AO Program 2015 WEB - Australian Open Squash 2016

2015 Australian Open SQUASH
Championship
August 3-9
Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre
1
Mohd. Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) v Max Lee (HKG)
2
Australian Open Schedule
Men’s & Women’s Open Matches
Mon
August 3
Qualifying
Matches commence 12.00noon
Free admission
Tue
August 4
Qualifying
Matches commence 12.00noon
Free admission
Wed
August 5
Main Draw Rd 1
Matches commence 1.30pm
Free admission
Thu
August 6
Main Draw Rd 2
Matches commence 4.30pm
Free admission
Fri
August 7
Quarterfinals
Matches commence 1.00pm
Tickets required
Sat
August 8
Semi-Finals
Matches commence 2.00pm
Tickets required
Sun
August 9
Finals
Matches commence 3.00pm
Tickets required
Other Activities
Mon
August 3
Sponsor Day (on court with Open players)
3.30pm – 4.30pm
Bronze level sponsorship includes an hour on court to be put
through your paces by some of the top players – coaching,
tips or just a good workout!
Tue
August 4
Sporting Schools—Official OzSquash Launch
10.00am—11.30am
The official launch of OzSquash as part of the Australian
government’s new national Sporting Schools program and a
chance for participants in our Primary School clinic program to
meet the players and have a hit on court.
Wed
August 5
State Grade Pennant Finals
7.00pm—10.30pm
A chance to see our top local Pennant players in action.
Thu
August 6
Secondary School Squash Competition
9.00am—3.00pm
Years 11 & 12 students battle it out for the 2015 winners’
flags. Medals to be presented by Open players and a chance
for students to meet the players and chat about life on the
professional squash circuit.
Sat
August 8
Squash Australia Annual Awards Dinner @ Kooyong LTC
From 7.00pm
To be held at the prestigious Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, this
is a 3 course dinner with awards, interviews with players past
and present, memorabilia auction and lucky door prizes.
(Tickets required).
Sun
August 9
Timed, Graded Squash event for ALL abilities!
11.00am—2.00pm
Open to local players of all abilities. There will be 5 grades
(based on matrix rankings) with 12 places available in
each. (Entry required, does not include ticket to Final)
Tickets for finals available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.au
Limited unsold tickets will be available for purchase on the day at the venue.
3
Welcome to Melbourne
On behalf of the Board of Squash and Racquetball
Victoria, I welcome all of the players and officials to
the 2015 Australian Open. We are committed to
promoting and growing this sport that we all love;
hosting the Australian Open is part of that
commitment. We believe that showcasing the
extraordinary Australian and overseas players in
this tournament will inspire our juniors and give
the broader community the opportunity to see why
squash is one of the most dynamic and
entertaining sports around.
On behalf of Squash Australia, I welcome all competitors
to the 2015 Australian Open.
The 2015 Australian Open will be the return of the
competition to where it started in 1931. The list of
winners is a fantastic historical journey through
International Squash, and exemplifies the universality of
the sport that is now played in over 150 countries.
Squash Australia’s support of the Australian Open, and
indeed the wider Australian Squash Tour is only possible
through the funds invested in the sport by the Australian
Sports Commission, who I wish to acknowledge.
Importantly I would also like to thank the Victorian State
Government through the Sporting Events Programme,
and the local sponsor group whose contributions make
the Open ‘an event’.
The Australian Open is part of a month long
festival of Squash and Racquetball in Victoria.
Over the last two weeks we have had the Victorian
Racquetball Championships, the Mornington
Peninsula Open, the Kooyong International, and
the enormously successful and popular Victorian
Open. Following the Australian Open, the squash
tour moves to Shepparton and Bendigo, both of
which are hosting international tournaments.
In particular I need to acknowledge the special
contribution of Squash & Racquetball Victoria in
volunteering to organise the Open, the streaming of
matches on the web, sponsorship generation and their
efforts to build attendances.
I would like to thank Squash Australia, the Victorian
State Government and our other sponsors and
partners as listed on page 31 for their support.
We have the rights to host the Australian Open for
the next two years. With the help of our sponsors,
members and the wider squash community, we
hope to continue to grow the event until it is one
of the premier tournaments on the world circuit.
To the event staff and referees, thank you for the work
you will put into this event in 2015.
Once again, welcome to all, play hard but fair and enjoy
the competition.
PETA MURPHY
President
Squash & Racquetball Victoria
DAVID MANDEL
President, Squash Australia
4
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT MESSAGE
2015 Australian and Victorian Open Squash
Championships
The Victorian Government is delighted to welcome
competitors, spectators, officials and volunteers to the
2015
Australian
and
Victorian
Open
Squash
Championships.
The 2015 Australian and Victorian Open Squash
Championships will attract more than 200 world-class
athletes to Melbourne for two weeks of top squash
competitions. Both male and female, national and
international competitors, will showcase their skills at this
key tournament on the 2015 Australian Squash Tour.
Victoria is proud of its reputation as a great sporting
state which, with the help of its vast range of quality
sporting events, attracts a high number of visitors, boosts
the economy and increases participation in sport
throughout the community.
The Victorian Government has contributed to the funding
of the 2015 Australian and Victorian Open Squash
Championships through the Significant Sporting Events
Program.
I encourage everyone to get to this event and enjoy the
long list of delights Melbourne has to offer.
Congratulations to all responsible for staging and
supporting these championships including the State
Sport Centres Trust, Squash & Racquetball Victoria,
Squash Australia, the Professional Squash Association,
event sponsors and the dedicated volunteers.
I wish all competitors the best of luck.
THE HON. JOHN EREN, MP
Minister for Sport
5
Aussie Number 1’s ready for Aus Open...
Pilley to Chase Elusive Australian Title
It’s been so near but yet so far for Cameron Pilley at
the Australian Squash Open so far. In both 2007 and
2009 he made the final, only to lose on both
occasions to Canberra’s Stewart Boswell in five
sets. He also lost the 2004 final to the then Australian
top seed, Dan Jenson, in four sets. At the last
Australian Open he lost to Egypt’s Ramy Ashour in
four sets.
So no-one knows better than Cam Pilley that an
Australian Open title is long overdue.
In 2015 he’ll get another the chance to claim that
elusive title, with the Australian Open back on the
calendar after a two-year absence. “It’s great that the
Australian open is back on,” Pilley said. “Although it’s
sad that it hasn’t been held in recent years, credit
must go to everyone involved in getting it back on
the calendar. “I hope they can continue to build it to
bigger and better things in the future. I love
competing on home soil!”
Grinham thrilled with return of Australian Open
Australia’s highest-ranked female squash player, Rachael
Grinham, can’t wait for the Australian Squash Open to return
this year. It is ten years since 38-year-old Grinham won her
one and only Australian Open title, and she’s keen to claim
the top spot again.
