tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27748539231291684572024-03-13T04:57:42.901-07:00The New York Squash BlogNYC's source for all things SQUASHUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-77404543447532565782011-11-27T20:04:00.000-08:002011-11-27T20:04:01.661-08:00Squash Court Growth2011 has been a year of highs and lows for squash players in the New York area. Earlier this year, we heard the news that the legendary Printing House would close just when rumors of a massive Chelsea Piers facility began to circulate. I know I was not alone in hoping that Chelsea Piers would add capacity at their Manhattan facility; however, October’s official announcement confirmed that 11 singles courts and one doubles court would be built in Stamford, CT.<br /><br />The Chelsea Piers announcement was the latest in what appears to be a five-year suburban court construction boom. Anderson Squash Courts, who, along with ASB and McWill, comprise the area’s major court builders, have built a number of public and private courts in the last five years, nearly all in the suburbs. Town Sports International has added courts to their Stamford and White Plains New York Sports Clubs in recent years. Pyramid Squash opened in Tuckahoe in 2009.<br /><br />Universities and schools are at the forefront of new court construction. Many of them, having long supported squash as a part of campus life, have noticed a renewed public interest in the sport and have thus renovated courts or added to existing facilities. German-based ASB reports having built 36 courts at academic institutions in CT and upstate NY in recent years. Additionally, as suburban communities continue to develop, those communities become their own metropolitan centers, and entities like Town Sports or Atlanta-based Lifetime Fitness see the opportunity to expand their presence in these burgeoning regions.<br /><br />Given the relative small number of suburban squash facilities versus those in cities, one could argue that new court construction in the suburbs may be a better economic decision than building in urban areas. Lifetime Fitness, which recently added eight courts in Florham Park and Berkeley Heights, NJ, is given sole credit for revitalizing the squash scene in Austin, TX, where Lifetime’s eight courts are the region’s only international courts. In total, Lifetime estimates that the nine clubs and 36 courts added nationwide in the last five years have resulted in more than 15,000 squash members.<br /><br />The growth in membership not only brings an economic benefit, but also allows clubs to reach out to different groups within in the squash community. Daily Squash Report’s Rob Dinerman covered this in an excellent article on doubles court construction, which has also seen a recent growth spurt. The four new courts at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club (“SHCC”) speak to this. <br /><br />SHCC is a century-old club located in Scarborough, NY. As part of a series of capital improvements to the club’s many facilities, SHCC recently completed a new Indoor Fitness Center, which includes three ASB singles softball courts and one ASB doubles court. These courts are in addition to the two pre-existing singles hardball courts and one doubles court originally built over 70 years ago. Although SHCC members prefer to play doubles, the club acknowledges that parents want their children to have access to regulation-wide singles softball courts.<br /><br />The club’s new fitness center and squash courts opened on November 26, 2011. SHCC plans to celebrate the opening of the new courts, as well as its centennial anniversary (1911 – 2011), with a men’s singles softball tournament for players ages 45+ to 80+. Said Tournament Chairman Mike Solin: “Each December for 37 years, SHCC had hosted a hardball squash tournament on our two hardball courts for men’s senior singles hardball players. With the building of the three new singles softball ASB courts as well as an ASB doubles court, the Club wanted to both continue that tradition and expand our reach within the squash community. In this spirit, we look forward to hosting a group of men’s senior singles softball players at our club next month.”<br /><br />Sleepy Hollow Country Club Men’s Singles Softball Tournament<br />When: December 10-11, 2011<br />Where: <a href="http://www.sleepyhollowcc.org/directions.cfm">Sleepy Hollow Country Club</a> (located in Scarborough, NY—just 30 miles outside of Manhattan and a quick ride on the Metro North train)<br />Levels: Men’s 45+, 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+, 80+<br />Cost: $95 for US Squash members / $110 for non-members <br />Deadline: December 2, 2011<br /><br /><a href="http://www.msra.net/tournaments/sleepy-hollow-cc-tournament.asp">Click here</a> for more information. To sign up, email <a href="mailto:benchmedia@aol.com">Mike Solin</a><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-5622222230689322732011-11-02T07:26:00.000-07:002011-11-02T09:47:17.261-07:00A big, Howe Cup Thank You<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmOq-5oY-jU/TrFTxVn8KOI/AAAAAAAAArs/Ii-jAm30lkE/s1600/309579_609527405153_12200222_33443625_1039954130_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmOq-5oY-jU/TrFTxVn8KOI/AAAAAAAAArs/Ii-jAm30lkE/s400/309579_609527405153_12200222_33443625_1039954130_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670405512919525602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><i>Photo: NY Squash at the Baltimore Museum of Art </i></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></u></div><div style="background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">All the 200 women (especially the New York teams) and innumerable organizers deserve a huge <b>Thank You</b>. It was everyone coming together that really made for a wonderful weekend. Special thanks must also be given to a couple of special people this year. Without them, NY Squash would not have been able to </span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">run down</span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> Meadow Mill Club, with such overwhelming </span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">presence</span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">, in a good way of course.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> </span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">First up, special thanks go out to <b><span class="Apple-style-span">David Hughes</span></b>, our unrelenting and ever so insightful coach. Not only did he manage to keep a straight face amidst Tehani’s (</span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">oops! I was trying so hard not to disclose this, sorry T</span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">) shrieks of appeal, he watched every single match and was always ready to help each and every one of NY Squash’s players. Wondering how he made it through three days of being surrounded by 200 squash playing women? Go figure, we are still wondering how that was existentially possible.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> </span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; "><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Secondly, a lot of credit goes out to </span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><b>Sarah Odell</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">, our fearless Howe Cup organizer. As a member of NY Squash board, she voluntarily toils through the days and nights, organizing events and gathering the masses to participate in such events. Through her vivacious and enthusiastic efforts, Sarah has successfully organized tournaments such as the inaugural NYC Citywide Spring women’s doubles league, the Under 30s National Doubles Championship in May, the DONAT (Doubles or Nothing At All, I kid you not) Southampton’s invitational in August, and now, the Howe Cup. How one finds such dedication and perseverance leaves people like me baffled and in awe. Thank you, Sarah, for reeling in the troops and creating such successful events for NY Squashers! Special thanks must also be made to </span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><b>Tracy Gates</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">-- fellow Howe Cup organizer and Captain-in-crime. Though Tracy has only played squash for a couple of years, her game may fool you and tell you otherwise. Not only did Tracy help to ensure that all the logistics (T-shirt size, skirt size, shoe size... </span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">and others I shall not mention</span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">) were well planned out-- she was also an inspiration to all on court. She ran, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">oh she can really run</span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">, fought, and exemplified such great sportsmanship.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Lastly, but certain not the least, special thanks to NY Squash for allowing this event to be possible. This year, NY Squash subsidized all entry fees for the NY Squash ladies who willingly participated in this event. In addition, they worked with Harrow to provide the team with team t-shirts, which of course, helped in intimidating our opponents. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> </span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; "><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">It is also of great honor to share with you guys that our very own NY Squash President, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><b>Jessica Green</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">, as well as the Chair of NY Squash’s women’s committee, <b><span class="Apple-style-span">Emily Stieff</span></b>, were honored at the Howe Cup tournament party. Both of them were awarded the US Squash Achievement Bowl award. This award is given out to the women who have showed commendable sportsmanship and made significant contribution to the advancement of the game. Jessica and Emily were aptly chosen for the award-- for they grew women’s squash to where it is today through both their tenacity and some say, marketing prowess. Congratulations, Jessica and Emily!</span></span></div>Charlene Neohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082633365266215976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-22900395170942849572011-11-02T04:57:00.001-07:002012-01-25T13:52:04.428-08:00Howe Cup 2011<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVVD7IZDFO8/TrEy2XPAzkI/AAAAAAAAAqs/kGIhmUr1yTY/s1600/299061_10150332779186930_555726929_8508057_585105734_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVVD7IZDFO8/TrEy2XPAzkI/AAAAAAAAAqs/kGIhmUr1yTY/s400/299061_10150332779186930_555726929_8508057_585105734_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670369315367472706" /></a><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299061_10150332779186930_555726929_8508057_585105734_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299061_10150332779186930_555726929_8508057_585105734_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299061_10150332779186930_555726929_8508057_585105734_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><i>Photo: Teams NYC with Coach David Hughes, Captains Sarah Odell and Tracy Gates, StreetSquash director Sasha and StreetSquash parent volunteers. </i></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; white-space: pre-wrap; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313687_10150332117096930_555726929_8504551_328633605_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">How(e) did the New York Teams do at Howe Cup? </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; "><div style="text-align: justify;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Baltimore’s Meadow Mill Athletic Club hosted the 3-day event, comprising 200 women representing 36 teams from all over the country. This was the impression left by the New York team. First: there were a lot of us, with five singles teams and 6 doubles teams. Second: we were organized. Not only did we manage to ensure that all our players showed up in time (</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">even with just two hours of sleep the night before, I knew I had to take the 5 a.m. train down from NYC into Baltimore so as not to let my teammates down by being late. Now what happened during my match was a different matter...), </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">but we also traveled with a coach</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> Last: We looked awesome. NY Squash sponsored our uniforms and we looked totally united with matching outfits. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">I</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">t was JUST like playing college squash all over again (except that the women ranged from ages 13 to 70). </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">As I look back a week later at the event, my heart still warms up with camaraderie and pride that we all felt during the event.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">The New York team stuck together for all our matches. We cheered fervently between points; gave evil glares for bad calls; took all of our meals together; and most importantly, we </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">listened</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> to our teammates. I think we were the only team that watched every match and gave advice to any team member during breaks. We didn’t win every game, but because we fought tenaciously for every point, we never really lost.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="background-color: transparent; "><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">I think the best illustration of this was during a match by one of our A players. For an entire hour vs. Boston (grrr!), our player rallied point after point. She lunged, gasped for air, volleyed every shot she possibly could bring herself to. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">You know those moments deep in a point, when you know you </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">have to “step up” to intercept the ball, and despite what your mind knows, you can’t will your body to do it? Well, those were the shots that she was stepping up to make.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> Her opponent was small, swift to the ball and had that ever so gentle touch that brings a hot squash ball into the nick. At one point, our player asked for a “let” as her opponent struck the ball about 2 inches away from her own body. “No let”, the referee declared. Silence ensued... until a shriek pierced into the air, </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">“WHYYYYYYY NO LETTTTTTTTT?”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Now one can only imagine the frustration that a player feels when calls go against them. Especially in an 11 points PAR scoring system, each call is pivotal to the end result of a game. One can argue that, as long as you are a good and clean enough squash player (</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">and I will argue that at the top level, women do push and shove each other, and playing “good” squash is never as clean as one imagines it to be</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">), the calls should not affect the end result of a game. But in all honesty, there are several, if not many reasons why we are </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">not</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> professional, touring squash players. Let us just leave it at that.</span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; "><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap; ">The “Meadow-Mill-shattering” shriek made me realize something. New York squash players are strong. I do not know if it is the nature of us being seasoned New Yorkers, but each player that I have watched walk on that court had a spark of strength burning fiercely in their eyes. Everyone played the best squash that they possibly could. Sweat poured down their foreheads as they lunged as far as they could, and throughout it all, they did it with a smile at the end of the match. The tournament culminated in a night of fun and an endless flow of libation to celebrate the success of Howe Cup. We formed Conga lines, strutted around the Baltimore Museum of Art like models on Project Runway…well, some of us anyway. No names, but I won’t say who was more 'Runway' and who was more of a ‘Project’. We ate, sang, and danced. We befriended more female squash players over a weekend than we had in more than a year. It was glorious. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: justify;background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; "></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Now, on to Howe Cup 2012. NY Squash will undoubtedly show up with a vengeance, the kind that will scare the other teams away...