.....An iDEASCOPE MEDIA

26 Aug 2017

Jamaica second at Caribbean Squash Championships


The Jamaican Men's Team finished second after losing 2-3 to Guyana in the finals of the team competition of the 2017 Caribbean Area Squash Association's (CASA) Senior Championships which wrapped up over the weekend in Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Things got off to a challenging start for Jamaica when National Under-19 champion Tahjia Lumley lost 9-11, 2-11, 8-11 to Jason Ray Khalil and then Jonathan Walker was beaten 6-11, 4-11, 6-11 by former regional junior champion Nyron Joseph.
With the team facing elimination, it was up to eight-time Caribbean men's champion Chris Binnie to sort the situation out. Binnie trounced long-time rival and fellow professional player Sunil Seth 11-7, 11-1, 11-6 and pulled Jamaica back into contention.
Following that, experienced campaigner Bruce Burrowes took care of business and beat Alex Arjoon 11-7, 11-7, 3-11, 11-1 to even up the score.
However, Guyana then fielded former Caribbean champion Richard Chin, and while Julian Morrison put up a good fight, the former prevailed 11-9, 12-10, 11-6 and Guyana won the title.
The second-place finish puts Jamaica in a good position to qualify for the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games, which are scheduled for August 3-19 in Barranquilla, Colombia. It also capped off a solid showing for Jamaica on the regional squash stage, as earlier in the week Binnie, the seven-time All Jamaica champion, won his eighth regional title.
“On a whole we have had a great week of squash with our men's team placing second and Chris winning the men's competition for the eighth time,” said Chris Hind, president of the Jamaica Squash Association.

Chamberlain Squash Open: Ford, Broekman, Ajagbe Make Last Four




After five days of exciting squash on offer, the semi-finalists in the maiden edition of Chamberlain Squash Open have been decided.
Following Thursday’s matches only four players were certain of their fate, with Tom Ford and Mark Broekman, Babatunde Ajagbe and Femi Shedara through to the semis.
In the female
category, Yemisi Olatunji, Rofiat Abdulazeez, Udeme James and Longdi Dasbak all booked their places in the last four.
In the first match on Thursday, Tom Ford defeated Abdulrahman Lanre to move into the semis.
Ford won the first two set comfortably with an 11-5, 11-6 score, but lost the third 9-11 before taking the four set 11-5 in 55minutes.
In a keenly contested match-up that lasted one hour twenty-three minutes, 19-year-old, Onaopemipo Adegoke lost 3-2 to his more experience opponent Femi Shedara.
Shedara took the first two set 15-13, 11-7, before Adegoke stormed back to take the next two 11-6, 16-14.
Adegoke who stunned Wasiu Bello in the first round was beaten 11-7 in the fifth set, as Shedara a semi-final berth.
Shedara will now lock horns with top seed, Tom Ford for a place in the final.
What was supposed to be a tough game turn out to be an anti-climax as Nigeria number one, Babatunde Ajagbe dismissed current number two, Sodiq Taiwo 11-7, 11-3, 11-3 in 25 minutes.
Taiwo, who recently won the Zimbabwe Squash Tournament in Bulawayo could not match his compatriot fast pace.
Waiting for Ajagbe in the semi-finals is Mark Broekman.
Broekman,who survived a scare on tournament was in his element as he defeat Gabriel Olufunmilayo 11-7,9-11,11-3,11-3.
In the women category, Yemisi Olatunji was too much for Okikiola Dunni as she dispatch her 11-4, 11-6, 11-2.
While, 19-year-old Rofiat Abdulazeez overcame Kafayat Idris 11-7, 11-4, 12-10.
Udeme James also defeated Veronica Sunday 11-3, 9-11, 11-4, 11-3, while former women number one, Longdi Dasbak dismissed Bisi Adeleke 11-4,11-2,11-3.
SEMI-FINALS PAIRINGS
Tom Ford vs Femi Shedara
Babatunde Ajagbe vs Mark Broekman
Yemisi Olatunji vs Rofiat Addulazeez
Udeme James vs Longdi Dasbak

Udate from the ongoing chamberlain squash open







The chamberlain squash open which is to come to an end today have the likes of Nigeria number one Tunde Ajagbe, England star Tom ford and Nigeria female number one yemisi olatunji, udeme james in the male and female category respectively succeeded in finding their ways  to the finals today. The tourney will take place at the prestigious lagos country club squash section. You don't wanna miss this!