32-year-old Pilley, who recently broke his own world
speed record for a squash ball (he belted it 177mph),
had been happy with his form in 2015 up until the
British Open. “It had actually been quite good in the
lead up to that event,” he said. “Although I played
(world number three) Greg Gaultier three times in my
previous three events, I felt I had been pushing him
and playing well. “My British Open draw was actually
quite good. I was very disappointed not to take
advantage of it.”
Grinham shared the disappointment of the rest of the squash
community when the Open couldn’t be held over the past
two years, but says there a positive vibe surrounding this
year’s event. “I am very excited,” Grinham said. “I remember
going to my first Australian Open over 20 years ago when I
was a junior, and back then it was one of the major events on
the women’s tour and all the top players were there. It’s been
unfortunate to see the level of the event drop and even
disappear over recent years, but it’s so great to see it making
a real comeback and attracting quite a few top international
players again.”
Pilley is taking a break for a few weeks before
focusing on the second half of 2015, including the
Australian Open.
Grinham has won four British Open titles, a
World Open, Commonwealth Games gold
medals, and was World number one for
more than a year.
To scale those heights has meant spending most of her adult life overseas, so
Grinham is thrilled to get the opportunity
to come back to Australia for this year’s
Open. “You can play international events
all over the world, but there is nothing like
playing in front of a home crowd,” she
said.
“It’s really fantastic to see the great job
Squash Australia have done with developing the Australian tour over the past couple of years, and Vic Squash in particular
who have been able to lift and host the
Victorian Open and Australian Open at the
highest levels they have been at in many
years.”
6
Donna Urquhart (AUS)
7
A moment with—Joshana Chinappa
By Virendra Karunakar
(This interview has been re-printed with permission from Sportskeeda.
The original interview was published at http://www.sportskeeda.com/
squash/interview-with-joshna-chinappa)
Ever since winning the senior National squash championship
in 2004, making her the youngest ever women’s national
champion, Joshna Chinappa has been at the forefront of
India’s charge in the world of women’s squash. 2014 produced
some massive highs for Joshna. She teamed up with Dipika
Pallikal to claim gold in the doubles at the Commonwealth
Games and also attained a career high ranking of 19.
You have been extremely successful at the National
championships over the last decade and more. Which has
been the most memorable win for you?
My most memorable nationals was when I was 14 and I won
the women’s title for the first time.
Winning the Chennai Open in 2012 in your hometown
must have been a special feeling. Tell us a bit more about
that win.
I had always lost at the Chennai Open either in the semis
or finals. When I won the Chennai Open, it was after my
ACL injury where I was out for 9 months from the tour. So
it was very special to me to come back and win it.
What was it that made you choose squash as a youngster over
other sports?
I played tennis, squash and badminton equally while I was
growing up. But since my dad was a squash player too, I
naturally took to squash and continued playing it.
You won India’s first gold at the Commonwealth Games along
with Dipika Pallikal. Talk us through that historic win.
Dipika and I both knew we had a great chance to win a medal.
We had a tough semi-final against Australia which we were
lucky to get through.
For the finals, we were both more confident and knew we
could win the gold. We were happy we pulled through.
Nicol David has been World No. 1 for a long time now.
What is it like facing off against her? What makes her so
successful?
Nicol is an extremely tough and hardworking competitor.
She’s got to where she has because she has a great team
of coaches, physio, psychologist, advanced fitness trainers
and the backing of her Malaysian government which has
given her everything she’s needed from the time she was
10 years old! That’s what every athlete needs to get to
that level and stay there.
How do you strategize before an important match? How is it
that you like to prepare?
I only talk to my psychologist before and after a match. I get
into my element by not really communicating with any friend
or family for the duration of the tournament.
If we were to ask you to name the best win of your
career so far, what would it be?
Honestly I don’t have a best win. It’s still yet to come, but
everything else has been important to me too as I have
worked hard for those victories too.
How has sports analytics helped you out in the last few years,
on both a personal level, as well as for the sport overall?
It’s always beneficial to be able to go back and watch how you
have played a match. The good ones to reinforce and the bad
ones to learn and not repeat them and improve further either
technically or physically.
How has the Indian Squash Academy aided you in your
success?
The academy is a place I have trained at on and off for
years whenever I am in Chennai. I always have great match
practice there with the boys. I get on court sessions with
coach Kali Muthu which helps me a lot too.
You and Dipika have known each other for a long time. How
do you approach things when you have to play in singles
competition against her?
We both obviously want to win and that’s with anyone I play
against. Yes it’s always harder playing your roommate and
teammate especially. But we are professionals and just want to
do our job to the best.
What are your thoughts on Squash not being an Olympic
sport yet?
Squash is now short listed for the 2020 Olympics at Tokyo.
So hopefully it will be a very successful bid to get squash
in. We deserve to be there.
You won a hard-fought title at the Winnipeg Winter Open last
year. You edged out Heba El Torky in a tight finish. What was
the feeling like when you finally got the win?
My first Professional title was in 2008 in Malaysia. When I won
in Winnipeg it was my 8th title. Winning in Winnipeg was nice
because I was 3 match balls down. So to win from there was a
good win.
What are your goals for the remainder of the year
building on the hugely successful year for Indian squash in
2014?
To remain injury free and get fitter and stronger.
8
Mahesh Mangaonker
Rex Hedrick
Name: Mahesh Mangaonkar
Birthdate: 23 March 1994 (age: 21)
Birthplace: Mumbai
Residence: Boom, Belgium
Height: 182cm
Weight: 78kg
Current PSA Ranking: 49
Joined PSA: 2009
Coach: Shaun Moxham
Name: Rex Hedrick
Birthdate: 1 November 1988 (age: 26)
Birthplace: Melbourne
Residence: London
Height: 176cm
Weight: 68kg
Current PSA Ranking: 53
Coach: Cameron White & Ben Ford
Biggest or most important tournament win of your career?
Phoenix Open. Had just lost a brutal 5 setter in the first
round quali's of the world champs to a lowly ranked up and
comer Fares Dessouki, which was probably one of my lower
points on tour, so to win in Phoenix a week later was
important to me.
Biggest or most important tournament win of your career?
Asian Games gold medalist, 2014 (Incheon, Korea)
Favourite destination you have competed in for a squash
tournament and why?
Prague as I've always managed to play my best there.
If you could take any 3 people to an island who would it be
and why?
Optimus Prime, Wolverine, Ironman. Fairly easy to escape.
Best Squash experience and why?
Attending a training camp in Belgium with Shaun Moxham.
Training with the best in the world is always going to be
great, plus it helped me climb the PSA rankings. I would
consider myself lucky to get to know him. 4
Do you have any rituals or superstitions before a match or
tournament?
