50 Reasons why Parents should encourage their children to play SQUASH

No doubt Squash is the world most healthiest sport.!

PSA Appoint CMSeven As UK Sponsorship Agency

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) have announced a new partnership with independent sports and entertainment marketing agency CMSeven, that will see them become the PSA's Commercial Sales Agency for the Canary Wharf Classic and Allam British Open.

CMSeven, who specialise in the delivery of strategic partnerships and campaigns on behalf of their clients, will work with the PSA to secure commercial partnerships for both prestigious PSA World Tour tournaments, taking place in London and Hull this March.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with CMSeven that will see them take priority for selling all partnership packages for the Canary Wharf Classic and British Open," said PSA Chief Commercial Officer Tommy Berden.

"CMSeven have a strong history of successfully attracting high quality blue-chip partners to major sporting events within the UK and we are excited to be working with them on two of the most significant squash events taking place in Europe."

Charlie Mitchell, CMSeven Director commented: “We’re delighted to have been appointed as the exclusive UK agency to the PSA across the respective properties. Both tournaments generate significant global reach and we’re looking forward to working with the PSA in helping to expand their existing family of commercial partners.”

Breathtaking Action Awaits At 2017 Feb 23-March 1st Windy City Open

Thanks Windy for finding a way to bring the Artist Ramy back!

The 2017 Windy City Open presented by Guggenheim Partners & EquiTrust Life Insurance Company looks set to be the most dramatic instalment of the PSA World Series tournament to date after the official draw, released today (Jan 24), pitted some of the biggest names in squash against each other in a firework fuelled first round.

The World Rankings are certain to be shook up with matchups like World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy facing the in-form Paul Coll, Ali Farag taking on Miguel Angel Rodriguez, Mohamed Abouelghar playing Mathieu Castagnet and the headline encounter between former World No.1s James Willstrop and Ramy Ashour, who met during the 2014 Windy City Open in one of the most entertaining matches in tournament history.

In the Women's draw, a repeat of the dramatic Tournament of Champions encounter between Nicole David and Nour El Sherbini is seeded to be renewed in a quarter-final stage that could also see Raneem El Welily play Amanda Sobhy and Laura Massaro face Nouran Gohar.

All of which promises to deliver a week of enthralling action inside the Cathedral Hall at the University Club of Chicago where the action takes place from February 23 - March 1.

"We've been treated to a feast of world class squash throughout the past few years and the strength of the draws across both the Men’s and Women’s tournaments this year is testament to just how competitive the PSA World Tour is at present," said Tournament Director John Flanigan.

"Our unique venue in Cathedral Hall at the University Club of Chicago has produced some thrilling and memorable matches and this year looks certain to be no exception, with some mouthwatering encounters to look out for from day one.

"Guggenheim Partners, who return for the fourth year, and EquiTrust Life Insurance Company make it possible for us to host this world class professional event and we’re delighted to be working with both partners again in 2017 to bring the world's best players to the Chicago squash community.”

First Round Draw - 2017 Men's Windy City Open

[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) v Paul Coll (NZL)

Omar Mosaad (EGY) v [Qualifier]

Cameron Pilley (AUS) v Stephen Coppinger (RSA)

[Qualifier] v [6] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)

[7] Ali Farag (EGY) v Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)

Saurav Ghosal (IND) v Ryan Cuskelly (AUS)

Simon Rösner (GER) v [WC] Chris Hanson (USA)

[Qualifier] v [4] Nick Matthew (ENG)

[3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v [Qualifier]

Daryl Selby (ENG) v [Qualifier]

Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) v Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)

James Willstrop (ENG) v [5] Ramy Ashour (EGY)

[8] Tarek Momen (EGY) v [Qualifier]

Borja Golan (ESP) v Max Lee (HKG)

Fares Dessouky (EGY) v [Qualifier]

[Qualifier] v [2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)

First Round Draw - 2017 Women's Windy City Open

[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) v [Qualifier]

[Qualifier] v [16] Victoria Lust (ENG)

[14] Emily Whitlock (ENG) v Line Hansen (DEN)

[Qualifier] v [7] Nicol David (MAS)

[8] Alison Waters (ENG) v Liu Tsz-Ling (HKG)

[Qualifier] v [9] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY)

