1. Chairman's European Masters Report 2008
2. Chairmans Reports Hungary and Northumberland 2008
3. Chairman's Hungarian experience 2008
4. Sep 6 2007
5. July 1 2007
6. Closed 2007
7. Notes Closed 2007
8. Closed 2006
9. Jan 3 2006
10. Sep 1 2006
11. World Masters South Africa October 2006
12. Nov 8 2005

European Masters Games Malmo, Sweden. September 2008
Written from a personal point of view, it was good to return to a country where I spent 18 years (until 1990) working for six weeks a year annually. Sweden is the best planet on earth to drive around, its roads are the straightest and best. Not even France comes close.
It is also a very well ordered country, everything is in place, very clean, very good education and healthcare – everything our Government strives for and always fails to come up with. Its people are politeness personified, the Hotel staff were amazing. Unfortunately, it is hideously expensive, but that’s just a minor point. Junior Fox would have to take his own alcohol. Minimum restaurant price for a bottle of house wine was £21 and beer at least £5 per pint! As squash players don’t drink, it’s not supposed to matter.
The Euro Games was a little disjointed due to differing locations and no buses to ferry competitors to other venues. Tennis was cancelled due to lack of entries and at the squash site we didn’t have time or energy to see other sports in action, although Chris Stahl hit at least 4 golf courses taking his first medal, a silver. Or so he told us.
At least 10 of the entrants didn’t turn up, including a perennial problematic English player and a couple of others UK based. Not good.
To the squash. Seven glass backed courts and one full ABS all glass, for early rounds and finals. The Men’s O65 saw first British Gold, Lord Stahl of Valetta cruising it in his sleep. So he went home with Gold and Silver, to a Mayors welcome. All played on normal glass backs. Yours truly in the O60’s, although my fellow Chairman (or President) of Scotland, Alec Sinclair, gave me a hard time. He led 8/4 in the third, but years of alcoholic abstinence allowed me to claw it back and sneak a 3/0. (This was on the all glass, which I loved!) Likewise Munich based MiniMe in the O55’s, David Adams on the standard court. So three gold’s for the oldest age groups.
Then the problems started! Stuart Hardy and James Larcombe (1 + 2 seeds) found former World No 2 Junior Robert Henning, now bigger and stronger (much bigger actually!) than either of them. James went down 3/0 as the referee was rather unaware of the rules, as applied by a very clever 50 year old .. Stuart having led 7/5 lost the first and the second easily before he got a talking to. He retrieved the third but Henning re-established himself in the fourth to take the Title. Some of his delayed top spins were worth (some ) of the entry fee.
In the O45’s Greg Pearman very unexpectedly went out to Malmo’s ex Swedish Tour player, Bjorn Almstrom, 3/0 being shoved on the glass court at the last minute. Hardy complained and played on the glass back, not the all glass, but Greg let the organizers place him on the ABS. Not a good move, without practice. In the end Freddie Jonsson walked it. Nick Peel ended up 7th.
The O40’s saw a German win over a Swede, Nick Jones, being displaced in the Semi on the glass and in the O35’s Jason Martin also went out on the all glass, the Final won by a Swedish player. The two Women’s titles were won by Holland’s Beau De Dreu Spitze (45) easily over Sarah Jane Giles.
Isabelle Tweedle in the O35’s, again easily, both played on the all glass.
The Tournament ended on a high note with a superb dinner dance (which I didn’t attend) but was extremely well organized.

EUROPEAN SCENE – 8TH AUDI HUNGARIAN MASTERS SZEGED – JUNE 08

Masters Squash is very much on the increase as squash associations worldwide are waking up to the fact that junior squash is not the be all and end all and in fact Masters players not only take up the vast majority of playing power and attendance, they completely underpin the finance and structure of the sport. More and more European associations are hosting Masters Tournaments and it is possible in future you can plan a mini break in a great venue with a Masters Tournament attached……….
With this in mind, I was told by certain players to play in the Hungarian Open as it was the best value and organised overall package Tournament they had ever been to. So after some phone calls to a few others, we did………
The 8th Audi Hungarian Masters Open hosted players from Sweden, Holland, Czech Rep, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Turkey, Hungary, Germany, Ireland, Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania and one or two more besides. The tournament is probably one of the best overall packages in terms of organisation you will ever encounter. Picked up from the airport, shuttle service organised everywhere by Miklos and Zoltan all food provided noon and night including fantastic fillet steaks and to James Ockwell’s delight, they supplied him with non stop Turkish Delight. There were amazing daily prizes. Yours truly won the first days – an hour long training session in a 2 seater aeroplane flying over the city and countryside of Hungary and the borders of Romania. Fantastic scenery but it certainly was a relief when I was back on terra firma.
The squash catered for all standards and your English contingent all won their age groups.
In the O45’s James Ockwell, as urbane as ever, with 4 capuccinos to every beer played very well to win a tight match with Nick Peel, albeit 3/0.
In the O50’s Dr.Evil played Mini-Me in one of the earlier Round Robins and the contrast in styles was extreme. Dr.Evil, scowling furiously, marmalising the majority of the balls into the corners at 150 mph but Mini-Me prodding and poking, scuttling and scampering, found the five years difference just a bit too much. However, the spectators thoroughly enjoyed it as the rallies weren’t short. Into the Final Dr.Evil morphing into Mark Cowley, found himself 0/1 and 5/8 down to the Chief Inspector who seemed to be in complete control. A crucial miss at 8/5 saw Cowley nerveless as ever, equal, then take a 2/1 lead in another tight game. Finally, the match went to Mark 3/1 but Stuart, (my room mate) was still furious a long time later that he let the match slip. One thing was proven, Cowley is up towards the Bradburn league when it comes to recovery from alcohol intake!
Mini Me, aka David Adams, and still coaching in Munich umpteen years after he left his native Somerset, was also in the O55’s and this he won easily with no one anywhere near his standard, as did your Chairman in the O60’s event beating another expat who lives in the Netherlands, Keith Flanigan.
The O35 was won by Budapest coaching pro Colin White (originally from Belfast) and the O40’s by two locals as was the Womens O35 and O45. The O35 and O40 and to a lesser extent the O45 will be able to test the best World age group players but after that age group the majority of Europeans haven’t been playing the game long enough to challenge the top English and South African players.

A short report on the Masters event last weekend at the Northumberland Club.

First of all, the entries were rather poor and despite advertising on the Masters website no-one except Colin Shields entered who would entry a regional tournament from south of Newcastle...so it was largely a local competition for the keen age group players.

I had only 4 players in the 040 and one dropped out after losing his first match. Nevertheless there were some close matches between Russell Hunter( Alnwick) and Mark Haigh & John Peacock from the Northumberland Club. Russell played exceptionally well and won both matches 3-2. He plays in the premier division in Northumbria and he commented " he may play in the regionals this year in the 045 level".

