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20 May 2017

Gaultier and Farag Set Up Bellevue Classic Final Clash

World No.2 Gregory Gaultier and World No.8 Ali Farag will meet in the final of a PSA World Tour event for the second tournament in succession after they claimed respective wins over James Willstrop and Marwan ElShorbagy on semi-finals day at the inaugural Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic.

Over $25,000 worth of prize money will be up for grabs in the final - a record amount for a squash tournament containing a 16-man draw - and Gaultier ensured that he will compete in a seventh successive Tour final after he defeated Willstrop by an 11-4, 11-5, 11-8 margin.

Gaultier, the 34-year-old from France, lost his World No.1 ranking to Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad earlier this month, but a win over Farag in tomorrow’s final will see him reclaim top spot in next month’s World Rankings.

“I'm happy with my performances throughout the tournament,” said Gaultier.

“It’s a big mental exercise for me to push through with almost no recovery between tournaments because we have such a short time to go home, we only have a couple of days before we go again.

“You get your head into competition mode again and it's really tough, but that's what I train for and I spend all my time making sacrifices to play at that level.”

Farag, meanwhile, made it back-to-back Tour finals for the third time in his career after he came through in four games against World No.5 ElShorbagy.

ElShorbagy came into the match off the back of a big win over three-time World Champion Ramy Ashour in the previous round and had beaten Farag in their last meeting in the semi-final of February’s Windy City Open, but Farag hit his lines well in a clinical display to take it 11-7, 11-4, 7-11, 11-5.

Gaultier and Farag met in the final of the Grasshopper Cup less than a fortnight ago, with Gaultier winning 3-0 to lift a sixth Tour title in a row.

“Marwan had a great win yesterday against probably one of the best players in the history of squash,” said 25-year-old Farag.

"I’m very happy with the way I played, but I just have to give him credit for such a good tournament and such a good season. He’s such an unbelievable player.

“I’m very happy to reach a second final back-to-back, it’s one thing to be able to beat the top players, but to do it consistently is another and I’m very happy to be there. Hopefully I can go a step further this time.”

Coverage from the final of the Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic begins at 14:00 local time (PDT) and will be shown live on SQUASHTV (Rest of World) and Eurosport Player (Europe Only).

Results - Semi-Finals: 2017 Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic

[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [4] James Willstrop (ENG) 3-0: 11-4, 11-5, 11-8 (42m)

[3] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [2] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-1: 11-7, 11-4, 7-11, 11-5 (38m)

Draw - Final: To Be Played May 20th

[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v [3] Ali Farag (EGY)

Bunmi is the champion of this year's May TGIF squash fight Night

Bunmi Apata beat Sope Robert; 3-0 majors in a best of 5 games
First game to Bunmi Apata at 14-12.
Second game to Bunmi Apata 12-10
Third n last game to Bunmi Apata at 11-8
3-0 in favour of Bunmi Apata.

The winner went home with Naira 60,000.
Special thanks to the sponsors, Mr Semoore Badejo & Chairman of the section, Architect Bankole.
Courtesy : HEADWATERS Sport.

19 May 2017

Bunmi Apata Vs Sope Robert to clash in today's Squash Fight Night

It's another Squash Fight Night clash between Bunmi Apata of Lagos country club and Sope Robert of O'trafford squash club

Sope Robert vs Bunmi Apata
VENUE: Lagos country club,ikeja.
DATE : Today, 19th of May 2017
TIME : 7pm prompt
NATURE: singles, 5 referee system,winner takes all.
CENTER REFEREE: Tunde Ajagbe
CASH PRIZE: #50,000
SPONSOR: Mr.Semoore Badejo
POWERED BY: HEADWATERS SPORTS
MEDIA PARTNER: Naija Squash Media

It's Squash Friday!

T . G . I . F !

2017 PSA Squash World Championship Tickets On General Sale Today

Tickets for the 2017 AJ Bell PSA Men's and Women's Squash World Championships will officially go on general sale at 9am today when squash fans will have the opportunity to secure their place at the most prestigious tournament on the squash calendar.

Taking place at the National Squash Centre in Manchester between December 9 - 13, with the quarter-final action onwards taking place at Manchester Central Convention Complex from December 14 - 17, the PSA World Championships will bring the cream of the Men's and Women's Tours together to compete for the sport's most sought after title - in what promises to be one of the most competitive and intense World Championships ever.

