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A
TINGLE FOR THE
VOICE OF SQUASH
by Robert
Edwards |
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 I
am starting to get that special tingle just before a big event gets
under way. I find myself transported to the venue I can hear the
familiar sounds of the Glasscourt being built the noise of the
ball on the wall as practice schedules begin the humour and
laughter as I meet up with all of the boys again. Enjoying the warm
hospitality that is so typically Saudi.
After more than 20 years you would think that the magic would wear
off but no, its still as strong as ever.
 My
mind is already switched into the Saudi International Squash
Tournament with its main draw fixed for the 16th to the 20th of
December. They dont come bigger only the World Open.
Last year was the inaugural event and it was something special. Now
we have to follow that success and raise the bar yet again.
I first met the man who would press the buttons that would make the
event a reality Ziad Al-Turki in London during the summer
of 2005. He is an enthusiastic amateur player with a great sense of
humour!!
 In
the commercial world he is cutting edge, heading up an International
Group of Companies with its head office in Saudi it is one of
Saudi Arabias largest companies, operating in such diverse fields
as Automation, Telecoms, Manufacturing, Transport, Engineering plus
Commercial Trading, Marine, Retail & industrial Services.
Together with his close links to the Royal Family, Ziad is a man who
can make things happen.
Squash in Saudi
 Zi
likes nothing better than to wander unnoticed behind the courts,
with his delightful family and watch the matches. He is an
enthusiastic supporter who has forged strong links with the players.
He has become a benefactor to the brilliant young Egyptian, Ramy
Ashour. And Ramy has responded with a meteoric rise up the
rankings Ramy is seen on the tour wearing the ATCO logo with pride
these days.
David Palmer and his coach, Shaun Moxham have already
been to Saudi on a coaching trip with
more planned for the future. Any young Saudi players with
aspirations of becoming better players owe a debt of gratitude to
their fellow Saudi. Ziad has certainly put his country on the squash
map.
A Dramatic Draw
Today I have completed the schedule of play
for this year's event and I cant help but notice some interesting
points. Most of the Egyptian players have been drawn in the same
half Amr, Ramy, Karim & Mo Abbas will be fighting for one semi
final place!! Just Wael El Hindi & Ramys big brother Hisham in the
bottom half (Wael also qualifies for the title of most fashionable
Egyptian on tour these days what a dresser!!).
The match of the first round has to be Karim Darwish taking
on double World Junior Champion, Ramy Ashour. Both players
are on fire and this will be one for the purist. Ramy will be keen
to perform well in front of his mentor Ziad, but Karim will be out
to prove a point on the Egyptian ladder.
Its no secret that all of the boys hope to draw the wildcard in any
event well Olli Tuominen, the flying Finn, has hit the
jackpot twice!!! Last year he drew Bandare Alotaibi & this
year he has drawn another Saudi player - Mohd Taher Al-Saif.
For Mohd it will be a big stage in every sense of the word. Playing
a world class player on the Glasscourt as the opening match in front
of a full house, that will possibly include a member of his Royal
Family. Quite a day for him I hope he rises to the occasion and
performs at his best.
Predictions ... no way
I cannot remember a time on the tour when the result was so
difficult to predict. Certainly you would expect the brilliant
Amr Shabana to be there at the death. Lincou, Palmer &
Matthew are always solid. Add the names of Jimbo Willstrop,
Anthony Ricketts & Greg Gaultier and you have a
cauldron of smoking guns. And I still havent mentioned the names of
Lee Beachill & Karim Darwish.
And out there somewhere, pawing the ground like a fighting bull is
young Ramy full of youthful self belief and talent. Is it
possible
?
Another name I like for the future is Aamir Atlas Khan he
is carrying that famous name with some pride.
A Worthy Cause ...
It will also be nice having Jack Herrick, the Chairman of PSA
join us for the event together with Gawain Briars, the PSA
Chief Executive as guests of the tournament.
 Once
again the event links itself with a worthy cause The
Rehabilitation Society of the Eastern Province. Last year Dave
Palmer and I spent a day with Zi having a tour of their amazing
hospital. We saw young and old being fitted with new limbs.
From behind the scenes we witnessed at first hand the wonderful work
that these dedicated people are doing for their fellow man. We did
not have to be able to speak the language to see the new hope that
their patients were receiving.
I know that Dave and I left there very humble. We are all proud to
help again.
The Scene is Set ...
So the scene is set a huge event to finish 2006. Every hotshot is
up for it established stars and new pretenders to the title. The
PSA squash tour ends 2006 with a bang.
Of this I am certain buckets of sweat will be spilt new names
will emerge reputations will be dented and new ones will be made
before I say those final words;
Ladies and Gentlemen the Saudi International Champion for 2006
is
?????????????
Join us on the site as we give you the inside stories blow by blow
and finally fill in the blank from above!!
Tournament Director and
PSA World Tour Technical Director |
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