Nothing special, just the same warm up every time.
What are some of your interests outside of squash and
why?
Climbing/Trekking, Skydiving, Badminton, Backgammon,
Reading.
If you were president/prime minister what would be the
first thing you do?
Make Melbourne the capital of Australia.
Who was your childhood hero growing up?
Jonathan Power.
If you won the lottery, what would you do?
Climb Everest.
Who do you consider the favourite to take home the
Australian Open?
Can't answer that as I'm in the tournament.
Who do you consider the favourite to take home the
Australian Open?
Pilley if he can get past the quarters...
What can we expect from you at the Australian Open?
Hopefully some good squashing action.
What can we expect from you at the Australian Open?
Take down Pilley in the quarters.
9
Australian Open Honour Board
Australian Open—Amateur Years
Australian Open—Professional Years
Year
Winner
Country/State
Year
Winner
1979
Frank Donnelly
QLD
2014
Not Held
1978
Garwain Briars
England
2013
Not Held
1977
Dean Williams
WA
2012
Ramy Ashour
Egypt
1976
Mike Donnelly
QLD
2011
Ramy Ashour
Egypt
1975
Kevin Shawcross
NSW
2010
Nick Matthew
England
1974
Sajjad Muneer
Pakistan
2009
Stewart Boswell
ACT
1973
Qamar Zaman
Pakistan
2008
David Palmer
NSW
1972
Cam Nancarrow
NSW
2007
Stewart Boswell
ACT
1971
Geoff Hunt
Vic
2006
Stewart Boswell
ACT
1970
Geoff Hunt
Vic
2005
Anthony Ricketts
NSW
1969
Geoff Hunt
Vic
2004
Dan Jenson
SA
1968
Jonah Barrington
England
2003
Dan Jenson
SA
1967
Ken Hiscoe
NSW
2002
Stewart Boswell
ACT
1966
Ken Hiscoe
NSW
2001
Tommy Berden
Netherlands
1965
Geoff Hunt
Vic
2000
Anthony Ricketts
NSW
1964
Ken Hiscoe
NSW
1999
Not Held
1963
Ken Hiscoe
NSW
1998
Jonathan Power
Canada
1962
Ken Hiscoe
NSW
1997
Rodney Eyles
QLD
1961
Ken Hiscoe
NSW
1996
Brett Martin
QLD
1960
Ken Hiscoe
NSW
1995
Not Held
1959
Mike Oddy
Scotland
1994
Brett Martin
QLD
1958
Brian Stuart
Vic
1993
Rod Martin
QLD
1957
John Cheadle
NSW
1992
Rod Martin
QLD
1956
Alan McCausland
Vic
1991
Chris Dittmar
SA
1955
Brian Boys
Vic
1990
Rod Martin
QLD
1954
Brian Boys
Vic
1989
Chris Dittmar
SA
1953
Brian Boys
Vic
1988
Chris Dittmar
SA
1952
Ted Anstee
Vic
1987
Chris Robertson
QLD
1951
Eric Metcalf
Vic
1986
Rod Martin
QLD
1950
Ian Carson
Vic
1985
Rod Martin
QLD
1949
Frank Harris
Unknown
1984
Tristan Nancarrow
QLD
1948
Frank Harris
Unknown
1983
Ross Thorne
QLD
1947
Ian Carson
Vic
1982
Jahangir Khan
Pakistan
1946
Ian Carson
Vic
1981
Geoff Hunt
Vic
1945
Not Held
1980
Geoff Hunt
Vic
1944
Not Held
1943
Not Held
1942
Not Held
1941
Not Held
1940
Not Held
1939
Merv Weston
Vic
1938
W Vestey
UK
1937
Merv Weston
Vic
1936
Harry Hopman
Vic
1935
N Heath
NSW
1934
Harry Hopman
Vic
1933
1932
1931
Harry Hopman
Robert Henderson
Fred Strickland
Vic
Vic
Vic
10
Country/State
Australian Open Honour Board
Australian Open—Amateur Years
Australian Open—Professional Years
Year
Winner
Country/State
Year
Winner
1978
Vicki Hoffman
SA
2014
Not Held
1977
Margaret Zachariah
Vic
2013
Not Held
1976
Sue Newman
NSW
2012
Nicol David
Malaysia
1975
Sue Newman
NSW
2011
Nicol David
Malaysia
1974
Marion Jackman
QLD
2010
Madeline Perry
Northern Ireland
1973
Heather McKay
NSW
2009
Joelle King
New Zealand
1972
Heather McKay
NSW
2008
Annie Au
Hong Kong
1971
Heather McKay
NSW
2007
Shelley Kitchen
New Zealand
1970
Heather McKay
NSW
2006
Kasey Brown
NSW
1969
Heather McKay
NSW
2005
Rachael Grinham
QLD
1968
Heather McKay
NSW
2004
Natalie Grinham
QLD
1967
Heather McKay
NSW
2003
Sarah Fitz-Gerald
Vic
1966
Heather McKay
NSW
2002
Sarah Fitz-Gerald
Vic
1965
Heather Blundell
NSW
2001
Sarah Fitz-Gerald
Vic
1964
Heather Blundell
NSW
2000
Leilani Joyce
New Zealand
1963
Heather Blundell
NSW
1999
Michelle Martin
NSW
1962
Heather Blundell
NSW
1998
Michelle Martin
NSW
1961
Heather Blundell
NSW
1997
Sarah Fitz-Gerald
Vic
1960
Heather Blundell
NSW
1996
Michelle Martin
NSW
1959
Pat Parmenter
NSW
1995
Michelle Martin
NSW
1958
Judith Fitz-Gerald
Vic
1994
Michelle Martin
NSW
1957
Judith Tissot
Vic
1993
Michelle Martin
NSW
1956
Judith Tissot
Vic
1992
Susan Devoy
New Zealand
1955
Marea Mather
Vic
1991
Michelle Martin
QLD
1954
Janet Morgan
United Kingdom
1990
Susan Devoy
New Zealand
1953
Joan Watson
Vic
1989
Vicki Cardwell
Vic
1952
Judith Tissot
Vic
1988
Vicki Cardwell
Vic
1951
Val Watts
Vic
1987
Lisa Opie
England
1950
Betty Meagher
Vic
1986
Lisa Opie
England
1949
Betty Meagher
Vic
1985
Jan Miller
SA
1948
Val Watts
Vic
1984
Vicki Cardwell
SA
1947
Val Watts
Vic
1983
Vicki Cardwell
SA
1946
Betty Meagher
Vic
1982
Vicki Cardwell
SA
1945
Not Held
1981
Rhonda Thorne
QLD
1944
Not Held
1980
Vicki Hoffman
SA
1943
Not Held
1979
Vicki Hoffman
SA
1942
Not Held
1941
Not Held
1940
Not Held
1939
Not Held
1938
W Vestey
United Kingdom
1937
M Armytage
Unknown
1936
D Stevenson
Vic
1935
J Long Innes
NSW
1934
P Walker
NSW
1933
R Grey-Smith
Vic
1932
R Grey-Smith
Vic
11
Country/State
Squash’s New Dawn
Reprinted by permission from May 2015 edition of SquashXtra
PSA and WSA join forces to begin new era
for professional squash as Olympic inclusion
remains on the horizon.
