Sat 14th August, Semi-Finals
OFFICIAL: PETER NICOL
IS HUMAN AFTER ALL…
I know I know, for so many years, we have
been used to Peter never making mistakes, never being tired, never
being … human.
Well, it’s now official, Peter Nicol has good days, and bad days.
Yesterday was a good one, today, wasn’t.
Full report |
Framboise in Sheffield
Portraits
Parke,
Gough,
Ricketts, Handley,
Nicol, Whites,
Alan Moody, Parke 2
En
BREF
Snippets from Sheffield
AND THAT'S IT
FOLKS!
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ARRIVED IN SHEFFIELD!
When I opened my curtains this morning, I had the impression it was the
middle of winter!
Fog!
Couldn’t see further than the parking of the gorgeous Hilton where Eventis
was kind enough to book a room for the Press…
Now, the fog has gone, but still, not a pleasant summer day, let me tell
you!
Anyway, last night, I arrived in Sheffield, dropped my suitcase in my room,
flew to the beautiful Hallamshire club, forgot my camera in the rush, so no
photos guys, sorry, just in time to catch one match - saw a tired Davide
Bianchetti arguing with Peter Kramer, referee of the match, and also
Tournament Ref, and discovered Peter Barker's play.
And you know what?
It made it all worth it!
I was impressed, I must say. With a temperature on court that was over 30°,
he succeeded to drop the ball, especially on his forehand/left side (as he
is left-handed), and that, in itself, was already an exploit! He also was
able to delay his shots until the last second, and was forcing Bianchetti to
commit to making a choice.
The physical training the young Barker is receiving from the “Manchester
Squad”, as I call them, is showing. He was able to not only retrieve very
dangerous shots, but also to recover his balance extremely quickly, a sign
of a great strengthening ground work.
Well done, guys…
He will be playing his squad mate, another lefthander, Adrian Grant. Should
be interesting….
After the match, had a little chat with Anthony Ricketts, the “boiling to
play” Australian, and with his manager, Paul Walters. Nice to see the former
number 6 back.
Then a bite to eat with Eventis partners Tim Garner and Angus Kirkland, who
can be both proud of what their team is achieving. This second edition of
the tournament will fulfil all my expectations, I’m sure of that!
Will keep you informed, guys….
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ON MY WAY…
Framboise looks forward
to Sheffield
First tournament of the season… At last!
Yes, we have been working flat out on the site during the "quiet
season". QUIET SEASON??? When was that? Launching Kaleidoscope, a big
article on Joe Shaw, launching the French site, an even bigger article on
Malcolm Willstrop …
If that was the quiet season, not sure I can cope with the busy one…
But … No excitement. No sweat. No heart beating like the drums of
the Queen. No tears. No applause. No adrenaline.
In one word … No Squash.
I wanted to be at the qualifying rounds, but unfortunately, some of
us have to work for a living, and I won't be able to make it before late
tonight.
But at least, I'll be there tomorrow morning first thing, and will
try and make you live the atmosphere of this second edition of the Mamut
English Open, hosted by the wonderful Sheffield City Council.
Bless Mamut, and Bless Sheffield Council…. Without them, no
tournament…
This will be my first visit to Sheffield, and …
I JUST CAN'T WAIT! |