Following an exclusive pre-sale period Premium Back Wall seats for both the semi-finals and finals have already sold out, meaning squash fans have to act fast if they are to secure a place in the crowd for the crucial knock-out rounds - with tickets for the tournament priced from just £10 and available to purchase via TicketMaster: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ajbellworldchamps

English duo Nick Matthew and Laura Massaro, the respective Men's and Women's national number ones, say they are relishing the prospect of competing in front of a home crowd with three-time World Champion Matthew, who at 37 will be one of the eldest competitors in the Men's draw, particularly excited to be returning to Manchester - the scene of his last world title triumph in 2013.

"I'm thrilled that the World Championship is coming back to Manchester in 2017 and to have the girls competing there this year as well at the same time makes it complete - so it will be a great spectacle for the sport," said Matthew.

"Winning the title in Manchester in 2013, in front of one of the best crowds and atmospheres I have ever experienced, is one of the most special moments of my career and I'm really excited to be returning. Its' testament to the work of Manchester Council, England Squash and the other partners likes AJ Bell that the tournament is coming back to Manchester.

"It will be the last World Championships I get to play in my own country - and maybe the last of my career full stop - so I'll be doing everything I can to try and end it on a high."

Meanwhile Massaro, who won the 2013 Women's World Championship, will be hoping to build on her success in front of a home crowd at the Allam British Open in Hull earlier this year and lift the coveted title for a second time.

"It's huge for England Squash to have this prestigious event in the UK and I'm really really excited to compete and hopefully be part of a real showcase for how great squash is," said Massaro.

"It's a massive opportunity for all of the players. The World Championship happens only once a year, but a home worlds comes once, if you're lucky twice, a career. So for me it's a huge incentive and for the next generation of British players it's a great opportunity to get test themselves against the very best in the world and hopefully take that step towards competing at that next level as well.

"And knowing we'll have a home crowd, which has inspired me to victories at the British Open before and provided that extra motivation needed in tough matches, behind us is such an extra boost. The sport's in the midst of one of the most competitive eras ever and that crowd support could be crucial for the British players."

The 2017 AJ Bell PSA Men's and Women's World Championships will take place at the National Squash Centre, Manchester and Manchester Central between December 9 - 17, 2017.

Tickets are priced from just £10 and are available to purchase by visiting http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ajbellworldchamps

ElShorbagy Defeats Ashour to Reach Bellevue Classic Semi-Finals

World No.5 Marwan ElShorbagy claimed a huge victory over three-time World Champion Ramy Ashour to move to within one win of claiming a final berth at the inaugural Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic, PSA M100 tournament.

ElShorbagy’s only previous win against Ashour came during the 2016 El Gouna International, but Ashour was unable to see the match out on that occasion, retiring mid-way through through the second game.

The enigmatic Ashour was far from his best throughout the 39-minute encounter, but a ruthless display from ElShorbagy made sure there was no hope of a revival from the 29-year-old as he dispatched him by an 11-8, 12-10, 5-11, 11-6 margin at the Boys and Girls Club Hidden Valley Field House.

"I'm really happy with the win today, Ramy is a great player," said ElShorbagy.

"The only time I beat him, he couldn't finish the match because he got injured. I'm really happy to win the match, but it was really hard for me today. I watched Ramy so many times when I was growing up so to get that first win against him means a lot to me.

"I've been working really hard, I've got to number five in the world and a lot of things happen off the court. To be able to play my 14th tournament of the season and to stay on my feet and be healthy means a lot to me."

There is guaranteed to be an Egyptian finalist after World No.8 Ali Farag defeated Australia’s Ryan Cuskelly in straight games to set up a semi-final meeting with ElShorbagy - and the 25-year-old Harvard-graduate is now just one win away from a second successive PSA World Tour final.

On the other half of the draw, World No.2 Gregory Gaultier made it 25 matches unbeaten after he dismantled World No.10 Tarek Momen by a 3-0 margin.

Gaultier has been simply irresistible in 2017, losing just once and capturing five Tour titles in a row, and he took an 11-8, 11-4, 11-7 victory in 47 minutes to reach a ninth straight semi-final.

"I always try to find an extra motivation because it's the end of the season and I agreed to play this tournament, so I know I'm going beyond my limits," said Gaultier.

"But every day I have to keep pushing until the end, the end of the season is really close, so I want to finish on a positive note and carry on playing as hard as I can. Me and Tarek have had a lot of games and it's always tough to play him because he's always unpredictable with his boasts, but sometimes he gives you cheap points which I'm happy with.

"I knew that if I gave him some openings that he would put them away, so I had to be really sharp to the front corners and defend with intelligence."

The Frenchman will be up against former World No.1 James Willstrop - who he lost to in December’s AJ Bell British Grand Prix semi-finals - after Willstrop recovered from three match balls down to defeat Spain’s Borja Golan.