In October 2014, the Professional Squash Association (PSA)
and Women's Squash Association (WSA) announced that they
would join forces in an historic merger that would see the
professional ranks in the sport of squash administered by one
unified governing body for the first time ever.
It was a decision borne out of a desire to establish a stronger
professional tour in order to increase financial revenues,
marketing reach and ultimately have a positive impact on the
sport’s quest for inclusion in the ultimate sporting arena – the
Olympic Games – and following the International Olympic
Committee’s (IOC) decision to drop the Olympic Games’ 28sport cap in December, it is a move that looks to have been
made at an opportune time for squash’s future.
TB: One of our main strategic aims is to increase the
level of equality and parity there is within the sport, both
in terms of prize money and playing opportunities. We
know it won’t be a quick fix but we are committed to
doing everything within our power to ensure squash
becomes known as a sport that rewards players equally
for their successes, irrespective of their gender.
Now, following several months of crossover proceedings,
squash’s two governing associations are operating as one
body in what will go down in the annals of squash history as a
momentous moment for the sport.
SX: Did you have any opposition from players or public?
AG: As a players’ association we cannot make any
changes without our members voting in favor of it and
we were delighted that 90% of our memberships voted
for the amalgamation to take place.
Both former professional players, Alex Gough (PSA Chief
Executive) and Tommy Berden (Former WSA Chief Executive)
were the key protagonists behind the move and we sat down
with them to find out what they believe the future of squash
looks like and what’s next in the sport’s Olympic journey as
they embark upon an exciting new era of joint-governance.
TB: The response from both memberships has been
overwhelmingly positive throughout the negotiations
and the WSA members were all very excited to merge
with the men and form one unified governing body for
professional squash.
SX: Why did the PSA and WSA decide to merge?
AG: We had been in discussion with the WSA for several years
regarding joining of the associations and the conversations
became increasingly serious from the beginning of 2014.
SX: How important was this in light of the sport’s desire
to be in the Olympics?
AG: The joining of associations was not something that
was conceived specifically in light of the Olympics but
we are aware that equality is an important element
within the Olympic movement. Improving our
administrative structure and furthering the sport’s
credentials in all areas of business will, we hope, have
further beneficial effects on our chances of Olympic
inclusion but we are not getting ahead of ourselves on
that decision.
As a small sport looking to grow, it was an obvious move for
us to make in order to strengthen our governance structure
and give us the best platform to move the sport forward in the
future.
TB: During all discussions with the PSA it was evident that we
all felt that an amalgamation would provide a more unified
base from which to grow the sport of squash across the globe
and to proactively increase the levels of opportunity for both
genders at the elite level and we really felt that this is the right
time to move things forward for both the men’s and women’s
tours.
TB: For squash to put itself in the best possible position
to gain entry into the Olympics, we must do everything
we can behind the scenes to ensure the sport has the
best management structure possible, and joining
associations is key if this is to be the case.
SX: What are the main objectives behind the merger?
AG: Our ambitions are to drive the sport forward as a whole,
increasing the total prize money available for both men and
women in squash and increasing the sport’s visibility and
profile. We feel a unified body will allow us to present a more
appealing product to potential sponsors and broadcast
partners, allowing us to increase our financial income,
broadcast exposure and marketing activity and we look
forward to undertaking the new challenge. We have already
seen an uptake in our broadcasting figures so far in 2015
courtesy of the amalgamation between the associations and
further investment in our TV product and this bodes well for
the future.
12
SQUASH facts:
50,000+
SX: How realistic is Olympic inclusion and have
you had any notifications from the IOC?
AG: The IOC’s decision to vote in favor of
President Bach’s Agenda 2020 reforms has
opened the door for sports such as squash to
push for inclusion in future games and one that
we fully welcomes. While that signals a positive
opportunity for squash, we are fully aware that
there is no guarantee that we will get into the
Olympic 2020 Games but we will continue to do
everything within our power, along with the
World Squash Federation, to put ourselves in the
frame for that coveted spot.
squash courts across the globe
185
nations play squash
In excess of...
TB: Squash deserves a place in the Olympic
Games and with only 64 athletes needed to have
a men’s and women’s event, we are a sport that
can be easily integrated into the event. We have
been working closely with the WSF to ensure that
we are involved in discussion with the key
stakeholders in the Tokyo Olympic Games
organisation.
20M
… people play squash on a regular basis worldwide
We are waiting with fingers crossed ahead of the
next IOC meeting when we hope that the process
for gaining entry into 2020 will become clear and
our opportunity for inclusion becomes more
transparent.
1
Healthiest Sport
While the next few months will undoubtedly
present the new-look PSA organisation with a
series of challenges, including aligning tourguides and creating one universal rule-book to
name but a few, the dividends and opportunities
that will await promise to help squash begin a
new, prosperous era of excellence and equality.
… according to Forbes Magazine
included in major multi-sport games—
Commonwealth Games, Asian Games,
Pan American Games and World Games
13
14
One to Watch: Nasir Iqbal
By Sean Reuthe.
Reprinted by permission from May 2015 edition of SquashXtra
Pakistan is a country synonymous with squash, but there has
been a dearth of Pakistan stars at the upper echelons of the
sport recently, something one young man is hoping to set
straight in the coming years.
For a country boasting arguably the two greatest squash
players of all time among their ranks in the form of Jahangir
and Jansher Khan, not to mention the likes of Hashim Khan
and Qamar Zaman, Pakistani success on the PSA World Tour
has been strikingly sparse for the past decade.
But Nasir Iqbal, the 20-year-old who is currently the country’s
highest ranked player and who in 2014 became the first
Pakistani player to reach the second round of the PSA World
Championship since 2010, is hoping he can stem the tide and
help return glory to squash’s original superpower.
“The World Championship was a very good tournament for
me,” said Iqbal. “There haven’t been any Pakistani players in
the second round for a long time and I am feeling very happy
with how I have been performing. I have been playing very
well and I am doing my best to improve. “My coach, my
brother, was with me at the worlds and it was also good
because we were learning from the top players.”
Iqbal, who represents the Hashim Khan Squash Club in his
homeland, says the figures of Jansher and Jahangir are an
inspiration for him and all other young squash players in the
country and he is determined to try and emulate their feats.
