tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7754579306168824902012-02-13T14:28:04.946ZRaising the profile of squash through dialogue with the squash community, the media and other agenciessquashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.comBlogger2441100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-59664116421363583492012-02-03T10:40:00.001Z2012-02-08T17:34:31.514Z

Former US pro Ivy Pochoda's debut novel, The Art of Disappearing, was published in 2009. Sustaining a career as a sportsperson and writing a book demand dedication and perseverance. But what other, less easily defined, psychological aspects might the two disciplines share? Ivy offered me her own take. I also asked about the choice of themes and settings in The Art of Disappearing, and the

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-84660105248387235622012-01-04T17:06:00.000Z2012-01-04T17:15:14.613Z

Tickets are available for this year's ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic, to be held at the East Wintergarden at Canary Wharf, London, from 19th-23rd March. World Champion Nick Matthew will be bidding to equal the trio of tournament wins held by his England team-mate and new world number one, James Willstrop ... The event - now in its ninth year - is one of the best on the professional circuit,

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-32635268974967994792011-12-01T09:00:00.000Z2011-12-01T10:10:57.286Z

Better late than never :) ... The recent news that the delayed final of the World Series Squash Finals 2011 will not be played brought a disappointing closure to the showpiece PSA tournament. Nick Matthew and Amr Shabana were due to contest the trophy match at the beginning of the year. It promised a fitting climax to, arguably, the best squash spectacle ever staged in the capital ... The

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-43511249384276743142011-11-16T13:21:00.004Z2011-11-16T13:35:51.451Z

Why isn't Nick Matthew a national hero? So bemoans Frank Keating in today's Guardian.The article discusses the lack of coverage of the Yorkshireman's second World Open victory, as well as the sport's strong claim for Olympic recognition.Also a couple of great anecdotes in there about finding Jonah Barrington working in a 60s bistro and reporting on squash in 1970s Pakistan ...Scroll down to the

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-20911283919177336902011-10-26T11:02:00.006Z2011-10-26T11:30:10.260Z

UTV Media - owner of TalkSport - has challenged the BBC to create a permanent Olympic legacy for minority sports by giving them more airtime.But without Olympic status, squash might not get a look-in ...The BBC has announced plans for a "pop-up" digital radio station - BBC5 Live Olympics Extra - to broadcast minority sports during the 2012 Games.But UTV Media have challenged the BBC to make more

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-89327512466786534012011-09-03T16:29:00.014Z2011-09-04T16:17:57.313Z

Growing female participation is the focus of this year's World Squash Day, which will take place on Saturday 5th November. The organisers usually try to theme the event or tie it in with some other campaign, and this year they've wisely given themselves the best shot at decent press coverage by holding it on Women's World Open finals day ... WSF Chief Executive Andrew Shelley said in support of

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-46333323183752971892011-08-15T20:02:00.006Z2011-08-15T20:13:45.725Z

On September 10th 2011 Teach First is hosting a charity squash event at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, London. Entrants will get the chance to play their squash heroes at the prestigious club, with their entry money going to help disadvantaged youngsters ... Teach First is an independent charity that places graduates who would not normally consider a career in teaching in challenging

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-83856506299631968432010-12-15T16:39:00.007Z2010-12-15T17:51:59.351Z

The World's top PSA players will once again contest the ATCO PSA World Series Squash Finals 2011 at Queen's Club in January.Top of the eye-wateringly strong line-up will be newly-crowned World Champion Nick Matthew.And if that wasn't enough to get you hammering the Seetickets website in anticipation, the tournament's organisers are also billing 'court cleaners doubling as dancers'! ...The event

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-6687301958946333422010-09-22T12:52:00.006Z2010-09-22T16:34:00.553Z

Journalist Barney Ronay has a pop at squash in today's Guardian (have a read for yourself - and not for the first time!) in his article on the Games.The 2010 Commonwealth Games are in serious trouble as I write, with the Delhi organisers desperate to reassure competitors, spectators and the media that venues and accommodation will be ready on time.Some commentators are already questioning the

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-14139253111125352652009-08-14T12:50:00.004Z2009-08-14T12:59:58.623Z

Women's boxing and golf grabbed the headlines, with squash hardly warranting a mention. After recent optimism that squash would be put forward for the vote in Copenhagen for inclusion in the 2016 Olympics, the sport will now not even be put through to the final voting stage.Again squash has failed. Those who have followed the campaign might see a drawn-out investigation into the reasons for

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-17708376642714997582009-07-04T22:23:00.006Z2009-07-04T23:18:00.537Z

What could Malcolm Willstrop do for squash with £25 million? Or Neil Harvey? Or any of our top squash coaches?I'd pondered this ever since I found out that this was the pile of surplus cash the Wimbledon tennis fortnight generates for the Lawn Tennis Association each year ...Left: photo copyright AELTCSo over the past decade, the LTA - charged with developing tennis players in the UK - have had

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-81076884424852144152009-06-19T08:39:00.001Z2009-06-19T08:12:42.529Z

It disappeared from the streets of the 'Smoke for a few weeks but appears to have found new backing.Sport magazine - the London freesheet that we've featured here a few times for its coverage of squash events (and its great photos) - is back ... and a squash player gets a full page ...Flip to page 46 and you'll find a profile of England's Nick Matthew in the magazine's 'Sporting Bodies' feature.