CHAMBERLAIN SQUASH OPEN SEMIFINALS
                              RESULTS 
MEN
Tom Ford bt Femi Shedara.                 3-1
Tunde Ajagbe bt Mark Broekman.       3-0
LADIES
Yemisi Olatunji bt Rofiat Abdulazeez  3-0
Udeme James bt Dasbak Longdi.        3-0.

24 Aug 2017

Squash: Draws Released for 2017 U.S. Open

Draws Released for 2017 U.S. Open

A number of the world’s top players will go head-to-head right from day one at the 2017 U.S. Open Presented by Macquarie Investment Management after the draws for the PSA World Series tournament were released today (August 21).

Taking place between October 7-14 in Philadelphia’s Drexel University, the U.S. Open is the first World Series tournament of the 2017/18 season and will see World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad take on World No.12 Paul Coll in the pick of the opening round matches in the men’s draw.

Number two seed Gawad has been drawn on the same side of the draw as defending champion Mohamed ElShorbagy and is seeded to meet the former World No.1 - who begins his tournament against a qualifier - in a mouthwatering last four encounter.

Elsewhere, World No.1 Gregory Gaultier gets his tournament under way against Australia’s Cameron Pilley, with the top seed set to face last year’s runner-up Nick Matthew for a place in the final if both players can play to their seedings.

Maverick Egyptian Ramy Ashour will also be in action and he will take on tournament wildcard Christopher Gordon, who will have home hopes on his shoulders as he aims to claim a first ever win over the three-time World Champion after defeats in 2006 and 2008.

Women’s defending champion Camille Serme will begin her tournament against World No.53 wildcard Haley Mendez and she is seeded to meet World Championship runner-up Raneem El Welily in the semi-finals.

The top half of the draw will see World No.1 Nour El Sherbini - who lost to Serme in last year’s final - take on fellow Egyptian Mariam Metwally on day one, while World No.4 Laura Massaro, a winner in 2011 and 2015, is seeded on the same side of the draw as El Sherbini and will line up against compatriot Millie Tomlinson.

The U.S. Open will also see players compete for points on the World Series Standings for the first time in the 2017/18 season, with only the top eight men and women on the standings qualifying for a coveted berth at the season-ending PSA World Series Finals.

Qualification for the 2017 U.S. Open Presented by Macquarie Investment Management takes place between October 5-6, while the main draw will be held between October 7-14 inside the Daskalakis Athletic Centre at Drexel University.

Action from the tournament will be shown live on SQUASHTV (Rest of World) and Eurosport Player (Europe Only), while the semi-finals and finals will be shown live on mainstream broadcast channels around the world, including BT Sport, beIN Sports, Fox Sports Australia and Astro.

Tickets start from $25 and can be purchased here: www.usopensquash.com/tickets 

2017 U.S. Open Presented by Macquarie Investment Management - Men’s First Round Draw:
[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v Cameron Pilley (AUS)
Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) v Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)
Simon Rösner (GER) v [Qualifier]
Cesar Salazar (MEX) v [6] James Willstrop (ENG)
[5] Ali Farag (EGY) v [Qualifier]
Daryl Selby (ENG) v [Qualifier]
Gregoire Marche (FRA) v Ryan Cuskelly (AUS)
Zahed Mohamed (EGY) v [4] Nick Matthew (ENG)
[3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) v [Qualifier]
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) v [Qualifier]
Tarek Momen (EGY) v [Qualifier]
[WC] Christopher Gordon (USA) v [8] Ramy Ashour (EGY)
[7] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) v [Qualifier]
Max Lee (HKG) v Diego Elias (PER)
Fares Dessouky (EGY) v [Qualifier]
Paul Coll (NZL) v [2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)

2017 U.S. Open Presented by Macquarie Investment Management - Women’s First Round Draw:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) v Mariam Metwally (EGY)
[Qualifier] v [14] Victoria Lust (ENG)
[10] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) v [Qualifier]
Salma Hany Ibrahim (EGY) v [7] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
[6] Nicol David (MAS) v Donna Urquhart (AUS)
Joey Chan (HKG) v [9] Annie Au (HKG)
[12] Emily Whitlock (ENG) v [Qualifier]
Millie Tomlinson (ENG) v [4] Laura Massaro (ENG)
[3] Camille Serme (FRA) v [WC] Haley Mendez (USA)
[Qualifier] v [11] Joelle King (NZL)
[16] Olivia Blatchford (USA) v [Qualifier]
[Qualifier] v [8] Alison Waters (ENG)
[5] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v [Qualifier]
Dipika Pallikal Karthik (IND) v [13] Joshna Chinappa (IND)
[15] Tesni Evans (WAL) v Heba El Torky (EGY)
[Qualifier] v [2] Raneem El Welily (EGY)