“When I was younger and I was starting out, I was watching
Jansher and Jahangir and that is why I started my squash
career,” he said.
Just one year after that victory he joined the PSA World
Tour, making his competitive debut in in 2008 Pakistan
Open Championship, and with other Pakistani players
such as Farhan Zaman and Danish Atlas Khan currently
rising up the rankings, Iqbal is confident that Pakistan
can again rise to the top.
“I really love them because they were amazing players who
were from Pakistan and the best in the world. They had a
different style of squash and I hope in time I will play like
them.
“There are a lot of players in Pakistan and we have had a
big tournament in the country once again [The Serena
Hotels CAS International Squash Championship] which is
very good for Pakistani players.
“Our squash federation is also doing really good work for
the players so I hope that our rankings will go up in the
next few years.”
“I like their skill and their movement because it is so smooth
on court and their skill is amazing and I want to be on top of
the sport like them - I will do my best keep practicing and do
everything I can to get my ranking up to the top ten next
year.”
With Iqbal leading the charge, there is every chance that
it could happen and Pakistan could, once again, be one
of the dominant forces in squash.
Iqbal rose to prominence after winning the British Junior
Squash Championship uner-13s title in 2007, three years after
taking up the sport and he puts his rapid development down
to that early success.
Previous Pakistani World No.1s
January 1988 Jansher Khan – 91 months
“After just three years of playing I won my first tournament
which was the British Junior under 13 Championship,” he
said. “It was a pretty good start to my career and gave me
the encouragement to keep playing and learning.”
January 1982 Jahangir Khan – 100 months
February 1975 Qamar Zaman – 24 months
15
Australian Open - Men’s Main Draw
05-Aug-15
06-Aug-15
07-Aug-15
08-Aug-15
09-Aug-15
[1] Cameron Pilley (AUS)
15:45 crt 1
Joel Makin (WAL)
18:00 crt 1
Sanjay Singh Chal (MAS)
15:45 crt 4
Jonathan Maloney (ENG)
21:15 crt 51
Evan Williams (NZL)
18:45 crt 4
Qualifier
16:30 crt 3
Qualifier
16:30 crt 4
[8] Rex Hedrick (AUS)
17:15 crt 1
[6] Mahesh Mangaonkar (IND)
18:00 crt 3
Qualifier
17:15 crt 4
Steven Finitsis (AUS)
17:15 crt 4
Qualifier
18:45 crt 1
Tayyab Aslam (PAK)
13:30 crt 4
Qualifier
18:45 crt 4
Lance Beddoes NZL)
14:15 crt 1
[3] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS)
15:45 crt 1
[4] Leo Au (HKG)
13:30 crt 1
Jaymie Haycocks (ENG)
18:00 crt 4
Zac Alexander (AUS)
14:15 crt 4
Qualifier
16:15 crt 1
Paul Coll (NZL)
17:15 crt 3
Qualifier
17:15 crt 3
Matthew Hopkin (AUS)
18:00 crt 4
[7] Greg Lobban (SCO)
14:45 crt 1
[5] Nasir Iqbal (PAK)
16:30 crt 3
Valentino Bon Jovi Bong (MAS)
16:30 crt 4
Farhan Zaman (PAK)
18:45 crt 3
Douglas Kempsell (SCO)
13:45 crt 1
Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu (IND)
15:00 crt 4
[WC] Joshua Larkin (AUS)
18:45 crt 1
Qualifier
15:00 crt 1
[2] Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS)
16
Australian Open - Women’s Main Draw
05-Aug-15
06-Aug-15
[1] Annie Au (HKG)
v
Annie Au
07-Aug-15
08-Aug-15
09-Aug-15
Bye
15:45 crt 1 Jessica Turnbull (AUS)
15:45 crt 6
[11] Liu Tsz-Ling (HKG)
[12] Megan Craig (NZL)
14:15 crt 6
20:30 crt 1
Selena Shaikh (AUS)
Alexia Clonda (EST)
18:45 crt 6
15:00 crt 5
[6] Joshana Chinappa (IND)
[7] Joey Chan (HKG)
18:00 crt 5
16:30 crt 1
Teh Min Jie (MAS)
Rachel Arnold (MAS)
18:45 crt 5
13:30 crt 5
[16] Cheyna Tucker (RSA)
[9] Siyoli Waters (RSA)
17:15 crt 5
18:00 crt 1
Sachika Ingale (IND)
18:00 crt 5
Bye
v
Rachael Grinham
[3] Rachael Grinham (AUS)
[4] Delia Arnold (MAS)
17:15 crt 1
15:00 crt 1
Moana Gray (AUS)
Alexandra Fuller (RSA)
17:15 crt 5
15:45 crt 5
[14] Sarah Cardwell (AUS)
[10] Amanda Landers-Murphy
(NZL)
13:30 crt 6
15:30 crt 1
Jasmine Chan (AUS)
Reyna Pacheco (MEX)
18:00 crt 6
18:00 crt 1
[5] Line Hansen (DEN)
[8] Donna Urquhart (AUS)
16:30 crt 5
14:00 crt 1
Danielle Fourie (NZL)
Lisa Camilleri (AUS)
16:30 crt 5
15:00 crt 6
[15] Vanessa Raj (MAS)
[13] Christine Nunn (AUS)
14:15 crt 5
13:00 crt 1
Stephanie Wighton (AUS)
16:30 crt 1
Bye
v
[2] Joelle King (NZL)
Joelle King
17
Player Profiles—the Guru’s predictions
[1] Cameron Pilley – Australia WR 19
The Australian No1 has won 13 tour titles
and has a career high ranking of 11. He was
a semi finalist at the Australian Open in
2012 and reached the quarter finals of the
World Open in 2014. He has enjoyed medal
success at the Commonwealth Games
winning a bronze and gold in 2010 and
2014. In 2015 he has reached the quarter
finals at the Swedish Open and the Motor
City Open. He holds the record for the
fastest hit squash ball at 176mph.
[2] Nafiizwan Adnan - Malaysia WR 31
In Australia in 2014 the Malaysian No1 was
runner up at the Victorian Open and the Blu
Health & Rackets Open. He has won 9 tour
titles and has a career high ranking of 30. In
2014 he was a member of the Malaysian
team that were runners up at the Asian
Team Championships. In 2015 he has
reached the quarter finals at the HKFC
International and in June he was the winner
of the NZ International Classic.
[3] Ryan Cuskelly – Australia WR 35
A winner of 12 tour titles the Australian No2
won the Australian National Championships
in 2014. He has a career high ranking of 27
and won a bronze medal in the men's
doubles at 2010 Commonwealth Games. In
2015 he has reached the semi finals at the
Pittsburgh Open and won the Oregon
Open. In April he won the biggest PSA tour
title of his career so far winning the
Northern Ontario Open.
