Canary Wharf Classic 2009

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Tickets can be booked from the
Ticket Hotline 0870 534 4444,
or online at
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Alan Thatcher Profiles
Matthew and Willstrop


Peter Nicol
Profiles the top 8


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ISS CANARY WHARF
SQUASH CLASSIC
23th-27th
March 2009
 

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Ticket Information
and Contacts

2008 Event Page
2007 Event Page
2006 Event Page

Alan Thatcher's Final Match Reports

AUSSIE ACE PALMER TAKES ISS CANARY WHARF TITLE

(4) David Palmer (Australia) beat (3) James Willstrop (Eng) 11-9, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7 (65 mins).

Australia’s David Palmer, at 32 one of the senior citizens of the PSA World Tour, clinched the 25th title of his career by beating reigning champion James Willstrop in the final of the ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic.

Palmer’s power-play at the start of the match provided the foundation for his victory. He withstood a fierce fightback from Willstrop to clinch his first Canary Wharf title 11-9, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7 after 65 minutes of high-paced squash before a sell-out crowd at the East Wintergarden venue.

Willstrop, who is due to undergo an ankle operation next week to remove a bone spur on his ankle, made no excuses after the his first defeat in his fourth Canary Wharf final.

He said: “Absolutely no excuses. David has shown all week what a great player he is. We always have great matches and at 6-1 down in the third I somehow managed to stop him winning three-love. He won the match by playing excellent squash in a very sporting manner.

“I am feeling pretty down at the moment, and my father Malcolm and Peter Nicol have tried to console me at courtside, but on reflection, when I was two-love down against Borja on Wednesday night, I would have settled for a place in the final.

“David is still a great competitor and a great champion. It’s a great era for squash and with the sport bidding for a rightful place in the Olympics we would love to play matches like this in the Olympic Games.”

Palmer said: “I know James has had injury and illness problems this year but to do what he has done this week is amazing. He is a superb player to watch and a wonderful ambassador for the sport. Our matches are always open and for two big guys we move around each other very well.

“I wish I was 22 instead of 32 as I watch these younger guys playing such great squash. I have said many times this week that I am still enjoying my squash as much as ever and will continue to play for as long as I can.”

Tournament organisers were delighted to announce a two-year extension of the title sponsorship agreement with ISS and venue providers Canary Wharf Group.
 


 .
Draw
 . Reports
 . Final
 . Semi Finals
 . Quarter Finals
 . Day Two Report
 . Day One Report
 .
Previews

 . Wimbledon Qualifying

 . Thatcher Profiles   
 . Nicol Profiles

 . Wimbledon Gallery

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Copyright SquashPics
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Australian David Palmer battles his way through to victory over Englands James Willstrop

James Willstrop knocks out world no 2 Amr Shabana

Copyright SquashPics

Qualifier Mohamed El Shorbagy beats 7th seed Nick Matthew 3-2

Copyright SquashPics
click pic for larger view

Borja Golan goes 2-0 up against James Willstrop but eventually loses in 5

David Palmer repeats his 2006 World Open final victory over Gregory Gaultier the world no 3

 
 
More Qualifying Pics from
Wimbledon Gallery



copyright Patrick Lauson
Canary Wharf Classic
East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf $52.5
 
First Round
March 23/24
Quarters
March 25
Semis
March 26
Final
March 27
[1] Amr Shabana (Egy)
11-7, 11-8, 12-10 (36m)
[Q] Davide Bianchetti (Ita)
Amr Shabana
11-5, 11-6, 11-9 (35m)
Mohamed El Shorbagy
Amr Shabana
11-7, 12-14, 7-11, 11-5, 11-3. (77m)
James Willstrop

James Willstrop
11-9, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7 (65m)
David Palmer
[7] Nick Matthew (Eng)
11-7, 5-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9 (90m)
[Q] Mohamed El Shorbagy (Egy)
[3] James Willstrop (Eng)
11-6, 11-7, 13-11 (48m)
Alister Walker (Eng)
James Willstrop
10-12, 2-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-2 (91m)
Borja Golan
[5] Thierry Lincou (Fra)
9-11, 4-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-4 (77m)
Borja Golan (Esp)
[Q] Joey Barrington (Eng)
12-10, 11-5, 11-5 (80m)
[6] Wael El Hindi (Egy)
Wael El Hindi
 12-10, 4-11, 11-7, 11-4 (63m)
David Palmer
David Palmer
11-13, 1-11, 11-7, 11-3, 11-8 (80m)
Gregory Gaultier
Tom Richards (Eng) WC
11-5, 11-8, 11-9 (41m)
[4] David Palmer (Aus)
[Q] Daryl Selby (Eng)
11-13, 11-8, 11-4, 11-9 (92m)
[8] Peter Barker (Eng)
Peter Barker
11-9, 11-8, 11-3 (50m)
Gregory Gaultier
Cameron Pilley (Aus)
11-9, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9 (70m)
[2] Gregory Gaultier (Fra)

Qualifying:

Final Qualifying
22nd March Wimbledon Racquets Club
Q  Daryl Selby bt Mark Krajcsak                            11/8, 11/9, 11/6 (61m)
Q  Joey Barrington bt Chris Simpson                     11/6, 11/6, 10/12, 2/11, 11/3 (93m)
Q  Davide Bianchetti bt Julien Balbo                      11/7, 5/11, 11/7, 11/5 (84m)
Q  Mohamed El Shorbagy bt Chris Ryder              6/11, 11/9, 11/4, 11/8 (41m)

21st March Wimbledon Racquets Club
Daryl Selby (Eng) bt Ben Ford (Eng)                           4/11, 5/11, 11/5, 11/3, 11/2 (51m)
Mark Krajcsak (Hun) bt Adrian Waller (Eng)                11/7, 8/11, 12/10, 12/10 (62m)
Joey Barrington (Eng) bt Steve Coppinger (Rsa)         11/5, 5/11, 11/8, 11/2 (60m)
Chris Simpson (Eng) bt Jesse Engelbrecht (Rsa)          11/8, 11/5, 11/2 (28m)
Julien Balbo (Fra) bt Joe Lee (Eng)                             11/5, 11/5, 8/11, 11/2 (51m)
Davide Bianchetti (Ita) bt Scott Arnold (Aus)              11/9, 11/7, 11/9 (53m)
Chris Ryder (Eng) bt Neil Hitchens (Eng)                     11/2, 11/3, 11/3 (28m)
Mohamed El Shorbagy
(Egy) bt Robbie Temple (Eng) 13/11, 11/5, 5/11, 11/9 (54m)


 

 

Screen Hire
copyright Patrick Lauson

Ticket Information and Contacts
Tickets for the 2009 ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic are on sale via Ticketmaster (
www.ticketmaster.co.uk) and the Ticket Hotline is 0844 847 2419.