</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">obviously</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: transparent; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: transparent; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></div></span></div>Charlene Neohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082633365266215976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-22284140680397213512011-01-28T08:29:00.000-08:002011-01-28T08:39:14.237-08:00Tournament of Champions - Finals Photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULxEptlJOI/AAAAAAAAAIs/snvwu27SK6s/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-394_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULxEptlJOI/AAAAAAAAAIs/snvwu27SK6s/s320/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-394_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567277151602156770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULxEU0Yu1I/AAAAAAAAAIk/KGbCUCypgVA/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-267_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULxEU0Yu1I/AAAAAAAAAIk/KGbCUCypgVA/s320/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-267_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567277145993558866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULxENL8ezI/AAAAAAAAAIc/cmpR_q8g7nI/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-223_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULxENL8ezI/AAAAAAAAAIc/cmpR_q8g7nI/s320/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-223_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567277143944887090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULxD9lw_VI/AAAAAAAAAIU/-vy2XWmNVIA/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-154_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULxD9lw_VI/AAAAAAAAAIU/-vy2XWmNVIA/s320/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-154_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567277139758218578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULxDs649dI/AAAAAAAAAIM/_vn8-ZwhQCo/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-102_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULxDs649dI/AAAAAAAAAIM/_vn8-ZwhQCo/s320/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-102_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567277135283418578" /></a><br /><br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULvYpRm7eI/AAAAAAAAAHc/FyVraVuNmu4/s320/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-267_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567275296058961378" /><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULv-77HO_I/AAAAAAAAAHk/fGWQeqWA2Xg/s320/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-284_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567275953899912178" /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULv_n5lg4I/AAAAAAAAAH8/yVeMoxD1WYE/s320/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-370_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567275965704668034" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TULv_eJUrqI/AAAAAAAAAH0/WNSA27Z7U9Q/s320/2011_TOC_Day_7_0452-325_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567275963086319266" />Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04922514298534181489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-29999407678498585202011-01-27T06:48:00.000-08:002011-01-27T07:10:10.951-08:003-Minute Rally! Semi-Final Conversations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUGJoj5XNmI/AAAAAAAAAG0/XGibOvpedHE/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_6_0451-356_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUGJoj5XNmI/AAAAAAAAAG0/XGibOvpedHE/s320/2011_TOC_Day_6_0451-356_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566881944330253922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUGJoMwOibI/AAAAAAAAAGs/rRvKqxoA98Q/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_6_0451-113_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUGJoMwOibI/AAAAAAAAAGs/rRvKqxoA98Q/s320/2011_TOC_Day_6_0451-113_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566881938117921202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUGJnm-E7KI/AAAAAAAAAGk/YVtHqqIGFvo/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_6_0451-278_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUGJnm-E7KI/AAAAAAAAAGk/YVtHqqIGFvo/s320/2011_TOC_Day_6_0451-278_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566881927975464098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUGJnbT2iDI/AAAAAAAAAGc/-mgi09ePdRo/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_6_0451-79_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUGJnbT2iDI/AAAAAAAAAGc/-mgi09ePdRo/s320/2011_TOC_Day_6_0451-79_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566881924845570098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUGJnN7-chI/AAAAAAAAAGU/VYFa-1bKXNA/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_6_0451-13_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUGJnN7-chI/AAAAAAAAAGU/VYFa-1bKXNA/s320/2011_TOC_Day_6_0451-13_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566881921255764498" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Ramy Ashour</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rob White: You and your brother were in intense conversation there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ramy Ashour:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yeah. It was all good – we were giving each other impression of the match.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Some days - days like today – when you do good work, you have to think about it and re-play it and hopefully it can sink in, be imprinted inside your head for the next time. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A couple of days ago when I spoke to you, you said you were working towards being 100%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You feel like you’re getting closer after tonight’s match?</p><p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yeah, the last two months I’ve been trying to get back to 100%.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’m trying to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think today was better than yesterday- everyday it gets better. It’s all about confidence, and being able to mentally take it out of my mind and move naturally - because the problem is that when you’re injured on court, you change a bit of your footwork and the way you move as well. So you try to get back out on the court and do the same things naturally as you’ve always done.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, to my eye, you appeared to be moving quite freely. James, on the other hand, did not appear so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Did you get a sense that he wasn’t moving quite as well as he normally does?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You know, I didn’t really feel a difference. James always moves so well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But you know, sometimes when we play, he has good days and bad days, sometimes I have good days and bad days. It comes down who’s taking that step forward into the court- so maybe I had a little bit more of a jump tonight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Do you feel like you’re peaking at the right time – the final tomorrow night?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m trying to! (smiling)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Nick Matthew</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rob White:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After Amr hit the service return smash nick on your match point at 10-9 in the 5<sup>th</sup>, what goes through your mind after that point – do you think the squash gods are against you or are you more</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nick Matthew:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, it’s interesting, he (Shabana) sort of stood far up the court and I thought he’d take a step back once I served, so I fired in low and it went straight onto his racquet – it was like a feed, I couldn’t believe it! (laughter) I thought I was a bit naïve to fall for it more than anything. And I also felt like, if he was going to go for it, it’s such a fine margin, then maybe the odds were in my favor if he was going to go for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Obviously, it was quite a heartbreaking moment especially since I had match ponts in the 4<sup>th</sup> game as well – just to see that go in as well. But fortunately, I managed to get it in the end. But yeah, it’s cliché, but you just got forget about it when it happens and focus on the next point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And we both had some times in the 4<sup>th</sup> where we weren’t happy with a couple of the referee’s decisions. But you have to re-focus really quick because the next point’s right there.</p><p class="MsoNormal">RW: Talk about the crowd tonight- you guys had them fired up!</p><p class="MsoNormal">NM: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Yeah, they were great. But i</span>t’s a balance. You have to feed off of it, yet be in control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I read somewhere that Peter Nicol said that it took him like four or five years to adapt to that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You know, hopefully I’ll get it right- I’ve played here a lot of years now, so hopefully…</p><!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ll let you get out here on this one because I know you’re wiped and want to get out of here…you’re the #1 player in the world and you’ve just come off the court - you’re exhausted, and there’s 30-40 kids lined up here to get your autograph. And I watched you patiently sign each and every one, patiently take a photo with them, talk with them. You take the responsibilities of being #1 pretty seriously, don’t you?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">NM:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(pause) It’s worth it. I get the most enjoyment seeing them enjoy it, so it’s a pleasure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>James Wilstrop</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rob White:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>James, it appeared to me that you didn’t seem to get into a groove tonight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">James Wilstrop:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No, not really, no. (pause) I wasn’t that bad, but I wsn’t that good. Some of it was me, but a lot of it was down to Ramy’s exceptional play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And that happens sometimes- whoever you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(pause) But you know, I’ve been playing squash at an intense level for the last six months or so now with very little rest, recuperation time, and I’ve kind of exceeded my expectations in reaching the finals and semis…so, some days it’s going to fall apart. Not saying it fell apart tonight, but it wasn’t great. It’s disappointing on such a big occasion – I gave everything I had.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What’s next for you?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">JW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We have the national championships<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>- a big tournament back in England, so that’s the next thing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So, no rest?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">JW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The New York fans love you – could you feel the support out there?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">JW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, I could. It’s a wonderful place, a wonderful crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’m sad I couldn’t give them more to cheer about, but we had some wonderful rallies so I hope we gave them a good show.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04922514298534181489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-80477979408348365502011-01-26T09:03:00.001-08:002011-01-26T09:10:56.635-08:00Tournament of Champions - Day 4 Photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBVYv738aI/AAAAAAAAAGM/60M9qcam9VM/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-322_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBVYv738aI/AAAAAAAAAGM/60M9qcam9VM/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-322_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566543023102751138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBVYppAN1I/AAAAAAAAAGE/ZmRhO3uMVFQ/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-293_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBVYppAN1I/AAAAAAAAAGE/ZmRhO3uMVFQ/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-293_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566543021412988754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBVYaXcfZI/AAAAAAAAAF8/oNj3S8OV_DE/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-281_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBVYaXcfZI/AAAAAAAAAF8/oNj3S8OV_DE/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-281_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566543017312812434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBVYABzytI/AAAAAAAAAF0/gzRMkbJlncI/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-261_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBVYABzytI/AAAAAAAAAF0/gzRMkbJlncI/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-261_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566543010242742994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBVYJM13vI/AAAAAAAAAFs/2VpgA98pVX4/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-245_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBVYJM13vI/AAAAAAAAAFs/2VpgA98pVX4/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-245_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566543012704935666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBU8Df7XLI/AAAAAAAAAFk/k6WrHfDCWe8/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-234_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBU8Df7XLI/AAAAAAAAAFk/k6WrHfDCWe8/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-234_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566542530138037426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBU77hMdPI/AAAAAAAAAFc/myc4uLusHfc/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-215_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 184px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBU77hMdPI/AAAAAAAAAFc/myc4uLusHfc/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-215_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566542527995868402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBU70Eo_hI/AAAAAAAAAFU/Nt5V832UKsA/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-214_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBU70Eo_hI/AAAAAAAAAFU/Nt5V832UKsA/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-214_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566542525997055506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBU7vA8dxI/AAAAAAAAAFM/jrOR3RUwZCo/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-199_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBU7vA8dxI/AAAAAAAAAFM/jrOR3RUwZCo/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-199_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566542524639377170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBU7vKqOtI/AAAAAAAAAFE/cNlm8P21c5s/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-179_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBU7vKqOtI/AAAAAAAAAFE/cNlm8P21c5s/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-179_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566542524680125138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBUYZplh2I/AAAAAAAAAEc/r0-OI2qKWGw/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-47_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBUYZplh2I/AAAAAAAAAEc/r0-OI2qKWGw/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-47_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566541917608839010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBUZSjyjkI/AAAAAAAAAE8/6IFH8Bnrswo/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-177_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBUZSjyjkI/AAAAAAAAAE8/6IFH8Bnrswo/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-177_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566541932885347906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBUY1e1eBI/AAAAAAAAAE0/Xi3FydwXtVI/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-157_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBUY1e1eBI/AAAAAAAAAE0/Xi3FydwXtVI/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-157_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566541925079939090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBUYkr0fwI/AAAAAAAAAEs/SAgNYTqBHDE/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-141_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBUYkr0fwI/AAAAAAAAAEs/SAgNYTqBHDE/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-141_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566541920570998530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBUYd0YI3I/AAAAAAAAAEk/6ZNvIklGUJg/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-80_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TUBUYd0YI3I/AAAAAAAAAEk/6ZNvIklGUJg/s320/2011_TOC_Day_4_0449-80_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566541918727840626" /></a>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04922514298534181489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-81939450153629905622011-01-25T11:42:00.000-08:002011-01-25T11:47:50.294-08:003-Minute Rally! A Conversation with Wael El Hindi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT8oSONrLyI/AAAAAAAAAEU/Dax8gEJcgZU/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-301_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT8oSONrLyI/AAAAAAAAAEU/Dax8gEJcgZU/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-301_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566211957971431202" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Rob White:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Just spoke with Alister about his move to New York City.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You made the move some time ago yourself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wael El Hindi:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, as you can see, squash is growing here. It’s on the rise. That’s why a lot of pros have moved here. I think there’s a benefit economically to coming here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And hopefully we can continue to develop the juniors here – you know, the future looks good for American squash - we have Amanda Sobhy doing great, the first American to win a world championship. And the path is changing now- it’s not just about going to good colleges – they kids are thinking world championships and trying to take squash to the next level here in the States.