[15] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) v Tesni Evans (WAL)

Heba El Torky (EGY) v [4] Camille Serme (FRA)

[3] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v Joey Chan (HKG)

[Qualifier] v [12] Annie Au (HKG)

[13] Joshna Chinappa (IND) v [WC] Olivia Blatchford (USA)

[Qualifier] v [6] Amanda Sobhy (USA)

[5] Laura Massaro (ENG) v Mariam Metwally (EGY)

[Qualifier] v [10] Joelle King (NZL)

[11] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) v Donna Urquhart (AUS)

[Qualifier] v [2] Nouran Gohar (EGY)

Gawad And Serme Extend Lead On Road To Dubai Standings

After claiming the spoils in last week's J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions, the first PSA World Series tournament of 2017, Egyptian World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad and France's World No.4 Camille Serme have extended their leads atop the Men's and Women's PSA Road To Dubai Standings and all but guaranteed their places at the season-ending PSA Dubai World Series Finals.

25-year-old Gawad was too good for the opposition as he cruised to glory in New York, claiming a second consecutive World Series crown to go with last November's Qatar Classic, while Serme put in the performance of a lifetime to defeat World No.1 Nour El Sherbini and World No.2 Nouran Gohar en route to also winning her second consecutive World Series crown after victory at the U.S. Open.

"I've dreamed of playing in the World Series Finals, so to be number one in the Road To Dubai Standings is a great feeling right now," said Gawad, who beat 2015/16 World Series Finals champion Gregory Gaultier 3-1 in the ToC final.

"I'm very excited about the chance to compete there and hopefully I can continue to enjoy my squash and keep playing well over the next few tournaments. If I can do that, then I'll give myself a good chance to go to Dubai at the end of the season and become the World Series Finals champion."

Only the top eight players on the standings will qualify for a coveted place at the PSA Dubai World Series Finals – which will take place inside the Dubai Opera house from June 6-10, 2017 – with every match in the PSA World Series vital in determining who gets a shot at one of the sport’s most prestigious and financially rewarding titles.

Gaultier's run to the final saw him rise from 13th to fifth on the Men's Standings, with Mohamed ElShorbagy, James Willstrop and Nick Matthew staying above him and looking good for a place in the showpiece event.

After her victory at the Tournament of Champions, also defeating the 2015/16 series champion Laura Massaro in the final, Serme said: "Playing in Dubai last year was an amazing experience so I would really love to go back there again this season.

"I can't get too far ahead of myself as there are still big tournaments to play before then, but I'm very happy to know I am at the top of the standings right now."

The journey towards the PSA Dubai World Series Finals continues on February 23 when the 2017 Windy City Open gets underway in Chicago.

The 2017 PSA Dubai World Series Finals will take place from June 6-10 at the Dubai Opera house, and further information can be found by visiting www.worldseriesfinals.com

Professional Squash Players Association Of Nigeria PSPAN releases Squash EVENTS programme for 2017

The Professional Squash Players Association of Nigeria PSPAN has released a press statement to Nails Squash Media via their media forum on a proposed plan for squash event that will take place across the federation this year.

               BELOW ARE THE SCHEDULED EVENT PLAN ON SQUASH TOURNEY

1) 1st Bayelsa national open squash championship "RESTORATION 2017"  February 13th-18th
2). 3rd PSPAN national open tournament,
Venue: Lagos country club Ikeja,lagos
Date: March 19th-26th
3) 4th PSPAN national open tournament
Venue: Transcorp Hilton hotel,abuja
Date :  July 23rd-30th
4) 13th cargolux national U-19 and invitational championship
Venue: Lagos country club
Date: Aug 1st-5th
5)1st Transcorp Hilton national U-19 championship
Venue: Transcorp Hilton hotel,abuja
Date: Sept 7th-10th
 6) 1st Kaduna national open championship
Venue: 1 Div officer's mess Kaduna
Date: Nov 5th-12th
7) 1st all Nigeria Tertiary institutions squash championship.
Venue: university of Ibadan
Date: Oct 4th-8th
8) Periodical seminar n conference every quarter of d year
9) Celebrities play squash.squash comedy n music

Gawad & Serme are 2017 JP Morgan Tournament of Champions Squash champions male & female !