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-91510890231819564632009-05-29T19:13:00.011Z2009-05-31T17:20:36.688Z

Squash's bid for Olympic status gained pace last Saturday 23rd May with the Squash 2016 logo being unveiled around famous London landmarks on World Squash Day.A Routemaster London bus was hired by James Poole to tour the banner around the capital, with publicity opportunities being taken at Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London ...Elsewhere around the world World

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-31926064946168236712009-05-21T12:18:00.006Z2009-05-21T16:29:00.840Z

With just two days to go until World Squash Day 2009, squash fans around the world are preparing for events to publicise squash's bid for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games.Promotional bus tours and 24-hour squash marathons are just some of the events planned as far afield as London, Chicago, Madrid, Rio, and Tokyo ...Including: meeting times and route for Saturday's 'Big Day Out' in LondonWSD

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-3975705598886822072009-05-14T15:40:00.002Z2009-05-14T15:44:14.506Z

STOP PRESS!It appears that there is a silver lining to the credit crunch where squash is concerned ...We've reported the latest developments on the future of the Finsbury and Sobell leisure centres for the past couple of years, focussing on the threat to the squash courts there.So today's news that Islington Council is going to shelve its plans to rebuild the premises (which would have almost

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-54974544378409985912009-05-13T18:49:00.007Z2009-05-14T11:25:47.659Z

The headlines (sic) reporting a double-English win may have lacked originality, but this year's European Team Championships was perhaps more remarkable for individual stories than the final result.I think I might give up tournament predictions after suggesting that the English women might struggle against the Dutch in the Final of this year's European Team Championships. They went on to beat the

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-50845892210497393622009-04-29T18:23:00.006Z2009-04-30T09:41:15.577Z

Looking up the early results of this year's European Teams, I found this ad (left) dwarfing the adjacent scores on a well-known squash website.Of course! Now I remember the unfortunate stat from last year's tournament - the Ukrainian women's team being thrashed 81-0 on their debut.But where are they this year?The men's draw features a six-man team from the Ukraine headed by Ruslan Sorochynskvi.

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-31519587884362491002009-04-28T09:17:00.003Z2009-04-28T10:37:09.015Z

World Squash Day 2009 will be held on Saturday 23rd May.The day is being re-branded as 'Squash 2016 Day' this year in support of squash's bid to be included in the 2016 Olympic Games.National Federations and clubs all over the world are organising events to promote the sport and the Olympic bid ...From the WSF website:Squash 2016 Bid Team Member and former world champion Peter Nicol said: "Our

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-59307381678961975352009-04-26T07:15:00.001Z2009-04-26T19:13:22.467Z

A disappointing article last week in The Times by Giles Smith took a sideswipe at squash's Olympic aspirations.The article, about the role of persuasive language in winning bids for sporting events, suggests that squash has no chance in the 2016 vote because no one wants to watch it.An unnecessary remark given the main context of the article - but why not publish my response?The article concerned

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-5081214027265298452009-04-22T07:35:00.000Z2009-04-22T08:36:13.558Z

Hallelujah! A sportsman's ipod is cracked open to reveal something other than rap and supermarket trolley 'lifestyle music'. Intriguingly, Peter Barker's listening preferences strike a maudlin tone not usually heard in the testosterone-sodden locker rooms of professional sport ...Right: An interview with Barker after winning the World TeamsAn interview for the Guardian's 'What's rocking sport'

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-62212309105567169442009-04-16T10:15:00.013Z2009-04-17T16:20:08.696Z

When Peter Nicol asked me what I thought about the "interactive exhibition" I had just seen, I garbled something incoherent about "crowds getting involved" and "innovation".Five seconds later our promoter, VIP and resident Squash Legend was delivering a flawless live link-up for a regional news broadcast. I removed my fist from my mouth and pondered some more.Behind the court the sun set before

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-81829913415993634522009-03-27T14:18:00.005Z2009-03-27T14:37:32.838Z

In a month where two showpiece squash tournaments held in London have worn their Olympic aspirations on their sleeves, a new article on the BBC Sport website sings squash's praises as a 2016 hopeful.The blog written by Matt Slater, who is responsible for Olympics-related content, weighs up the contenders for October's vote in Copenhagen before concluding that squash has the greatest claim for

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-28699659209435228022009-03-26T11:06:00.028Z2009-03-26T22:09:50.480Z

Watching Robert Edwards compere a squash tournament always reminds me of a Catholic wedding I once went to: a somewhat fussy ceremony spun out over a couple of hours, presided over by a man who knew what was best.I thought the veteran 'Voice of Squash' had retired, but '21st Century Squash' is clearly short of talent of Edwards' magnitude ...I came to Queen's Club on the last night agnostic to

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-60488540176852503902009-03-25T11:38:00.010Z2009-03-25T12:53:04.492Z

Great to see intelligent questions being put to the players in the videos being put out on the Canary Wharf website and YouTube.Deepening the coverage of a current event via prompt video postings can enrich a tournament - especially for those squash fans who cannot attend ... Videoing players is not in itself new or innovative (though there is certainly room for innovation where filming play is

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-53447802077706977262009-03-23T13:47:00.004Z2009-03-23T14:21:07.184Z