Harrogate-based Willstrop squandered a two-game lead to let Golan back into the match and Golan looked to be odds on to take the win after holding three match balls in a nail-biting decider. But the Yorkshireman dug deep to force a tie-break and held his nerve to close out a dramatic match by an 11-6, 11-7, 2-11, 6-11, 12-10 scoreline.

"I was so out-played in the fourth and the fifth so I was just happy to be in the fifth," said Willstrop.

"It was a weird match, totally weird. I'll take it though, I'm really happy and it's great to be playing in the semis now. It's fantastic."

The Bellevue Classic has a $150,000 prize purse on offer - a record amount for a 16-man main draw squash tournament - thanks to the efforts of both title sponsor Pacific Market International and multinational technology giants Microsoft.

Coverage from the semi-finals begins at 18:00 local time (PDT) and will be shown live on SQUASHTV (Rest of World) and Eurosport Player (Europe Only).

Results - Quarter-Finals: 2017 Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic

[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [6] Tarek Momen (EGY) 3-0: 11-8, 11-4, 11-7 (47m)

[4] James Willstrop (ENG) bt Borja Golan (ESP) 3-2: 11-6, 11-7, 2-11, 6-11, 12-10 (87m)

[3] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [8] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) 3-0: 11-9, 11-5, 11-7 (48m)

[2] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) bt [5] Ramy Ashour (EGY) 3-1: 11-8, 12-10, 5-11, 11-6 (39m)

Draw - Semi-Finals: To Be Played May 19th

[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v [4] James Willstrop (ENG)

[3] Ali Farag (EGY) v [2] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)

18 May 2017

Pakistan’s Toorpakai Appointed to IOC Women in Sport Commission

Pakistan squash star Maria Toorpakai Wazir has been appointed to the International Olympic Committee’s Women in Sport Commission in a role that will see her assist the IOC in the development and implementation of their women and sport policy.

Toorpakai, who hails from the highly conservative South Waziristan, is one of the most inspirational squash players of all time, whose remarkable journey to become a professional athlete saw her disguise herself as a boy in order to train, compete and attend school in a Taliban-controlled area of Pakistan – where girls rarely leave their homes and the idea of women competing in sport is regarded as un-Islamic.
Despite receiving death threats from the Taliban against her and her family, Toorpakai overcame almost universal hostility to forge a career as a professional squash player. The 26-year-old is now the highest-ranked female squash player in Pakistan.
Toorpakai is a strong advocate for equality and joins the Women in Sport Commission as part of a 70 per cent increase in female participation across the IOC Commissions since September 2013, with 38 per cent of the IOC Commissions taken up by women.
As part of her role in the Women in Sport Commission, Toorpakai will advise the IOC Session, the IOC Executive Board and the IOC President on promoting the rights and well-being of women and girls in sport, promoting the use of sport as a tool for gender equality and empowerment and raising awareness of harassment and abuse in sport.
“It’s definitely very exciting news for me and for all of us,” said Toorpakai (pictured below with coach Jonathon Power, the former world No.1 from Canada). “I can play a better role from this position for athletes and girls in sports.
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“The Olympics is a stage where the whole world unites and shows their human power. It’s our duty to provide all the athletes, male and female, with equal opportunities and a safer and respectable environment. All countries should use humans’ potential to its full and it’s important for world peace and our economic stability. Inequality, injustice and exclusion leads to the waste of immense talent and ideas, reduces human performance and leads to complete chaos and destruction.
“I really appreciate IOC President Thomas Bach’s efforts to introduce more women to the IOC Commissions. It was a much needed step and it will definitely improve female athletes’ participation in the Olympics. I am very hopeful that these changes will have a positive impact on this coming Olympic Games.”
Ashley Bernhard, Deputy Chairman of the Professional Squash Association (PSA), said: “As a vocal advocate for women’s rights and equality in sport, Maria is an exceptional role-model and we look forward to her using her experiences and providing her ideas to further the goal of equal participation for women in sport.
“Maria’s incredible story, which saw her triumph in the face of adversity, can inspire and empower women in all four corners of the globe and we are delighted that she will be able to contribute to the Women in Sport Commission.”
World Squash Federation President Jacques Fontaine added: “Every player has a journey, but very occasionally there is one that is very special and transcends her sport. Maria’s is one of those. She is a most admirable young woman whose experiences will inspire everybody.
“Her enthusiasm to fight for others following her own battles is one that the IOC’s Women in Sport Commission will be able to use to advocate ever more strongly for women.”