The 2017 Men's JP Morgan Tournament of Champions Squash champion is Karim Gawad as the Egyptian beats Greg Gaultier 3-1: 6-11, 11-6, 12-10, 11-6 (64m)And @Karimsamy91 takes the 2017 @ToCSquash title. Congratulations on a great tournament

 2017 TOC lady's champion is camille serme
Beats lj massaro 3/11, 8/11, 4/11, 11/3, 11/7 to become the first ever French Women's winner

French Duo Derail Egyptian Title Defence In Tournament Of Champions Semi-finals

French duo Gregory Gaultier, Men's World No.3, and Camille Serme, Women's World No.4, derailed the challenge of 2016 tournament winners Mohamed ElShorbagy and Nour El Sherbini to come through two dramatic and enthralling semi-final encounters at the 2017 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions today (Jan 18). Inside Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall Gaultier, 2009 champion, prevailed 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 4-11, 11-7 in an 84-minute encounter with 2015 and 2016 winner ElShorbagy that had the theatrics, drama and intrigue befitting a broadway classic. The 34-year-old strutted extravagantly around court, playing with pace, precision and guile to take a 2-0 lead, delighting the crowd with his theatrical celebrations before a contentious referee decision at 8-7 in the third swung the match. The Frenchman capitulated, first mentally and then physically - as a troublesome left glute hampered his movement - allowing ElShorbagy to level 2-2. But a stunned crowd, silenced by what they were witnessing, watched on as Gaultier, playing on one leg, displayed all the traits of his 'General' moniker to regain control and seal a dramatic victory. "I felt my glute go during my match with Tarek (Momen) and it was sore this morning - but after warming up today it was fine and I had no problem in those first two games," said Gaultier. "In the third game I could feel it tighten and then at 8-7 that decision should have gone my way and I lost my dynamic. I could have gone through to win 3-0 and then it was 2-2. At that point I just wanted to shake hands - I was in a lot of pain. "But my coaches told me just to fight for every point. I played smart and it maybe got in his head and he got a little shaky. I was injured all year in 2016 - so I am very determined to come back. This is a beautiful place to play squash and you want to give your all in these kind of locations. "There's a lot of talk about Egyptian players dominating at the moment but there are players from other countries here as well, and we're showing that we are still competing and that our names deserve to be on trophies as well." Gaultier will face Egypt's World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad in the title-decider after he produced a sublime performance to beat James Willstrop in straight games while it was Gaultier's compatriot Serme who captured attention in the Women's draw with a 3-1 defeat of World No.1 El Sherbini. Serme beat World No.2 Nouran Gohar yesterday and injected pace from the off today to unsettle El Sherbini, working her favoured backhand with relentless accuracy, to win 11-7, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6 and secure her first appearance in the iconic event's title-decider. "I was so focused on the match and making sure I played as well as I could that it hasn't really sunk in that I'm into the final yet," said 27-year-old Serme. "I dreamt of playing this event - the venue is unbelievable - so it's amazing to know I will be playing in the final here tomorrow with a chance to win. I've beaten the #1 and #2 players so I have to take confidence that I'm playing some of my best ever squash. "I feel like there's still improvements to be made but I'm on the right track. Tomorrow will be a different challenge again so I'll give it my best and see what happens - it's very exciting." Serme will face England's Laura Massaro, 2014 runner-up, in the decider ensuring a new Women's champion will be crowned. Results - Men's Semi-finals: 2017 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions [3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-2: 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 4-11, 11-7 (84m) [2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt James Willstrop (ENG) 3-0: 11-6, 11-8, 11-6 (42m) Draw - Final [3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v [2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) Results - Women's Semi-finals: 2017 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions [5] Camille Serme (FRA) bt [1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) 3-1: 11-7, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6 (49m) [4] Laura Massaro (ENG) bt [11] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 3-0: 11-6, 11-6, 11-9 (40m) Draw - Final [5] Camille Serme (FRA) v [4] Laura Massaro (ENG)

WIN Flights, Tickets & Accommodation to the 2017 PSA World Series Finals in Dubai! Update from ongoing Tornament of Champions

WIN Flights, Tickets & Accommodation to the 2017 PSA World Series Finals in Dubai!