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: You do a little coaching, right?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">WEH:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I coach a bit when I’m not on the tour. But I tell you, a couple of weeks ago, I was at the US Junior Open. 750 juniors – the biggest junior tournament in the world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This shows you how passionate squash has become and how big it’s going to be going forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I believe it’s important – if we truly want to get squash into the Olympics- that it continues to grow here in the States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What do you think of the crowd’s energy at the Tournament this year?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">WEH:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>NYC has the best energy anywhere in the world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The crowd- the people- aaah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The audience here gives the player 25-30% more energy to play than what you have in any other place in the world! It’s just by them being so very into it – they stand up and roar – this is what makes the Tournament of Champions tournament so special and why everybody wants to come and play here!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Back briefly to your move to the States - <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>did you get grief from your fellow Egyptians after the move?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">WEH:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No grief, but some thought it’d be hard because there are fewer training partners here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We have Alister here now – unfortunately, we had to play each other the 2<sup>nd</sup> round and he won. But we’re still friends! (laughter) I’m very happy he made the move, and of course we’ll be training partners. And hopefully more players will make the move to come here as well!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: I assume the move will make travel easier in some respects.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">WEH:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, it’s so easy to travel from New York City. Sometimes, at the beginning of the season starting in Hong Kong and Ausralia, it can be a little far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But as you can see now, the other players have to travel here, take a cab, stay in a hotel - I just take the subway! (laughter) And sleep in my own bed!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: It’s been a pleasure, Wael!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Best of luck going forward!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">WEH:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thanks, Rob!</p> <!--EndFragment-->Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04922514298534181489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-37045358043851453892011-01-25T11:01:00.000-08:002011-01-25T11:18:20.533-08:003-Minute Rally! A Conversation with Ramy Ashour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT8fNqKqpsI/AAAAAAAAAEM/rbmtOaSZiLY/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-635_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT8fNqKqpsI/AAAAAAAAAEM/rbmtOaSZiLY/s320/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-635_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566201983971010242" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I chatted briefly with Ramy Ashour, the former world #1 and top seed at this year's Tournament of Champions, following his match against David Palmer - a win in four games. We spoke about his health, his brother Hisham's play of late, and the brothers' squash academy. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Rob White: How are you doing physically? –</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ramy Ashour: I feel better, but not 100%<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for sure. It was a good match I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> David'</span>s giving it all, and I too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> I'm very happy for the win. </span>And I have confidence now to play in the semi-finals for sure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: Congratulations on that, and to your brother, Hisham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He lost to Peter Barker last night, but how do you feel about his resurgence?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m very happy for him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If he keeps going this way, he can reach the top 10 – easily! He just has to continue to train as hard as he’s been doing these days and stay disciplined with that. And you know, keep the confidence up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: I know you’ve been asked this a thousand times, but what’s it like having a brother that’s a world class squash player like yourself?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That’s why we don’t have coaches now. (laughter) We’re each other’s coach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’re pushing each other, training together, doing drills together - we’re changing our squash. We both know a lot about squash from our experiences. We’ve seen a lot of it and been through a lot of things on the court. And back home, we have a supportive squash community and everyone just loves the game from a very young age, in all the clubs - squash is a national game, so that support makes you focus and appreciate the game of squash and want to give it your all. Me and my brother push each other out of love for each other and for the game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: It’s obvious that you both love the game by your play on the court. But you’re showing your love for the game off the court as well - what’s going on with the Academy?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, thank you for mentioning that. It’s coming. We’re holding it back a little bit - now with the travel, it’s kind of hard. But there’s still work going on with it. Hopefully when we finish this period, we’ll be able to go back and start it up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: Why is this important to you- an academy?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, it’s a turning point in both of our lives. We have a big responsibility – it’s something we must do. We’ve been dreaming about this since we were kids, and if we succeed in doing this the way we want, it’ll be special. We want to teach younger kids – give them all of the tips and drills to be great squash players.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not a lot of athletes, in any sport, do this while in the middle of their careers -</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, it’s a personal thing. And squash is something my brother and I do very well, and it’s our way of giving back. Squash is all we know and have. We can’t work in anything else but squash! (laughter) I wasn’t very successful with my education, so…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Come on!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You’d work as a track star- there'd be no Usain Bolt, just Ramy!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No way! (laughter)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: What would you be doing if you didn’t have squash?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Man, </span>I honestly don’t know. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m thankful – so thankful to God for having squash and for being able to perform at this level. And to keep striving – man, I’m just very thankful for the game - not just for me, but everyone around me and associated with the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Everyone that’s given me their time and effort and support – my parents, my manager, my brother - everyone! The promoters – John Nimick has done such an amazing good job here with this wonderful tournament – they’re trying to take the game to a new level. And, of course, my sponsor, Ziad Al-Turki - the guy is doing a huge effort trying to raise the game. Everyone’s trying to raise the game – I’m so thankful for it all!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Talk a bit more about the future - any Egyptian superstar juniors in the pipeline?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Man, we have a lot! We have bags of juniors! (laughter) No, really, bags of them! It’s amazing how kids just go on court and are doing tricks without learning them – they just come up with it naturally!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: Not naturally – they see you and your brother do what you do on the court!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No, no, thank you - I don’t think so – I think it’s in the genes! (laughter)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This has been a pleasure – best of luck going forward, Ramy!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank you so much!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04922514298534181489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-41379149999536860212011-01-25T09:59:00.000-08:002011-01-25T10:31:06.787-08:003-Minute Rally! A Conversation with Gilly Lane<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT8Ws9RfU8I/AAAAAAAAAEE/VLEFiv-hr8k/s1600/TOC_Day%2B1_Jan_22_0271-199.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT8Ws9RfU8I/AAAAAAAAAEE/VLEFiv-hr8k/s320/TOC_Day%2B1_Jan_22_0271-199.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566192626071196610" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I was able to track down Gilly Lane as he was dashing to the airport to head to Detroit for the Motor City Open PSA Tournament. Gilly was defeated in the qualifying draw at this year's Tournament of Champions by Chris Ryder. Gilly and I spoke about the loss, his mental approach to the game, and his development going forward.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Rob White:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>G-Lane!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Gilly Lane: Hey, how’s it going!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Are you going to be able to get out with the snow?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">GL:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We got nothing here in Philly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Lucky you! Though I guess that’s something you have to deal with<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>on the regular – delays and such.</p><p class="MsoNormal">GL:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yeah, its kind of one delay after another – inclement weather, broken down plane, just usual in the life of an athlete. It’s just one of the things you just learn to do – having been on the tour for four years now, you get kind of used to having these types of things being thrown your way. The first year you learn how to deal with them - you go through your routine and then something throws it off, and you learn to adjust. And over the years, you get used to it - weather delay, match delayed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for whatever reason – you just have to be ready for anything and everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All of the guys are used to spending so much time in airports, we’re used to dealing with it all at this point.</p><p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We missed you at the TOC<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>this year – what happened there?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">GL:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, you know, Chris (Ryder) played really well. You know, he’s been having a lot of good results lately- he's had some good wins lately. He just went five games with Razik and almost made the 2<sup>nd</sup> round this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He’s a good player – I kept him on court for 54 minutes, so it was good. He played really well, and sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the guy and say he was much better on that day and well played, and you learn from it and move on.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: That’s a very mature attitude to have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That’s something we all should learn – sometimes the other guy is just better that day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">GL:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yeah, exactly. I’m pretty tough on myself- the hardest person on myself is me and sometimes that’s actually a negative in terms of moving forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But you have to accept that on some days, guys are just going to be better and you can’t beat yourself up over it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s definitely one of the things I constantly work on because I consider myself a very competitive person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So, trying to take those losses and turn them into positives is important to me. And at these tournaments, especially the Tournament of Champions, you’re getting the best of the best. You’re playing the best players in the world, on the biggest stage in the world. Everybody’s coming to play – there are no easy matches. You learn from the loss and use it for future tournaments.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: Well said. You’re a Philly guy!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">GL:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>UPENN!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>UPENN – great school. Do you go back and visit the school, the squash program, and coaches?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">GL:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yeah, I’m actually now part-time assistant and helping out with the squash program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So, I’m helping with the recruiting, and getting the players in the right frame of mind before they play - I’m at the matches when I’m around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Of course, playing is my number one objective; I’m still around the team and program quite a bit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That’s great. I spoke with Ramy about the Academy he and Hisham are starting back in Egypt and they have their own reasons for doing that. I think it’s a great thing- a selfless thing, especially when you guys are still in the prime of your squash lives- to give back in some way. It’s a great way to honor the game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">GL:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Thank you. </span>Absolutely. That’s very important to me. And for me, specifically, I had such a great experience in college at Penn. I love the place so much, and now I have an opportunity to give back and kind of maybe make a mark, or a difference, in the program. I’d like nothing more than for the guys to have the same experience I had at the school. I had a great four years – I loved every second of it! And being part of a college team is also great as well. I want everyone to have the same experience I had.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How’s the training going- you’re recovering from an injury? And what do feel you have to do to break through to the next level?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">GL: Well, I had an early taste of success. Broke into the top 50 early – had a career win against Peter Barker, who, at the time, was world #7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But that was just one match - I have to string a few more together. Lately, I’ve had the hamstring issue from September to December, so coming back from that. I was in Amsterdam and training five hours a day, five days a week and it’s given me my base for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>how I train now. Now I’m working with John White – he’s my new coach - and I’m trying to take knowledge from what he’s accomplished – and he’s done a lot, obviously – he got to World #1.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, trying to implement things he’s taught me into my game. And you know, sometimes you‘ve got to take a few steps backward to go forward –</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: Tell me about it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">GL: (laughter) - and I think that’s kind of the process I’m in now. I’m ranked #59 now, and that’s not a negative thing. I'm looking forward to continue working with John and seeing where I’ll be six months from now. He’s been there and done that, and I'm just taking everything he has to say in and using it in my game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Where do you get this maturity and level-headedness from?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">GL:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, my parents brought me up well – I think they taught me well! (laughter)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think they’ve done a great job. I appreciate you taking the time before you head out to Detroit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Safe travels and best of luck there and down the road!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">GL:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thanks a lot! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04922514298534181489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-74536634329314912072011-01-25T06:26:00.001-08:002011-01-25T06:29:04.556-08:00Tournament of Champions - Day 3 Photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT7eEfrgJ5I/AAAAAAAAAD8/sVTnt1qQuQc/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_3_0448-584_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT7eEfrgJ5I/AAAAAAAAAD8/sVTnt1qQuQc/s320/2011_TOC_Day_3_0448-584_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566130358281316242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT7eEFlpb0I/AAAAAAAAAD0/XEJxMhsxK9o/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_3_0448-490_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT7eEFlpb0I/AAAAAAAAAD0/XEJxMhsxK9o/s320/2011_TOC_Day_3_0448-490_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566130351277436738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT7eD1sBy-I/AAAAAAAAADs/rDY-EXn2aDQ/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_3_0448-369_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT7eD1sBy-I/AAAAAAAAADs/rDY-EXn2aDQ/s320/2011_TOC_Day_3_0448-369_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566130347009231842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT7eC-YOyBI/AAAAAAAAADk/DkPe6scfqkI/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_3_0448-280_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT7eC-YOyBI/AAAAAAAAADk/DkPe6scfqkI/s320/2011_TOC_Day_3_0448-280_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566130332162246674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT7eCjRpzgI/AAAAAAAAADc/JY4KBiLl_vc/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_3_0448-273_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT7eCjRpzgI/AAAAAAAAADc/JY4KBiLl_vc/s320/2011_TOC_Day_3_0448-273_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566130324886900226" /></a>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04922514298534181489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-73974726890933464322011-01-24T08:18:00.000-08:002011-01-24T08:27:32.197-08:00Tournament of Champions - Day 2 Photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2oGP1jXbI/AAAAAAAAADU/syFu_UOXHzg/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-296_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2oGP1jXbI/AAAAAAAAADU/syFu_UOXHzg/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-296_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565789539783630258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2oDqLbRVI/AAAAAAAAADM/Y0OoSyiOtdo/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-301_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2oDqLbRVI/AAAAAAAAADM/Y0OoSyiOtdo/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-301_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565789495315088722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2oDVcmJMI/AAAAAAAAADE/pOLa8tKTvME/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-316_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2oDVcmJMI/AAAAAAAAADE/pOLa8tKTvME/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-316_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565789489749959874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2oCtDN4PI/AAAAAAAAAC8/OKzC_C5DYw4/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-317_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2oCtDN4PI/AAAAAAAAAC8/OKzC_C5DYw4/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-317_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565789478906093810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nsydSl7I/AAAAAAAAAC0/7fm9NTKXnzQ/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-71_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nsydSl7I/AAAAAAAAAC0/7fm9NTKXnzQ/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-71_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565789102400509874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nsUyKkSI/AAAAAAAAACs/1AFoQTWep3U/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-269_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nsUyKkSI/AAAAAAAAACs/1AFoQTWep3U/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-269_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565789094435000610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nsGNgBHI/AAAAAAAAACk/gT0Fntw4ryc/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-181_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nsGNgBHI/AAAAAAAAACk/gT0Fntw4ryc/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-181_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565789090523120754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nr44pnsI/AAAAAAAAACc/qRTO3GXesU8/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-173_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nr44pnsI/AAAAAAAAACc/qRTO3GXesU8/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-173_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565789086946008770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nrr9rtjI/AAAAAAAAACU/3gA5lc-toKM/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-175_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nrr9rtjI/AAAAAAAAACU/3gA5lc-toKM/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-175_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565789083477456434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nD_eOaSI/AAAAAAAAACM/P53Gn4cnU0s/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-46_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nD_eOaSI/AAAAAAAAACM/P53Gn4cnU0s/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-46_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565788401519454498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nD7qX03I/AAAAAAAAACE/9XxMXTM49hQ/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-36_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nD7qX03I/AAAAAAAAACE/9XxMXTM49hQ/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-36_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565788400496661362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nDnkxRUI/AAAAAAAAAB8/pc8cPhtSQKo/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-31_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nDnkxRUI/AAAAAAAAAB8/pc8cPhtSQKo/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-31_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565788395104453954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nDQK0-kI/AAAAAAAAAB0/pATg1SrhHQM/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-8_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nDQK0-kI/AAAAAAAAAB0/pATg1SrhHQM/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-8_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565788388821629506" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nDTG6xFI/AAAAAAAAABs/yW-OmdaiLA0/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-3_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2nDTG6xFI/AAAAAAAAABs/yW-OmdaiLA0/s320/2011_TOC_Day_2_0447-3_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565788389610538066" /></a>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04922514298534181489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-39910182207338070652011-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:002011-01-24T07:31:34.691-08:003-Minute Rally! A Conversation with Alister Walker<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2a8SQV6yI/AAAAAAAAABk/gvBggxFt4HQ/s1600/Alister_4_13_2010_0332-127.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TT2a8SQV6yI/AAAAAAAAABk/gvBggxFt4HQ/s320/Alister_4_13_2010_0332-127.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565775074983013154" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Behind the scenes at this year's Tournament of Champions, I sat down with Alister Walker following his 1st round victory over Wael El Hindi. Over tea and biscuits (chocolate-chip cookies), we spoke of his recent move to New York City, the theater, and his recent comments on England Squash. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Robert White:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You’re a New Yorker now!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Alister Walker: Yes! Living up in Harlem!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Talk about the move – was it you wanting a change of pace, a lifestyle change, something else- something spiritual? </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW: I don’t know that I can put it all down to spiritual reasons, but it was certainly a case where I wasn’t happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I left Botswana where I was born and lived until I was fifteen, then moved to England - my dad’s English, so I’ve always had a great affinity for England. I’m a citizen – I’m a national, but it’s never really been home to me. So I felt I need a change where I could be stimulated mentally and physically, and New York City made too much sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m living with my cousin in Harlem, and Harlem has a lot to offer and suits me – there’s a huge African heritage there, and I love the cultures and being able to eat all of that delicious food!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>New York City made sense, but Harlem makes even better sense.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Any similarities between Botswana and Harlem?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well not right now - it’s freezing cold right now! (laughter)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ask me in the summer and I might give you a totally different answer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But, just to walk down the street and hear African people and see the way they laugh and that sense of humor, yeah, there’s things about Harlem that’s quite homely.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And in terms of squash, does this move to NYC represents a jumpstart or re-boot, so to speak, of your squash career?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, it coincides with the new year nicely, and I’ve been able to put a few things that bothered me last year behind me, and being able to be some place new, with new energy – so, we’ll see!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In terms of training, it’s great -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>there’s enough players here to get a good hit with, and there’s always top players from the Tour coming through the city quite regularly. I think people in Europe, for a long time now, though that you’d move to the States when you finish your career - you know, you sort of wind down and you ‘re looking to get into coaching – but that’s certainly not the case for me. So, I’m in a situation where I may be the first to move here with, what some would say, are my best squash years coming up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The City has a lot of distractions- how are you dealing with those? </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, I like to go out and have a god time, but I’m not the type of personality to go out partying or drinking through the night. But, truthfully, I do need to get out and spend more time away from squash circles! The music scene’s unbelievable up in Harlem! – and in all of the city, obviously. So it’ll be nice to be able to enjoy myself socially, without doing anything detrimental to the squash - listening to live music and things like that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What’s better?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Broadway or the West End?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(laughter and a long pause) To be honest, I love them both!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But I’m not going to be diplomatic (laughter) - I am going to choose one, so I’d say the West End still for me. But to be honest, I haven’t sampled enough of the Broadway theater district, so I might have to get back to you. I think it’ll be tough to beat the London Theater with how old it is and how much history there is in those theaters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Switching gears now, you made headlines a few weeks back when you made some strong comments on squash development in the UK. It didn’t seem to me to be mean-spirited, but rather stated matter-of-factly, but it drew some attention. (<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/squash/8209526/England-Squash-lacks-integrity-and-barely-deserve-world-champion-Nick-Matthew-says-US-bound-Alister-Walker.html">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/squash/8209526/England-Squash-lacks-integrity-and-barely-deserve-world-champion-Nick-Matthew-says-US-bound-Alister-Walker.htm</a>l)<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, certainly, a lot of people obviously don’t like what I said, but a lot of people do like what I said very much. And simply put, I don’t want to be a part of it, but I wish them all the best.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I’ve seen you interacting with the English players this week- you seem to have remained very close to them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, all of the players - I have good relations with them still. And the coaches I get along with. So you know, not much has changed. I just don’t want to be a part of the program. I thought they handled some things poorly, and I hope they don’t make those mistakes again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You singled out Nick Matthew in your comments…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I gave him some props! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You guys are very close friends.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, Nick and I get on well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Obviously, I’ve learned some stuff from him over the years, and he’s learned an awful lot from me! (laughter)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m sure he’ll the same! Or the exact opposite! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Joking aside, he had an amazing year last year. He won the PSA player of the year in 2010 – and deservedly so - I don’t think anyone can argue with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was his time, and it still is his time. He’s still the player to beat. You can’t fault the guy- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>because he’s been working hard his whole career since he’s been a young boy in the juniors, and it’s all come together at the right time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Is it harder to play him? You guys may meet in the 2<sup>nd</sup> round this year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, it definitely is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I once read that he said it’s a bit like a marriage...which<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I found a strange parallel (laughter). But it’s definitely something there that is different when you play your mates.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And while you respect all of your opponents, when you see somebody train day in day out, and you been part of it as we have for each other for a few years now, there’s a sort of understanding of one another which make it more difficult. But, we’re big boys, we put that aside as soon as we step on the court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: You mentioned coaching earlier – will you do any coaching here in the city?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not totally. I’m currently focusing on my game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There’ll come a time, obviously, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>when I’ll do some coaching, but it’s not going to be a primary part of my life. But there will be a little bit going on. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had a great time talking with you- all the best!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thanks, mate! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04922514298534181489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-90873477317499522372011-01-22T08:37:00.001-08:002011-01-22T08:44:38.058-08:00Tournament of Champions - Day 1 Photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsJPd3vzXI/AAAAAAAAABc/gYCsmCX8tuc/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-640_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsJPd3vzXI/AAAAAAAAABc/gYCsmCX8tuc/s320/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-640_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565051925867515250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsJOyFDoqI/AAAAAAAAABU/U1IKX3B8X2g/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-637_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 170px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsJOyFDoqI/AAAAAAAAABU/U1IKX3B8X2g/s320/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-637_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565051914112180898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsJO8AuzDI/AAAAAAAAABM/CmgAnlsJtFo/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-407_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsJO8AuzDI/AAAAAAAAABM/CmgAnlsJtFo/s320/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-407_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565051916778392626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsJOl_dYdI/AAAAAAAAABE/y_xJdlO3xvI/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-456_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsJOl_dYdI/AAAAAAAAABE/y_xJdlO3xvI/s320/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-456_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565051910867476946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsJOmLxQ3I/AAAAAAAAAA8/dhyaYeHrlRg/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-481_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsJOmLxQ3I/AAAAAAAAAA8/dhyaYeHrlRg/s320/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-481_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565051910919111538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsIlWK-CoI/AAAAAAAAAA0/z77yipMgpgQ/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-306_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsIlWK-CoI/AAAAAAAAAA0/z77yipMgpgQ/s320/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-306_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565051202246150786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsIlKG3pPI/AAAAAAAAAAs/r1B5ge0NKkA/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-299_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsIlKG3pPI/AAAAAAAAAAs/r1B5ge0NKkA/s320/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-299_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565051199007728882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsIlHxDLvI/AAAAAAAAAAk/yjPEAZwRsgI/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-269_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsIlHxDLvI/AAAAAAAAAAk/yjPEAZwRsgI/s320/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-269_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565051198379339506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsIk74ixFI/AAAAAAAAAAc/2R50rH-z_UQ/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-147_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 189px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsIk74ixFI/AAAAAAAAAAc/2R50rH-z_UQ/s320/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-147_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565051195189544018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsIktMRNtI/AAAAAAAAAAU/d16S4sX06yo/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-77_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsIktMRNtI/AAAAAAAAAAU/d16S4sX06yo/s320/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-77_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565051191245747922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsIELn-rqI/AAAAAAAAAAM/lKcuGYPcEnU/s1600/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-43_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 205px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00C_umsZZR0/TTsIELn-rqI/AAAAAAAAAAM/lKcuGYPcEnU/s320/2011_TOC_Day_1_0446-43_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565050632479354530" /></a>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04922514298534181489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-19189364009126948102011-01-22T08:23:00.000-08:002011-01-22T08:32:36.211-08:003-Minute Rally! A Conversation with Amr Shabana<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">I caught up with Amr Shabana, a two-time winner of the Tournament of Champions, as he was watching Day 1 action from this year's tournament.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Rob White: Talking to you makes me recall your watch against Alister Walker last year and of, course, that you’re a two-time winner here - what is it about New York City that brings out your best?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Amr Shabana:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, for sure, there’s a lot of positive energy in New York City and in the Tournament as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s the first big major of the year – played in Grand Central Station which is such a monumental place with so much history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And so many people come by the court every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The American crowd loves their squash, and of course, I’ve won the tournament twice, so it’s very easy to play here.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: You’re a veteran of the tour - talk about the challenges of staying at the top as you’ve done.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">AS:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s all about getting your mind and body in check. I was unlucky the last couple years with injuries that put me out for most of thepast two seasons. My knees, slipped disc in my back – it’s been a terrible last two years for me. But I feel my body is coming around again and I’m able to perform now how I want to perform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So everybody has to watch out now! (laughter)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I hear that! Talk some more about New York City – do you find time to enjoy yourself here?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">AS:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yeah, it’s a great deal that you can “switch off” after your match and find so much to do here. I have my wife here with me this year – she came with me back in 2007 and now she’s back with me again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So we’ll shop a bit, eat well, go sightseeing – it’s a great city.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And does your wife here watching you provide added pressure when you play?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It does for me when my wife watches me!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">AS:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, you’re more focused for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Simply having her here to take care of<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>little things for me – make sure I eat , for example, and just take care of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s always a pleasure to have her watch me play!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One last question – what are your thoughts on the scoring format at the World Series Final last week?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">AS:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think the format works better, definitely, when you have to play matches every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Obviously, when you have the top eight players in the world, it’s asking a lot for the crowd to sit through four best of five matches over that amount of time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Best of three makes it fast and exciting – I think it was the right format to use for the top eight and the PSA should stick with that in that 8-man format going forward.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thanks for your time, Amr!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04922514298534181489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-16001263736794394532011-01-22T08:17:00.000-08:002011-01-22T08:22:58.245-08:003-Minute Rally! A Conversation with David PalmerFresh off the court after his straight game win over American #1, Julian Illingworth, in the 1st round of the 2011 Tournament of Champions, I caught up with David Palmer cooling down on the bike.<div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Rob White:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Congratulations on your win, David. Julian gave you all you could handle tonight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">David Palmer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yeah, it was a pretty solid match.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It wasn’t the best I ever played - wasn’t the worst. It was a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>good solid match and I did enough to win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I used my experience when I needed to and sort of felt I was in control of the match, and glad I was able to close it out in 3-0.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: Do you find that when you play the younger guys now, you rely more on your experience. Of course, you’re in great shape and you have great athleticism, but<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I assume you call on that experience more now during tough situations.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">DP:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To a degree, yes. Of course, I’m a bit smarter at this stage of my career, though not as fast and fit as I used to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m 34, nearly 35, so, I have to be a bit smarter. But it frustrates me sometimes because I love to play fast, but I know to play my game I have to be more careful these days - I have to sort of pace myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I thought I did that tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the past, I probably would’ve pulled away in the 2<sup>nd</sup> and won much easier, but I was just trying to pace myself tonight. And I know Julian’s a pretty fit guy, too. I saw him last week from two-love down and nearly beat Olli (Tuominen) in five, so I’m really happy to get through 3-0 and put myself in a good position going forward.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: You’re still in amazing shape, but how has your training regiment changed over the years?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">DP<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, obviously I’m not working as hard. Body can’t take the amount of training that I used to do. (laugh) Obviously, I was one of the fittest guys for a long time. I still feel deep down I’ve got to be smart about my training, and look after the body – it’s more about trying to protect my body. It’s tougher because the game’s getting so much faster with guys like Ramy and all the young guys playing incredibly fast- it’s not easy. So, it’s about keeping my body strong and injury free, but still try to keep up with them. But I’m hanging in there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You reside in FL, but you spend quite a lot of time in New York City -</p> <p class="MsoNormal">DP:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, I’m full time in Florida but I’m up here 4-5 times a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I love New York City – it’s a fun place, and the tournament of Champions has always been one of my favorite tournaments.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Do you find time to enjoy the city when you’re here or is it all business?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">DP:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Obviously, I’m a bit more relaxed than I used to be, so I do enjoy myself when I’m here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> I </span>have plenty of friends around that I see when I’m here, and I’ve got my two families that I coach up here this weekend – their kids who I coach are playing in the junior event, so we’ll be watching them obviously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I try to pick and choose my times to relax, but I try to socialize a bit more than I used to, but<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>stilly try to make the most of what I have now in the tournament. And I’ll see how it goes on Sunday!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">RW: Well, thanks for your time, David, and best of luck going forward.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">DP:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thanks, been my pleasure.</p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Rob Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04922514298534181489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-66712689038184405122010-12-10T13:45:00.000-08:002010-12-28T11:49:24.142-08:00Run to the Roar<p>Few books I have read in my life have stirred such a strong emotional response in me. In part because of my love for the game, in part because I know many of the key characters, and in large part because I can relate to the human drama that is woven into the book from start to finish.</p><p>It can be very hard to do the right thing when it comes to those you love. And it can be hard to follow your dreams, especially when those dreams take you to the other side of the world, far from the comforts and protections of everything and everyone you know so well. Both of these themes are familiar to me and are addressed again and again in the book.</p><p>'Run to the Roar' is a book by Paul Assaiante, Trinity head squash coach, and James Zug, acclaimed squash writer. It is a wonderful roller-coaster of joy and despair, triumph and tragedy. It neatly summarizes the events of one day in February 2009 when Trinity played Princeton in a College Squash Association finals in Princeton, New Jersey. Assaiante dedicates a chapter to each player.</p><p>In addition to the outcome of each match is a back story about the Trinity student, his character, his relationship with Paul and how he came to be there on that day. The tension escalates throughout the book and culminates in the final match played by Trinity number one, Baset Chaudhry. The epilogue mentions an even more infamous match played by Chaudhry against Yale's Ken Chan which ended on every sports channel on TV - the infamous outburst at the end of the match. But this particular moment is a non-event in the book. It is first mentioned on the last page. So if you are looking for gore, look elsewhere.</p><p>This is a story of pressure, passion, courage and victory. This is a human story and is less about squash and more about what it takes to successfully lead a bunch of young men to overcome their fears and achieve greatness in sport.</p><p>You may be interested to know that I sat next to Chaudhry recently at a tournament dinner and I can tell you with certainty that his outburst was completely out of character and he should never by judged by it. He was nothing but polite and respectful and humble. In fact, I would go as far as to say that he has a very sweet and charming way about him. But you also get the distinct feeling that he is a very determined and serious young man. The book will tell you more.</p><p>I encourage you to buy 'Run to the Roar' (get it at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Run-Roar-Coaching-Overcome-Fear/dp/1591843642/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1292087842&sr=1-1">Amazon.com</a>) and I sincerely hope you enjoy reading the book and that it moves you the way it did me. And after you finish it you will feel like you know Paul Assaiante and the players on his team of 2009 very well, and you will like all these characters very much. Furthermore, no matter your college affiliation, you will inevitably come to respect Coach Paul for what he has achieved. It is a special story that will be told for generations to come.</p><p>Read more from Brett at <a href="http://www.brettssquashblog.com/">www.brettssquashblog.com</a></p><p> </p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-37905790041350017812010-12-05T19:37:00.000-08:002010-12-05T19:37:33.405-08:00Flip Flop Squash<b>by Tracy Gates</b><br />
<br />
I lift a flip flopped foot over the seat and hop on the back of the scooter. I am wearing cut-offs, an MSRA tank top, and a Wilson backpack that has two Prince Tour handles sticking out. My 'chauffeur' revs the engine and we rumble down the drive, make a right turn at the large palm tree , and zoom up the road past lush green flora, coral and baby blue cottages, and red bougainvillea. I breath in the loamy, sea-salty air and can’t believe I’m here. On the island of Bermuda, on my way to play squash, having one of the best weekends of my life.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://squeakyfeet.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/img_2339.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-129 " height="240" src="http://squeakyfeet.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/img_2339.jpg?w=225" title="Brightside" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">home base for NY, NE teams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ironically, the weekend before had racked up with one of the worst (on a purely hedonistic level, of course). I found out that my squash club’s days were numbered and the <a href="http://sailingondine.com/" target="_blank" title="sailing ondine">sailing trip</a> I’d been looking forward to for months was postponed due to a little tropical storm named Tomas. I could wait and go a week later when the weather cleared, but I’d miss the whole point of going to Bermuda in the first place—the third annual <a href="http://www.brettssquashblog.com/2010/10/from-bermuda-with-love.html" target="_blank">Bermuda-New England-New York tourney</a> which I’d been invited to attend a few months earlier. For about twenty-four hours I tossed around what I wanted to do more—freeze my butt off on a boat for four days in the middle of November or lie on the beach in the sun in between matches. It may seem like a no-brainer to you, but I’m oddly tempted by potentially uncomfortable adventures; however, I couldn't see letting my teammates down so late in the game. Guilt is a powerful incentive. It pressed my finger to the ‘buy ticket now’ button for the airfare to Bermuda.<br />
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Sometimes guilt is a good thing. When I hopped off the scooter in front of the low slung home of the <a href="http://www.bermudasquash.com/" target="_blank">Bermuda Squash Racquets Association</a>, the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the burgers on the outdoor grill were already sizzling. This is a club that knows how to treat its visitors right. It’s also a club I would’ve loved to have brought home with me—especially now that I’m about to lose mine. The BSRA is not fancy; it is homey. After greeting Dave the burger flipper and club manager, you walk down a few steps into what could pass for your friendly neighborhood pub, complete with tables where you can pull up a chair, a drink, and a few friends. Instead of dartboards, though, plexiglass lines the walls and the melodic thwak of the squash ball echoes in stereo. Two courts on one side, two on the other—one of which is an exhibition court with stadium seating.<br />