The 050 event was very strong with 9 entries so I used a round robin format of 3 groups of 3 players following by a semifinal and final.
I had Tommy Elves and John Smith in my section and I played Tommy first who was in sparkling form and easily despatched me 3-0. Every shot he hit arrowed into the nick or was millimetres above the tin. He then played John and perhaps I worked him harder than I thought as he lost quite easily.
Colin Shields played John Thompson from Tynemouth in his first match and before he knew what happened he found himself 2-0 down. He recovered to 2-2 but John won a close fifth. Kevin Dryden won his group as did John Thompson and Colin got through to the semis with the best 2nd place record.
So the semis were John Thompson versus John Smith and Colin Shields versus Keven Dryden.
Both semis were closely fought but John S and Colin both won 3-0.
A great final then resulted in Colin winning 3-0 although John put him under a lot of pressure.
The ladies 040 final was between 2 members of the Northumberland Club Chris Park and Eleanor Bowles. It proved a very close encounter going to 5 games with Chris just the fitter in a tight 5th game.
Overall, an enjoyable tournament but would have liked a few more entries from the South!!
Best Regards,

Jim Douglas

MCP%20HUNGARY.pdf...

Chairman’s Notes – British Open: September 07.09.07

Well, the big question. With formerly 4, now 3 major events for the elderlies in September, how many of you have dedicated yourselves to surprising everyone with your new found fitness. One or two, I know, (unfortunately some in the O60’s who have retired early).
“Isport Wolverhampton” has been cancelled, it was always a bridge too far as no one wants to/can afford/etc etc to play four main Masters events in 4 weeks. We will have to sit down with Paul Walters and discuss for the future, because the two Nationals and 5 Regionals are couched in stone. It is possible we substitute an Isport Masters event for a Regional for 2008/9. Paul wishes to hold more Masters events but it is a delicate situation and we don’t want overkill. However, I am certain it will all work out.
The draws for Birmingham were all done by Isport with no interference from England Squash Masters or England squash. The seeds for this and the Open were placed 1 and 2, 3/4 were drawn as were 5/8 and 9/16 as per the new edict by the Masters Committee (British Closed meeting Feb). So, if some of you are moaning, sorry, that is the luck of the draw. On the other hand, I have had one chap phone me in ecstasy that at last he hasn’t been drawn to play the No 1 seed in the last 8!
I can see some upsets in the making. Mark Woodliffe in the Mens O45’s, I think, will have a tough time against a certain Mr Loach. If Greg can beat Mark, well, he has only got a few others before the Welsh wizard from Rhos or Rhyl on sea.
Good to see Peter Marshall in the O35’s. As his Leicestershire Captain 21 years ago, I gave Peter his County debut against a certain Howard Cherlin at Dunnings Mill. And it wasn’t Howard who was wearing the knee bandages!! In case you ask or before he tells you, Howard won 3-1. Whether PM can usurp Nick Taylor and Alex Gough I have no earthly idea but knowing him as I do, he certainly has the pedigree to do it and I will ask Malcolm Willstrop what the odds are.
The O40’s throws up a few possibilities, how good is Lucas Buit from Holland? And I might be wrong but I believe that Sergey Kostrykin is the first ever entrant from Russia. I know squash is kicking off in a big way in the Baltic States and recently we were asked for a coach for the Ukraine, not Russia now I know, but close. And we have entrants from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Finland and Freddie from Sweden in this selection alone.
The O45’s has 40, whilst the O50’s will throw up an interesting Final if all progresses as it should, Peter Alexander versus Peter Upton. Lots of foreigners here, missing is Chief Inspector Hardy who is hiking around China for 4 months, but, he has taken his racquets.
The O55’s has Keith Jones but there is a couple of dark horses Tony Naughton from New Zealand and Abbas Kaoud sent to try the No 1 seed – is it a case of third time lucky as last year he lost both the Open and Closed when both were in his grasp… There are no other contenders as Cherlin has been wounded of late but is making an entrance.
The O60’s has a stronger draw altogether with some interesting possibilities. Phil Ayton is seeded one, as expected, and should proceed to the Final (because if he doesn’t he might have to retire!) (Long story). In the bottom half John Smith will have to beat off Barry Featherstone/Trevor Wilkinson/Chris Ansell. Not playing from last years HI team are Mike Clemson (O65’s) and Ken Johnson (having a season drinking and golfing) so Featherstone and Wilkinson are both likely Nottingham contenders on May 2/3. Rod Boswell has entered but has not played since March with his perennial back injury. 
The O65’s has of course, Mr Pessimistic, Adrian Wright as outright favourite. Mo Khalifa has entered and new is Mike Clemson who beat Khalifa the last time they played. Lord Stahl of Valletta has entered if British Airways can get him there, always a distinct problem something will go wrong and it will be an interesting game on Sat 22 at 15.00 hrs, Court 3. Len Froggitt is in the top half of the draw facing former champion Roy Bradley.
Looking at the O70’s sadly missing is John Woodliffe. We hope to see him on court in the near future. Pat Kirton will have withdrawal symptoms not facing him in the Final and is the likely winner here, unless Lance can conjure something up.
The Women’s O35 is a Sarah Fitzgerald master class, only 3 English Women have entered. Not at all happy about that.
The O40’s has 17 entrants with 9 English – much better. Ellie Pierce of USA is favourite. Some tough matches in the bottom half, Linda Winder v Fran Wallis and if seeding goes to plan, either/or v Bea De Dreu Spitze.
The O45’s has Victoria King at No 1 and 11 English girls attempting to wrest the crown. Lesley Sturgess will contest to the end, I’m sure. The dark horse here is Carin Clonda who must be coaching in Estonia?
Don’t know the No 1 seed from Australia Jan Miller in the O50’s but all from down under are normally super fit and ultra competitive and I am sure she is not making the journey just to see Big Ben and Stratford on Avon. Again, 10 entrants here from England, seeded to meet in the semi are Julie Field and Jackie Gardner in an all Northern battle
The O55’s has a likely Final in Jean Grainger and Bett Dryhurst. Both are extremely experienced and proven winners. Who knows?!
Good luck to everybody. With approaching 300 entrants this is one of the best supported Masters events in the last decade.
Martin Pearse
Chairman
06.08.07.