Tournament Title Sponsor: ISS Facility Services, London Division
Host Sponsor: Canary Wharf Group plc
The ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic at the East Wintergarden is jointly promoted by Eventis Sports Marketing and SquashUK.
Tournament Dates:
Qualifying: March 21-22 at Wimbledon Rackets and Fitness Club.
Main draw: March 23-27, 2008
Venue: East Wintergarden, Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14

Corporate Hospitality: Superb packages are available, enabling spectators to wine, dine and watch all the gripping squash action from the Gallery restaurant within the East Wintergarden.

Full details from Tim Garner at Eventis Sports Marketing
Telephone: 07973 817468. Email:
tgarner@eventis-sports.com

Media information from Alan Thatcher
Text or telephone: 07971 639829. Email:
alan@squashuk.com
 

Reports

Alan Thatcher's S-Finals Match Reports

COMEBACK KINGS WILLSTROP AND PALMER TO MEET IN ISS CANARY WHARF FINAL

(3) James Willstrop (Eng) beat (1) Amr Shabana (Egypt)
11-7, 12-14, 7-11, 11-5, 11-3 (77 mins)

(4) David Palmer (Australia) beat (2) Gregory Gaultier (France) 11-13, 1-11, 11-7, 11-3, 11-8 (80 mins)

England’s James Willstrop thanked his physio, former Simply Red musician Sylvan Richardson, after reaching the final of the ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic.

Willstrop, who has been battling illness and injury for much of the year and faces an ankle operation next week, produced another magnificent fightback to beat top seed Amr Shabana to reach the final, where he meets Australian David Palmer, who also had to fight back from the brink of defeat to remove Gregory Gaultier of France.

No.3 seed Willstrop, the 25-year-old reigning champion from Leeds, conjured up one of the most outstanding performances of his career to win 11-7, 12-14, 7-11, 11-5, 11-3 in 77 minutes of magnificent, attacking squash.

He said: “Sylvan gave me some valuable treatment last night and I’ve booked another long session tonight. It certainly helps me to keep playing big matches day after day in major tournaments like this. I just hope the body holds up for one more day.”

Willstrop’s victory followed another spectacular recovery in the quarter-finals when he beat Spaniard Borja Golan after trailing by two games.

Willstrop started strongly against Shabana and edged home in the opening game before the Egyptian showman fought back to win the second 14-12 on the tiebreak.

Shabana, a three-times world champion, appeared to be taking the initiative as he won the third game with a dazzling array of winners.

However, Willstrop responded in emphatic style to take the fourth 11-5. By now Shabana was beginning to look tired and at one stage the 29-year-old left hander leaned against the back wall, clearly breathing heavily.

Willstrop maintained the pace and precision throughout the fifth game, controlling the court with superb length and tight, clinging drop shots.
The 6ft 5in former world junior champion added: “I felt it was match of outstanding quality. There were hardly any interruptions and we were both attacking all the way through.

“Amr had a dominant spell in the middle of he match and I knew I just had to try to stay with him. I wasn’t playing badly but he was playing some exceptional squash. Fortunately I was able to maintain that standard through to the end of the match and turn it round.”

Willstrop has a score to settle in the final when he faces Aussie veteran Palmer. The 32-year-old, now based in Boston, USA, clinched his fourth British Open by beating Willstrop in the final in Liverpool.

Palmer also staged an incredible turnaround after trailing by two games to the in-form Gregory Gaultier. His recovery was even more surprising after losing the second game 11-1.

Palmer said: “That was so embarrassing. I could hardly move in the second game. I was hanging too far back in the court and that’s not my game at all. I managed to step up the court in the third and start attacking more but basically it was just a big hack to get myself out of trouble.

“Maybe Greg relaxed a bit after winning that second game so easily and let me back in. I haven’t beaten him for a long time so it felt good to ends that losing run against him.

“James and I always have good games and for two big guys we move around each other well, so it should be a great final.

“It was nice to hear the crowd encouraging me to get back into the match but I am sure they just wanted whoever won to be tired for the final against James.”

Gaultier admitted: “No excuses from me. I can’t blame the referee or anything because it was my own fault for not closing the deal in three games. I was 5-3 up in the third and should not have lost control of the match from that position.

“That is something I must learn and try to stop it happening again in the future. David is still a very strong player and played very good squash.” (3) James Willstrop (Eng) beat (1) Amr Shabana (Egypt)
11-7, 12-14, 7-11, 11-5, 11-3. (77m)

England’s James Willstrop produced another magnificent fightback to beat top seed Amr Shabana to reach the final of the ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic.

Willstrop, the 25-year-old reigning champion from Leeds, conjured up one of the most outstanding performances of his career to win 11-7, 12-14, 7-11, 11-5, 11-3 in 77 minutes of magnificent, attacking squash.

It followed another spectacular recovery in the quarter-finals when he beat Spaniard Borja Golan after trailing by two games.

Tonight Willstrop started strongly and edged home in the opening game before Shabana fought back to win the second 14-12 on the tiebreak.

The Egyptian, a three-times world champion, appeared to be taking the initiative as he won the third game with a dazzling array of winners.

