I had the good fortune to see a full days play involving the last 32 in the men's and woman's British Squash Open with sons Richard and George - courtesy of George. We saw 4 matches in the afternoon and 4 in the evening. Earlier rounds were played elsewhere but the final rounds were played out on the single glass court set up on the stage of The Birmingham Repertory Theatre - an absolutely brilliant venue. We were in row E and so close to the action.
We are a squash playing family - George plays for the Isle of Wight in the Hampshire Premier league and Rich plays in Oxford. As such we are very interested in the game. If you don't know - the British Open in squash is as Wimbledon is in the tennis world. The British Open is the oldest - most regarded - most prestigious squash tournament in the world (apart from perhaps the World Championship).
Squash is now a world wide game and at last has achieved Olympic status and will be included in the 2028 Los Angeles games. It is a travesty it has not been included before - even more galling when you see some sports that have been included.
To be objective it is necessary to admit that to the lay man squash is probably not the most enthralling watch. However when you know the game it can be a brilliant watch. Squash has been described as a gladiatorial game. It has been described as chess with rackets. It is widely acknowledged that top squash players are some of the most fit sports competitors. When you watch anyone perform in any sport at world class level it is always amazing the standard they are operating at. To see the world's best squash players perform and to be so close to the action was tremendous for us.
The format for our day at the British Open was to alternate between mens matches and womens matches. Lets be honest - in some sports the womens matches are less of a watch than the equivalent mens. That is not the same in squash - because squash is not a game that requires brute strength. Rackets are light - the ball is light - to hit it hard you need timing and technique. The women we watched are technically brilliant and admirable competitors.
A quick word about the Egyptians. When I was younger some of the greatest squash names were Pakistani. Hashim who made the original break through - and his Khan family who then dominated - not least the great Jahangir Khan who was unbeaten for 5 years. Egypt produced some great players - famous for their open roofed courts - but in the last 20 years squash development in Egypt has been incredible. Squash is a national obsession - it is Egypts national sport. They have produced many champions and their women particularly are fantastic. Thousands of kids play - their strength in depth is unrivaled. I have to mention this. Years ago I went to Sharm on an all inclusive. Sat at the bar by the pool the subject of squash came up with the barman. That was it. He insisted I came to his club to play. 7 glassbacks in a row. I was a bit of a celeb - or at least a focus of interests for the kids etc. I ended playing the barman and also an Italian bloke roped in in a similar way. I was more experienced - and despite the fact I had been indulging in the all inclusive for a few days - I did not let my country down - ha!
One final mention - Mostafa Asal. He is a young Egyptian. Unusually for a top squash player he is built like a rugby 8. What a talent he is. You don't have to be big to hit a squash ball hard - but he can really crack it. What is amazing though is his deft touch and angles. He has got into disciplinary trouble in the past for some of his blocking tactics - but with the help of the great James Willstrop he is cleaning up his act. He was a privilege to watch. Something else.
Big shout for the ladies too. The brilliant Nor El Sherbini - Nouran Gohar - El Hammamy - (all Egyptians ) and also the British No 1 - the feisty super fit Gina Kennedy. A tremendous watch.
It was a very enjoyable day. Thank you George.
 |
| Rich, George and myself outside the venue |
 |
| Nouran Gohar. What a player. Generates so much power but unlike most is deadly accurate too. |
 |
| we were very close to the action. Who would be a ref !! |
 |
| Mostafa Asal. Set to dominate. He won the tournament. |
 |
| They are trying hard to jazz up the squash offer. Lights and music. Great stuff. |