Chairman’s Notes – July 1st 2007
Hope you are all enjoying playing squash instead of sunbathing. At least the bad weather has one advantage for Squash Clubs.
You will all see that the entry forms for all the Main and Regionals will soon be up on the site. Entry fees are the same for Regionals and we have two new venues, The Nightingale Hotel Complex at South Marston (Swindon) for the West after last year’s fiasco and Coventry and North Warwickshire for the Midlands, to give a little more centralisation to competitors. Grantham Squash Club (the former venue) is an extremely pleasant and convivial venue and we hope to run a non-competitive event there as it is so accessible (just off A1 with 2 very nice Hotels). However, a lot of West based players asked for a more central club due to distance. Also, none of you will have to miss anything important as you all now know the dates well in advance (so don’t let your wives, partners, friends etc etc near the skiing or holiday brochures until they have checked with you!)
Over 70 Regionals
As some of you eagle-eyed oldies will be pleased to know, we are holding a Lance Kinder Trophy every Regional (that is, unless PK or JW enter). So there is now another facility for O70’s to play competitive squash. We are also going to start from 2pm Friday and the older competitors will be expected to be able to play earlier (as the youngsters are still working). This means they can start and finish driving in daylight, before it gets dark so they don’t get lost!

Inter County
Chris and Alison at England Squash have been very busy on Masters and now the ICC is being updated and as some of you might have been told by your County Secretaries, there are now O50 and O60 Weekends. This means John Smith can beat his own record of having played in Senior + O35 + O45 + O55 in the same season (at the age of 57). Rest assured he is already putting in extra training according to Ken Johnson.

International Players
We are still awaiting profiles from a lot of players from this years Home Internationals. Can you please send them to the Webmaster asap – don’t be shy. Phil Ayton isn’t. Although I am informed the world will freeze over before The ‘Don’ Froggatt sends one in!

Discussion Forum
You can all have your say on here. So far Wrighty hasn’t had to expunge anything, though it’s bound to happen sooner rather than later

Health
So far very little entered on here. Again, don’t be shy. If you can aid your fellow Masters through something you have experienced please do so. If you want to remain anonymous and it’s relative, we’ll still print it.

Advertising
There are facilities to advertise your business on the website, on the front page and in the rear at £25. Rob Smith is now i/c of this. Please take advantage of this and boost your own businesses as well as the coffers towards the site costs

New Points System 2007/8 Season -below
i) All 5 Regionals and Birmingham Open will be given normal points

ii) Open or Closed will count as double. Please remember to qualify for the Home Internationals you have to play in one Regional or Birmingham Open and in one of the Open/Closed

Points Scheme for England Squash Masters 07/08 (Men & Women)

Aims:

• To encourage participation in Masters events
• To provide updated Points Ranking Lists and aid Tournament organizers to seed players
• To provide automatic selection for Home Internationals teams

Points for Regionals and Birmingham Open
Round Games Won 0 1 2 3
Last 32 15 30 45 60
Last 16 15 30 45 60
QF 20 40 60 80
SF 25 50 75 100
Final 30 60 90 120 – therefore maximum 420 points if 32 enter

Plate-each Round 5 10 15 20

Round Robin-each round
( 3 Players 30 55 80 110
( 4 Players 25 50 75 100
( 5 Players 20 45 70 90 – therefore maximum 360

There will be double points for the British Open and British Closed

Transfer of Points between age groups
Points gained by players in age group younger than their own will be included in older age
group rankings
Points gained by players who move to older age group during the season will have all their
points included in new age group rankings
Players given a bye will receive points for a 3/0 win for that round
Walkover. The player who is still in competition receives points for all three games but the
walked over player does not receive any points at all i.e. zero.
For National selection a player must enter the Open or Closed and at least one Regional event i.e minimum of 2 events
The Top 4 Points Scorers will gain automatic National selection for their respective age
The remaining 2 players to be selected are at the discretion of the 2 individual age group
Selectors. However, the player involved must have played in at least the Open or Closed and at least one Regional or Birmingham Open.

Comments

1) There has been quite a bit of discussion as to whether to limit players to choose their best four events points to count for International selection. We have done an in depth investigation into the last two years choice of players for the International Teams and in not one single case would the team have changed should the rationale of having three or four events points been adopted. All this can possibly do is to actually lower the entries to the Regionals as players will feel confident that nobody can overtake them. As one of our aims is to increase participation in Masters events this possible idea would seem to be counter productive.

2) As you will all have probably realised (!) I have copied part of the updated points systems from our Celtic counterparts who have been running Age Groups longer than we have. It gives incentive to players in many different ways as well as entering plate events. I personally think the Monrad system , whilst perfect in an ideal world, is logistically impossible to implement due to draw sizes, lack of available court space and most importantly, complete lack of court time to proceed on a Friday afternoon to Sunday lunchtime basis. I have worked out all angles on timings and court bookings and it is just impossible. Plus, a lot of English players are not that interested on court again if they are beaten. Some are but the vast majority aren’t. However giving extra points for Plate matches will hopefully encourage participation.

3) The Round Robin events are obviously when there is a limited draw and this points structure seems to work.

4) There is now a Discussion Forum. This new points structure is obviously quite different to last years and will take a bit of working out. No doubt you will inform me when I get your points wrong – don’t worry, we can easily correct. Plus if any of you want to voice your opinions, please do so on the Forum.

5) Please note the Points System now applies to Women’s Squash as well.

Martin Pearse
Masters Chairman
July 2007

MANCHESTER CLOSED FEBRUARY 2007 – REPORT

Manchester might not be everybody’s favourite city, but every year, just once, most of you make your annual pilgrimage to the second home of its most famous person (George Best) and attempt to play top quality old peoples squash. Two big mistakes here: next year you are going to have to go twice and no Man City supporter would agree with our (my) choice, so to balance it out we’ll add Denis Law to the mix.

All said and done the National Squash Centre (despite the none too clean courts + the black carpets) is actually very pleasant, as long as you play on courts 1, 2 or 3. 4, 5 or 6 are not very popular with most players over the age of 35, but I am reliably informed that the younger element, ie the stars, prefer these as they mirror image the glass court No 7. But just being there and seeing all your old friends and aquaintances makes up for any personal problems with black carpets. And undeniably, Judy, Paul, Chris el al do a fantastic job to make you all feel at home. Plus we had a Hotel recommended by England Squash (Express Holiday Inn) with a pub next door (The Banstead) –both at very good prices! Meals 2 for 1, big 12oz rumps for £6 and great beer! I know one or two players don’t drink, but trust me, Phil Ayton puts a bottle of wine away with ease, Alan Thomson drinks more than he eats (so Geoff Howes tells me) and have you ever seen Peter Alexander standing still without a Budweiser? What it generally proves is that most players have a sensible balance in their lives and enjoy life as well as their squash, which is how it should be.