The London sojourn for the men's tour reaches a climax this week with the Canary Wharf Classic (23-27 March).Now in its 6th year, the docklands event is loved by players and spectators alike for its infectious atmosphere and East Wintergarden location.Following the launch of '21st Century Squash' at last week's Super Series Finals (report to follow very soon!), what can we expect from the Eventis

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-68636223490309590732009-03-19T09:00:00.003Z2009-03-23T14:22:38.824Z

We’ve often commented on court closures and other negative stories associated with squash at a regional/local level, but recently we’ve been contacted by Paul Main, Chairman of Luton Dunstable Squash Club, which is attempting to swim against the tide and promote participation in squash …Plus: Win the change to play Peter Nicol!Paul writes:"A few years ago Dunstable Leisure Centre had four courts

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-4451710617270150292009-03-11T18:03:00.007Z2009-03-11T18:43:08.600Z

The marketing engine for this weekend's start of the ATCO Super Series Finals 2009 is in top gear, with effectively a new era for the men's tour being launched.The Finals this year are taking place at Queen's Club, Chelsea, in London, having moved from their Broadgate home. But what do the respondents to our poll think about the upcoming event (14-17 March)?We asked visitors to the site whether

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-28741653866833342252009-03-06T05:18:00.002Z2009-03-06T08:53:05.384Z

More fruits of England Squash's decision to invest in marketing its product are beginning to emerge, with the rebranding of the organisation and the unveiling of a new logo ...ES have commissioned professional help from an agency, Fudge Studios, as part of the process. With squash historically pretty dire at marketing itself, this seems like a worthwhile investment.The decision to market squash

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-59870784459802370802009-03-04T11:19:00.004Z2009-03-04T16:38:50.217Z

We unfortunately couldn't make the recent British Nationals to see Jenny Duncalf and Nick Matthew take the titles for the second time each. Looking over the recent success of both players away from domestic competition - and reviewing their careers to date - it struck me that they share a symmetry ...Both had assumed a solid berth around 5/6 in the world, before falling back slightly in 2007.

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-80135948104175552492009-02-27T12:43:00.011Z2009-02-27T14:30:01.107Z

A table in todays's Sport magazine compares indoor sports by the calories they burn off in an hour.Like the Forbes study from a few years back, squash comes out on top, but it's food/drink equivalency stats that catch the eye ...Squash is the top indoor sport for burning calories, with 816 burned per hour (assuming a body weight of 150 lbs) - the stats are actually taken from the health/exercise

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-34782476512965135162009-02-24T20:44:00.004Z2009-02-24T21:33:17.549Z

The Super Series finals move to their new home of Queen's Club next month (a good idea? Vote over to the right!).As a preview to the event, enjoy this fine rally between those great rivals Nicol and Power at Broadgate in 2003.Is that Jonathon speaking French I hear ? ;) Power eventually took the title 15-11, 10-15, 13-15, 15-4, 15-14.Super Series history

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-36926202106361057582009-02-23T17:50:00.000Z2009-02-23T18:41:28.318Z

We've been reporting the alarming rate at which public squash courts are disappearing in the UK for a couple of years now - click on provision, above.So it's encouraging to see that the Daily Telegraph have taken up the baton to try and bring national coverage to this decline, as part of its rejuvenated squash coverage.It has launched a campaign to save our sports facilities - with backing from

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-42056034924368326952009-02-19T14:22:00.005Z2009-02-19T14:38:49.951Z

I'm going to post my own article on Lee Beachill's retirement very soon.But in the meantime, read his coach Malcolm Willstrop's excellent review of Lee's fine career:Willstrop on BeachillRight: Did any player hold the ball better?

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-20495810866353288592009-02-09T08:00:00.005Z2009-02-09T10:56:45.599Z

Next month the Super Series finals are to move to a new home at the Queen's Club in West London.The Finals have mostly been held in recent years at Broadgate Arena behind Liverpool Street station in the City. Since the arrival of ATCO boss Ziad Al-Turki as the Chairman of the PSA board, the men's tour has been looking for increasingly prestigious venues to boost its profile.The Queen's Club is

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-42077423315543276592009-02-02T09:27:00.007Z2009-02-06T22:57:20.730Z

With recent success as runner-up in the Tournament of Champions in New York - and heavily fancied for the British Nationals next week - it's fair to say that Nick Matthew is the hottest Brit on the tour right now.For a player who has struggled with injury in recent times, 2009 could be the year that the Yorkshireman finally gets the recognition his commitment deserves ...It is testament to

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-90178776594024946342009-01-30T13:35:00.004Z2009-01-30T13:47:11.680Z

In a welcome demonstration of openness, the PSA board have agreed to answer questions put to them via the Squash Site forum.With the recent departure of Richard Graham, Ziad Al-Turki's election to the board, new tournaments announced and the Olympic vote due later this year, the PSA is in a high-activity transition period.Got questions about the new PSA set-up? Ask them here.