20 Aug 2017

Squash maestro Qamar Zaman to enter politics



PESHAWAR: Former squash world champion Qamar Zaman has announced his entry into politics and relinquished his position as secretary of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association. He maintained that due to political interference and the existence of two rival groups within the association, it has completely failed to work for the promotion of sports in the province.
“I will contest 2018 general elections,” Zaman revealed on Thursday while talking to the media at Peshawar Sports Complex. He added that a number of political parties have approached him but he has not taken a decision on which party, if any, he would be joining.
He said it is also possible to contest the election as an independent candidate.
He said he resigned from the association because it was marred by political interference and infighting among two rival groups – one loyal to the ANP’s Aqil Shah, and the other to JUI-F’s Ghulam Ali. He added that he has waited for four years hoping that the two groups would resolve their issues, but no progress was made.
Born 1952 in Quetta, Zaman was one of the world’s leading squash players in the 1970s and 1980s. His biggest triumph was winning the British Open in 1975, beating the defending-champion Geoff Hunt of Australia in the quarterfinals before downing fellow Pakistani player Gogi Alauddin.
Subsequently, Zaman reached the British Open final on four further occasions. He was runner-up to Hunt in 1978, 1979 and 1980, and to Jahangir Khan in 1984. He was also runner-up at the World Open four times, losing to Hunt in the finals of 1976, 1979 and 1980, and to Jahangir in 1984.
“Unfortunately, sports have never been a priority of any government in Pakistan,” Zaman said while criticising the K-P government. He added that the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf government in the province had proven to be a disappointment as far as sports were concerned.” As sports enthusiasts, we were expecting a lot from a government led by a former cricketer.
Zaman is known for his efforts to help underprivileged individuals chasing their dreams in sports. He revealed that one of his biggest motivations for joining active politics is to work for the promotion of sports and the welfare of athletes in the province.