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To get to the courts, you take the stairs by the bar — oh, right, the <em>bar</em> . . . they call it the 5th court. There’s only one beer on tap—Carlsberg, but many bottles & cans in the fridge, including the cheerful yellow-canned Boddington’s which I believe all respectable squash clubs should serve, along with a 5th court to be served at. — So, back to the stairs. As soon as I began descending, I felt as though I was going back in time; the humid, slightly sweet smell of sweat permeates the narrow hallways outside the courts’ entrances and it was exactly the quality of air that my dad’s equally cozy club, <a href="http://www.nstennis.com/">North Shore Tennis</a>, had back when I was a wee thing—well, a teenage wee thing. If you’re not into sense memories, however; a quick trip down the carpeted hall leads you to the air-conditioned locker and weight rooms. The courts, themselves, run a little warm, but, hey, this is Bermuda.<br />
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You’d be better-advised to hang out in the in the pub—I mean the viewing area, in between your matches. This area is ideal for socializing and watching your mates' games. If you pull your chair up right, you can watch two matches and order another pint all at the same time. Swivel around and you can watch two more. This place has it 'made in the shade'—which was part of my concern before getting there. Why go to as beautiful a place as Bermuda only to play squash inside? I need not have worried. While we did spend a few hours each day (Thur-Sat) at the courts, it was both a highlight of the trip, as well as only part of three very packed days. I’m not sure if it’s squash players in general, Bermudians in general, or the captains’ good taste in teammates, but if I had to hang out with this crowd every weekend, I wouldn’t be unhappy. Squash is an excellent common denominator.<br />
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With four teams (two Bermuda, one NY, one NE), each team played each other once over the weekend. Guys vs. guys. Girls vs. girls. (I’m not opposed to this, but I’m voting for mixing it up next year, and play according to ability, not gender.) While many matches seemed more congenial than cut-throat, there were some amazing ones to be witnessed. It’s particularly gratifying to see a guy with gray hair, say, out maneuver one half his age. And now we know that “you’ve got an easy one” are fightin’ words when our number one man from New York made his Bermudian opponent jump all over the court in order to capture (by one match) the tournament crown for Bermuda.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://squeakyfeet.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/dsc04441.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-137 " height="162" src="http://squeakyfeet.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/dsc04441.jpg?w=300" title="Horseshoe Bay" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimming at Horseshoe Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was sad to see such a fun and friendly tournament end, but the New York and New England teams still had breathtaking beaches to see, winding roads to ride, and around every corner another rainbow to gawp at. Throw in an evening of fine dining compliments of the <a href="http://www.bermudatourism.com/index.aspx">Bermuda Department of Tourism</a>, the finals of the <a href="http://www.worldrugby.bm/" target="_blank">World Rugby Classic</a>, a few pitchers of “<a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/liquor/escape-to-bermuda-with-dark-and-stormy-cocktails-straight-up-cocktails-059478" target="_blank">Dark & Stormy</a>s”, some dubious dancing, and very little sleep and I’d say I got more than my money’s worth.<br />
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By weekend’s end I was just getting into the Bermudian groove. But before I knew it I was on the plane, back to the almost winter winds of NYC, and now that heavenly squash weekend feels like a distant memory. Part of me wonders, how could next year’s tournament possibly equal this one? But that’s the beauty of it; like every great match, it’ll be different. Same place, same time of year, but a whole new adventure. Maybe I’ll see you there . . . I’ll be the one in flip flops.<br />
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<em>For photos of the teams, Bermuda, etc., visit my blogsite, <a href="http://squeakyfeet.wordpress.com/pictures/bermudanyne-tourney/">www.squeakyfeet.wordpress.com</a> </em>Tracy Gateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065227976756359790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-38401052715111740482010-11-05T08:52:00.000-07:002010-11-05T08:52:46.196-07:00Master and Professor<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>by Tracy Gates</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The guy hops around the court like a jujube on caffeine. Bearing a passing resemblance to Tintin (le coiffeur, anyway), he windmills his arms, darts his eyes from left to right, and talks a mile a microsecond. But I hang on every word, every wild gesture, because these fifteen minutes every Thursday have become the most valuable of my week.</span><br />
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Welcome to the classroom of Professor Musto. Joined by the calmer, quieter, but no less wiser Master Hughes (his distinctive white hair tied back with a bandana), these two terrific dons of squash have been turning the StreetSquash courts into a squash seminary for two hours every Thursday for the past few months. Thanks to the inspired idea of a few MSRA folk and the organization of Howe Cup Captains Sarah Odell and Marcia Salovitz, Musto and Hughes have been coaching the women playing in the Howe Cup this weekend. Don’t know what the Howe Cup is? Well, if you’re a guy, you’re out of luck, ‘cause you can’t play in it. And if you’re a woman, you should mark your calendar for next November and double circle it in red; you just don’t want to miss the most fun to be had since doing dope and dancing to Madonna in your best friend’s dorm room (I plead the 5th). Anyway, trust me.<br />
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But back to those fifteen minutes. Since I was never a good note-taker in school, and since I paid the seminary fees (reasonable as they were) and you didn’t, there’s no way I’m going to be able to impart all the amazing things I learned. That where you put your feet may actually be more important (initially) then where you put your racquet. Why the three wall boast from the back corner is not a great idea, but why you should compliment your opponent every time they do it. Which foot the ball should be near when striking for a volley, rail, boast, and cross-court. When to let/not let the ball go to the back wall. When and where to shoot. In some ways, it may have been too much for my brimming over brain to take in, but I found myself immensely grateful for every word and gesture that was flung my way. As a friend says, there’s always osmosis. <br />
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However, there was one lesson that was repeated again and again. And that, you lucky dogs, I will share with you. It happened like this. Everytime Professor Musto would demonstrate a shot - a boast or a drop or a volley or a serve, he’d critique it. Something like, 'Should’ve been a little to the left. Am I going to just keep hitting the ball until it goes there?' And then he’d shake his head as if he were a rabid dog jumping out of water. 'No-o-o-o-o-o-o! I’m going to adjust my racquet, or my swing, or my feet, or all of the above until I get it where I want it.' And then he’d try the shot again, demonstrating a small adjustment, and - bingo - the ball would go where he wanted it. No guesswork for the professor.<br />
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Adjustment. The first time this came up, it rang a little bell. I flashed back to all the countless hours of rails and drops and boasts I’d practiced with friends or by myself. Yes, I’d try to hit deeper or straighter or somethinger, but more often than not I was just getting the ball back. More often than not, there was no one to suggest a different technique, so it didn’t change much. It didn’t occur to me that I could tell myself to change my technique. Because, as a mostly unschooled player, what did I know? Well, more than I think -- because if you do think there’s plenty you can do to change the outcome of a shot. As the professor continually bored into us, just hitting the ball again and again without any thought as to improvement was just dumb. The equivalent of staying back a grade, year after year. Drills aren’t there just to raise your heart rate; they’re there raise your grades.<br />
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Sometimes hitting by yourself helps you realize this. I used to find it incredibly boring, but when there’s no one else around to make fun of you, it’s a great time to fiddle with a shot and make a fool of yourself for a while. One of these days I’m going to pull out that behind the back and through the legs shot....although I still have a ways to go.<br />
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But thank god I’m not always left to my own devices. Up at StreetSquash, the professors break us up into groups to practice our lesson for the day. Three wall boasts or cross courts or putting some energy into a ball off the back wall. I try this last one again and again, fascinated by the little hop Professor Musto demonstrates to generate power. Later, Master Hughes glides onto our court and raises an eyebrow. When he takes a ball off the back wall, a gumby-like limb wraps a racquet around the ball and flicks it effortlessly toward the front. No jump necessary. Ah, well, I guess some of us have already made all the adjustments we need. <br />
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Howe Cup Training has come to an end. Six teams, thirty women, and two coaches are representing our fair city of New York. We wish them the best.Tracy Gateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065227976756359790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-65080687161940010312010-10-05T13:55:00.000-07:002010-10-05T14:19:59.243-07:00Get Your Game Face On<span id="internal-source-marker_0.5484154767851197" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>by Tracy Gates</strong></span><br />
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The guy barely looks at me. When I say something to him, he hardly responds. Occasionally, I hear him swear under his breath. He grimaces and drips sweat. If I was anywhere else I would run the other way. Instead, I run toward the ball. The guy is a friend and this is a challenge match.<br />
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I think challenge matches are fascinating. I love them and I hate them. And often I dread them more than league or tournament matches. Normally, you aren’t playing a friend, or at least you don’t play on the same team. But challenge matches are all about the team and where you will play on it—or <em>if</em> you’re going to play on it. Which is what I’ve been going through recently. All summer I’ve been playing with these guys—having friendly games, giving friendly advice, and then - <em>boom</em> - it’s take no prisoners, get your game face on.<br />
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But as much as it stresses me out—and kind of ruins the few hours before I have to play—I find myself getting back into the competitive groove. And I’m starting to think not just about tactics, but how to slow myself down when I have to move fast. I don’t know about you, but while I like to play fast, I’m much better when I think fast and play slow. Does that make any sense? I don’t want to play too fast, is more like it. I played with a guy the other day who was doing what I’ve been doing too much of—cheating off the T. Instead of watching the ball—and me—he tried to anticipate where I was going to hit the ball. I know the sequence of events too well. You hit your shot and then you think - huh, I bet he’ll hit over there, so I’m gonna start going there. Thud. Thud. Only he doesn’t. Because he sees you starting to go or lean that way, and even though a rail may be a cleaner, better shot for him, you’re already leaning that way, so he lobs a cross-court. And you’re screwed. See, I’ve been there. <br />
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But I’m honestly trying to stop. If I came away with any good squash tips from <em>Keep Eye on Ball</em>, the excellent not-to-be-missed film about Hashim Khan <a href="http://www.squashfilms.com/">http://www.squashfilms.com/</a> , it was just that. I can hear his long-voweled Pakastani-accented english in my ear. Keep. Eye. On. Ball. If only it was so simple.<br />
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The other tip that’s helping me slow down between shots is the jump, thanks to the advice of a pro or two. As soon as you see your opponent just about to s-w-i-n-g . . . jump! Well, not like you’re going for a basket, but just enough so that both feet (barely) leave the ground and come down together. So that you’re BALANCED, and ready to go anywhere. You might think that this takes up too much precious time, but, trust me, it works. If you do it that is, which is what I’m working on....<br />
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Now the guys’ team I was on last year played challenge matches all the time. I kind of got the sense that unless we said it wasn’t a challenge match, it was. But my women’s team didn’t start playing them until the end of the season, when I figured we’d better know our exact line-up for play-offs . . . if we got that far. I can’t speak for the rest of the team, but I found it much more stressful. We were a pretty social group by this point, and to use our game faces against each other just seemed wrong. But, then again, most of us agreed that it was great for our game. I’m sure I’ll be proven wrong as soon as I say this, but after years of playing on ‘girls’ teams, I have observed that girls do tend to be friendlier and chattier on the court. I’m a big advocate of good court manners, but there’s a lot to be said for getting a game face on. And getting used to it.<br />
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It might even be good for some situations off the court. Asking for a raise. Debating your in-laws. Getting a table at your favorite no-rez restaurant. Think about how focused you are in a match. Evaluating your opponent. Regaining your balance. Not being tempted by showy but low-percentage shots. Keeping your eye on what’s important. Ah, me. I could use all of this in real life. For now, though, I think I’ll stick to the challenge of squash.Tracy Gateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065227976756359790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-32120518594145159612010-09-21T12:25:00.000-07:002010-10-05T13:57:37.157-07:00Searching for Squash in Mongolia....<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">By Tracy Gates</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />My legs hurt. My butt hurt. And other parts of me were so sore, I winced whenever I sat down. Too many hours of squash? It felt like it. . . . but, no, it was too many hours of my big American butt in a small Mongolian saddle. I had ridden for hours to see the thousands of years old ‘deer stones’—Mongolia’s version of Stonehenge—and now I was paying for it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">As some of you know, I recently traveled to Mongolia to pick up my mother who has been serving in the Peace Corps for two years. In fact, I started typing this from the Peace Corps office in Ulaanbaatar or UB, the capital of Mongolia. But what does a country almost half-way around the world from New York have to do with squash? Well, besides squash butt and horse riding butt feeling uncomfortably similar, more than one would think.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a name='more'></a> First, though, here’s a little background on Mongolia. Some people describe it as the size of Alaska, with the population of Minneapolis, which is in the three million range. But who besides an Alaskan really has any idea how big that state is? So try this: consider the distance from New York to Denver, then from Albany to Miami. That’s roughly the width and height. Pretty big, huh? And nary a squash court in sight. Not that I covered every kilometer. But you can stand in most parts of Mongolia and see for nearly a hundred miles in every direction, so I did see quite a lot.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Some people have asked me what season it is right now in Mongolia—I guess thinking that it’s in the southern hemisphere. Nope. Although I can empathize; two years ago I was hard pressed myself to give Mongolia’s exact location. But I can tell you now that it’s west and north of parts of China, south of Siberia, and just east of Kazakhstan (which shares its language with far west Mongolia, but is separated by slivers of China and Russia). Many adventurous travelers take the Trans-Siberian Railway, whose trans-Mongolian route runs from Moscow, through Mongolia, and on to Beijing. Conveniently, for my not so great math brain, it’s twelve hours ahead of NYC, at least during our daylight savings time, so I just had to remember that Mom’s dinnertime was my getting up time.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />My mother was a 3x a week squash player before she took off for Mongolia. She came to love Mongolia so much that she says she really didn’t miss anything too terribly back here in the States (hey, what about me, mom?). But when reminded of the three sparkling white singles courts and the only doubles court on Boston’s northshore waiting for her in the brand new YMCA near her home, she admitted to some excitement. Mother, like daughter, likes a good sweat, and she hadn’t done much of that in the -30 F degree temps that are common in the Mongolian winter. Her frontier-style house was heated only by a small wood-burning stove. Ever had to thaw ice for your morning coffee?