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-4137826721649785072009-01-28T12:53:00.005Z2009-04-29T08:54:21.073Z

It only seems like yesterday that squashblog popped into the world, kicking and screaming at the low profile of the sport.It's aims were lofty. Much was expected as it toddled around tournaments, griped at governing bodies and wailed for (media) attention.But how have things changed in those two years? ...Great players have retired, young prodigies have emerged, initiatives have been announced,

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-84117927986402800582009-01-15T17:26:00.004Z2009-01-15T17:51:04.489Z

I keep banging on about the lack of pro squash events in London, so it's great to start the new year off with something positive to report.If you get yourself down to Dolphin Square in London (Pimlico tube) this Friday 16th January you can see Peter Nicol and a host of other top pros in action.The event is also free to members and non-members ... all details below ...Friday 16th January 7pm This

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-6924169642459005582008-12-27T17:15:00.010Z2008-12-27T21:36:31.516Z

Last post of the year before disappearing until mid-January. So (a belated ) Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!Thanks to everyone who has supported the site this year: let's keep the debate going in 2009.Things I wanted to write about at length this year but ran out of time ...1. Player of the Year: For me this had to be Karim Darwish (bottom), who stepped out of Shabana and Ashour's shadows to

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-243809727039831512008-12-15T15:00:00.002Z2008-12-16T11:11:52.867Z

Alan Hansen would surely nod sagely in appreciation of the 'strength in depth' of Egyptian men's squash.But after their recent win in the World Team Championships, I reckon he might extend his favourite epithet to the women too.Second seeds and in their second consecutive final, but did anyone really see it coming? And what about my premature suggestion that the Netherlands might be right up

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-58406893636642494462008-12-11T12:26:00.002Z2008-12-11T14:53:31.196Z

The December 2008 edition of International Squash Magazine dropped through my letter box last week. With great photos but little beyond a narrative view of what's happened recently in the squash world, I rarely give it much more than a cursory glance.But an article featured on the front cover - 'Saudi Arabia - Wbere Squash Makes a Better World' - had me turning straight to page 9.I could see the

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-14183035323428326362008-12-07T12:56:00.000Z2008-12-07T20:08:25.823Z

A while back I wrote an article about the decline of professional squash events in Australia (the country has not staged a major tournament for the past 17 years).So good news earlier this week, as the PSA's new Chief Exec revealed in an exclusive interview with the Telegraph some of his ambitious plans for the men's tour over the next few years: top-level squash appears to be heading back there

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-20091969718237111942008-12-03T17:49:00.006Z2008-12-03T19:04:49.533Z

The Women's World Team Championships 2008 is currently at the quarter-final stage in the National Stadium, Cairo.Though reigning champions England are weakened by the recent retirement of Vicky Botwright, their strength in depth has carried them through to the final stages relatively untroubled.And if you know where to look, you can watch it for free ...Live coverage will be available free to

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-87561937865548419812008-11-27T12:23:00.001Z2008-11-27T19:01:52.901Z

A poll that has been on squashblog since the end of the Beijing Olympics asked readers to identify the one key factor in getting squash into the Olympics.The results were mixed - an indication in itself that there is still lots of work to do before the IOC vote in Copenhagen a year from now ...The recent presentation in Lausanne concentrated on emphasising the sport's best virtues, suggesting an

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-67983077154629407962008-11-16T21:11:00.001Z2008-11-17T17:36:12.650Z

The WSF President met Jacques Rogge this week in Lausanne before presenting the case for squash's inclusion in the 2016 Games.With next year's vote on Olympic inclusion approaching rapidly, it is reassuring to see that steps are being made by squash's top administrators to promote the sport's best virtures at the highest level.But how did the presentation go down? And what are squash's rivals up

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-14141577840949216122008-11-12T23:46:00.009Z2008-11-13T20:57:21.035Z

The first World Squash Championships held in England for over twenty years were an opportunity for the sport to showcase its finest talent and provide a spectacle that would indisputably warrant Olympic inclusion.But how did the event measure up ? ...The National Squash Centre is a great purpose-built venue, and - being out-of-town - usually attracts what might be described as the 'squash

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-21976822570024411242008-11-07T08:55:00.010Z2009-02-07T12:20:54.843Z

A draw for a men's tournament that doesn't feature the name John White will be all the poorer for it.The 35 year-old announced his retirement after losing to James Willstrop in the recent World Open.Here we pay tribute to the original squash nomad ...Left: John announcing his retirement in ManchesterWhen I first started to watch professional squash in 2002, John White was securely berthed in the

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-85085875803504060742008-10-31T09:46:00.005Z2008-10-31T09:57:55.039Z

Rugby columnist Eddie Butler - writing in Sunday's Observer - has made a couple of compelling points for rugby sevens' inclusion in the Olympics.Squash administrators take note ...The commentator and former captain of Wales notes as part of a longer article:"If there are selling points, one would be that rugby would use - and fill - the Olympic stadium between the opening ceremony and the start

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-49401775552979871712008-10-30T13:50:00.004Z2008-10-30T14:10:16.303Z

With uncertainty hanging over the future of squash court provision at the Sobell and Finsbury Leisure Centres in Islignton, communication with Islington Council has brought a promising update ...Howard Barnes, Assistant Director of Cultural Services at the Council, informs me that outline schemes for the re-development of both the Sobell and Finsbury Centres propose the provision of four courts

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-32403260863218556472008-10-29T11:19:00.003Z2008-10-29T11:43:30.919Z