Ashour Returns as Egyptian Trio Win on Day Two of Bellevue Classic

Three-time World Champion Ramy Ashour marked his return from a two-month injury lay off with a 3-0 victory over Switzerland’s Nicolas Mueller to reach the quarter-final stage of the Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic, PSA M100 tournament.

The enigmatic 29-year-old has been out of action with a hamstring strain sustained during his Allam British Open semi-final fixture in March, but he recovered from a slow start to beat Mueller 11-8, 11-7, 11-8 in 32 minutes, despite struggling with illness before the match.

“I just wanted to play well, he's very quick with his hands, so I was trying to contain him,” Ashour said.

“It worked sometimes, sometimes it didn't, but it went my way in the end and I'm glad it did. I remember last time we played in Switzerland, it was one of the toughest times. It was in five [games], it was a full house and it was an electrifying atmosphere.

“I had that in the back of my head and that's why I was prepared. I had some complications earlier, but I was prepared. Other than that, I'm excited to be back in Bellevue."

Ashour will clash with World No.5 Marwan ElShorbagy in an all-Egyptian quarter-final fixture after ElShorbagy overcame Malaysia’s Nafiizwan Adnan by a 3-1 margin.

Both players played well in patches, with ElShorbagy prevailing on an opening game tie-break, only to see Adnan fight back to restore parity after the World No.26 triumphed in game two.

However, the momentum shifted back in ElShorbagy’s favour in the third game as the Bristol-based 23-year-old began to reassert his control on proceedings, eventually coming through to prevail 13-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8.

“I’ve got a big match tomorrow against Ramy, he’s a great player, so I’m looking forward to that match tomorrow," ElShorbagy said.

"I always enjoy going on court with Ramy, he’s a great ambassador for our sport. It’s a shame that he keeps getting injured, but just having him here is amazing for us.

“I’m really happy to go on court with him tomorrow, I’ll just try and make the most of it. I’ve grown up watching him, so the fact that I will be on court with him tomorrow is huge for me. I’m excited for the match against him.”

World No.8 Ali Farag was the third Egyptian victor on day two at the Boys and Girls Club Hidden Valley Field House courtesy of a comfortable win over tournament wildcard Dylan Cunningham.

The pair – separated by 145 places in the World Rankings – were both prolific players on the Collegiate Squash Association circuit prior to their professional carers and traded points at the beginning of all three games, before Harvard-graduate Farag’s class eventually told as he took the win in straight games.

"I'm very happy to see lots of collegiate players turning pro, it shows just how great our sport is," said Farag.

"We’ve all got good degrees that we could do a lot things with, but we play this sport because of how great it is and hopefully that brings the sport up a notch."

Australian No.1 Ryan Cuskelly was the only non-Egyptian winner after the World No.14 saw off South Africa’s Stephen Coppinger, recovering from a game down to win 3-1 and set up a quarter-final meeting with Farag.

Coverage from the quarter-finals begins at 17:00 local time (PDT) and will be shown live on SQUASHTV (Rest of World) and Eurosport Player (Europe Only).

Results - First Round (Bottom Half): 2017 Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic

[3] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [WC] Dylan Cunningham (USA) 3-0: 11-4, 11-5, 11-4 (24m)

[8] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) bt Stephen Coppinger (RSA) 3-1: 6-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-8 (49m)

[5] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt [Q] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 3-0: 11-8, 11-7, 11-8 (32m)

[2] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) bt [Q] Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) 3-1: 13-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8 (44m)

Draw - Quarter-Finals: To Be Played May 18th

[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v [6] Tarek Momen (EGY)

Borja Golan (ESP) v [4] James Willstrop (ENG)

[3] Ali Farag (EGY) v [8] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS)

[5] Ramy Ashour (EGY) v [2] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)

Shakiru Matti shared some pics of himself today in Cairo I Egypt

The CEO of Shakiru Matti squash academy (Canada) ,Shakiru Matti shared some pics of himself today in Cairo I Egypt

See more pics after the cut:

Men & Women draws for the 2017 Squash classic

Men & Women draws for the 2017 Squash classic scheduled to take place in Lagos is out...

Assistant Men's & Women's Squash Coach

St. Lawrence University is currently seeking applicants for a Graduate Assistant Coach for Men’s & Women’s Squash. This 9-month position (August 15, 2017 - May 15, 2018) is targeted toward graduate students seeking a master’s degree. Remuneration includes a very competitive coaching stipend, student health insurance, and eligibility for tuition remission (6 graduate classes per year in the University’s graduate program). Some meals are also included. St Lawrence offers Graduate programs in Counseling and Human Development; Educational Leadership; and General Studies in Education.