However, Willstrop responded in emphatic style to take the fourth 11-5. By now Shabana was beginning to look tired and at one stage the 29-year-old left hander leaned against the back wall, clearly breathing heavily.

Willstrop, who has won the Canary Wharf title three times, maintained the pace and precision throughout the fifth game, controlling the court with superb length and tight, clinging drop shots.

Afterwards he paid tribute to his physio, former Simply Red musician Sylvan Richardson.

Willstrop said: “Sylvan gave me some valuable treatment last night and I’ve booked another long session tonight. It certainly helps us to keep playing big matches day after day in major tournaments like this. I just hope the body holds up for one more day.”

The 6ft 5in former world junior champion added: “I felt it was match of outstanding quality. There were hardly any interruptions and we were both attacking all the way through.

“Amr had a dominant spell in the middle of he match and I knew I just had to try to stay with him. I wasn’t playing badly but he was playing some exceptional squash. Fortunately I was able to maintain that standard through to the end of the match and turn it round.

“Whoever I play in the final (Gregory Gaultier of France or Australia’s David Palmer) I know it will be another extremely tough battle.”

Alan Thatcher's Q-Finals Match Reports


WILLSTROP FIGHTS BACK TO WIN CANARY WHARF BATTLE

(3) James Willstrop (Eng) beat Borja Golan (Spain) 10-12, 2-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-2

Reigning champion James Willstrop staged a massive comeback to beat Spanish outsider Borja Golan to reach the semi-finals of the ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic.

After losing a close first game, Willstrop was overpowered in the second and was facing a quick exit from a tournament he has dominated in recent years.

However, he turned the tables to win the next two games against the battling Spaniard and then completely dominated the fifth to win 10-12, 2-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-2 in 91 minutes of brutal combat on the glass court in front of a sell-out crowd at the East Wintergarden venue.


(1) Amr Shabana (Egypt) beat (Q) Mohamed El Shorbagy 11-5, 11-6, 11-9 (35 mins)

Willstrop meets Egyptian superstar Amr Shabana in the semi-finals after the top seed from Cairo eased his way past world junior champion Mohamed El Shorbagy in straight games.

The 18-year-old Shorbagy, a student at Millfield School in Somerset, showed several flashes of brilliance but never looked in danger of repeating his shock victory over England's Nick Matthew on Monday.

Shorbagy produced his best squash near the end of the final game as he battled desperately to stay in the match and earned prolonged applause from the full-house crowd as he matched Shabana shot for shot.

(2) Gregory Gaultier (France) beat (8) Peter Barker (England) 11-9, 11-8, 11-3

The in-form Gregory Gaultier marched into the semi-finals with a straight games victory over England’s Peter Barker.

French ace Gaultier, who won last week’s PSA Super Series finals at Queen’s Club, triumphed 11-9, 11-8, 11-3 in 50 minutes of high-quality squash.

Barker said: “I played as well as I could but Greg is definitely the best player in the world at the moment.”

Gaultier claimed his improved form is down to building a solid support team of coaches, a nutritionist, psychologist and osteopath. “They keep my mind and body in good shape and I think that is why I am playing so well.

“I am really enjoying my squash and not worrying about winning or losing. I had a disaster here at Canary Wharf last year and so I want to put that right this week.

“This is a fantastic venue and everything about this tournament shows that squash deserves to be in the Olympic Games.”

  
(4) David Palmer (Australia) beat (6) Wael El Hindi (Egypt) 12-10, 4-11, 11-7, 11-4 (63 mins)

Alan Thatcher's Day Two Match Reports

Results:
(8) Peter Barker (Eng) beat (Q) Daryl Selby (Eng) 11-13, 11-8, 11-4, 11-9 (92 mins)

(2) Gregory Gaultier (France) beat Cameron Pilley (Australia) 11-9, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9 (70 mins)

(4) David Palmer (Australia) beat Tom Richards (England) 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 (41 mins)

(6) Wael El Hindi (Egypt) beat (Q) Joey Barrington (England) 9-11, 12-10, 11-5, 11-5 (80 mins)

Squash powerhouse Egypt has three players in the quarter-finals of the ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic after last night's conclusion of the first round in front of another full-house crowd at the East Wintergarden.

Number six seed Wael El Hindi overcame his training partner Joey Barrington in a late-night battle that lasted 80 minutes to join top seed Amr Shabana and world junior champion Mohamed El Shorbagy in the last eight.

While the 18-year-old Shorbagy meets his hero Shabana, a three-times World Open champion, El Hindi faces a potentially brutal battle with Australian David Palmer. 

El Hindi took 80 minutes to subdue his training partner Joey Barrington, son of the legendary Jonah, but Palmer had an easier time against Surrey wild card Tom Richards, winning in straight games.

Number two seed Gregory Gaultier, who won the PSA Super Series final last week, overcame spirited resistance from Cameron Pilley, last year's runner-up, to book a quarter-final showdown with England's No.8 seed Peter Barker.

Gaultier said: "I could hardly move my legs after the Super Series and went hokme to France to rest. I didn't touch a racket all week and I'm so glad that I was playing today and not yesterday. I could hardly stand up yesterday but the match got me moving again and I'm confident I will be OK against Barker.

"I have played him before and I know it will be difficult. He will have a lot of support but I hope to have the crowd in the palm of my hand."

Local favourite Barker, who lives less than amile from the venue in Limehouse, beat Essex team-mate Daryl Selby 3-1 in a tight match littered with lets and stoppages. It took 92 minutes to complete, the longest match in the six-year history of the Canary Wharf tournament.

Completing the quartet of top-class clashes tonight is reigning champion James Willstrop's match with Spaniard Borja Golan, who removed No.5 seed Thierry Lincou of France on Monday.

El Hindi said: "It is always difficult when you play your friends on the squash court, but you have to leave your feelings outside. It was always going to be difficult against Joey because we know each other's games inside out."

Palmer praised wild card Richards then promised to give his best against El Hindi. He said: "Tom doesn't get much opportunity to play on the glass court and it took him a while to get used to the surroundings.