Borja Golan pushed Amr Shabana hard but eventually lost in straight games 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11- 9 in the second round of the Qatar Classic Squash Tournament, yesterday.It was a strong showing by the Spanish number one, whose recent performances suggest that a rise up the rankings may be imminent ...The surprise recent runner-up of the Internationaux de France - where he lost to Gaultier, beating

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-67668906685058995992008-10-25T11:26:00.004Z2008-10-25T11:41:56.139Z

It's now even simpler for you to have your say about the future of squash at squashblog.Each article now has a free comment box under it (rather than taking you to another page), so you can respond immediately to whatever is written. Click on 'Read more ...' to see a full article and you will see the comment box beneath.You can comment anonymously, leave your name if you like, or log-in via a

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-30572407973000563842008-10-22T17:34:00.005Z2008-10-22T17:45:12.088Z

The World Squash Federation launched its 'Countdown to Copenhagen' during the Hi-Tec World Squash Championships 2008.Click right to see a video of the launch event, provided by Squash360.com.There is almost exactly a year to go before the IOC votes on which sports will be included in the 2016 Olympics.The World Squash Federation will outline make the case for the sport's inclusion in the IOC

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-47206746670184678052008-10-20T11:11:00.004Z2008-10-22T17:33:57.089Z

The popular squash website Squashsite has closed.However, the site claims that since shutting down at the end of the Hi-Tec World Championships in Manchester that the owners have already been deluged with 'reactions, suggestions and offers' ...It remains to be seen whether the shutting down of the site brings the support from the governing bodies that they had been trying to negotiate before they

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-32789183778888647502008-10-19T16:26:00.009Z2008-10-30T18:46:01.974Z

Egyptian Ramy Ashour lost the first game to fellow countryman Karim Darwish, but came through to take the next three to become World Champion in Manchester today.His 5/11, 11/8. 11/4, 11/5 victory was characterised by wristy shot making that was matched for much of the game by Darwish ...Mistakes from Ashour gave Darwish an early 3-0 lead in the first. A couple of lets followed, which briefly

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-84890357382962267822008-10-19T14:29:00.006Z2008-10-30T17:38:26.751Z

Nicol David claimed her third World Championship with a 5/11, 11/1, 11/6, 11/9 victory over England's Vicky Botwright this afternoon.The partisan crown rooting for Botwright had something to cheer about right from the start of the first game, as she took the game to the Malaysian World number one ...Botwright had particular success dropping on her backhand, often taking the ball high to force

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-54315724030694167332008-10-18T20:40:00.008Z2008-11-12T23:59:49.064Z

A fairytale ending to Vicky Botwright's playing career remained a possibility tonight after coming through her semi-final against Jenny Duncalf.However, the match that would guarantee a British woman finalist for the first time since 2003 didn't end in the way either would probably have wished it, with Duncalf retiring due to injury at the end of the second game ...Jenny had taken an injury break

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-73839487441340246462008-10-17T15:23:00.004Z2008-10-17T15:39:15.117Z

Reigning Champion Amr Shabana took care of business in just 20 minutes in his quarter final against Mohamed El Shorbagy this afternoon.His easy 11/2, 11/3, 11/6 victory made sure that there would be no upset in a week that has so far been chock-full of them ...El Shorbagy had burst on to the scene earlier in the week with a shock win over Thierry Lincou, but his Egyptian team mate Shabana was not

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-46417308140082551182008-10-17T11:48:00.003Z2008-10-17T11:58:21.129Z

Adrian Grant saved three match balls to score the greatest win of his career to date yesterday, beating Frenchman Greg Gaultier 9-11, 12-10, 14-12, 1-11, 13-11 (98m)."This is a massive step for me - definitely my best result by far," said the 14th seed from Lewisham ... He now meets Egyptian Karim Darwish in his quarter final, who defeated Alister Walker 9-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-8.Other results from

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-11468192468274490682008-10-16T18:40:00.001Z2008-10-17T15:55:34.382Z

Click left to see highlights of days 3 and 4 of the World Squash Championships 2008, provided by Squash360.com.Great footage in there of the El Shorbagy/Lincou upset, including Lincou's reaction ...

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-17097215785732437352008-10-16T14:28:00.015Z2008-11-13T21:04:17.139Z

News and comment13/11/09 - The Verdict19/10/08 - Ashour defeats Darwish to take first title19/10/08 - David wins third World title; Botwright retires18/10/08 - Semis bring more upsets17/10/08 - Shabana in little mood to follow upsets17/10/08 - Grant claims greatest win16/10/08 - Botwright dethrones Grinham16/10/08 - El Shorbagy beats former champion to come of ageVideosPaul Waters interviewDay 3

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-78874772704503449222008-10-16T09:46:00.001Z2008-10-20T17:16:54.716Z

Click left to see a interview with Paul Walters, CEO of the internationalSPORTgroup and Tournament Director of the Hi-Tec World Squash Championships - Manchester 2008, provided by Squash360.comMore news, comment, videos and more ...