[4] Leo Au – Hong Kong WR 37
The Hong Kong No1 has enjoyed success in
Australia winning the Tasmanian and
Victorian Open in 2011 and the Blu Health
& Rackets Open in 2014. He has a career
high ranking of 33 and is the winner of 8
tour titles. In 2015 he has reached the
quarter finals of the HKFC International and
was the winner of the Gas City Pro Am. In
May he won the men's title at the Asian
Individual Squash Championships.
[5] Nasir Iqbal – Pakistan WR 47
The Pakistan No1 has won 9 tour titles and
has a career high ranking of 41. In 2014 he
was a member of the Pakistan team that
won the Asian Team Championships
beating Malaysia in the final. In 2015 he has
reached the semi finals of the Asian
Individual Squash Championships and also
won the CNS International Squash
Championships and the FMC International
Pakistan.
18
[6] Mahesh Mangaonkar – India WR 49
A winner of 4 tour titles. In 2014 he was
part of the Indian team that won a gold
medal
at
the
Asian
Team
Championships and he also represented
India at the Commonwealth Games in
Glasgow. He has a career high ranking
of 44. The Indian No2's most successful
year on the tour so far was in 2014
when he won the Open Du Gard and
JSW PSA Indian Circuit 2.
[7] Greg Lobban – Scotland WR 50
The Scottish No2 has risen steadily up
the rankings over the last 3 years
achieving a career high ranking of 50.
He has won 6 tour titles and
represented Scotland at the 2014
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. His
most successful year on the tour was in
2014 when he won 3 titles. In 2015 he
has reached the quarter finals at the
Oregon Open and was the winner of
the North of Scotland Open.
[8] Rex Hedrick – Australia WR 53
The Melbourne born player has won 8
tour titles and has a career high ranking
of 52. His most successful year on the
tour was in 2012 when he won 5 tour
titles all of them in Australia. In 2015 he
has reached the quarter finals of the
Irish Open, the HKFC International and
the NZ International Classic. He was a
semi finalist at the West of Ireland Open
and also the Christchurch International
Open.
Guru’s Dark Horse—
Steve Finitsis - Just missing out on a top
8 seeding and a tough player on home
soil.
Gur’s tip fo he tle: Camron Pily
Player Profiles—the Guru’s predictions
[1] Annie Au – Hong Kong WR 11
The
HongAu–
Kong
No1Kong
has been
[1] Annie
Hong
WR 10in the World
Top
20
for
the
last
5
years
is widely
The Hong Kong No1 has beenand
in the
World
renowned
to
be
Hong
Kong's
greatest
ever
Top 20 for the last 5 years and is widely
female
player.
She
has
a
career
high
ranking
renowned to be Hong Kong's greatest ever
of
6 andplayer.
is a former
Australian
winner
female
She has
a career Open
high ranking
in
2008.
She
won
the
Asian
Individual
of 6 and is a former Australian Open winner
Women's
2015 she
in 2008. Championship
She won thein 2014.
Asian InIndividual
has
been
a
semi-finalist
at
the
Texas
Open,
a
Women's Championship in 2014. In 2015
she
runner
up
at
the
Asian
Individual
Women's
has been a semi-finalist at the Texas Open, a
Championship
andAsian
in June
won the
HKFC
runner up at the
Individual
Women's
International.
Championship and in June won the HKFC
[6] Joshana Chinappa – India WR 28
In 2014 the Indian No2 and her partner
Dipika Pallikal won India's first squash
medal at the Commonwealth Games
winning gold in the Women's Doubles.
She has won 9 tour titles with a career
high ranking of 19. In 2015 she has
reached the semi finals of the Granite
Open, the Emerson Pro Series and the
HKFC International. She was also a semi
finalist at the Asian Women's Individual
Championships.
International.
[2]
Joelle King – New Zealand WR 57
[7] Joey Chan – Hong Kong WR 25
The winner of 5 tour titles the Hong
Kong No2 has a career high ranking of
16. In 2012 and 2014 she was a member
of the Hong Kong Women's team that
were runners up in the Asian Team
Championships. In 2013 she won the
Women's title at the East Asian Games.
So far in 2015 she has reached the
quarter finals at the Asian Individual
Women's Championship and in June
won the NZ International Classic.
A former Australian Open winner in 2009 she
is the winner of 6 tour titles and has a career
[2] Joelle King– New Zealand WR 11
high ranking of 4. At the Commonwealth
Games
in Australian
2010 she won
silver medal
in she
the
A former
Opena winner
in 2009
mixed
doubles
a titles
gold and
in the
is the winner
of and
6 tour
haswomen's
a career
doubles
and then
won a bronze
high ranking
of 4. in
At 2014
the Commonwealth
medal
the singles.
August
2014in she
Games in 2010
she wonIna silver
medal
the
suffered
a serious
which
kept
mixed doubles
andAchilles
a goldinjury
in the
women's
her
away and
fromthen
the tour
until May
when
doubles
in 2014
won2015
a bronze
she
made
the British
Open.
medal
in her
the comeback
singles. Inat August
2014
she
suffered a serious Achilles injury which kept
[3] Rachael Grinham – Australia WR 14
her away from the tour until May 2015 when
Former World No1, World Open winner and
she made her comeback at the British Open.
4 x British Open champion won the
Australian Open ten years ago in 2005. The
Australian No1 has won 7 medals at the
[3] Rachael Grinham– Australia WR 14
Commonwealth Games from 1998-2014
Former World No1, World Open winner and
including 2 gold medals. In 2015 she has
4 x British Open champion won the
been a quarter finalist at the Granite Open
Australian Open ten years ago in 2005. The
and HKFC International, has reached the
Australian No1 has won 7 medals at the
semi finals at the Texas Open and was
Commonwealth Games from 1998-2014
runner up at the Calgary Women's Open.
including 2 gold medals. In 2015 she has
been
a quarter
at the
Open
[4] Delia
Arnold –finalist
Malaysia
WR Granite
17
and
International,
the
The HKFC
Malaysian
No3 has has
had reached
a successful
semi
finals
at
the
Texas
Open
and
was
2015 so far achieving a career high ranking
runner up at the Calgary Women's Open.
of 15. She reached the quarter finals of the
Granite Open, Irish Open and HKFC
International.