Every year some people appear on the winners rostrum as if by right. Ayton certainly, Liz Brown annually , Woodliffe’s Senior and Junior, and latterly Mighty White, aka Adrian Wright. Why do these players consistently go home with the silverware? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that: a) they are better than anyone else and b) even if they technically aren’t perfect, their effort in training and practice plus a match winning confidence gives them the edge. One player said to me ‘I do all my hard work on my own, running up a local hill and doing court sprints. Nothing I ever do in a match is as hard as my training schedule.’ (But it wasn’t Ayton)

Your Masters Committee have three main aims, one of which is to increase age group participation. The Men’s is progressing nicely but the women’s (who only supply 10% of the membership) needs a lot of help. If every one of you Ladies playing just contributed one local friend to the next tournament to come along with you, then that leverage alone would really help! We appreciate families + husbands or other problems and a job make life very difficult but hopefully with four Ladies now on the Committee we will see a big increase.

In the Womens, a newcomer Claire Walker from Yorkshire came into the O35’s and took out Jo Cooper, Isabelle Tweedle and in the final Mandy Warren from Lancashire. Claire has been away from the game raising a very junior family and one assumes when she gets back into squash she will become even more difficult to beat. Mandy beat Carol Page in the other semi.

The O40’s saw the Cambridge Veterinary Surgeon, Carol Page, reign supreme. Carol has supported the Regionals and was in a class of her own here. But just off the main frame, Jo Cooper upset the seedings, beating the extremely focussed Fran Wallis 9/6 9/7 9/4 which certainly helped the Leicestershire girl’s quest for a cap. Linda Winder took 55 minutes to beat Diana Parums but fell to Candy Wilton. The latter was unlucky to meet a focussed Carol in the Final.

The O45’s was an upset. Lesley Sturgess apparently was dancing down the streets of Derby. First of all she took out Helen Gould, whose all action game is just off the pace, no doubt temporarily, and in the top half Paula Arrowsmith, the No 1 seed progressed serenely towards the final. Lesley, however, earlier on had beaten Durham’s Jackie Gardner whilst Paula had removed a not so perky Tasmin Bennett after her 57 minute battle with the experienced Jill Campion. The Final itself took only 25 minutes and Lesley will be well pleased.

The O50’s was always going to be Julie Field as she is a conditioned winner. Unfortunately she is away for the Home Internationals as Pauline Douglas will be waiting. Carolyn Roylance has been in control of most of the Regionals but Elke Rubsam is always there or thereabouts and beat Jan Ellis. Carolyn removed Susan Meadows but Julie was a bridge too far.

If there was a title for Britain’s best O60’s sportswoman then Bett Dryhurst, who won the O55’s again, would surely be on a very, very short list! I have to confess an affinity here as Bett, Ian Parke (remember him?) and myself won the first inaugural World Masters Team Final in Johannesburg, May 1997 against favourites South Africa (and we beat Australia on the way). Now a little bird tells me that Bett holds more National Racket Ball Titles than all the rest put together plus all her Squash Titles plus a couple of World’s, maybe she could let us know exactly when she does her profile for the website. At 61 she looks much younger and has obviously been training hard. I don’t think Averil Murphy and Rebecca Czuczman would have expected to lose but there you are, squash is a great leveller!

The Men’s events, working backwards from the O70’s saw probably the first match Pat Kirton has ever lost 3-0 in an age group final. Pat is the second consistently best age group player of all time – it’s all very well winning one and retiring, the pressure is doing it year after year. And at 70 (just) Pat is still turning on the skills, though someone who has known him for a long time was shocked to see him playing shots from all angles rather than his economical game from all those years ago. His new nemesis, fresh from a World title, John Woodliffe has probably lost to Pat more than anyone over the years and no doubt the rivalry between them will go on into the 80’s. However, for the time being, the ex-army officer has the edge and wife Terri will be well pleased as Junior Woodliffe did the double – a family Open + Closed. Not likely to be beaten, that! Missing was Lance Kinder who caught a bug from his wife Jackie. The latter was banished to a spare room so Lance could remain immune but unfortunately it was not to be, Another very long standing player, ex Warwickshire No 1, Tony Breakwell was the unlucky recipient of a Woodliffe 3-0 and Tony Seare suffered the same fate against Kirton.

The O65’s was really to see who would win between Chris Stahl and Len Froggitt. As it was the former somewhat struggled against Mersey’s Andrew Beeston and found the Hertfordshire retiree too strong on the next day. Adrian Wright is now only one win away from the Grand Slam, all the Regionals, The Open, The Closed and The World. Not bad for Mr Pessimistic. Wrighty always needs geeing up. Luckily his Chairman does this.

The O60’s, well if PK is the second best, then Britain’s No1 for the last 40 years, virtually annually, is Phil Ayton (so I wasn’t too chuffed when I appeared only five months before Mr Ayton in 1946 and have had to live with it ever since!) The white hair and knee bandages are just a smokescreen. He was taught by Sam Jagger all those years ago and has easily the best technique you will ever see on a squash court. Three things stand out: one his defensive float/lob out of reach, second his absolutely lethal boast and three his ability to change pace at will – with a good delay. But the pressure of playing at the top level, year after year and still being at No1, that takes a bit of doing. For the rest of us, John Smith came second to Phil. John trains ferociously at Newbiggin on Sea with Ken Johnson. But Smudger is not a drinker and has patented the dying boast and exquisite lobs and floats on the volley and front court. He took out Ken and then Chris Ansell, who had earlier beaten Nick Topman in 40 minutes. Ayton went through Joe Parsley, Mike Clemson and in the semi Martin Pearse, who should have had the second game. Earlier Pearse had beaten 2006 Champion Rod Boswell and before that 2003 Champion Roy Bradley. The Final saw John close in the first two games and with a distinct chance in the second. Once that was over Ayton closed out the third for yet another title. He won the O55’s last year.

Probably the biggest shock of the tournament was that Keith Jones came unstuck in the O55’s against Moussa Helal. The bookies would have been happy with that. Moussa has a much better pedigree than the Berkshire player who only took the game up in his thirties, but Jones has been a real force whenever he concentrates on squash. Golf is his real love but squash comes into his life every now and then and when it does he gives it 200%. He creamed everyone, whilst Helal nearly came unstuck against 9/16 Neil Nightingale who led 2/1. Helal though, possesses vast experience and a cunning court craft that would stand him in very good stead against anyone slightly off peak in a final, where Helal has been many times before. Helal doesn’t seem to hit the ball, he appears to punch it late and the hot courts obviously help his movement. Winning the first was a bonus, getting to second 9/0 must have been a godsend. Jonesy got one back but it was nip and tuck and Helal sneaked the fourth. Bring on Renault, his sponsor, for an International Cap in Dublin.

Earlier on all sorts of seeds had fallen, making International places very insecure. Bob Robinson and Dave Cooper now are sweating and Grantham will be vital for them both. Neil Nightingale bought himself well into contention with victories over Cooper and Peter Smith. Earlier Ken Randall had vanished on the first night. Cherlin H reached his allotment before meeting Jones in the semi, Jones gaining a revenge of sorts for previous losses.