Once he did he began to play very well and I was relieved to get off court in straight games.

"I am looking forward to playing El Hindi and have plenty of energy left. I am still enjoying playing and I still think I can win the big tournaments. As long as I continue to feel that way I will carry on playing."

Alan Thatcher's Day One Match Reports

STUDENT SHORBAGY MASTERS MATTHEW

(Q) Mohamed El Shorbagy (Egypt) beat (7) Nick Matthew (Eng)  11-7, 5-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9 (90 mins)

World junior champion Mohamed El Shorbagy achieved an astonishing surprise victory when he beat England’s Nick Matthew in the first round of the ISS Canary Wharf Classic. 

The 18-year-old Millfield School student, who is coached by squash legend Jonah Barrington, clinched the best result of his fledgling career as he beat the former British Open champion 11-7, 5-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9  in a brutal 90-minute marathon.

Shorbagy fought furiously to survive a match ball in the fourth game and threw himself all over the court to stay in the rally. However, Matthew was furious as he received a dead leg from his young opponent, who knocked him to the floor and played a winning shot.

At first Matthew was denied a let ball but the referee’s decision was overturned on appeal to the three-man team of officials.

Matthew played on but the Shorbagy showed amazing composure for such a young player to draw level and win the tiebreak.

Matthew was clearly struggling in the fifth as his calf seized up and from 4-4 it was Shorbagy who edged ahead to 8-5. Matthew desperately tried to stay in the match but Shorbagy held his nerve to win a pulsating contest.

Shorbagy said: “That was definitely the best result of my career. Nick is playing the best squash of his life right now and it was amazing for me to do it. I played him before in Qatar and lost 3-0 but I learned a lot from that match and knew what I had to do today. I was trying to work him deep and then go short.

“I am looking forward to playing Amr Shabana. He is like a big brother to me. He beat me in the World Open very quickly and I hope he gives me a few more points this time!”

A dejected Matthew said; “I have enjoyed a great run recently and it had to come to an end at some time, but when all is said and done I did not play well enough to win the match when I had the opportunity.   

“I was asked if I wanted an injury break when he dead-legged me but I knew if I stopped that it would just seize up, so I decided to play on. I am not using that as an excuse because he played very well.”

Amr Shabana cruises through

(1) Amr Shabana (Egypt) beat (Q) Davide Bianchetti (Italy) 11-7, 11-8, 12-10 (36 mins)

Top seed Amr Shabana cruised through to the quarter-finals, outshooting flamboyant Italian Davide Bianchetti in three games full of attractive strokeplay.

Shabana took just 36 minutes to win 11-7, 11-8, 12-10 but both players deserved the applause they received from an enthralled East Wintergarden audience.

Bianchetti admitted: “You never know how to prepare to play Amr because if you hit the ball deep he can hit winners from the back of the court. He is an incredible player and you never know what to expect next.”

Shabana was in similarly gracious mood as he said: “I have been playing Davide for years, since junior days. We need more guys like him in the game, players who are not to afraid to be heard.”

When asked about the phenomenal rise of Egyptian squash in recent years, Shabana added: “We have a squash factory back home and just keep churning them out. It is a wonderful era for us. It is our time. In the past you had an era when Pakistan dominated, then maybe Australia. Now it is our turn.”

WILLSTROP WEATHERS WALKER FIGHTBACK

(3) James Willstrop (Eng) bt Alister Walker (Eng) 11-6, 11-7, 13-11 (48 mins)

Reigning champion James Willstrop survived a massive fightback by fellow rising star Alister Walker to book a place in Wednesday's quarter finals against Borja Golan.

Willstrop won 11-6, 11-7, 13-11 in 48 minutes as the two Leeds neighbours entertained a packed crowd at the East Wintergarden venue at Canary Wharf.

Willstrop, who has won the Canary Wharf title three times, surged through the opening two games in dominant form but Walker, who has climbed to a career-best position of No.16 in the PSA world rankings, mounted a determined fightback in the third game.

At 10-6 he looked to have third game in the bag but then it was Willstrop's turn to show his experience as he fought back to 10-10 to take the game into a tiebreak.

Walker was robbed of a moment of glory when a winning shot was called down, only for the referee to overturn his own decision and play a let.

Willstrop was relieved to clinch the match in straight games and said: "Alister is showing why he has risen to the top 16 and he is playing more of the top players more often because of that.

"I was very pleased with the way I played in the opening two games but  Alister did very well to get ahead in the third. I was delighted to get off that court with a 3-0 win and now I'm looking forward to a rest day before the quarters."

A disappointed Walker admitted: "I should not have let a 10-6 lead slip away in the third. James was playing very solidly in the first two games and didn't give me a look-in, but I was very pleased with the way I played in the third. That's the kind of performance I need to put in more consistently if I am to continue to climb up the rankings and achieve a place in the top ten, which is my target for next season."

GOLAN HITS THE HEIGHTS TO REMOVE LINCOU

First round: Borja Golan (Spain)  beat (5) Thierry Lincou (France) 9-11, 4-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-4 (77 mins)

Former world champion Thierry Lincou crashed out of the ISS Canary Wharf Classic as Spanish outsider Borja Golan battled back from two games down to record an astonishing victory.

Lincou, runner-up in last week's PSA Super Series Finals at Queen's Club, tired in the fifth game as the dogged Golan battled for every point, finally triumphing 9-11, 4-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-4 in 77 minutes.

The Frenchman led 4-1 in the final game but looked physically distressed as Golan fought back and won the final ten points in rapid succession, punishing Lincou's loose play with decisive and accurate finishing.

The 32-year-old Lincou was suffering from conjunctivitis but did not use that as an excuse. He said: I just ran out of energy. It is tough playing two major tournaments back to back. I suddenly felt that I couldn't go on any more and you can't afford to do that with an opponent like Borja, who is very fit and strong and chases everything.

An emotional Golan dedicated the victory to his grandfather, who died last week. He said: I was planning to come to England much earlier to prepare for the tournament but I had to stay in Spain to support my family. My grandfather was one of my great supporters and it is a big moment for me to dedicate this match to him. Hopefully I can dedicate another match to him on Wednesday in the quarter-finals.