MAKING HIS OWN WAY - MARWAN ELSHORBAGY SPEAKS TO SQUASH PLAYER

Squash Player's Richard Eaton talks to Marwan ElShorbagy about how he has emerged from the shadow of brother Mohamed to be a force in his own right on the PSA World Tour
———
Marwan ElShorbagy has found his own route. If that sounds like an outdated description of a 24-year-old who has already reached World No.5 and has been playing the best squash of his life, it should be remembered that his sat nav has not entirely been in his own possession.
Marwan knew how he should attempt to move forward quite a long time ago. “I don’t have to live my brother’s story; I can have my own story. I have to be the best version of myself,” he says.
The trouble is, some people wouldn’t let him, especially after Mohamed, his older brother, spent many months as World No.1. They went to surprising lengths to impose tiresome comparisons.
You will never be as good as your brother, Marwan was sometimes told. Even after he matched some of Mohamed’s achievements by twice becoming world junior champion and going on to win half a dozen PSA Tour titles, adverse comparisons continued, which inflicted constant, morale-draining pressure.
It sometimes seemed to him that his steady improvements warranted little consider- ation. Incredibly, when Marwan beat Mohamed for the first time, in Chicago in February, there were those who refused to accept the result was meaningful. A few even claimed it was fixed.
“It was really hard,” Marwan said.
“The timing of the win knocked my brother off the world no.1 spot, which made me feel like I was taking away something from him, when he has given me so much. How I cried – and how he was so happy for me.”
An emotional embrace between the ElShorbagy brothers, Marwan (left) and Mohamed (right)
This aftermath was so painful and confusing that the sceptical responses seemed absurd. Thankfully, there were important, mind- changing compensations.
After watching the video of Mohamed consoling him on court and observing how happy his brother had been for him, Marwan felt some relief. Even better, those deep-seated, post-match moments were communicated to hundreds of thousands of people via social media.
“We are two brothers, close to each other, and people saw that,” Marwan says.
“A lot of other brothers spoke about it to each other and it meant a lot to see this going viral. I think it meant a lot to other people as well.
“It changed the way people looked at things. It can be good when you change people and change how people think. It helped me.”
Although Marwan soon repeated his win over Mohamed – at El Gouna in April, in the process qualifying for the World Series Finals in Dubai – it seems that future successes are unlikely to halt the irksome comparisons entirely. But he can hope that the increasing quality of his results may reduce them and his sensible perspectives shield him from the worst frustration.
Those who have seen the pace and accuracy of Marwan’s game may have noticed his attention to detail, and should know he is a threat to any leading player in any tournament.
Marwan ElShorbagy in action during June's PSA Dubai World Series Finals
None of this would ever have happened had he given in to feelings of homesickness and loss when he first moved from Alexandria to Millfield School in Somerset in his early teens.
“I told my mum I didn’t want to move to England, because I was so close to my friends. She didn’t force me, but she did push me. It was really hard,” he admits.
“That first week was the toughest week of my life.
I had no friends and knew no-one, and wanted to go back every single day, I remember.”
But how quickly that all changed.
“Ian Thomas and Jonah Barrington helped me from the start. I began to get a good education and soon it made me a responsible guy,” Marwan said.
Within a few years he was doing a degree in business studies at the University of the West of England, enjoying a very companionable house-share with several other squash players in Bristol and improving his on-court movement with coach Hadrian Stiff.
There were other benefits as well.
“I can do a lot of stuff here which is not allowed in Egypt,” he says.
“It’s more comfortable and more open. The routine is easier. It’s more organised. It’s more relaxed, especially at the end of the season.
Marwan ElShorbagy after beating Ali Farag in the Windy City Open semi-finals
“There (in Egypt) it’s hectic. It’s the chemistry of the way people treat each other. People on the street don’t have smiling faces. There are a lot of poor people in Egypt. It’s just hard. I always feel the pressure there and feel like coming back to Bristol.”
Consequently, his squash has improved steadily and he feels better in himself. We are “like a family”, Marwan says of his house- mates.
Despite this, it would be wise to note Marwan’s words about what the English don’t do so well, as they are falling seriously behind the Egyptians in the development of talent. “It’s a problem here,” he agreed.
The difference, he suggests, is in motivation.
“Egypt produce so many good juniors because they have coaches and parents pushing them. It makes them hungry. It makes them work for something they never dreamed of,” he says.
Nevertheless, it is in England where he feels most appreciated.
“I remember Ian Thomas asked me to do some teaching at Millfield School a couple of years ago, just after I’d reached the top 10,” he recalls.
“We thought of what to talk about. And I realised I’d been through so much in my life and I was only 22 years old.”
These reflective inclinations brought to mind his mother, Basma, who occasionally suggested that there was a lot going on with Marwan that people couldn’t see. While the elder brother tends to speak his mind, straight and simple, Marwan’s thoughts may be less easy to guess.
A window into this insight became apparent as Marwan pondered which improvements might help him take the last few ultra- difficult steps to the very top.
“One of my friends told me that I put pressure on myself,” he commented.
“‘You are in the top 10,’ he told me, ‘and even if you stop now, you have done something.’”
It has been hard for him to move beyond a recognition that last season was better than the one before, but he has become more positive about himself.
“Getting to number five is my highest ever,” he reminds himself. “I beat my brother for the first time, I beat Nick Matthew for the first time and now I have beaten everyone in the top 10.”
Marwan celebrated his win over Nick Matthew on day one of the World Series Finals
But his awareness that there remain things to develop is what exercises him most.
“My mentality was always to try to be a better
player than yesterday,” he emphasises.
“But it is starting to become more than that. I want to be number one.
“It won’t happen this season. But I need to tell myself I can win World Championships and become World No.1. My mentality needs to change.
“If I can make these changes, then on a bad day I can win tournaments. I have seen my brother nowhere near his best, but still winning tournaments. That’s what makes the difference
[between others] and a real champion.”
What ingredients in Marwan’s game most enable him to succeed? His answer, ironically, is that a lot of people wonder how he wins matches.
“I may be the most underestimated player in the top 10,” he says wryly.
Not wishing to offer too many insights to potential rivals, he uses other players to illustrate his game. One of them is Mathieu Castagnet, France’s former World No.6.
“How hard it is to play him!” Marwan says.
“From the outside, you may have no idea why he wins matches. But go on court and he will show you.”
Marwan also recalls Peter Barker, an Englishman who made the world top five “without a great game”, Marwan says.
“As soon as I was on court with him, it was pace and accuracy, pressure all the time.
“That was good enough and it’s good enough for me. Watching from the outside, people often don’t see. That is what I have learnt about this game.”
Marwan also knows more about the wider world. “Living in England has changed how I think about life and made me realise it isn’t all about squash all the time,” he reflects, though the paradox is that this may well be making him a better player.
“Looking back at it now, my mum…” he says, pausing briefly before reaching his emotional conclusion, “she knew what was right and what was wrong.”