</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Coincidentally, while her Y at home was being built, an extensive renovation was being made to a local sports arena in her Mongolian neighborhood. It was round, painted a Pepto Bismal pink, topped with a royal blue roof, and echoed the shape of the traditional Mongolian single-roomed house, the ger (rhymes with hair), which is easy to pack up and take with you when your goats run out of grass. The wrestling palace, as it is called, is not so portable. It could’ve easily housed a few dozen squash courts from the size of it. Instead, it will feature one wrestling ring. Wrestling is the national sport, followed by horse racing and archery. All three are celebrated during Naadam, their big countrywide festival in July. They look forward to it as much as New York City squash players look forward to the Grand Open. Possibly more. But let’s be glad we get to wear shorts and a t-shirt. Mongolian wrestlers show off a bit more of their physique in a costume that makes a woman’s bikini look demure. Legend has it, in fact, that the costume was created after a woman womped all the guys. So to ensure their not being womped again, they created a chest-baring vest and speedo-sized knickers so that one’s, um, gender-specific parts were a bit more obvious. After that, I guess women decided it wasn’t worth it. But if it had been squash, I’m sure they would’ve found a way around it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />I did ask a few people if they knew of any squash courts in Mongolia, but besides the fact that my Mongolian consists of only a few non-squash specific phrases (“Have you slept well?”) and my standard English explanation ‘it’s kind of like racquetball, only better’ was met with blank stares, I didn’t get very far. The only racquet sport that did ring a bell was table tennis, which makes sense for Mongolians because it’s movable (it’s a nomadic culture, remember) and can be played in whatever you’re wearing. Even your wrestling duds.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />But the pressing question on all of your minds, I’m sure, is: will squash ever be played in Mongolia? It certainly has the room for it. Scads. And the climate (ever felt minus thirty?) to make indoor activity preferable much of the year. Perhaps a new ball could be introduced: the double white dot. But are Mongolians suited to squash? Riding along on the bony back of my Mongolian mare, gazing into the vast oceanic emptiness of achingly gorgeous countryside, I thought about this…</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">...and came up with some reasons why they might be. Although please excuse my considerable generalizing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Spontaneity: Squash players often play last minute (well, I do). Mongolians do everything last minute. They’d be great for a pick-up game.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Sociability: Squash players are a friendly sort. We like to hang out and have a beer. Mongolians like their airag (fermented mare’s milk). They pass around a large bowl of it, from which everyone drinks. Someone invariably starts singing. I’m sure we’d have a great time together after the game.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Strong glutes: Squash players have them from squatting over the ball. Mongolians have them from squatting over most everything else, including food, fire, flat tires, and the hole in the ‘jorlong’—the place where you go when you’ve had too much airag. Getting down low comes naturally to Mongolians.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Quick reflexes: Squash players have them from chasing balls. Mongolians have them from chasing sheep, goats, and horses. Not to mention dodging the crazy traffic in UB.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Good balance: Squash players need it to hit a good shot. Mongolians need it to ride horses, rope livestock, and—if you’re female—stay standing on your stilettos as you navigate unpaved roads. Truly, Mongolian women must be the most well-balanced people on the planet; if they could play squash in high heels, they’d probably move faster than you or I in court shoes.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Competitiveness: Squash players compete on a daily basis, on leagues, in tournaments. I’ve never met a squash player who didn’t like to compete at some level. Mongolians love their wrestling matches and horse-races. Genghis Khan may have been the greatest competitor of all time—and given all the children he sired (hundreds!), many Mongolians are related to him; competition is in the their blood.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />So getting squash going in Mongolia seems a no brainer. Although as I trotted along through some of the most stunning landscape I’d ever seen, and feeling like an extra in an old timey western, I began to have second thoughts. From what I’ve gleaned, Mongolia seems to be teetering on the knife edge between the technological and big business world of the 21st century and a nomadic, live-off-the-land lifestyle that hasn’t changed much in hundreds if not thousands of years. Keep your head at a certain angle and some streets in Ulaanbaatar don’t look that different than, say, Canal Street, or some of the more hodge-podgy parts of NYC. Cheap Chinese goods for sale, restaurants of various nationalities, billboards advertising cigarettes to cell phones, SUVs threatening to run you over at every corner. We learned that the exceedingly insane traffic in UB is in part due to many Mongolians moving to the city, buying cars, and becoming taxi drivers. Raise your hand and nearly every other car will pull over to give you a ride. Sounds great until you notice the old woman with a cane moving faster than your taxi.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Take that taxi a few miles into the country, however, and you’ll see that time is also moving slower. If Genghis Khan were to drop in on a herder family in the hoodo (countryside), I think he’d feel quite at home, especially if they were to offer his favorite drink, a bowl of airag. While in the Gobi, my family was offered that same refreshment by a weathered yet handsome gentleman squatting before us in his deel—the traditional robe-like garment worn by both men and women, but looks particularly dashing on men. Looking on were two men and three women, one of which was nursing a newborn infant. The young woman sat on the only large piece of furniture in the round-roomed ger, a single bed. Next to it was a large pile of bedding. And it began to dawn on me, all of these people lived in this ger.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Before we left, our host showed us a number of medals and pointed out the door at his herd of horses. He mounted one as we were driving away and loped along side for a while before turning and riding, literally, into the sunset. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so romantic. Will this man ever encounter a squash ball? I have to say, I hope not.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />If you’d like to see what the world looked like before squash...and most man-made wonders of the modern world, both good and bad, get thee to Mongolia pronto. Just before sunrise, and a few hours prior to my memorable horseback ride, I hiked up the rocks behind our camp. I sat on a cliff overlooking a valley that seemingly went on forever and watched as the light changed from the soft blues of pre-dawn to the rosy sharpness of morning. In a space that could’ve easily fit many Manhattans, only a few gers were visible, like mini-marshmallows floating far away. Two dusty tire-tracks left our camp and soon disappeared. Otherwise, there was no evidence of civilization. For a moment there, listening to the reverberating echo of silence, I actually forgot about squash. And that, I think, was not a bad thing. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V4IDEVPWcJU/TJjSfh_-WrI/AAAAAAAAAPo/w_5dNI91Z0A/s1600/msra+hat+photo.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519392782487018162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 289px; HEIGHT: 177px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V4IDEVPWcJU/TJjSfh_-WrI/AAAAAAAAAPo/w_5dNI91Z0A/s320/msra+hat+photo.bmp" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V4IDEVPWcJU/TJjSfh_-WrI/AAAAAAAAAPo/w_5dNI91Z0A/s1600/msra+hat+photo.bmp"></a></span>Tracy Gateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065227976756359790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-51780479154616661312010-08-27T08:34:00.000-07:002010-08-27T08:34:26.832-07:00Late Summer Squash and heading back to (squash) school<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>By Tracy Gates</b></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A friend leaned over the railing behind the court I had just been
playing on. I was sucking down water and toweling it from my arms and face. Our
courts are nice and toasty in the summer.</span>
<br />
<div class="Style-2" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Pizza?” she said. “We’re going to the roof. You joining us?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Style-2" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Hell, yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Style-2" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A shower and a quick change later and I was out in the balmy
evening air gazing up at the stars—okay, star; you can’t see more than a few
from the middle of New York City. But I could see the last deep purples and
pinks of a fading sunset, and the bright glimmer of ship lights reflected on
the Hudson River below us. My friend opened the cardboard lid to the pizza box
and the heady aroma of wild mushrooms and truffle oil (we’re not in the West
Village for nothing) made me thankful I had plenty of calories to replace. Ah,
New York City in the summer. What could be better than après summer squash with
your best squash buds?</span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="Style-2" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I’ve been lucky enough to have a number of similar moments this
summer—a round robin, followed by a round of Coronas and twenty-dollar lobster specials partaken at open-air
picnic tables down in lower Manhattan; a barbeque hosted by a generous squash
mate on a roof deck worthy of a Woody Allen movie; and then the more common but
no less enjoyable time spent replacing two hours worth of squash sweat at a
local West Village watering hole. As the song goes, “Summertime, and the
squashin’ is easy….”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Style-2" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But the times, they are a-changin’. And I’m beginning to feel some excitement and a bit of
anxiety about the upcoming season. What team will I play on? Will I try to move
up? Am I up for another season of captaining? Should I try to train differently
this year? etc., etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Style-2" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Last year I played on two teams—a women’s 4.0 and a men’s 3.0. As
captain of the W4.0 team, my goal was to play all nine members of my team as
equally as possible (only sort of succeeded) and to make it to the playoffs
(see my first MSRA post for that result). My goal on the men’s team was to get
used to a faster game, as well as widen my roster of squash partners. That
worked on both counts. But what about this year? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Style-2" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have played on a
women’s 4.0/B team for too many years to count—although if you remember when
the women’s teams played five matches per night, maybe you can figure it out
for me…. Granted, I played at the bottom of the ladder my first few years and
now I’m near the top. I could easily stay in 4.0. Throw me in Howe Cup and I am
barely a </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">low</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 4.0. But. I am a bit bored. I am a bit too complacent. I
need a new challenge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Style-2" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If there was a W4.5 I would be all set. But there isn’t. There is
only W5.0. And while I like the idea of dipping my racquet in as a sub to test
the waters, that would be difficult. My club has no W5.0 team. If I wanted to
play on it, I would have to create it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Style-2" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So that is what I’m trying to do. I’ve begun the recruitment. Sent
out emails. Gotten some good response. It may just happen. Now I have to make
myself happen to be ready to play….and I’m definitely feeling pangs of what-the-hell-am-I-doing.
But if I don’t play up, I won’t ever get up any higher than I am. Know the
feeling?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Style-2" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Summer squash, alas, is ending, but maybe it’s time to head back
to school and, hopefully, graduate to the next class. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Style-3" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<br /></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-9781528902279739582010-08-03T14:11:00.000-07:002010-08-04T13:13:02.345-07:00Baby Squash<div>
<span style="font-family: arial;">By Tracy Gates</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">“Is that really a smart thing to do?”<br /><br />A guy at my gym asked a friend of mine this question not too long ago. She was playing squash. She was pregnant. Very.<br /><br />Now how many of us have been in situations others deemed unadvisable? Motorcycling, say. Or skydiving. Or jumping from a cliff into a frigid mountain pool – at night – naked. (The first two I’ve never tried…. ) The risk, of course, is only to ourselves. This was different. I imagine that’s probably more along the lines of what this guy was thinking. But that’s not what my friend was thinking.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I have known this woman for a few years now. One day last fall we were chatting in the locker room. She takes a squash lesson at the same time as my favorite gym class, so I see her almost every week. In fact, I <i>really</i> see her, since we are both changing out of our sweaty workout clothes…so I couldn’t help noticing that she was getting kind of, um, puffy around the middle. Strange, I remember thinking, as the rest of her still looked lean and strong.<br /><br />Admittedly, I’m a little slow to pick up on stuff, especially after an hour of heaving around weights, so it took a few more weeks for it to register what the cause was, and by then my friend had noticed me ogling her.<br /><br />“Yup, I’m pregnant,” she confirmed, looking down a little sheepishly at her stomach and then raising her eyebrow at it as if she didn’t quite approve.<br /><br />“And you’re playing squash,” I said, rather dumbly, as if I hadn’t seen her moments before on the court.<br /><br />“I’m going to play as long as I can,” she said. “Maybe I’ll give birth on the court!” She raised her other eyebrow, perking up a bit.<br /><br />Who would’ve known that that would be only a slight exaggeration?<br /><br />I saw my friend pretty regularly after that, and occasionally caught a few glimpses of her on the court during her lesson. Except for the growing girth of her stomach, she looked as athletic as she did before her pregnancy. I remember thinking that if I were pregnant, I would want to be out on the court, too, looking like that. But for some reason, I never asked her how it actually felt to play, or why she decided on squash when she could’ve stepped it back to pre-natal yoga or swimming like many of my previously pregnant friends had. Think about it, would you play squash if you had your soon to be offspring bouncing around in your belly? Think of all the times you’ve nearly embraced the sidewall, almost collided with your opponent, had a near miss with a not so soft racquet. Last season I wore the imprint of racquet strings on my arm—my fault, by the way.<br /><br />It wasn’t until after she’d had the baby that my curiosity finally kicked in. She had emailed an announcement of her daughter’s birth and besides the requisite weight and length, had mentioned that her daughter was sure to be a good squash player owing to the fact that the mother had been playing squash only hours before the birth. Yes, you heard that right, she was lunging around a court HOURS—just a few mind you—before she embarked on one of the most amazing events a body—okay, a woman—can achieve in her life. How many people do you know whom have done something so physically impressive? The Ironman may come close, but does anyone give birth at the finish line? No. I had to know her story.<br /><br />“I love the smell of sweat,” she said, over a glass of mango iced tea. “I love sports. The camaraderie. How it makes me feel mentally and spiritually.”<br /><br />I nodded. This is familiar territory to me (except maybe for the smell….). So I wasn’t totally surprised to learn that she was a lifetime athlete with a plethora of sports under her belt. She had danced ballet to ballroom, rowed Varsity crew, and was captain of her college rugby team. She took up the outdoor sports of cycling and climbing while in California, but finding a sport when she moved to New York City proved a challenge. What to do that was <i>fun</i>? It took a few years of gym going at the Printing House before trying out squash in 2008. It only took her a few months to become obsessed.<br /><br />“I did the clinics. I took lessons. I joined the Round Robins. I would’ve played everyday if I could’ve.” Her smile is wide while she’s telling me this. Classic squash obsession. I know it well.<br /><br />For over a year, she reveled in learning something new, with an unlimited capacity for fun. But then one morning about a year and a half into her obsession, a few hours before a squash lesson, she took “the test.”