Final Qualifying Round Report
by ALan Thatcher

World junior champion Mohamed El Shorbagy faces a first round clash with the in-form Nick Matthew, the No.7 seed from Sheffield, in the first round of the ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic in London.
 
The Egyptian teenager beat England's Chris Ryder in the qualifying finals at Wimbledon Racquets Club to book a place in the first round draw for the second consecutive year. Shorbagy, an 18-year-old student at Millfield School, fought back after losing the opening game to win 6-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 in 41 minutes of superb squash.
 
Shorbagy said: "Nick is playing very well at the moment and there is something I need to work on. I sometimes lose my focus when I am winning and if I play like that against Nick he wil leat me alive.
 
"I played him in Qatar and he beat me 3-0, and at the moment he is very hungry and at the top of his game."
 
Shorbagy is coached at Millfield by the legendary Jonah Barrington, whose son Joey came through the longest match of the day, beating Channel Islander Chris Simpson
11-6, 11-6, 10-12, 2-11, 11-3 in 93 minutes.
 
Fiery Italian qualifier Davide Bianchetti meets top seed Amr Shabana, the three-times world champion from Egypt, after a controversial victory over Julien Balbo from France.
 
Bianchetti received a conduct stroke and several warnings about his behaviour as he beat Balbo 11-7, 5-11, 11-7, 11-5 in 84 minutes of ugly, confrontational combat.
 
The top seed in the qualifying competition, Daryl Selby, was drawn against Essex county team-mate Peter Barker, the No.8 seed following his straight-games victory over Hungary's Mark Krascjak.
 

 

Previews

WALKER FACES WILLSTROP IN CANARY WHARF MAIN DRAW

By ALAN THATCHER

RISING squash star Alister Walker achieved the best result of his career when he beat French top seed Gregory Gaultier on his way to reaching the semi-finals of last season’s ISS Canary Wharf Classic.

It was a phenomenal achievement by the 25-year-old based in Leeds, who battled his way through from the qualifying competition to reach the last four of one of Europe’s main events.

Despite a surge up the world rankings, Walker was still due to qualify again for this year’s Canary Wharf event, but an injury to Dutch No.1 Laurens Jan Anjema has given him a place in the first round on Monday night.

He is now looking forward to producing another career-defining performance at the East Wintergarden as he faces the reigning champion, James Willstrop, a three-times winner of this PSA Five Star tournament.

“It’s something of a Yorkshire derby as we both live in Leeds,” said Walker. “James is a phenomenal player so I know I will have to be at my best. The event is so strong that whoever I drew it was going to be a tough match. Playing James will be a good measure of how much I have improved.”

Walker has risen to number 16 in the latest PSA world rankings and he added: “Last year I was ranked 33 in the world and I was the top-ranked player in the qualifying tournament. This year I have gone up to 16 and I was still the No.1 seed in qualifying. That shows just how strong the main draw is.

“I can’t remember the last time I played James but I am really looking forward to it. I love playing at Canary Wharf. In fact, all the players do, which explains why the quality of the draw is so high.

“It is a real credit to the tournament and it is one of the best venues in squash. It has a fantastic atmosphere and the crowd really like to get involved, which helps the players to respond. Obviously I had a great result there last year against Gaultier, and I am looking forward to another good performance against James.”

Walker will be travelling down on Sunday and will have a practice hit on the newly-erected glass court with current world No.5 Nick Matthew, who has returned to top form after a long-term shoulder injury kept him off court for much of last year.

Walker added: “I saw a lot of Nick at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield as he was recovering from his injury as we both share the same conditioning coach, Mark Campbell.

“I saw Nick nearly every day as he was killing himself in training. He was unable to hit a squash ball because of his injury but the fitness work he put in was unbelievable.

“It has certainly paid off for him with the results he has enjoyed in the past few months and it’s amazing how he has turned a negative into something so positive. I don’t think there is a better athlete on the Tour. Nobody will beat Nick on fitness but there is so much more to his game.”

Walker admits that his own rise up the rankings has been more of a gradual, steady affair. He added: “Apart from a big win over Wael El Hindi in Qatar I have been producing steady, solid performances and reaching the last 16 of every major tournament in the past few months.

“Last year’s win at Canary Wharf over Gaultier was a huge mental boost and I have been able to build on that. I am looking forward to not having to qualify for the bigger tournaments. It can be brutal on the body if you have two qualifying matches, a tough first round and then come up against one of the top seeds in the quarter-finals.

“But that is the next step up I am hoping for next season. Of course you want to be successful all the time but you can’t rush these things. It’s a gradual process for me. I came to England a little late in my career and am getting experience in the seniors that a lot of players must have been getting in the juniors.

“I would like to thank my coach David Pearson most of all and the whole England Squash set-up, plus the staff at the EIS in Sheffield. I have lost a bit of weight in the past year but have improved physically and tactically. I have been given a good package that needs to be taken care of.”

Walker is aware of the illustrious company he is keeping, with Egypt’s three-times world champion Amr Shabana the top seed, followed by Gaultier. 

England Squash training partners Willstrop, Matthew and Peter Barker will also be looking to shine in a draw that includes former world champions Thierry Lincou, the 2006 champion, and Australia’s David Palmer, who faces Surrey wild card Tom Richards in the first round.

Walker continued: “Tom is improving and I am sure he will learn a lot from the opportunity of playing an immaculate athlete like David Palmer on the glass court. It will be a great experience for him.”

London Canary Wharf Success To Boost Squash’s Olympic Bid

Squash is working hard to claim what everyone in the sport believes is a rightful place in the 2016 Olympic Games - and another successful week with the ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic can only enhance those hopes.

The $52,500 5-star PSA World Tour event, which takes place at the East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf, London, from March 23-27, is in its sixth year and now firmly established as one of the main tournaments on the World Tour.