The O50’s. Rumour has it that Peter Upton sent a very large bouquet to Judy Alexander. Judy organised the family skiing holiday without discussing it with Peter, result – Peter had to snowboard instead of sunning it up in Manchester. All sorts of seeds copped it here as well. Stuart Hardy’s back injury has taken the edge off his game since his World Final, Mark Cowley lost to Upton, Dave Taylor got smashed by 56 year old Dave Lumsden , who might now be regretting not entering the O55’s and Ian Holmes got taken out early doors by Dave Stones. Mo Sarwar, having seen off Hardy, then duplicated it by running Duleep into the ground. A long injury lay-off costing Adihetty dearly. Upton then had a toughy with Lumsden, the only two games he lost. A very fit and athletic Policeman, interesting to see him play Alexander though. Congratulations to one of the very few players at the 1st attempt!

The O45’s. 25 years ago, approximately, I captained a young callow redhead for a couple of seasons. I captained all sorts of other redheads, including Simon Rolington, but then Mark Woodliffe was at Scraptoft Teacher Training College. Leicester were always one of the top five clubs in Britain and Midland League winners many, many times. And Mark learnt his formative years there. He hasn’t really changed and his technique is as good as ever. Now coaching in Zurich, he was far too good for everyone, beating Grant Miller, Alan Griffiths (tough), James Ockwell and Alan Thomson. Thomson must have still been suffering from his 78 minute battle with Greg Pearman which was slightly marred by some unfathomable refereeing decisions. Most of the refereeing was very good, the only slight contentiousness being age group players aren’t as flexible as the young stars plus age group players rarely know the latest rules. Squash is like rugby, it is much, much cleaner than it was 30-40 years ago. Then anything went and some of the older players still have their tried and trusted techniques available if required. But refs today aren’t quite as easy going as they were all those years ago so players now have to play the ball rather than claim easy strokes. Strong competition for International places in this group with Chris Harland and Alan Griffiths, no doubt up for Grantham.

The O40’s had all the very top players in action – Ray Burke happily tattooed from years of army nights out, is a bit of an enigma. But this time he had the bit between his teeth and took out Nigel Willis 3/4 seed. Having done that he gave Martin Greenslade a fearful fright which took 78 minutes before the Bournemouth coach clinched the fifth. Not the best preparation for the next days battle with Johnathan Clark though. Colin Payne took time off from the Family, Olby’s kitchens and the football field to churn through the draw until he met fellow plumbing and heating expert Peter Gunter in the semi’s. Peter has had a long season with some memorable results but this one was a bridge too far. 57 minutes later and 4 hard games, Colin was in the final, a real cracker as it turned out and Clark, despite being half down pulled back to take the title 9/3 9/3.

Finally the O35’s. It was the Nick Taylor and without any info, luckily he was seeded first. It was always going to be his tournament but there were some major battles going on beneath the surface. Jonathan Gliddon took out Steve McLoughlin, a big result this for the Devonian. Kevin White saw off Jason Friend and the biggest, Jamie Goodrich virtually sealed his England position beating Guy Olby, the Middlesex player, not coming to terms with the very hot courts and the fact that the Norfolk player retrieved virtually everything. To my mind, one of the best English players (who has just entered the age group) is Nick Wall, son of Bob from Sheffield. He removed smiling Glen Ragou but then gave Neil Frankland a real battle losing 8/10 7/9 8/10 in 76 minutes. Neil was staying in our hotel and highly rates the Yorkshire player.

Grantham is next up with a lot to play for.

Plus, next season-
We have adopted a new points structure the same for Women and Men.
2 events must be entered, one of which has to be the Open or Closed
There is a new Nottingham Open run by Paul Walters 2 weeks before the Open
There will be Points for Plate Events 07/08

CHAIRMAN’S NOTES ON MANCHESTER AND REGIONALS – Feb 07

The Closed has attracted 205 entries, very acceptable. Most of the top names have entered, although no Gary Thwaite, Galen le Cheminant, Nicky Gatward Duncan Walsh or – on his annual skiing trip Peter Alexander. Nick Taylor has entered the O35’s so will be favourite, whilst John Clark, Peter Gunter and Colin Payne will all vie for the O40’s. The O45’s sees Mark Woodliffe with Greg Pearman and James Ockwell seeded 2 and 3. The O50’s seeds Duleep Adihetty at 1 with Mark Cowley and David Taylor having designs on the title as well. Both the O55’s and O60’s have clear cut favourites in Keith Jones and Phil Ayton. Jones was expected to meet Dave Lumsden but the latter has entered the O50’s where he will meet Mark Cowley in the Quarters, if both progress. Jones, however, took out Lumsden 3/0 in the ICC O45’s last weekend. Adrian Wright is certainly the bookies favourite for the O65’s but a ding dong is in store for Messrs Kirton and Woodliffe in the O70’s.

The Women’s see Amanda Warren seeded 1 in the O35’s and Carole Page in the O40’s. Paula Arrowsmith will have to contend with Helen Gould in the O45’s - no Liz Brown and in the 50’s Julie Field is a clear favourite. In the golden oldies at O55 there is a Round Robin.

On a different note, I entered the East of Scotland Masters in Edinburgh last weekend to see first hand how they run their tournament. Their Points I think are superior to ours and it is up for discussion in Manchester whether we change to their system PLUS they also give points for Plate events and I am fairly sure we will adopt this next year. You can all get a fair idea how their system works by going on their Website. They play through to Sunday afternoon and the downside is the presentations were much later than ours circa 5.30pm. From comments in England, most people wish to leave early afternoon, not early pm!

CHAIRMAN’S NOTES


MASTERS BRITISH CLOSED 5-12 FEBRUARY

A very satisfactory entry overall, circa 165 players will descend on Sports City, all hoping to walk away with the coveted title. Some, of course, in their dreams, but then we can all do that.

Mens O35. A strong draw. Galen le Cheminant is no 1 seed and Gary Thwaite is allegedly his opponent in the final. But Peter Goodings, Gary Harris and Karl Hardy and all the other seeds will hope to change that. Watch out for Glen Ragou.

Mens O40 loses Colin Payne unexpectedly, so there will be competition from Martin Greenslade, Peter Gunter and a host of others to challenge Jonathan Clarke. Some long matches in store here as all the main contenders chase points. This group is really taking off.

Mens O45. Alan Thomson will be hard in training (?) to try and revenge Nick Gatward whilst Ian Bradburn will be hitting the ball harder and lower (not too low) in his quest to overturn the top two. There are a host of quality players in this draw.

