] Karim Darwish (EGY)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) v Simon Rosner (GER)
2nd round:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) bt Thierry Lincou (FRA) 16-14, 11-7, 11-6 (50m)
[6] Amr Shabana (EGY) bt Adrian Grant (ENG) 11-8, 11-5, 4-11, 11-6 (59m)
[Q] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [8] Mohd Azlan Iskandar (MAS) 11-8, 11-4 ret. (26m)
[3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt Shahier Razik (CAN) 11-1, 11-4, 11-4 (29m)
[4] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt Cameron Pilley (AUS) 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 (28m)
[5] Karim Darwish (EGY) bt [Q] Zac Alexander (AUS) 11-5, 11-4, 11-3 (30m)
Simon Rosner (GER) bt Alister Walker (BOT) 11-6, 11-6, 11-6 (46m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Olli Tuominen (FIN) 11-9, 4-11, 11-8, 11-2 (55m)