Event co-promoter Peter Nicol, the former world champion who achieved two individual gold medals in the Commonwealth Games, is heavily involved in the sport’s Olympic bid as a Squash 2016 Ambassador.

"The ISS Canary Wharf Classic continues to showcase the sport at the highest level, and this year we are guaranteed a spectacular event, with eight of the world’s top ten players in action," said Nicol.

"It is wonderful to see the sport of squash uniting in such a powerful and positive way to support the Olympic bid, and the leading players are totally committed to the cause.

"The dedication and commitment they show to their sport matches the core Olympic values and we know that if squash were to be granted a place on the Olympic programme then every one of the leading players would want to take part to compete for a gold medal.  It would be viewed as the highest accolade in the sport."

In a feast of entertainment for London squash fans, the Canary Wharf tournament follows the ATCO Super Series Finals, which concluded on Tuesday with Gregory Gaultier beating Thierry Lincou in an all-French final.

Both are among a star-studded draw at Canary Wharf, with Gaultier seeded two behind the mercurial Egyptian Amr Shabana, the three-times world champion from Cairo.

The top eight seeds in the 16-man tournament also include the top three English players, Nick Matthew; reigning Canary Wharf champion James Willstrop; and Peter Barker, plus Australian David Palmer and Shabana’s fellow countryman Wael El Hindi.

All three home-based players seem to have hit form at the right moment leading up the event. World No7 Willstrop, who has won the Canary Wharf title three times, put his injury and illness worries behind him as he won two of his three matches at The Queen's Club - including a first-day victory over world champion Ramy Ashour - and narrowly missed out on a place in the final despite gaining a second victory over Lincou.

Matthew, who is back up to world No5, has reached three consecutive Tour finals and is playing the best squash of his career after spending much of last year out of action with a shoulder injury.

London Limehouse resident Peter Barker, ranked 10 in the world, comes into the event fresh after winning the KL Open in Malaysia, beating fellow Londoner Adrian Grant in the final.

"Everyone connected to the event is drooling over the quality of the draw," enthused Nicol.  "Shabana, Palmer and Lincou are all former world champions and we hope that the quality of the play, performed in such a magnificent venue as the East Wintergarden, will prove to the watching world that a squash competition would be an attractive and entertaining addition to the Olympic programme.

“I was delighted to host a Squash 2016 Press Conference during the PSA Super Series Finals at Queen’s Club, and, with two major squash tournaments taking place back-to-back in London, it is a real bonanza for squash fans in and around the capital, and an opportunity for the sport to showcase itself in the best possible light."

The ISS Canary Wharf Classic continues to be at the forefront of delivering high-quality TV and internet broadcasts. A two-part highlights package will be televised on Sky Sports, with the same programme broadcast all over the world on satellite TV sports channels as part of the PSA’s global distribution network.

Every match from the event is also being broadcast live on the internet thanks to a live web-streaming operation carried out by www.psalive.tv

"The programmes will also include extensive location shots, meaning that several million people will be tuned in to the action and seeing what a wonderful venue we have at Canary Wharf," added Nicol.  "There are still a few tickets left and I would advise spectators to book up as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment."

ISS CANARY WHARF CLASSIC HIGHLIGHTS SQUASH'S OLYMPIC BID

A squash bonanza in London, with the ISS Canary Wharf Classic following the ATCO Super Series Finals, has brought the sport's bid for inclusion in the 2016 Olympics into sharp focus.

The star-studded ISS Canary Wharf Classic has attracted eight of the world's top ten players and takes place next week (March 23-27) in front of sell-out crowds at the stylish East Wintergarden venue at Canary Wharf.

Super Series champion Gregory Gaultier, from France, is No.2 seed behind Egypt's three-time world champion Amr Shabana. Reigning champion James Willstrop, who has won a hat-trick of Canary Wharf titles, is joined by fellow English stars Nick Matthew and Peter Barker among the top eight seeds.
 

EASTER COMES EARLY FOR LONDON SCHOOLCHILDREN AS WORLD’S TOP SQUASH TALENT HITS THE CAPITAL

The world’s best squash players will descend on London next week as the star studded ISS Canary Wharf Classic prepares to open it’s doors to London’s city squash fans. The event, which runs from 23rd – 27th March, will include a rare opportunity for local schoolchildren to watch the best that the sport has to offer as well as get on court at the spectacular glass East Wintergarden building, Canary Wharf.

Lucky pupils from the Mayflower Primary School, Tower Hamlets, have been invited to attend the Tuesday evening session after having been put through their paces in a one hour training session under the guidance of former world number one and event organiser, Peter Nicol MBE. Working alongside England Squash in what will be for many, their first experience of the sport, the Canary Wharf Classic will provide access for the youngsters that could become the next followers of the game.

London welcomes the event to it’s iconic business district, and the access that it gives the local community to one of the sport’s most impressive event facilities is second to none. With the sixth staging of the much anticipated tournament just around the corner, squash fans and Londoner’s alike are bracing themselves as the world’s top talent hits the capital.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said, ‘In the run up to London 2012 we need to encourage as many young people as possible to get involved in a variety of sports. I’m sure the children participating in the squash tournament will have tremendous fun and may even have such enthusiasm that they may one day become professional players.’

Peter Nicol MBE, Co-Director of tournament organiser Eventis, said, ‘We are all really looking forward to the event and having the world’s best squash players battle for the title in a location as impressive as Canary Wharf’s East Wintergarden will be terrific.’

Being able to ally this great event with several really positive grassroots initiatives makes it all the more worthwhile and enjoyable to work on. We have always been conscious of our role as a city centre event and providing these opportunities for the local community can only add to the relationship we are trying to build.’

The PSA World Tour event, which will feature eight of the world’s top ten players, sees recently crowned British Champion Nick Matthew playing on home soil for the first time since taking the national title. With Egyptian three time world champion, Amr Shabana, joining last year’s tournament champion, James Willstrop and French ace Gregory Gaultier on the bill; crowds will be sure to see some of the best action of the season.