Find out how ⬇️

https://t.co/mtWmUTAcA7
 #Road2Dubai https://t.co/onp9L6ue5d

2009 champion G.Gaultier beats moelshorbagy in one of the most bizarre matches ever seen at Grand Central to reach 2017 Tournament of champions squash finals

Sherbini defeated Nicol David; media statement from serving after the match:
Battles like these is what makes me alive.I am really glad I managed to win last night's match against a Legend who never give up.https://t.co/mtWmUTAcA7

Gawad defeated Gaultier in 2017 Squash Fight Night

The baby face assassin(Gawad) defeated the General (Gaultier) in a 4-2 squash fight night 2017.
Spectators from Nigeria Present in the are current Nigeria number2 Wale Amo, former Lagos State squash coach Shaina and Chamberlain channels tv. It was indeed an awesome night.  A big shout out to the winner Gawad. Gaultier will be out of the tourney for the next 2years.
For a review of the match click:https://www.hutkay.fit/pages/live-streaming-fight-night?mc_cid=1028f47dbc&mc_eid=5b256b9acc

wale Amao pose with the squash general & baby face Assassin

Nigeria Wale Amao with the squash general , Gaultier and baby face assasin Gawad in preparation for today's 7th January 2017 Squash Fight

It's Squash fight Night Gaultier Vs Gawad

Will keep you posted on further updates on this

January 2017 PSA World Tour ranking

                          January 2017 PSA WORLD TOUR RANKING  MALES & FEMALES

Pic of the day

Scene from the 2017 British Junior Squash Open; Flexibility at its best, don't try this at home or school only in squash court when fully prepared

Former World No.2 Grinham To Call Time On Career At Tournament of Champions

Three-time Commonwealth Games Gold Medal winner and former World No.2 Natalie Grinham, the 38-year-old from Toowoomba, Australia, will bring down the curtain on a glittering 20-year career when this month's iconic J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions gets underway inside New York's Grand Central Terminal on January 12.

The four-time World Championship runner-up and winner of 21 PSA World Tour titles will make her last competitive appearance when she takes up the Wildcard at the prestigious World Series event - which she won in 2012 and 2013.

"There was always goi­ng to be a time that ­my professional caree­r had to come to an e­nd, and it just seems­ like that time, for ­me, is now," said Grinham, who competed in 47 finals during her tenure.

"It was a ­difficult decision to­ make because it's no­t that my body has said 'I can't do thi­s any more' - it's just­ become too­ difficult to fit tournaments into family life.

"I'm extremely honoured ­that John Nimick has given m­e the w­ildcard to end my professional career at such a fantastic event. The TOC is definitely one of my favourites - the location is spectacular and­ the atmosphere it gi­ves off is simply ama­zing. So many passers­-by stopping in awe o­f this incredible spo­rt of ours, is fantas­tic to see.

"In the beginnin­g squash was just som­ething that I did whi­le I was trying to fi­gure out what I wante­d to do. I was 19 and­ working 2 jobs, when­ I remembered the words a friend's mo­ther told me when I was younger - that I shou­ld see how far I coul­d go with squash, bec­ause if I didn't, I w­ould look back later ­in life and potentially regret it.­

"I never really k­new before what my pl­ans were, and for now I'll probably ­coach a bit more­ and keep trying my best ­to be a good mum. I'll stick ­with that until I fig­ure something else ­out!"

After making her debut during the 1998 British Open Grinham went on to compete in over 160 tournaments, playing over 450 matches, but it was during the Commonwealth Games that one of her stand out memories stems from.

"I have a lot of good­ memories from my career but my favo­urite would have to b­e after I beat Nicol ­David in the semi fin­al of the Commonwealt­h Games," she said.

"I then had t­o watch my sister, Rachael, pla­y Shelley Kitchen in ­the other s­emi. The nerves, the ­excitement, they were­ so unbearable I felt­ physically sick - b­ut the moment Rachael wo­n that match, knowing­ we had achieved Gold­ and Silver, was the ­most amazing and inde­scribable feeling I'v­e had.

"Nothing can to­p that memory for me."

Grinham spent 29 months at her career high of No.2 having been prevented from reaching the top spot by firstly her sister Rachael, whom she lost to in the 2007 World Championship final, and then Nicol David - the Malaysian who reigned at No.1 for over nine years.