Mens O50. With Peter Alexander yet again on a family skiing holiday, whilst the cats away the mice will play, so there might be a new winner! As Mark Cowley is only just back from surgery, judging by his expressions at Broxbourne, he has no intensions of handing over the reigns yet. Steve Johnson and Dave Clarke must also be eyeing up that trophy or will Duleep surprise them all!

The Mens O55 throws up some fascinating possibilities - a Keith Jones, Moussa Helal semi final? A really strong ref needed here!! No 2 seed, Phil Ayton, still looks a good bet and is unlikely to let Howard Cherlin past him if they get to the semis. Once is enough, said the professor!! Bur Cherlin has beaten all 3 top seeds and certainly possesses the qualities to do it again. No other dark horses here.

O60 Now that the ‘Maestro’ has semi retired, lets hope temporarily, there is a new kid on the block (at least till next year!!) Chris Ansell is winning everything at the moment, but my money, if I gambled, would be part on him and part on Rod Boswell. Adrian Wright is capable of overturning everyone if he gets his mind and body into sync and Nick Topman can play perfect squash. We will see.

The Mens O65 is missing Brian Phillips. An injury at 65. Shouldn’t be allowed. So no
doubt, for the 83rd time, or whatever, it looks like a Woodliffe – Kirton final.

The O70 and no doubt the O75, O80 and beyond, looks like a Lance Kinder commemoration trophy, No 2, the fell runner and bon vivant Tony Breakwell will be chasing him hard.

The Womens O35 and O50 are miniscule draws which could be in part due to the fact that there are different International Selection guidelines. There will certainly be a decision at the Committeee Meeting in Manchester as to how to progress the Womens further. Isabelle Tweedle will be favourite in the O35, and in the O50s is it Jan Ellis, Carolyn Roylance or Catherine Woodhart?

Womens O40 shows Mandy Akin as no 1 with her local rival Candy Wilton at No 2. Fran Wallis will run forever, newcomer Sally Jee has all the shots but needs a couple of profile confidence wins. She starts with a tough one against Zena Woolridge.

The Womens O45 Champion Liz Brown looks a clear favourite, but Helen Gould will have other ideas and is a gutsy player whilst in the O55 Rebecca Czuczman is seeded to play Ann Manley. With Bett Dryhurst , fresh from racket ball and Averil Murphy in the draw.

Chairman's Notes - January 3 2006
January 2nd 2006

CHAIRMAN'S NOTES

A Very Happy and Prosperous New Year to everyone.

The Regionals seem to be taking off. 78 entries for Broxbourne this weekend, 6/7/8 January as more and more players become aware of the competition plus the end potential. But we are still struggling in the Women's section and as 70 of the entrants are Men, I am interested to know why this should be - the Men's Tournaments are a direct route with the points system for an International Cap. Can any Women players currently not participating enlighten me via e-mail as to their views? As everyone knows, we are only in our second year as a Masters Committee, all unpaid and voluntary and we appreciate as much feedback as possible. My e-mail address is mcpmotorsport@aol.com and anonymity is guaranteed if requested.

Martin Pearse

CHAIRMAN’S NOTES SEPTEMBER 1ST 2006

Gone are the days when players have an off season. Well, some still do but not the serious ones. Starting Sept 14th is the British Open with a record 230 entrants despite an entry fee of £30, unbelievable, but true. This fee has nothing to do with England Squash and is down solely to the promoters. Their explanation is that entry to see the proper players at work is value enough together with discounts on various items. But then not everybody wants to see youngsters displaying incredible agility speed fitness power and skill when they can see it in all the Masters events! Coming hot on the heels of the Open is the German Open (or La Rochelle Open) whichever you prefer, and then at the end of the month the East of England at Bury St Edmunds, the ancestral home of Peter Alexander, King of the O50s. Then immediately after that, 60 or 50 ultra fit Britons in varying sizes and colour + creed will attempt to negotiate Heathrow security, British Airways and Dave Clarke, (he looks very dapper sitting at his immigration post) before falling asleep (some in an alcoholic fuelled haze) and waking up in Cape Town, South Africa ready to do battle with another 600+ superfit athletes in the World Masters, October 13th – 21st.

If after all that lot there is any energy left, the season starts with the ICC O35/45/55, on various weekends, the West of England, South England, North of England and Midlands together with the second series of age group counties. Plus the GB Vets Championship, ( www.GBVets.com), which concludes in April. After that all the players who have successfully negotiated the points structure will be getting ready to play in the Home Internationals. The Women’s section has now decided to have points on exactly the same footing as Men and we hope that this will mean a vast increase in entries for the Regional and National Tournaments. These will take priority over County Matches as a requisite for points for International selection.

On a lighter note, there will be pen-portraits from all international players from the previous year. What makes players tick, how they remain fast and supple when we all ache and pain, a brief little sojourn into individual players lives and hopefully this will show you all how easy/difficult it is to become an International. Hard work and dedication the website master has informed me, whilst Howard Cherlin tells me it is just down to natural ability. The majority of us have to adhere to the former. These will be put on after the Open.

World Master South Africa October 2006

See also http://www.squashplayer.co.uk/resultspage.asp?Key=995

and Initial Info

The Eighth World Masters were held in Cape Town, South Africa, a lovely venue for anyone at any time. 670, give or take a few, squash players of all shapes and sizes from 40+ Nationalities arrived circa the 12/13 October to sign in at the recently built Western Province Sports Club, about a mile away from the original club at Newlands, home of South African cricket and Rugby. There were 5 venues provided, WPCC, Varsity Old Boys (100 yards away), Bishops School, (the Eton of South Africa – at a fraction of the cost!) plus Villagers and Kelvin Grove, the prestigious club next door to Newlands.

One thing that has to be spoken about in print was the WSF seedings. Despite England Squash

Masters putting in the British and European seedings, these were not taken note of and WSF instead asked a couple of elder players, for advice, which in cold light was not a sensible option as there were some major mistakes. However, ESM will be asked to help with the seedings for the next World Masters in New Zealand 2008. Overall, English players headed the medal tables with 5 victors (Peter Alexander, Jonny Leslie, Adrian Wright, John Woodliffe, Anne Manley) and 5 finalists (Stuart Hardy, Martin Pearse, Chris Stahl, Johnathan Clark, Bett Dryhurst).

The Women’s events did not go too well for the English players that entered. The competition was in the main too strong. Former World Champion Sarah Fitzgerald blitzed the O35 event smashing the very voluable self opinionated Australian Cindy Meintze in the final. However, the latter had similarly dealt with Isabelle Tweedle in the Semi, our only representative to the final stages. A small draw here. Isabelle Tyrell from Leicestershire, earlier, had victories over Ilse Van Buynder before losing to Sharon Wakeford and No 2 seed Isabelle Tweedle beat Del Jongh and Anne Bourne before her Semi defeat.