Nigeria Chamberlain Squash Open: $12,000 up for grabs



•As competition kicks off today
A total prize money of $12,000 is at stake at the maiden edition of the Chamberlain Squash Open (CSO), which begins today at the Ikeja Country Club.
Squash
The Promoter of the CSO, Chamberlain Usoh, who disclosed this in a press briefing in Lagos also said 89 players have been duly registered for the competition.
“ It will be an annual event and the players are in high spirits. We are glad with the impressive turnout of participants.
“The tournament’s total prize money is $12,000 for both the men and female categories.
‘’The winner in the men’s category will go home with $1,850 (N658,825) while that of the winner in the female category smiles home with N200,000.
“The thing with the female category is that there have not been frequent tournaments for them but in partnership with the federation and the Ministry of Sports, we will see how we can pay more attention to the female category.
‘’The idea is to make more of them get ranked on PSA world ranking”, Usoh stated.
In the men’s category, the first runner up clinches a cash prize of $1,235 (N450,775), while the women’s first runner up will go home with N150,000.
Also speaking at the briefing, Samuel Aminu, Secretary General, Nigerian Sports Federation said what CSO has done was to create massive awareness for squash in the country, which he said had been relegated to the background.


19 Aug 2017

My target is to see Nigeria Squash players’ among World Ranking – Chamberlain


Promoter, Chamberlain Squash Open, Chamberlain Usoh, has said his vision is to promote and develop Squash in Nigeria amongst the youth and bring up a new generation of players that will represent the country at the National and International levels.
Chamberlain stated this at the maiden edition of Chamberlain Squash Open (CSO) in Lagos
He disclosed that 89 professional players comprising men, women, local and foreign players have registered for the competition
He said the aim is to foster cohesion, enhance health fitness and promote friendship within the squash community adding that the vision is to hoist Nigeria’s flag on the international sporting arena”.
“We want to see more Nigerian Squash Players get ranked in the Professional Squash Association’s (PSA) global ranking, within the shortest possible time.
“It is heartwarming to know the keen interest and deep love many of you have shown this tournament. We have 89 professional players comprising men, women, local and foreign players who are duly registered for this competition,” he said.
He commended the President Nigeria Squash Federation for supporting the programme.
“I also want to thank all the organisations who have partnered with us, supported and contributed to the success of this event and be rest assured the programme will get better as we organize subsequent editions.
“Our special appreciation goes to the following: the Federal Ministry of Sport and Youth Development, Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF), Mr. Boye Oyerinde and members of the Professional Squash Players Association of Nigeria (PSPAN)”.
“We seek to identify, harvest and harness raw talents and equally cultivate a robust competitive spirit amongst the players irrespective of age or gender,” he said.

17 Aug 2017

2nd edition of the U-16 DTEC Squash Southwest championship

It's the 2nd edition of the U-16 DTEC Squash Southwest championship ; dated for 23rd to 25th of August 2017

16 Aug 2017

VACANCY! For the position of Sports Development Manager


Position TitleSports Development Manager
Short DescriptionAre you looking for an opportunity to turn your love of the game into a career? Do you want to work out of one of the best squash centres in Australia? Then you might just be the person we are looking for!
EmployerSquash NT
 
SquashNT_logo
Work TypeFull Time
Salary$60,000 to $70,000 pa
Salary CurrencyAustralian Dollar
LocationDarwin, NT, Australia
Detailed Description
Squash NT are seeking a highly motivated individual to fulfil the role of Sport Development Manager and help grow our sport in the Northern Territory.
You would work amongst a passionate group of people and focus on the creation and implementation of strategic and operational objectives that contribute to raising participation in our sport.
You will also have the opportunity to work on National Level events being held at the Darwin Squash Centre.
Selection CriteriaEssential
Desirable
Closing Date3 Sep 2017
File Attachments
Position Description (457KB)
Apply to
NameSarah Douglas
Phone (work)(08) 8945 7362
Phone (mobile)0421 601 452
Emailmanager@squashnt.com.au
 