She
also reached
[4] Delia Arnold–
Malaysia
WR 15 the semi
finals of the Asian Individual Women's
The Malaysian No3 has had a successful
Championships. Most notable was her
2015 so far achieving a career high ranking
reaching the British Open semi final beating
of 15. She reached the quarter finals of the
World No3 Alison Waters, World No10 Annie
Granite Open, Irish Open and HKFC
Au and World No2 Raneem El Welily along
International. She also reached the semi
the way.
finals of the Asian Individual Women's
[5] Line Hansen - Denmark WR 26
Championships. Most notable was her
With over a decade of experience on the
reaching the British Open semi final beating
tour the Danish No1 has won 13 tour titles
World No3 Alison Waters, World No10 Annie
and has a career high ranking of 18. She has
Au and World No2 Raneem El Welily along
enjoyed success in Australia before winning
the way.
the New South Wales and Black Knight
Opens in 2012. In 2015 she has reached the
quarter finals at the Granite Open and was a
semi finalist at the Emerson Pro Series, the
Calgary Women's Open and the Sharm El
Sheikh International.
[8] Donna Urquhart – Australia WR 31
The Australian No2 has a career high
ranking of 13 and has won 9 tour titles.
After representing Australia at the
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
injury forced her off the tour for the rest
of 2014. Now back competing in 2015
she has been a semi finalist at the
Winnipeg Women's Open, the Calgary
Women's Open and the Irish Open. She
was runner up at the Courtcare Open
and won the Seattle Open.
Guru’s Dark Horse—
Megan Craig - In good form with 3 tour
titles in 2015.
Gur’s tip fo he tle: Jele Kig
19
Steven Finitsis (AUS)
20
Sponsor
Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club
This is the
a
has
our
s.
year that the
Lawn Tennis Club
major
of
Victorian Open Squash
Squash & Racquetball Victoria is
to
with
one of Victoria’s
The Club will again be
prior to
played the
of the top
invited to
have
robin event.
the
for
In
- to be
24 to 26 July. Four
from the Victorian Open
and prize money in
as "the Spiritual Home of Australian
the
Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club offers
and
facilities,
and exclusive
privileges.
Kooyong is also one of
newly
as well as
views
the
this
event.
historic
a
facilities and
and
all
grass
venues. The
the
offering
Kooyong Room as well as
rooms, all set within
venue is the
for your next
just 8
of one of the
to
from the
Lawn Tennis
finest
21
CBD,
offers
Sponsors
Westerfolds Sports Centre
Westerfolds Sports Centre is a squash court, swim school
and leisure facility located in Templestowe.
Family owned and operated, we have been a local fixture
for nearly 60 years. Constructed in the 1950's, the venue
started off as a backyard swim school, subsequently adding
squash courts as the years went by.
The venue underwent a major change in the 1990's whilst
under new ownership of Ian Kent. The pool was
reconstructed, another squash court was built taking the
number to 8 and beautiful, new club room facilities added
to service the members. In recent years a Day Spa has been
added and excitingly a new Cafe is being constructed, to
open in late 2015.
Located only 20 minutes from the CBD, Westerfolds is one
of the remaining super club's in Melbourne. Offering a fully
serviced bar, complete with a pro shop for all your Squash
needs, Pennant teams, In house as well as an onsite
Personal Training Studio, we can cater for all your needs.
2 Swilk Street, Templestowe
T: 9846 1222
W: www.westerfolds.com.au
Viva Fitness Club—Keon Park
22
Sponsors
Mulgrave Country Club
This is the second year that Mulgrave
Country Club has been a major sponsor
of the Victorian Open Squash
Championships. Squash & Racquetball
Vic is delighted to associate with
Mulgrave, one of Melbourne’s most
significant member owned clubs. The
club has hosted the 2013 Metropolitan
Pennant Squash finals, 2014 Australian Closed Squash
Championship and the 2014 Bowls Victoria Premier Division
Grand Final—all unqualified successes.
Operating since 1961, Mulgrave Country Club is a wholly
member-owned and community run club offering great
hospitality and sports facilities including Bowls, Tennis,
Squash, Social Golf, Snooker, Darts and Cricket.
The Mulgrave Country Club located on the corner of
Wellington and Jells Road Wheelers Hill, has developed into
perhaps the finest licensed and sporting club in Victoria since
its Stage 1 redevelopment in early 2004 which included 3
function rooms, 300 seat bistro, café bar, terrace, legends
room, TAB, administration, kids playroom and a 72 space
underground car park.
Stage 2 of Mulgrave Country Clubs redevelopment was
completed late in 2012 and included an extension to the
underground car park creating an additional 68 spaces, 4
state of the art glass backed squash courts, upstairs function
room extension catering for up to 150 people, new members
lounge and the TAB refurbishment and extension make up
the bulk of the project. Together with the 152 seat terrace
which overlooks their immaculately groomed bowling greens,
the club has something for everyone.
The bistro features daily and seniors specials and an
extensive a la carte modern menu. Their function rooms can
accommodate 30 – 250 people and are perfect for any
corporate or special occasion including weddings.
There is always something on at the Mulgrave Country Club.
Patrons enjoy the huge selection of fun and entertainment
available throughout the week: free entertainment in the
bistro 5 nights a week, free bingo, poker and yoga, rock ‘n’
roll, Mulgrave Melodies and monthly shows.
The club prides itself on giving members and guests that little
bit of extra attention and is continually welcoming new
members. The club is also proud to contribute to the
community not only with their facilities but also through their
support of local charities, community groups, sporting clubs
and schools.
Conveniently located with 500 metres of both the Eastern
and Monash freeways, Mulgrave Country Club provides the
social, sporting and leisure infrastructure that keeps their
members and local residents healthy, vital and connected.
23
Squash Australia is strongly supported by the Australian Government, through the AIS. The AIS plays a central
leadership role in the development and operation of the Australian sports system, administering and funding
innovative sport programs and providing leadership, coordination and support for the sports sector.
Squash Australia has formed a winning partnership with the AIS to develop Squash Australia from community
participation to high performance level.
24
Sponsor
Oliver
Over the course of the past 2 years since Oliver Sports was
released into the Australian Market, it has quickly established
itself as a leading brand of squash gear and is expanding its
reach on a daily basis. Oliver was originally an Adelaide based
company and is now owned and based in Germany, with the
brand having strong recognition across Europe and we are
seeing good signs of mirroring this success in Australia.
Qatar and Iraq will make their debuts in the 2015 Men's
World Team Squash Championship which will take place
for the first time in Kuwait, from 12-18 December.
The 25th biennial World Squash Federation Championship
will feature 25 nations: Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Canada, Colombia, Egypt, England, Finland, France,
Germany, Hong Kong China, India, Iraq, Republic of Korea,
Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, Qatar,
Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and USA.
All Oliver squash racquets, bags, shoes and accessories are
engineered with the player in mind and utilise the latest
technologies and designs to ensure they are the highest quality
products with a look suited to current trends. Oliver has
racquets for all levels of players and proudly sponsors the
current World Number 6, Simon Rösner from Germany and
Australian Number 3, Christine Nunn.