<br /><br />“It seems I’m a little bit pregnant,” she remembers telling her instructor, and her face pinches up a little at the memory. She knows it is funny in retrospect, but the unspoken words might have been “…and I’m a lot scared.”<br /><br />Of course, she’s quick to acknowledge that she and her husband were excited. She is in her late 30’s and having a baby wasn’t a sure thing. But think about it, you’re an athlete with an athlete’s body; you’re used to controlling your body. Now something else, some<i>one</i> else is going to control your body. Scary? Definitely.<br /><br />So my friend took what control she had. She immediately looked up online any advice for active mothers to be and found that all advised consulting one’s doctor. But her doctor didn’t want to see her until the baby could be seen on the sonogram screen. The only solid piece of advice was to not let her heart rate go above 140. <i>Okay, I can do that</i>, she remembers thinking. She grabbed her heart rate monitor (am I the only person in NYC who doesn’t have one?) and ran-walked to her lesson.<br /><br />“It was a joke,” she said. “A pregnant woman’s heart rate is elevated in the first trimester and I had to keep stopping to check my rate. There was no flow.” But she also didn’t want to give up and her instructor, the club pro, was as game as she was. He had trained another pregnant player and the woman had gotten through six months before she’d stopped. My friend immediately took that as a challenge. “I decided right then I wanted to go all nine months if I could,” she told me, a defiant look in her eye.<br /><br />But then she had her first doctor’s appointment. “She was all about what I shouldn’t do.” Her voice turned cool as she imitated her doctor. “You <i>shouldn’t</i> play squash. You <i>shouldn’t</i> let your heart rate go above 140 . . . because you don’t want to know what happens to your baby if you do.” My friend knew what she <i>should</i> do. She should find a new doctor.<br /><br />In the meantime, she found a book that gave her hope: Exercising Through Your Pregnancy by James F. Clapp III, M.D. </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Exercising-Through-Pregnancy-James-Clapp/dp/1886039593"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Exercising-Through-Pregnancy-James-Clapp/dp/1886039593">http://www.amazon.com/Exercising-Through-Pregnancy-James-Clapp/dp/1886039593</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Documented by the experiences of active and athletic mothers, it gave reason after reason why keeping active and continuing the sports you already participate in (within reason—competitive ski jumping, roller derby, and the like may be a no-no) can be good for both mother and baby’s health. It also dispelled the 140 heart rate rule. As did her new doctor whom she found through a friend.<br /><br />“Get rid of the heart rate monitor,” Dr. Chen told her, explaining that it wasn’t much of an indication of how hard she was training and probably would only serve to distract her. Instead, Dr. Chen encouraged her to play squash as long as she stayed well hydrated and didn’t overheat. “Other than that,” my friend said, “her one rule for continuing to play was if I could say the words ‘yes’ and ‘no’ under my breath as I played. If I didn’t have the breath to say them, I was to slow down or stop. I never got to that point though. I worked hard but at the same time was super cautious.”<br /><br />Actually, my friend strikes me as more super self-informed than super cautious. And finding a doctor who understood and encouraged her athleticism was hugely important to her. The whole experience of being pregnant changed when she found Dr. Chen, a doctor who “treated me like an individual, a person, and not just another patient.”<br /><br />Of course, playing as a pregnant lady was going to be different. “I stopped playing competitively pretty quickly. I wanted to be in a controlled environment, so instead of playing games, I trained and drilled.” There was still plenty she could practice and learn, especially as a novice—volleys, cross court lobs, reverse corner boasts, racquet preparation, strategy. Probably most impressive to anyone watching, however, were her court sprints. “I’d do five sets of ten and look up to see some guy’s eyes bugging out.” Hey, <i>my</i> eyes would’ve bugged out.<br /><br />“Did it feel different?” I asked her, knowing my question wasn’t as specific as I wanted it to be and anticipating her answer—that it was hard to actually feel a difference since her body was changing gradually. “It did become increasingly more difficult,” she acknowledged. “I had to constantly modify my form, more for balance than anything. By the middle of my third trimester I didn’t have a lot of lunging ability. But I only had one bobble—landing on my butt.” She was fine, she added. “Emotionally, I felt great. Squash kept me feeling good about my body. It gave me structure and rhythm. It gave me joy.”<br /><br />And physically? “I finally felt different the last two weeks,” she concurs. “Because I was so round. I was down in Chinatown and a Chinese man pointed at my belly and said “very, very soon.” Sometimes things come full circle. A few days later she was walking home from her squash lesson and her water broke. “Actually, I had stopped at a nail salon for a pedicure because I couldn’t reach my toes,” she admits, “and I was on the way to the restroom when I felt something go. <i>Oh great</i>, she remembers thinking, <i>now I’m incontinent</i>. But when it didn’t stop, she figured it out.<br /><br />Things moved quickly after that. Although it wasn’t without some drama. By the time she and her husband got a taxi to the hospital she was pretty far into labor, so when they reached the hospital she was ready to deliver. Forty-five minutes later, without drugs, her daughter was born. 7 pounds 1 oz, 21 inches, and totally healthy. The new mother was ecstatic. Her next question to her doctor? “When can I play squash?”<br /><br />My friend acknowledges that there is some good fortune involved in her experience. Good genes. An ideal child-bearing body. Great care. But she really believes that keeping active and specifically playing squash helped her have a great pregnancy and birth. Her advice for mothers-to-be? Find an educated, thoughtful, helpful health care provider who gets you and respects you. Do your research. Read the book she mentions. Know your personal limitations. Have common sense. After listing these, however, she turns more thoughtful. “I think it’s so important to prepare yourself physically. The actual birth is like a marathon; it’s really really hard. And you’d be nuts not to train to run a marathon.”<br /><br />She was back at the gym in ten days after the delivery. In three weeks, she was back on the court. And I sat down with her to talk about all of this exactly four weeks from her daughter’s birth. She looked fantastic. Her goals now are to regain her reflexes and quickness. To start competing again. And to find a balance between motherhood and her life as an athlete. It helps, she acknowledges, to have a sympathetic spouse. “Part of my identity is being an athlete…now it’s also being a mother.”<br /><br />I’m looking forward to seeing my friend being both in the years to come. Perhaps I’ll get to see her daughter on the squash court. It should feel totally natural to her. And I’ll tell her to thank her mother for that.<br /><br /></span></div>Tracy Gateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04065227976756359790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-6842500226618338482010-07-23T21:36:00.000-07:002010-08-02T21:38:32.540-07:00What's Your Excuse?<div class="post-header">
</div>
<b>By Brett Erasmus</b><br />
<br />
So, you are wondering what to do in the summer fitness-wise. You’ve
tried yoga, boxing, rowing, rock-climbing, salsa dancing, spinning, the
list goes on... if you really want a challenge try doing a triathlon.
Admittedly, I have not been brave (and by brave I used to mean fit,
I'll explain this shortly) enough yet to do one, but last weekend a
friend of mine who raced last year did manage to sucker me into
volunteering for the New York City triathlon.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Race
day started for me at 3.30am (I use the term 'day’ here quite loosely,
its meaning to include parts of the night when one should really be
sleeping). After the first hour or so the shock had worn off and I was
happy to see the athletes starting to arrive at the swim start at 96th
street on the west side – I was relieved to see them as it meant I had
not been duped into walking around speechless in a bright yellow bib in
the middle of the night like a crazy person, you know, for nothing.<br />
<br />
Up
until then I had only seen press vans exploding with cameras and dishes
and race marshals growling by on their motorbikes. The anticipation
level escalated though as each minute went by and pretty soon the
grassy knoll above the swim start was a hive of activity. The athletes
had arrived en masse. The sun had just come up behind the trees and the
river was an inviting hue of rare blue. I had succumbed to the feeling
and started thinking to myself: what would be better in the
circumstances than a refreshing early morning swim down the Hudson
River at 6am followed by a nice and easy bike ride up the Henry Hudson
Parkway, and then a cool comfortable run in the park to top it all off?<br />
<br />
I
snapped out of it when hooter went off and the crowd gave off a
collective whoop. Most of the screams were shrieks of excitement, some
were blood curdling. The professional athletes were all business though
as they silently dove into the water in one large simultaneous wave.
These pros were just the first of many waves to start the race. They
swam by us at a rate of knots and were long gone before the next group
of elite triathletes were off. The current was carrying them swiftly to
the boat basin on 79th street one mile away. In about ten minutes the
first guys were out of the water and running over to their bikes to
start the next leg. And before you know it the first group were
whizzing by on the freeway above us. Damn they got dressed quick. No
transitions in squash, I thought to myself.<br />
<br />
An hour later the
first rider came flying back down the west side highway, all alone.
After 26 miles of cycling he was out of his seat and grinding as hard
as he could, with a grimace on his face, just like Lance Armstrong at
the end of a time trial. He flew by us like a speeding car. I am sure
he was over the speed limit. The next rider was the ultimate race
winner, the Czech Ospaly, he was seated and looked more in control.
It’s better to be the lion than the zebra.<br />
<br />
Many waves of amateur
athletes followed the pros. They were broken down into age groups by
gender. Eventually gender and age seemed less of an issue and the
starting groups were bonded by other mutual characteristics. e.g.
profession or fund raising groups. The handicapped athletes were
particularly impressive. It takes some guts to do a triathlon with all
your limbs, just imagine doing it without the use of all of them? I was
moved by this. Everyone was. The camaraderie and admiration and pride
were tangible.<br />
<br />
After well over 2 hours the last groups were
lining up for the start. By this stage the pros were already done and
getting their free massages. The heat must become a factor for these
final groups of athletes. They kept the younger men until the end. I am
sure they are least likely to notice how hot it really is, as they all
went flying off in a rush to finish. No doubt some of them were looking
to qualify for spots in the elite field next time around - then they
could do the race in the cool of the morning rather than the searing
heat, if they cared. <br />
<br />
After my duties at the swim start were
done I went up and watched parts of the final stage - the six-mile run
up to and around the outer loop of Central Park. Obviously by the end
of the triathlon every runner was exhausted. But they all came across
the finish line with smiles on their faces. I am pretty sure that the
hardest part of the run was the first mile from the river up to the
park. I didn't see anyone smiling at this stage. It is quite an incline
that seems to go on forever when you are on foot. In the heat of the
day there were many athletes struggling at this point. I remember
thinking that if I ever did this race, this part would kill me. Then I
saw a man go by in a half walk half run mode who must have been over
eighty years of age. The crowd appreciatively applauded his efforts.
Then a string of heavy Clydesdales ran slowly by. And then I saw a
blind man get escorted by.. <br />
<br />
Agasp, I turned to look at my
friend, he was already staring straight at me with a knowing smile on
his face that very clearly said “What’s Your Excuse?”. I had no
response.<br />
<br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Trebuchet,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Reposted courtesy of Brett Erasmus from </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Brett's Squash Blog www.brettssquashblog.com</span></i></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-68387081072139766172010-07-21T15:02:00.000-07:002010-07-21T15:02:16.675-07:00Post College Sport: Join an athletic board (and here’s why)New board member Sarah Odell is a frequent contributor to Fair Game News.com. Read her latest article about squash after college and the importance (and advantages) of joining an athletic board - like the MSRA!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://fairgamenews.com/2010/07/post-college-sport-join-an-athletic-board-and-heres-why/">fairgamenews.com - Post College Sport: Join an athletic board (and here’s why) By Sarah Odell</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774853923129168457.post-71742344278971761692010-07-08T15:08:00.000-07:002010-08-02T21:39:15.803-07:00What it Takes to be a World Champ<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>By Brett Erasmus</b></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="post-header" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Trebuchet,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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<div class="post-body entry-content" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Trebuchet,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;">
Well I clearly know nothing about soccer, so there is some squash stuff below that may interest you. All the South American teams I fancied were pretty much knocked out at the quarterfinals stage (Uruguay had to cheat to go through to the semis), but it was fun to speculate on what the decisive factors may be. I guess it makes sense that the current two best teams in the world would meet in the World Cup final. Spain was ranked FIFA number one going into the tournament and Holland currently has the longest unbeaten streak in international soccer (over 2 years). One of these two teams will make history on Sunday as neither have previously won the Soccer World Cup and as previously noted, a team from the northern hemisphere has never won a world cup played in the southern hemisphere. My money is on Spain (which means the Dutchmen will probably win).<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
One person who has already conquered all is seventeen year old Amanda Sobhy, of New York, who recently became the World Junior Women's Squash Champ. Congratulations Amanda! I believe this makes her the first junior world champ from the U.S. and moves her to number 35 in the senior rankings. Prior to this Sobhy became the first woman to ever win four professional tournaments as a sixteen year old. Amanda has always worked very hard to achieve what she has so far in her career. To my mind, she has always been destined for greatness. Not so much because of how good she is at the game of squash, that goes without saying. It was more her attitude to training that surprised me most. She seems to genuinely enjoy pushing herself as hard as she could for four (or more) hours a day. I happened to see her doing court sprints with a friend a while back and it was quite evident that she was having loads of fun (whilst killing herself on court). I am not sure I have ever seen anyone enjoy court sprints that much. Hard training is a huge part of her success and she deserves every win she gets in future.<br />
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Obviously, thorough preparation is a huge contributory factor in the success of any professional athlete. For example, James Willstrop and his girlfriend, Vanessa Atkinson, spent the last 3 weeks training in the mountains of Colorado. Not playing squash, but running and biking. I guess altitude training is beneficial for squash players after all. Something to do with conditioning your body to deal with the lack of oxygen...see my previous blog for more on this topic. Aerobic conditioning is not the only thing they work hard at. I had the privilege of playing a training game with them both this week and, as expected, they made me and three friends look quite stupid on the court. Interestingly, they have both developed the ability to hit any shot they like from a range of starting racquet positions. I found this particularly hard to deal with, as you could not at all anticipate where the ball was going. When I asked James about this deception he said it was deliberate and learned over time. He had to work on it to get it right. Of course, I thought, and then, without thinking, I said that Vanessa must have picked up on it too, because she does all the same types of clever things with her racquet. He simply retorted that he learned it from her, not the other way around. “She is the world champion.” A true statement by James, but still, modest to a fault.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Reposted courtesy of Brett Erasmus from </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Brett's Squash Blog www.brettssquashblog.com</span></i></span></div>
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