Click here to apply for position
How To Apply
How to apply
  1. Read over the position description
  2. Watch this YouTube video by Simon Sinec
  3. Record a 2 minute video of yourself answering these 3 questions: WHY should we pick you? HOW are you going to make a difference? WHAT do you hope to achieve?
  4. Submit your application to manager@squashnt.com.au If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours please follow up with a call to 0421 601 452
 Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Australia
Position TitleSports Development ManagerShort DescriptionAre you looking for an opportunity to turn your love of the game into a career? Do you want to work out of one of the best squash centres in Australia? Then you might just be the person we are looking for!EmployerSquash NT Work TypeFull TimeSalary$60,000 to $70,000 paSalary CurrencyAustralian DollarLocationDarwin, NT, AustraliaDetailed Description

Squash NT are seeking a highly motivated individual to fulfil the role of Sport Development Manager and help grow our sport in the Northern Territory.

You would work amongst a passionate group of people and focus on the creation and implementation of strategic and operational objectives that contribute to raising participation in our sport.

You will also have the opportunity to work on National Level events being held at the Darwin Squash Centre.

click  here for link

Selection Criteria Essential Drivers LicenceLevel 1 Coaching AccreditationWorking with children check Desirable Level 1/Basic First AidClosing Date3 Sep 2017File AttachmentsPosition Description (457KB) Apply toNameSarah Douglas Phone (work)(08) 8945 7362Phone (mobile) 0421 601 452 Emailmanager@squashnt.com.au Click here to apply for position How To Apply

How to apply

Read over the position description Watch this YouTube video by Simon SinecRecord a 2 minute video of yourself answering these 3 questions: WHY should we pick you? HOW are you going to make a difference? WHAT do you hope to achieve?Submit your application to manager@squashnt.com.au If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours please follow up with a call to 0421 601 452
 Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Australia

Haniel Hadison Dominates again at Cargolux Squash Tournament


The 13th annual Cargolux Merchant Express Squash Tournament, which served off two weeks ago at the Squash Section of the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, came to an exciting end on Saturday with Haniel Hadison of Lagos Country Club dominating once again.
The defending champion, Hadison, who has won the tournament seven times in the past, brushed aside stiff opposition from last year’s runner-up Dele Obasuyi of Benin Club 3-1 to cart home the top prize at stake in the Men’s Open category.
Hadison was in his elements throughout the event as he also defended his title in the Closed Men’s category, beating Bunmi Apata in the final. Mike Adegoke emerged champions in the Veteran’s Closed category after seeing off the challenge of Deji Sule in the final.
Speaking after the game, a highly elated Hadison, who revealed his regret at not becoming a professional squash player, said squash is viewed as an elite sport and urged the Nigeria Squash Racket Federation to focus attention on the grassroots development of the game so as to attract the younger generation.
“I’m happy I defended my trophy, I’ve won a few editions now and credit goes to the almighty God,” Hadison began.
” I started playing much younger, from age group, U-16, U-19 and then stopped there. I was once the U-19 national champion but I couldn’t go further to the professional level due to the job I got. Squash is the only thing I know how to do best but it’s too late for me now to go professional.
“Squash is seen as an elite sport but now people like me are changing that perspective. My advice to the federation is to go back to the grassroots, Secondary Schools and create awareness. We also need the media to help us to project this sport,” he concluded.
In other games, Mike Nwabuzor of Ikoyi Club beat Layo Olupitan to scoop the prize in the Veteran’s Open category, Busayo Olatunji of Lagos Country Club defeated Faidat Saliu of Kwara Club to win the U-19 female category, while Adegoke Onaopemipo beat his fellow Lagosian Ayomide Oladipupo to win the U-19 male category.
At the end of the event, Chairman/CEO Cargolux Merchant Express, Captain Shina Akinfeyiwa, assured stakeholders in the sport of their readiness to continue bankrolling the competition, while the Chairman, Squash section of Lagos Country Club, Funmi Bankole praised the sponsors for their effort and commitment in sustaining the game for the past 13 years.
The President of Lagos Country Club, Tajudeen Adegboyega Akande, while presenting Captain Akinfenwa with a meritorious award, thanked him for his support for Squash development in Nigeria which he said is unparalleled.
16 clubs, including seven from outside Lagos participated in this year’s edition of the tournament, with winners in different categories awarded trophies, medals, cash and other exciting prizes like washing machines, home theatres etc.