England will be defending the title they won for the fifth
time, but first time since 2007, in France - where they beat
three-time champions Egypt in a dramatic final. The 2013
Championship was staged at the Palais de Sports in the
Eastern French city of Mulhouse, where action was held on
three side-by-side glass show-courts and hosts France won
the bronze medal.
Oliver Sports Australia is extremely proud of its work across the
squash community in Australia through sponsorship of
tournaments and events but even more proud of the
opportunities we provide to up and coming junior players.
Oliver currently has over 25 junior players sponsored across
Australia ranging from top ranked juniors right through to up
and coming players that need that added boost to help them
get to the next level. In addition to this, we also have the
“Creating Champions” program that is focused on support of
elite level players such as Christine Nunn and Matt Hopkin.
The 2015 line-up also includes eight-time champions
Australia and six times winners Pakistan. Stage one of the
championship is a group phase before the knockout ties of
stage two will decide all the finishing positions. Hosts
Kuwait will be looking for a top eight finish for the first
time, while newcomers Qatar will be moving up to the
senior ranks after making their debut in the World Junior
Team Championship in 2012.
Oliver is proud to be associated with both the Victorian and
Australian Opens in 2015 and being named as the “Official
Racquet Sponsor” for both events. As part of our sponsorship,
Oliver will be providing an Oliver racquet to each of the 40 kids
playing in the Secondary Schools Squash Finals at MSAC that is
being run just before the Australian Open.
A come and try demo day of all racquets is being held at MSAC
on Saturday 1st August from 9:00am onwards, so come down,
say hello and try one of the Oliver range on court. We will have
some great deals on the day so don’t miss out on the racquets
that are taking Australia by storm.
Married in Vegas...
Australian’s number one Cameron Pilley and Danish
number one Line Hansen decided on neutral territory for
their June wedding – Las Vegas. Congratulations to them
25
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Things to Know About Squash
THE FRONT WALL
Hitting the line is ‘out’ in squash and the ceiling is not in play.
THE SERVICE LINE
Serves must be above this
line. Hitting it is ‘out’.
THE TIN
All shots must be above
the tin.
THE SHORT LINE
All serves must be
beyond this line.
Hitting it is a ‘fault’.
THE BACK WALL
The ‘out’ line is 2.13m
(7 ft) high.
THE SERVICE BOX
The server must have one foot inside the service box when serving. You cannot
tread on the lines. A ‘foot-fault’ can be called if the server steps out of the box or on
the lines while serving.
CONTROL THE ‘T’
To be in the best position
to get balls on either side
and to hit attacking shots
ATTACKING SHOTS
Are usually hit to the front corners
of the court.
KEEP THE BALL DEEP
Good length is the essential
building block of squash.
Moving your opponent into
the back corners allows you to
take charge of the front of the
court.
KEEP THE BALL TIGHT TO THE
SIDE WALL
Allows your opponent limited
shot selection and attacking
moves.
27
Stringing Away: Thin and Tight? Thick and Loose?
By Steve Crandall, Ashaway
Reprinted with permission from Squashsite.co.uk
framscorner.tumblr.com site.
There are two ways to string your racquet for power,
and two ways to string for control. Both thin strings
and low string tension make the stringbed more
resilient, to generate greater “trampoline effect” and
more power. Conversely, thick strings and high tension
make the stringbed stiffer, and the flatter surface aids
ball control.
But thin strings have several advantages as well. They
dig a bit deeper into the surface of the squash ball,
generating better traction for more spin control. They
create less wind resistance, allowing the racquet to be
swung faster.
Finally, they weigh less, which should also boost swing
speed and racquet manoeuvrability. (I weighed sets of
17 and 18 gauge strings of similar construction, and the
difference was 1.82 grams, or 15%-not a huge
difference, but maybe enough to make a difference.)
So does string gauge really matter? After all, you can
make any string, thick or thin, tighter or looser. Or does
tension really matter, since you can choose a string
that’s thinner or thicker?
Yes to both questions, because there are other factors
contributing to power and control besides the
trampoline effect, and other considerations besides
power and control.
Thin strings and thick strings feel different at equal
tensions. You might think that the thinner string would
feel looser, but it doesn’t always work that way.
Trampoline effect is a function of how much further
those molecular coils can stretch when the ball hits the
string. Because the coils are already stretched pretty
straight in thin string, there is less resilience left in them.
So to attain a comparable “feel,” you actually have to
tension the thinner string a bit lower than the thicker
one.
Many of us are concerned with durability, from a
number of different standpoints. First and most
obvious is the cost of replacing strings that have either
broken or lost their tension. Second is the probability
of a lost point every time a string breaks in the middle
of a rally. Third is the inconvenience of getting the
stringing done, and perhaps being without your
favorite (or only) racquet for a time.
Here’s a quick summary:
Thin strings provide more trampoline power, deeper ball
penetration, and offer lower wind resistance and weight,
while thick strings offer greater control stiffness and
durability.
Thicker strings are more durable than thinner ones of
similar construction, but tension presents a more
complex picture. If you string at high tension and
you’re a really hard hitter, then you’re probably going
to pop a lot of strings, and the ones that don’t pop will
lose tension rapidly. If you string at high tension and
you’re a touch player, breakage won’t be a big
problem, and tension loss will be slower.
If you string at really low tension, you won’t pop a lot
of strings, and tension loss won’t be a problem, but
you may wear them out by abrasion, because at low
tension the strings tend to saw back and forth against
each other.
The molecules in racquet string fibre's tend to be
coiled up when they’re under no tension, and these
coils get straightened as the string is stretched. After
the string has been under tension for a while, the
molecules take a “set” in their straightened
configuration and stop trying to spring back to their
original shape. That’s what causes tension loss.
High stringing tension provides greater control stiffness,
but is more susceptible to "catastrophic” breakage,
while low tension provides greater trampoline
power, and is subject to more abrasion failures.
Stringing Choices
Power
Control
Durability
Thin gauge/loose tension
high
low
medium
Thin gauge/tight tension
medium
medium
low
Thick gauge/loose tension
medium
medium
high
Thick gauge/tight tension
low
medium
high
Because thin strings have to be stretched further than
thick ones in order to achieve the same tension, they
are more susceptible to tension loss.
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Line Hansen (DEN)
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Squash & Racquetball Victoria would like to thank our sponsors and partners
for their support of the 2015 Australian & Victorian Opens
Plus:
Platinum King Management, Natures Angels, Ian & Kaye Doran,
Link Pumps/John Link, Scobuilt Pty Ltd, Pio Fedrizzi.
Leo Au (HKG)
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SQUASH & RACQUETBALL VICTORIA
M: Level 2 MSAC, Aughtie Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206
T: 61 3 9682 2199
E: info@squashvic.com.au
W: www.squashvic.com.au
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