HUGE TICKET DEMAND SEES SQUASH’S ISS CANARY WHARF CLASSIC CLOSE TO SELL OUT

The ISS Canary Wharf Classic is more popular than ever with London’s squash contingent, tickets again selling fast with little more than two weeks to go prior to the event. Running from March 23rd – 27th at Canary Wharf’s magnificent East Wintergarden, the tournament looks likely to sell out once again and squash enthusiasts are advised to book quickly to avoid missing out on the capital’s premier squash showpiece.

The world’s best players are set to hit London, with eight of the world’s top ten lining up for the first round of the draw. Egyptian three time world champion and top seed, Amr Shabana, will face a tough test against the top Englishmen in the field, including recently crowned British champion, Nick Matthew. London’s hopes will be pinned on eighth seeded Peter Barker (Upminster), who will be joined by three time Canary Wharf Classic winner and British number one, James Willstrop.

Tim Garner, Event Director, said, ‘Our ticket sales always seem to demonstrate the appeal that this event has, not only to elite squash fans, but the London public in general. We are lucky to boast a superb location as well as a world class playing field; a combination which makes for a truly great night out in the heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities.

‘I would urge squash fans to secure their seats as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. The latter stages of the tournament are sure to be played out in front of a capacity crowd!’

With prime backwall seats having sold out for the week and standard backwall available for just the remaining Monday and Tuesday sessions, fans should book early to avoid disappointment. Sidewall seats are still available for the grand final of the ISS Canary Wharf Classic.

 

SQUASH’S ISS CANARY WHARF CLASSIC BUCKS THE ECONOMIC TREND – EXTENDED ISS SPONSORSHIP, OFFICIAL HOTEL AND CANARY WHARF PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED

The ISS Canary Wharf Classic, which will take place between 23rd – 27th March, has been buoyed by the news that the country’s leading facilities services company, ISS, will be extending their association with the event for at least another two years.

The agreement, which has been extended until the 2011 tournament and will take the event into its eighth year, has been coupled with the ongoing partnership with Canary Wharf Group plc who have confirmed use of the same venue for this duration, the spectacular East Wintergarden.

Jim Hayes, Managing Director of ISS Facility Services’ London Division, said, ‘ISS are proud to extend their association with this tournament and are looking forward to another two years of top competition at the fabulous East Wintergarden. At a time when some sponsors of major sporting events are withdrawing their support, we have considered our position and found that the squash sponsorship clearly demonstrates our commitment to Canary Wharf and the customers we serve within the business community.

‘We will shortly be moving our London offices closer to the Wharf so this is the perfect opportunity to maintain our brand momentum by continuing our relationship with an event as spectacular and popular as the Canary Wharf Classic.’

The tournament, which will this year celebrate its fifth year of support from ISS, has also forged a link with hotel group, Guoman. The Tower Hotel will become the first official event hotel.

Tim Garner, Event Director, said, ‘During a period when many events of this nature are struggling, it is fantastic news that our tournament is maintaining it’s strong position on the squash calendar and in the minds of all of those who come to watch. Our continued growth will allow us to keep improving year on year, giving fans the very best of squash in a setting as fantastic as the East Wintergarden. (delete quote mark here)

‘I think our unique location and integration with local community and business has been a major factor in maintaining momentum as we look forward to hosting another spectacular week of squash!’

WORLD-CLASS DRAW IN THE ISS CANARY WHARF SQUASH CLASSIC

A galaxy of stars will be competing in this year’s ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic.

Eight of the world’s top ten players will be appearing in the capital’s top tournament, which takes place from March 23-27 at the stunning  East Wintergarden venue at Canary Wharf.

The star-studded line-up includes three former world champions, Amr Shabana (Egypt), David Palmer (Australia) and Thierry Lincou (France), plus Gregory Gaultier (France), the No.2 seed who has been a runner-up in two World Open finals.

England’s James Willstrop, a three-times winner of the Canary Wharf event, will be back to defend his title as No.3 seed but he faces the toughest possible test this year, meeting Dutch ace Laurens Jan Anjema  in the first round, followed by a potential quarter-final with Lincou and a scheduled semi-final encounter with top seed  Shabana.

England’s Mick Matthew, who last week retained his National Championship title in Manchester, is seeded seven and is drawn to face Shabana in the quarter-finals.

Co-promoter Peter Nicol, a former world champion who held the world No.1 ranking for more than five years, said: “This is the best draw we have ever had. This is our sixth year and the event just gets better and better. It is a top quality entry and we are sure to see a week of fantastic squash.”

If the seeding goes to plan, the quarter-final line-up will unfold as follows: Shabana v Matthew, Willstrop v Lincou, Palmer v Wael El Hindi (Egypt), and Gaultier v Peter Barker (England).

Tournament wild card Tom Richards, from Surrey, faces a massive obstacle in the first round when he meets Australian Palmer, one of the most consistent players at the top level of the game for the past decade. 

Nicol added: “Tom will certainly have his work cut out but it will be a huge experience for him and hopefully help him to develop his game at this level.”

The tournament promises to be another sell-out and Nicol added: “I have been involved in squash for many years as a player, but as a promoter I am absolutely drooling at the quality of squash we are guaranteed to see at Canary Wharf this year. Once again I would advise spectators to book early as tickets are going fast.”

EGYPTIAN SUPERSTAR SHABANA TO WOW CROWDS IN THE ISS CANARY WHARF SQUASH CLASSIC

Egyptian superstar Amr Shabana is all set to dazzle London audiences after confirming his entry into this year’s ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic.

Organisers are delighted that Shabana has committed to playing in the capital’s top tournament, which takes place from March 23-27 at the spectacular East Wintergarden venue at Canary Wharf.

“Shabana is the great entertainer of the modern game and we are so pleased to announce that he will be playing,” said Tournament Director Tim Garner.

“He has been the figurehead of the Egyptian squash boom and has clearly inspired so many young players. Egypt’s dominance of squash is phenomenal, and to have three of their players at the top of the world rankings is an amazing achievement.”