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-82596493597938248862008-10-16T08:07:00.012Z2008-10-16T17:06:08.466Z

Manchester squash star Vicky Botwright pulled off a sensational upset yesterday when she beat defending champion Rachael Grinham in the second round of the women's event in the Hi-Tec World Open Squash Championships in Manchester ...Also: Botwright v R. Grinham - head-to-headIt was only Botwright's third win over the elder of the Grinham sisters, in what could have been her last match at a World

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-15130883536453537562008-10-15T10:02:00.005Z2008-10-15T10:28:31.361Z

Mohamed El Shorbagy shocked Manchester yesterday with 12-10, 11-6, 7-11, 10-12, 13-11 (81m) victory over French sixth seed Thierry Lincou.In the first big upset of the Hi-Tec World Squash Championships, the Egyptian junior World Champion appears to have made an immediate transition into the top tier of the senior game ...Those who have been following El Shorbagy's rapid progress of the past year

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-76529646017562582482008-10-15T09:41:00.001Z2008-10-17T15:47:12.412Z

Click right to see a video preview of the World Squash Championships 2008, provided by Squash360.com.The Championships are this year held at the National Squash Centre, part of the Sportcity complex of buildings in Manchester, England. The complex was built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games held in the city.Like the music ... anyone know who it is?

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-74621088366091057752008-10-10T08:22:00.001Z2008-10-10T08:22:00.208Z

Squashblog has just enjoyed its best week for visitor figures since launch, with readers coming to the site in increasingly larger numbers ahead of the Hi-Tec World Squash Championships ...The past week has seen the highest number of unique visitors and the highest number of page impressions on the site to date, with readers from as far afield as Buenos Aires, Mölndal (Sweden), Kuwait, Oklahoma

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-58821853126692566822008-10-08T19:26:00.003Z2008-10-08T19:35:53.649Z

Demand for tickets to the Championships, which get underway this Saturday with the qualifying rounds (which are free to the public), have also resulted in all hospitality packages for the finals being sold out.With both the men’s and women’s World Opens running concurrently at the National Squash Centre in Manchester’s Sportcity, the nine day tournament will see the leading 64 men and top 32

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-15999229958669301202008-10-08T09:12:00.000Z2008-10-08T09:12:01.029Z

The Telegraph's squash page continues to beef up its content ahead of the Hi-Tec World Squash Championships, with a nice gallery of men's World Open past winners up on the site.Have a browse back down the years and see such great champions as Nicol and Power (right) here.Now how about the women?

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-84238929134510488482008-10-06T20:34:00.001Z2008-10-07T08:37:31.629Z

The man who brought headbanging to the tango apparently taught Stefan Edberg to play squash.If you never thought you'd read that sentence ... read on ...Andrew Castle, the former British tennis number one, GMTV presenter, current contestant and all-round housewives' favourite on Strictly Come Dancing introduced the former Swedish tennis star to the great game when Edberg was living in London.It

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-1789417692449016362008-10-04T09:22:00.001Z2008-10-04T09:22:00.052Z

With squash coverage in the mainstream press often relegated to the small print of the sports results section, it was promising to see that the Telegraph appears to be bucking the trend - at least online.The squash page on its website has started to carry regular updates, written by journalist Rod Gilmour ...The page appears to be carrying features and interviews - as well as news updates - and

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-27216841109122609872008-10-01T15:39:00.003Z2008-10-02T17:39:19.252Z

The coming season marks a crucial period for squash, as it races to get its house in order and put on its best frock before next year's vote on Olympic inclusion.With that in mind, the three main governing bodies are all working behind the scenes on, variously, restructuring their leadership, increasing their media presence, and strengthening their brand ...Leighton leaves WSF: finally

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-2217292830105053632008-09-28T16:48:00.009Z2008-09-28T19:13:20.526Z

Two new features on squashblog this week: a 'ratings' widget and a feed from the new squashblog Twitter page ...The ratings feature beneath each article on the squashblog home page lets you tell me what you think about a blog posting at the click of a button. Rate each article on a scale of one to five stars, and click the info button to see how others have rated the writing.The new squashblog

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-21315134449579433502008-09-25T16:28:00.001Z2008-09-25T19:06:09.259Z

The Hi-Tech Squash World Championships Manchester 2008 will see the best male and female players from around the world gather in Manchester for a 9-day squash extravaganza, which begins on Saturday 11 October 2008 ...For the first time ever in a UK city, the World's top 64 men and the leading 32 women will be competing for the title of World Champion at the same tournament.The organising

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-27021495135775498762008-09-23T09:22:00.003Z2008-09-23T16:01:18.829Z

STOP PRESS: NEW SQUASH COURTS TO BE BUILTSo just as I was lamenting the possibility that British squash players in 2015 would be reduced to playing in broom cupboards, I chanced upon the proposed Surrey Centre for Sport: 8 squash courts with show courts for 180+ spectators ...After hearing that there are at least 20 new courts being built just in Cairo, it occurred to me that facilities in

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-29654191479428987672008-09-18T09:01:00.007Z2008-09-18T11:00:57.783Z

Pete Barker scored the biggest individual win of his career on the PSA tour this week, by defeating David Palmer 15/13, 11/9, 11/2 in the final of the inaugural Sweet Home Chicago Open.The event was as significant for the US was it was for Barker, being the nation's first-ever professional squash tournament to be held outdoors ..."It's the best tournament I've ever played. I love playing in

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-45060807448366331312008-09-08T09:49:00.006Z2008-09-08T10:33:16.145Z

URGENT RESPONSE NEEDED!Another London squash facility is under immediate threat. The Sobell Leisure Centre in Islington has been earmarked for redevelopment - which would mean the loss of the squash courts there.Customer Representative Barry Hill (barryghill@hotmail.com) is meeting with local MP Jeremy Corbyn on 10th September, ahead of the Council Meeting to decide the future of Sobell, and