SEASON REVIEW: MARWAN ELSHORBAGY PROUD OF STRONG CAMPAIGN

Egypt’s World No.7 Marwan ElShorbagy is riding high after his greatest season to date on the PSA World Tour – a campaign that saw him reach the world’s top five in addition to claiming arguably the most important win of his career.
The 24-year-old, who now resides in Bristol alongside older brother and former World No.1 Mohamed, had threatened to be a contender at the sport’s major tournaments over the past few seasons and he finally earned his place amongst the world’s elite after a number of standout performances last season.
A narrow defeat to compatriot Ramy Ashour in round two of the Hong Kong Open in August was followed by two semi-final finishes at the Macau Open and NetSuite Open, however his form tailed off towards the end of the year.
But he came into his own in 2017, with his displays at the Windy City Open in Chicago serving as a particular highlight as he claimed his first ever win over Mohamed in one of the most emotional moments of last season.
In their seven previous meetings, Marwan had never been able to take more than a game off his brother – who by the time of their meeting in Chicago was ranked at World No.1 – and the form book was even further weighted in his Mohamed’s favour after he had claimed comfortable 3-0 wins at their fixtures at the U.S. Open and Tournament of Champions earlier on in the season.
“My brother has given me so much,” said Marwan.
“He advised me a lot through my career, whether it was in my junior career or the senior one. We are always there for each other and as I always keep saying, I’m so grateful to the sport as it made my relationship with my brother like this as we share the same life, we have the same dreams and goals.”
And the respect between the two meant that there was an emotional climax to the encounter after Marwan played some of his best squash to recover from 2-1 down to get the better of his older brother.
Despite that win for Marwan proving to be one of the defeats that ultimately cost Mohamed his World No.1 spot, a beaming Mohamed enveloped his brother with a hug and offered words of encouragement as a sobbing Marwan took in the enormity of his victory – although he recalls it was a bittersweet triumph.


“Every time I go on court with my brother it’s always very tough for both of us,” Marwan admits.
“Beating him in Chicago was very tough for me as I knew this win could affect his ranking and I know how much it means to him to stay World No.1. I had a great week in Chicago and I think I was playing some of my best squash there.”
Buoyed on by his landmark success over Mohamed, Marwan moved on to dispatch fellow Egyptian Ali Farag in the last four to reach his maiden World Series Final, with the man who took the World No.1 spot away from Mohamed, Gregory Gaultier, standing in his way.
Marwan showed no signs of nerves as he blew Gaultier away in the opening game but the Frenchman’s years of experience eventually told as he outlasted his opponent to take it in four games, denying Marwan his first ever World Series title.
Despite the defeat, Marwan – who moved into the world’s top five for the first time the following month – was full of pride after reaching the title-decider, saying: “It was amazing to be in the final, I enjoyed every second of it and I was very proud with how the week went.
“It showed me that I can play at that level and it gave me a lot of confidence.”
That final appearance in Chicago – in addition to a last four finish at the El Gouna International where he claimed a second successive win over Mohamed en route – saw him qualify for the season-ending PSADubai World Series Finals for the first time after he finished fourth on the PSA Road to Dubai Standings
Marwan was heavily involved in the promotional activity for the tournament – flying out to Dubai to take part in a photo-shoot – and he made a perfect start to the showpiece event in Dubai Opera after beating three-time World Champion Nick Matthew and Germany’s Simon Rösner to make it two wins from two.

However, a defeat to World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad in his final group fixture, coupled with Rösner’s 2-0 win over Matthew, saw Marwan fail to qualify for the knockout semi-finals.
But the man from Alexandria says that he was ultimately pleased with his consistency throughout the season and has vowed to continue his fine form into his next campaign.
“I think I was very consistent in the World Series tournaments this season. I finished the season being number 4 in the World Series rankings. Going to Dubai and participating in the World Series Finals has always been a dream for me and to play in Dubai Opera made the whole experience even better. 
“I will keep enjoying my journey next season.”

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