In 2010 she gave birth to her first child, Kieran, but returned to the competitive scene to triumph at the Atwater Cup in Canada less than a year later before going on to reclaim a spot inside the World's Top Ten.

Her second son, Ryan, was born in 2014 and Grinham again returned to competitive action to rise as high as No.35 at the start of 2016.

"I've had a great career but it wouldn't have been possible without a lot of people, and I especially need to thank Noel­ Ziebel who owned Wil­lows Squash and Fitne­ss Centre in my home ­town Toowoomba. Noel ­let my sister and I (as soon as we cou­ld walk) use the courts a­nd facilities for fre­e so if it wasn't for ­him, I wouldn't have ­achieved what I have,­ or be where I am tod­ay.

"I know ­my parents are proud of me, but ­to them it wouldn't m­atter if I played squ­ash or not. I'm very ­grateful that there w­as no pressure to pla­y squash.

"And my best friend and my s­ister, Rachael - I'm n­ot sure if I could've­ done without her. F­rom game plans, to un­orthodox routines, ­to just always being ­there to

Evans Breaks Top 20 As Gohar Starts 2017 At No.2 In January Rankings

Tesni Evans has become only the second Welsh female player ever to break into the World's Top 20 following the publication of the first PSA Women's World Rankings of 2017, released today (Jan 1), that sees her occupy the No.20 position as part of an elite group that also seeds teenage Egyptian sensation Nouran Gohar start the new year as World No.2.

Evans, the 24-year-old from Cardiff, enjoyed the best performance of her professional career to date during November's Wadi Degla Women's Open when she reached the semi-finals in Cairo and her performances see her become the first Welsh player since Tegwen Malik in 2007 to rank inside the Top 20. Gohar meanwhile, who ended the Welsh player's run in Cairo, overtakes compatriot Raneem El Welily to begin the year at a career high No.2 while another Egyptian, Nour El Sherbini, maintains her place atop the rankings for a 9th consecutive month.

One year on from topping the World Rankings for the first time in her career England's Laura Massaro, the 32 year old from Preston, falls down to No.5 - her lowest ranking since 2015 - while her long time rival and former World No.1 Nicol David falls to her lowest position since November 2004 as she drops below American Amanda Sobhy to occupy the No.7 spot.

Elsewhere inside the top ten there's upwards movement for England's Alison Waters as the former World No.3 moves up one place to No.8 while Australian Donna Urquhart is the only other upwards mover inside the Top 20 as she climbs one place to No.19.

PSA Women's World Rankings Top 20 - January 2017
Rank
Name  Nationality  Up/Down
1]
Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
=
2]
Nouran Gohar (EGY)
+1
3]
Raneem El Welily  (EGY)
-1
4]
Camille Serme  (FRA) +1
5]
Laura Massaro  (ENG) -1
6]
Amanda Sobhy (USA)
+1
7]
Nicol David (MAS)
-1
8]
Alison Waters  (ENG) +1
9]
Omneya Abdel Kawy  (EGY) -1
10]
Joelle King (NZL)
=
11]
Sarah-Jane Perry  (ENG) =
12]
Annie Au (HKG)
=
13]
Joshna Chinappa  (IND) =
14]
Emily Whitlock  (ENG) =
15]
Nour El Tayeb  (EGY) =
16]
Victoria Lust  (ENG) =
17]
Delia Arnold (MAS)
=
18]
Joey Chan (HKG)
=
19]
Donna Urquhart  (AUS) +1
20]
Tesni Evans (WAL)
+1

OMOTADE isaac New year's message-wishes every Nigerian a prosperous 2017

Every accomplishment start with the decision to try,there's always a way, just give it all it TAKES
It's a brand new year, a year of favor and mercy, God bless this year, grant us the Charis of this year, bless our land this year... Father we pray, Let your will be done in our lives,in Nigeria this year,help us find a way, take your place, with Nigeria set a pace, direct our Noble course, order the steps of our leaders, help our youth with the knowledge of Truth & good ; irrespective of our tribes & religious differences, in Love and honesty , peace alone we know!
God bless Nigeria,  God bless Nigerians...
Happy new year from #NaijaSquashMedia

welcome ye all to 2017-it's gonna be a great year

                                         
                                                          Happy new year to everyone; God bless Nigeria, God bless Nigeria.