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-16892164031195768052008-09-04T09:52:00.003Z2008-09-04T09:54:33.381Z

I don't know how many squash courts there are in north Wales, though I hazard a guess that it's not a region flush with provision.And that number may soon be dwindled further, as the two courts at Flint Pavillion are under threat ...The courts - dubbed the "Roll's Royce" of Flintshire's squash courts" are due to close in November to make way for a new youth club.Local player Mike Partridge, who

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-34173878016234623372008-08-31T08:00:00.002Z2008-08-31T08:00:00.943Z

More good work from the PSA and Pro-Active Television: a video feature on the Egyptian squash scene, filmed at the recent Petrosport Squash International.Click on the left to view ...Hisham Ashour, Wael El Hindi, Amr Shabana and others talk of the strong junior scene in the country, and how youngsters learn from watching and playing the pros.The number of new courts being built in Cairo makes a

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-916317276913550542008-08-28T09:21:00.001Z2008-08-28T14:33:21.225Z

Some of my articles below - such as this one - highlighted the progress being made by squash's rivals for Olympic inclusion being made during the Beijing round of the IOC cocktail party circuit.The World Squash Federation were there too, with President of the organisation Jahangir Khan leading the delegation ..."Joined in Beijing by WSF Patron HRH Tunku Imran, the President of the Olympic Council

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-16658328824356987842008-08-26T08:20:00.001Z2008-08-26T10:20:04.460Z

The following article of mine appeared recently on Squash360.com in response to articles commenting on rumoured leadership changes at the WSF ... If these departures at the top of the WSF are true (there is nothing on the WSF website or another leading squash news website to confirm this at the time of writing - which perhaps is indicative of something else ...), then it has come at a very

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-12916124605795646832008-08-18T17:32:00.007Z2008-08-18T17:56:27.715Z

Next October in Copenhagen, the IOC will decide whether any new sports will be included in the 2016 Olympic Games.Squash is on the shortlist, but has competition for inclusion in the form of rugby sevens, golf, softball, baseball, roller sports and karate.What will be the key factor that convinces those that matter that squash has what it takes? Vote on the right of the page ... or email me if

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-7695900694451313492008-08-15T10:59:00.000Z2008-08-15T11:13:45.392Z

The Guardian reports that the race to be included as a new sport in the 2016 Games is moving apace behind the scenes of the current Olympics in China.Two of squash's rivals for inclusion are currently making headway in Beijing, "pressing the flesh" of those that matter ...Journalist Matt Scott reports that the rugby and golf authorities are making the most of their opportunities:"Bernard Lapasset

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-32881751501871458842008-08-11T09:00:00.000Z2008-08-11T19:14:43.117Z

With the Olympic Games underway in Beijing, scores of BBC Sport staff have flocked to the "greatest show on earth" at licence fee payers' expense.With resources clearly diverted to Olympic sports ever since London was awarded the 2012 Games, what does this mean for squash's coverage on the Beeb?As a non-Olympic sport, squash appears to have already felt the pinch. The BBC's decision after London

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-82092726160136034282008-08-08T09:00:00.002Z2008-08-08T13:45:41.005Z

The conveyor belt of Egyptian squash talent continues to roll, with Mohamed El Shorbagy succeeding Ramy Ashour as the Men's Junior World Champion.The 18 year-old from Alexandria beat the much higher ranked Aamir Atlas Khan in the final in Zurich, where his opponent from Pakistan was looking to become the first player from his country to take the title since Jansher Khan in 1986 ...It is worth

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-40545040874793247742008-08-04T09:48:00.002Z2008-08-08T15:09:46.354Z

Looking forward to the start of the Beijing Olympics this weekend made me remember an initiative I noted a while back that - in the run up to the 2012 Games in London - seeks to pair FTSE-100 companies with different sports as a way of "helping them improve the effectiveness of their business delivery and performance."There wasn't much information available on the initiative at the time, but some

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-16453169733265023892008-07-21T09:40:00.004Z2008-07-22T08:15:59.889Z

Great to see Nick Matthew making a comeback from injury to compete in the upcoming Forexx Dutch Open 2008.Click on the video to the left (another great effort from Pro-Active for the PSA) to see what he's had to undergo to overcome his injury and get back to full fitness ...

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-41319915556620390082008-07-18T10:02:00.002Z2008-08-05T12:02:23.055Z

The recent poll on this site that asked readers whether they thought that squash needed a 'Steve Redgrave-type' figure showed that opinion was divided.The poll was in response to an article in the Guardian that suggested that the sport needed a popular figurehead/'personality' to attract greater participation and more money into the game ...50% of respondents said that having a Steve

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-26857648610523504552008-07-15T15:55:00.008Z2008-07-15T16:22:19.539Z

The Australian Open 2008 looks like it might be on the road to regaining the status of its vintage years, with David Palmer seeking to add the title he has never won to his glut of British and World Opens.Palmer's entry should help to quench the Aussie public's thirst for seeing their leading players perform on home soil, where professional tournaments no longer attract the status they once did .