Shabana, the 29-year-old left-hander from Cairo, has won the World Open three times and had been world No.1 for 33 months until fellow Egyptian Karim Darwish took over that coveted position in the January rankings. Shabana is currently in second place with 20-year-old world champion Ramy Ashour third.

Canary Wharf audiences will be looking to Nick Matthew to fly the home flag after a successful recent run in which he reached the final of the Tournament of Champions in New York and won the Swedish Open and British National Championship titles.

In each of those tournaments Matthew beat fellow Englishman James Willstrop, who has won the Canary Wharf title three times.

In Sunday’s National Championship final in Manchester, Matthew beat Londoner Adrian Grant in straight games to claim his second title. Grant had a walkover in the semi-finals after his opponent, Docklands resident Peter Barker, had to withdraw because of bronchitis.

Garner said: “We wish Peter a speedy recovery in time for the Canary Wharf tournament but once again Nick showed he is back on top form after missing much of last year with a shoulder injury.”

The tournament promises to be another sell-out and Garner added: “We are looking forward to another fantastic event at Canary Wharf this year and I would advise spectators to book early as tickets are going fast.”

MATTHEW BACK IN GOOD NICK AS HE WARMS UP FOR THE ISS CANARY WHARF SQUASH CLASSIC

Hopes are high of another home triumph in the ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic following the return to top form of former British Open champion Nick Matthew.

The Sheffield-based Matthew, 28, reached the final of the Tournament of Champions in New York last week to show that he has fully recovered from the back injury that kept him off court for most of 2008 and is more than capable of competing once again at the highest level.

James Willstrop has won the Canary Wharf three times but last week he lost to his England and Yorkshire team-mate Matthew in the New York quarter-finals. Matthew, currently world No.12, went on to beat Egypt’s world champion Ramy Ashour in the semi-finals but lost a close match in the final to France’s in-form Gregory Gaultier.

Organisers are anticipating that Matthew will be one of the top seeds as the ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic returns to London for a sixth year from March 23-27.

The tournament promises to be another sell-out at the stunning East Wintergarden venue and Tournament Director Tim Garner said: “It’s great to see Nick back on top form after his injuries last year and we are looking forward to seeing him play at Canary Wharf.

“He missed the tournament last year through injury and the year before he was exhausted after winning the National Championships title the week before, so he will be looking for a good performance this year.

“When he is fully fit he is one of the strongest and fastest players on the tour. He plays the game at such a pace that he doesn’t give a shot-maker like Ramy Ashour time to settle into his game.”

Another in-form British player hoping to do well at Canary Wharf is Docklands resident Peter Barker. The world No.9 from Limehouse won the Artemis Edinburgh Open at the weekend, beating Ireland’s John Rooney in straight games in the final.

Barker’s success followed his early-season triumphs in America, where he beat Australia’s former world champion David Palmer in successive tournament finals in Chicago and Baltimore.

Tickets for the 2009 ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic are on sale via Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.uk) and the Ticket Hotline is 0844 847 2419.

Garner added: “Tickets are selling very quickly and squash fans are urged to make sure they buy theirs early to avoid disappointment.”

SIX OF THE BEST FOR ISS CANARY WHARF SQUASH CLASSIC

The ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic returns to London for a sixth year in March, marking the fifth year of sponsorship by ISS Facility Services (London). 

The tournament promises to be another sell-out at the stunning East Wintergarden venue at Canary Wharf from March 23-27. 

Yorkshire’s world No.3 James Willstrop clinched a third Canary Wharf title earlier this year when he beat Australian Cameron Pilley in a dramatic final. Willstrop had won the inaugural title in 2004, beating France’s former world champion Thierry Lincou in the final, and he gained his second success in 2007, overcoming Scotland’s John White in an epic encounter on the Harris brushes glass court. 

Co-Promoter Peter Nicol, from Eventis Sports, said: “Time flies so quickly. The 2008 tournament was a huge success back in March and here we are counting down the weeks to the 2009 event. This year’s tournament was a fantastic week for the British players, with James winning a third title and Alister Walker knocking out the top seed, Gregory Gaultier from France, to reach the semi-finals.”

Former world champion Nicol has been working hard during the summer to encourage further British successes, training on court with Peter Barker and Adrian Grant, both London-based left-handers like Nicol. Grant splits his time between Lewisham and Leeds, while Barker is now living within walking distance of Canary Wharf, having recently moved into a new apartment at Limehouse. 

Barker signalled his intentions for the new season by winning the recent Sweet Homes Open in Chicago, beating Australia’s former world champion David Palmer in a new tournament staged on an open-air glass court.

Nicol added: “The British players will all be looking forward to doing well in the forthcoming World Open in Manchester and we are all pleased to see former British Open champion Nick Matthew back on court after a lengthy absence through injury.”

Tickets for the 2009 ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic are now on sale via Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.uk) and the Ticket Hotline is 0844 847 2419. Nicol added: “Lots of my friends buy tickets as Christmas presents, especially the VIP hospitality packages. Every year we get phone calls and emails from satisfied customers who love the atmosphere at the East Wintergarden.”

The Canary Wharf Classic is a joint enterprise between Eventis Sports and Squash UK, and Nicol continued: “We are very proud of the tournament we have created in partnership with the Canary Wharf Group and ISS. They have been fantastic partners all the way through and we are all looking forward to another great tournament in March.”

Tournament Title Sponsor:
ISS Facility Services, London Division

Host Sponsor:
Canary Wharf Group plc

The ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic at the East Wintergarden is jointly promoted by Eventis Sports Marketing and SquashUK.

Tournament Dates:
Qualifying: March 21-22 at Wimbledon Rackets and Fitness Club.

Main draw:
March 23-27, 2008

Venue:

East Wintergarden, Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14

Corporate Hospitality: Superb packages are available, 

enabling spectators to wine, dine and watch all the 

gripping squash action from the Gallery restaurant 

within the East Wintergarden.

Full details from Tim Garner at Eventis Sports Marketing Telephone: 07973 817468.
Email:
tgarner@eventis-sports.com