The O40 also had a guaranteed winner in local girl Angie Clifton Parks wife of Craig Van Der Wath. She took out Viv Doeg in the final. Mandy Akin, the English No 1 lost 2-3 in the quarters to Sharon Le Roux after travelling all the way to play - Clair Baker! Fran Wallis, who should have been seeded well above Zoe Durbach, now resident in Africa, lost 1-3 to Bea de Dreu Spitze. In the end Angie was far too good for all the rest.

The O45 again saw South African’s contest the final, the winner of whom Janet Van Der Westhuisen had beaten No 1 seed Karen Hume.'The latter had a very hard game with Sally Jee, who led 4/1 in the fifth, but Karen stuck at her task and showed her mental strength by winning 9/7 to clinch the match. Karen had earlier beaten Mariet Smal 3-1 and Susan Farquharson 3-0 whilst Sally got her monies worth with a brace of 3-2 victories before losing to Karen. Tamsin Bennett won twice as well but also came up against Van Westhuisen going down 0-3. Hume beat O’Grady in the play off to record third place.

The O50’s also saw foreign domination. Anne Richards from SA and now Australia’s, beating Pauline Douglas from SA and Scotland 3-1. Carolyn Roylance attained the highest position for an English player, winning twice against Melanie Knibbs (RSA) 10-8 in the fifth and 3-0 against England’s Jan Ellis who herself had beaten Mary Hackett 3-0.

The O55’s saw two Australians fighting it out in the Final, Kathy Paterson and Sue Volkze. Paterson had beaten No 1 seed Averil Murphy 9-7 in the fifth in the Semi and Faith Sinclair 3-1 in the Quarters. Murphy took third place over Maggie Hunt Kemp.

The O60’s bright light was Anne Manley winning her first World title over former 55 runner up Bett Dryhurst who had match ball in Helsinki in 2004. Dryhurst had earlier beaten Maeve Spotswood 3-1 and former World Champion Jean Grainger 3-1, whilst Manley took out Nette Morris 3-0 and Liz Pratten 3-1. She would be very pleased to beat Bett, score 10/9 9/4 9/6.

Finally, Joan Witton was the only representative in the O65’s which was won by Barbara Sanderson of Ireland in a very small draw of 8.

The Men’s events were a different story however, with considerable success. Your Committee contributed:

Adrian Wright – Winner

Chris Stahl – Finalist

Martin Pearse – Finalist

Peter Alexander – Winner

Stuart Hardy – Finalist

Mike Clemson – Quarters

Mandy Akin – Quarters

Karen Hume - Semi

No mean feat for such an august bunch!

In the O35’s English representation was Mark Allen (No 1 seed), Gary Clarke, Stuart Summers, Jez Westwell and Guy Olby. Olby won two matches before unluckily meeting the winner Mike Toothill (3/4 seed) whilst Summers lost to Allen in the Quarters who in turn lost to Franklin. But Toothill came through as most peoples favourite beating cockney Scotsman Neil Frankland in the final. On the whole, court behaviour in the events was very good. However, one seeded Englishman (I had never heard of him before) was lucky he wasn’t sent off or struck off by a very lenient referee for some seemingly very volatile language. The noise factor was enormous from the crowd and may be most of the large gallery didn’t hear correctly. If he does that in England, he certainly won’t last long.

The O40’s saw Craig Van Der Wath outright favourite but a large contingent vying for the right to be a Finalist. Ray Burke sporting his army tattoos, won twice before opening the door to go on court with CVWD knowing only a broken leg would see him a victor! Peter Gunter beat Broussard 3-0 then Pitt 3-0 before damaging his hamstring against Steve McLoughlin. The latter, recently 40 won 3 times but lost to Jon Leeb 3-0 in the Quarters. Mark Hildred won twice before losing to Johnathan Clark, Clark beating Hannes Nel 3-0, Gavin Ramsay 3-0, Hildred 3-0 and Peters 3-0 before going down to Van Der Wath in the Final a bridge too far for the English player. Earlier Martin Greenslade beat Cook 3-2, Thomson 3-0, Piggott 3-2 before going down to old adversary Frank Ellis 0-3.

The O45’s had very little English representation with only one of the National team present this being Keith Hinds and a newcomer Michael Martin. The latter beat Linklater 3-0, Smith (RSA) 3-1 and Dale Robbins (Australia) 3-1 before crashing out to Simon Gogolin (Australia) 9/3 9/0 9/0. Hinds took out Coetzee (RSA), Harrison (RSA) 3-1 before going down to honeymooner and Scotsman Alan Thomson 3-0.

The O50’s however, was where the English domination started. Mark Cowley, unfortunately had to drop out due to work commitments and this left the door open for Chief Inspector Hardy (5/8). Stewart took the offering with open arms, gratefully, beating some very tough opposition en route, especially former South African No1, Johnny Orsmond, before he took out Peter Stephen of SA in the Semi 3-0 to enter the Final. Unfortunately though, his opponent was friend and room mate, the latest entrant out of 670, at 11.58am, Peter Alexander. There was no way anyone was going to get even close to Peter, including the tough German Volker Hauke in the Semi Final and he just cruised through the draw as if they were practise matches to record his first World title at the third attempt. Earlier Duleep Adihetty had won three of his previous rounds before losing a tight and tough 3-0 to Volke Hauke in the Quarter Finals.

The O55 was probably the toughest group with some very good players unseeded. There were at least six seeds who had no right to be where they were and Gordon Daniel, the British Open Champion who was unseeded took out a couple easily. Unfortunately, he met the ultra talented Brian Cook of Australia, the 2004 Champion, whose forehand top spin volley is the best I have ever seen on a squash court. From any height and from anywhere. Plus he can do it on the backhand. Chris Wilson gave Cook a good workout, or maybe the other way round.

Jonny Leslie entering a tournament only means one thing, he intends to win it and his athleticism and experience proved too much for everyone including Cook in the Semi.Watching Leslie was like going back thirty years when he appeared in the British Open Final at Wembley and lost having gone on a suicidal training run before the match, thereby giving himself a severe oxygen debt at the end of the fifth. Common sense now prevails and Jonny‘s advantage of living 6.000 ft above sea level in Johannesburg made him very strong. At the other end, 3-4 Alan Colburn, the 2004 O50’s World Champion, lost an incredibly tight match with the very stately Trevor Colyer looking like a front row refugee on the squash court. Both are former Senior Internationals and the quality of shot from both players was incredible. The Final was a bridge too far for Colyer as his efforts of the day before were too big a handicap against Leslie who claimed his first Masters title. The legendary Roy Plumstead, former O45 and O50’s World Champion and a great favourite with the English players, had , earlier, given Leslie a demonstration of his incredible drops and lobs for two games until the Englishman took control. This was the group where in most peoples opinion, were the best Master’s players of all time and certainly the best quality squash.