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-49019629699993586172008-07-04T10:40:00.001Z2008-07-04T11:00:40.587Z

The newly-appointed Chief Executive of the PSA, Richard Graham, is the subject of a lengthy two-part interview on YouTube.Click to the right to see the first part of the interview ...Interviewed by James Poole from Squash360.com, Mr Graham explains his vision for the PSA tour.Below: Part 2 of the interview

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-77198199577502196462008-07-02T13:07:00.005Z2008-07-02T13:28:46.238Z

As it's Wimbledon fortnight, I've dug out an old article that argues why squash shouldn't align itself with tennis' traditions.Disagree? Have your say ...Read the articleLeft: Photo copyright - AELTC

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-86958803971240036672008-07-01T08:27:00.003Z2008-07-01T08:41:10.599Z

Federer does it, Nadal apparently does it, and Fabrice Santoro is apparently the master of it.It appears that squash shots are becoming an essential part of a top tennis player's armoury - as an article in the Times last week revealed ..."If you're dragged out wide and you've got no chance to get a racket on it properly, you can either throw up a lob and most likely watch someone bury it, or you

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-76335630643143025202008-06-26T21:12:00.004Z2008-06-26T21:16:35.673Z

There's just a handful of days left to take part in England Squash's online survey.Have your say on the future of the game - and win a prize ...The aim of the survey is "to improve the way (England Squash) deliver services for Squash and Racketball, support our members, and serve players, fans and competitors in the wider Squash and Racketball communities."Those that enter have the chance to win

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-60014276021661917142008-06-10T10:10:00.009Z2008-08-12T09:22:40.858Z

The results of a consultation about the future of Finsbury Leisure Centre (and the squash courts therein) has been published by Islington Council.Though over 50% of respondents rated squash provision at the Centre as "very important" or "quite important", the future existence of the courts appears far from secure ...No final decisions about the future of the squash courts have yet been made by

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-25532523632050889852008-06-04T09:54:00.007Z2008-06-04T13:05:15.502Z

England Squash is holding an online survey about its future - and there's some great prizes for those who can spare 5-10 minutes to participate ...The aim of the survey is "to improve the way (England Squash) deliver services for Squash and Racketball, support our members, and serve players, fans and competitors in the wider Squash and Racketball communities."Those that enter have the chance to

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-3543151240110396042008-06-03T11:04:00.002Z2008-06-03T11:31:36.623Z

The PSA finally appointed a new Chief Executive yesterday.And the outlook for men's squash looks immediately bright, with the panel eshewing the appointment of someone within the game and going for - as squashblogger previously suggested - an experienced sports marketeer ...The new man is Richard Graham, former Chief Operating Officer of the Parallel Media Group plc, who has worked with a number

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-76408582536428680542008-05-28T08:14:00.003Z2008-05-28T08:23:07.151Z

Courtesy of www.squash360.com:Surf City joins tidal waveSan Diego, CA, USAIt was an idea in the minds of Chris Walker and Greg Scherman, proprietors of San Diego Squash. Now two years later it is a viable, vibrant program that has changed the lives of its participants ...What is Surf City Squash?It is a non-profit organization that attempts to inspire underprivileged youth to excel through a

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-37914159776662494052008-05-22T10:31:00.003Z2008-05-22T10:46:15.085Z

Apparently there was an important football match last night, but that hasn't stopped the Metro finding the column inches for a half-page interview today with England's number one squash player ...In the interview James Willstrop talks about his quest to become the best player in the world (and remain there), the current Atco Super Series Finals 2008 and looking forward to a rest after a gruelling

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-80178331498308458992008-05-20T16:22:00.003Z2008-05-20T17:03:45.987Z

If squash thought it had a good case for inclusion in the 2016 Games, one of its rivals sports has just raised the bar ...An article in the Guardian reports that the International Rugby Board (IRB) has put an experienced and professional team in place to help get rugby sevens into the Games, some members of which were involved in the successful bif for London 2012:"The London 2012 influence is

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-10692499368864135212008-05-19T20:39:00.004Z2008-05-19T20:55:49.513Z

The Atco Super Series Finals 2008 are being held at Broadgate Arena, behind Liverpool St. station in London this week ...Back in the capital after a brief move last year to Manchester, the event is already a sell-out.Though some of the big name players have had to withdraw through injury, the line-up for the event which culminates on Friday night is still very strong and boasts current world

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-65270999933344600222008-05-18T12:39:00.000Z2008-05-19T20:31:20.581Z

Approaching the Liverpool Echo Arena from the Albert Dock, the venue for this years' Dunlop British Open reminded me of the hulking BC Place enormodome that cast a permanent shadow of my hotel in a recent visit to Vancouver.Squash doesn't often make it into venues of this ilk in the UK, and the securing of such a large berth coupled with the tie-in with the city's European City of Culture 2008

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775457930616882490.post-57518805824003089662008-05-09T15:18:00.000Z2008-05-09T14:43:28.163Z

As the Dunlop British Open 2008 moves from Liverpool Cricket Club to the Echo Arena, the quarter-finals are taking shape ...The biggest upset so far has come in the women's event, with Isabelle Stoehr defeating number 8 see Omneya Abdel Kawy in the first round.All the seeds in the men's event made it through the first round, though there were notable performances from Alister Walker, who managed

squashbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397153424504470685noreply@blogger.com0