Duties/Responsibilities Responsibilities include assisting in practice preparation, game day duties, recruiting, and administrative tasks as assigned by the Head Coach.

Bachelor’s degree is required. Strong oral and written communication skills are necessary. A valid driver’s license and ability to meet the requirements to drive University vehicles required. Collegiate playing and/or coaching experience preferred.

NOTES:

Telecommuting is allowed.

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About St. Lawrence University

St. Lawrence University, chartered in 1856, is the oldest continuously coeducational institution of higher learning in New York State. An independent, private university firmly committed to undergraduate liberal arts education and cross-cultural opportunities, St. Lawrence University offers a unique learning environment. The University’s 1900 students come from most US States and more than two-dozen other countries. Canton, the St. Lawrence River Valley, the nearby Adirondack State Park and the cities of Ottawa and Montreal provide the University community many social, cultural, and outdoor recreation activities. SLU’s homepage is at http://www.stlawu.edu. SLU is an EOE/AA employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

All Pakistan National Squash starts today

LAHORE - All Pakistan National Squash Championship will roll into action today (Wednesday) here at the Punjab Squash Association complex. “Altogether, one hundred junior players drawn from different parts of the country will participate in the event, which aims at promoting squash at early level,” said Punjab Squash Association (PSA) secretary Shiraz Saleem here on Tuesday. He said apart from boys, 50 girls were also taking part in the competition, which indicated the interest of female folk in the game. He said the qualifying rounds would end on May 18 and the main round would being on May 19 and the final would take place on May 23. “In order to encourage the upcoming players, we will be giving one wildcard entry in each age group while attractive cash prizes will also be given.”

WHAT MUM COULD COPE?'

One punch teen who killed stepdad in row over pocket money cleared of manslaughter as judge reveals mum’s anguish at giving evidence against her own son

A TEENAGER who killed his squash champion stepdad with a single punch in a row over pocket money has been acquitted of manslaughter as the judge revealed his mother’s anguish at having to give evidence against her own son.

Douglas Herridge, 18, claimed he acted in self-defence when he felled 6ft 4in “gentle giant” former national champion Colin Payne, 54, with a blow to the side of the head.

Douglas Herridge, now 18, was on trial accused of killing his ‘gentle giant’ stepdad in a row over pocket money

Squash champ Colin Payne collapsed after being punched on the side of the head and died soon after

The bathroom shop owner collapsed to the floor at his Dartford home last November and died soon afterwards from a devastating brain injury.

Herridge, who was 17 at the time, claimed Mr Payne had his hands round his throat when he lashed out.

He said he threw one punch that missed and then threw a second which caught him on the side of the face.

Ina Herridge — Herridge’s mum Ina was praised for her ‘stoicism’ after giving evidence for the prosecution

Herridge’s mother witnessed the incident and gave evidence for the prosecution.

She praised by the judge for her “stoicism”.

Judge Jeremy Carey added: “What mother could possibly cope with a situation in which she has had to give evidence for the prosecution and the defendant is her child.”

Mrs Herridge refused to comment following the verdict but said: “This has been a very stressful time.”

Herridge told the court that he had no contact with his mum since his arrest apart from seeing her at previous court hearings.

She was later seen sitting with Herridge outside the court.

Asked why he hit him, the teen told police

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Mrs Herridge met Mr Payne in February 2014 and he moved in with the family six months later

Herridge was initially put on trial for murder, but Judge Carey told the jury they would only have to consider a verdict on the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Maidstone crown court heard the tragedy came during “the final of many recent arguments” over money when Mr Payne stepped in to shield his partner as her son demanded cash.

Richard Hearden, prosecuting, told the jury: “That single punch was catastrophic and led rapidly to Colin’s death.”

Former squash champion Mr Payne, 54, owned three bathroom stores in the South East

The court heard how Mrs Herridge’s split from her husband David in 2011 caused tremendous “emotional turmoil” in Douglas, the younger of their two sons.

Mrs Herridge met divorced father-of-two Mr Payne in February 2014 and moved in with the family six months later.

Douglas then left the house for 18 months before returning ahead of starting college and taking on a number of jobs including a stint with an air conditioning firm.

The court heard he would become upset, angry and agitated, including an incident when he put his hands on his mother’s throat and others when he punched and kicked her and tried to push her down the stairs.

The jury of seven men and five women returned a not guilty verdict after deliberating for six hours and 44 minutes.

Herridge, who said he liked Mr Payne, added he could not believe it when told he had died.