The O60’s had a badly made up draw according to Galal Allam, former world top 10 (and my coach at Leicester in the 70’s). As president of Egyptian Squash he was definitely not amused by his lack of seeding, was very abrupt with the organisers, had his demand for a personal car refused and then got taken out 3-0 by the South African Dessie Schultz in a preliminary round. So he went home the same day no doubt to train furiously for the next World Masters. Schultz steamed through the draw but should have lost in the quarters to Ken Johnson who led 7/2 in the fifth despite trailing throughout. However, Schultz, a big rangy left hander with an enormous swing, gritted his teeth and took the match to Johnson’s utter horror. Quietly and efficiently Hugh Colburn took out everyone at the bottom of the draw including Mike Clemson (5/8) who had earlier beaten former Warwickshire No 1 in the seventies Chris Morgan who is now the Swaziland National Champion 3-0. The top half had a very strong section, Nick Topman, unhappy with his draw, having to retire against former England top 6 player in the seventies Dickie Carter of Middlesex. Trickie now lives in Cyprus, Cape Town and Maidenhead (!) and last year had a major health scare after catching a serious virus in the Wexham Hospital, Bucks but was back in action and looking to do well. Topman took the first two but Carter fought back before Topman retired ill with low sugar levels and was packed off for tests. Hopefully he will recover with rest. Martin Pearse 5/8, first met one of the top Australian’s Jeff Stone winning 3-0 and then took out Carter 3-0 in what had been predicted to be a tight match. The talented volleyer Okkie Venter certainly wasn’t on form for Pearse’s Quarter and the next day in the Semi Finals the Norfolk player came back from an early deficit to beat long time adversary and friend and fellow Masters Chairman Nick Penstone to enter the Final. Colburn, however, was in no mood to let Pearse dictate and the former, after winning a crucially tight second game closed the match despite missing five match balls, to win his first title.

The O65’s was a four horse race. Unfortunately the seedings were totally wrong with Len Froggitt having been seeded below Chris Stahl who he beat in the Jesters last season. This meant Len had to play Adrian Wright in the Quarters and one had to go. Len took it well but was not happy when he should have been seeded to play Stahl in the Semi Final. The latter took out Alban Brinders 3-0, David Rees 3-0 and Neil Thomson of Scotland 3-1 before squeaking through 10/9 in the fifth against Barry Gardiner of New Zealand who served down at 8/8 and out at 9/9. In the other half, Mighty White or Silver Fox, whichever he responds to, was alternately either murdering the opposition or giving them every chance to succeed! A slight blip was the Quarter Final against Kevin Redmayne of Australia before thrashing Brian Phillips of Wales, the No1 seed in the Semi Final. The Final was a fluctuating affair with Stahl replicating his British Open start. Wright then took the second and third extremely easily, but lost the fourth giving his corner palpitations. A good early lead in the fifth relaxed him enough to claim his first World title. Having known Adrian for 25 years, it is amazing how much he has improved at squash, in a very similar vein to John Perrott and it is living proof that any player, if they so wish, can make themselves a lot better, irrespective of age. Mind you, it does help that Wrighty has amazing power and agility for someone so compact. Or, as The Times said in 1999 in its column ‘Barrington beaten in comeback at World Masters in Sheffield by the portly Adrian Wright of Leicestershire.’ As Barrington has never been seen since in a competitive match on a squash court, you know who to blame!

The O70’s saw some tight matches. Lance Kinder seeded No 1 first of all took out probably one of the oldest and long servants of English squash, former Warwickshire No 1 Tony Breakwell. Chris Wilson, at 57, actually played a drop shot during the Open, but we are still all waiting for Tony to do the same! Kinder then saw his nemesis and great friend John Woodliffe take him out 10/8 9/7 10/8 to overturn the seedings. The latter had beaten Kuhn 3-0 and Thompson 3-0 before taking his place in the Semi. In the other half Malcolm Gilham took out Irving and Williams before going down to Brian Heath of South Africa, the No2 seed and 2004 O65 World Champion. Heath had also taken out Tony Seare.

The Final was a nail biter. Nip and tuck with Heath looking the most likely. But Army life has conditioned Mr Woodliffe never to give up and from a gallery point of view he must have been to church before the match. A trickle boast took Heath to match ball and then a touch volley winner nicked the tin! With both players having a couple of World Master’s match balls, it was nail biting for all the supporters of both sides, but eventually Dad went one up on Son and claimed his first World title! Dad collected his trophy at the presentation in his England tracksuit and Army brogues!

The O75’s looked fantastic for their age, no English entrants, the winner for the third time being Peter Fahrenheim of South Africa. Alex Hamilton of Scotland came third.

As Chairman of England Squash Masters, on behalf of a number of players who travelled, the following pointers should be addressed to the WSF for New Zealand 2008.

Seedings must have far more care and cross checking. There were some crass seedings which caused a phenomenal amount of upset, especially to players who have spent a lot of time and money travelling to South Africa. For them it is not a holiday. About 90% probably go with social intentions but at least 10% harbour major ambitions and administrative faults in seeding can easily be rectified if the right avenues are cross-referenced before any final decisions are made. George Meiras has promised me that ESM will be contacted about seedings for 2008.

When there are multiple venues, it is suggested for 2008, that one age group stays at one venue until the Quarter Finals when all age groups transfer to the main arena. There were some major complications in Cape Town with people not sure when and where they were playing. One Englishman scheduled to play at 9am played at 3pm due to lack of communication after the courts had been changed. Easily solvable as everybody makes mistakes.

For 2008, instruct all players entering they have to mark the next match on court.

Host social venues either at the Main Club or neighbouring club venues so players don’t have to travel far. Plus nightly for the 90% who are social, have a disco/evening at the Main Club as they do very successfully at the Annual Inter Provincials in South Africa, which hosts at least 1.000 players, making it the World’s biggest tournament ever.

Make sure all the squash is within a 5 mile radius. Melbourne was criticised heavily because of the distances. Cape Town was perfect in this respect.

Finally, a gripe but again easily solvable. Please for the future, for the Main Events Quarter Finals onwards, make sure that all matches never start before 11.am. In Cape Town there was the instance where an O60 Semi Final commenced at 8.30am whereas a Plate Semi Final was three hours later. Asking anyone to eat their breakfast at 6.00am in front of one of the most important matches of their career is basically extremely unfair. Plate entrants should have to take these very early timing slots and all major matches commence from 11.00am onwards.

Finally, on behalf of England Squash Masters, we would like to thank all the Committee of South African Squash who ran the Masters for all their unpaid efforts, the Referees who always have a thankless task, but in my personal opinion did very well and all the Clubs and Bishops which hosted us. We all look forward to New Zealand 2008 and Germany in 2010.