Triple
world champion Nick Matthew has come out in support of the PSA
Tour’s trial of best-of-three games at the Canary Wharf Classic in
March.
The format will be used for the round of 16 and the quarter-finals,
reverting to best-of-five for the semi-finals and final.
Matthew said: “In my mind it’s a bit like cricket with Twenty20;
that format can contrast well alongside the more traditional side of
a Test match.
“A system based on tennis could work, with all of the major events
being best-of-five and some of the next-tier events becoming
best-of-three.
“This way you would play all the matches in the evening at the prime
time to attract more spectators. There would also be more
possibility to add a women’s event at glass-court-only venues.”
Tournament promoter Tim Garner explained the reasoning behind the
change: “Despite being sold out every year, we witness empty seats
for the first and last matches, as people can’t get there from work
or need to catch the last train home.
“We think this new format for the first three days will enable
everyone to watch and enjoy the matches they have come to see.”
Best Of Three To Be Trialled At 2018 Canary Wharf
Classic
The Professional Squash Association have today confirmed that the
2018 Canary Wharf Classic will be the first ranking PSA World Tour
event to be played using a best-of-three games scoring format.
The PSA M70 event, which takes place at London's East Wintergarden
from March 5-9, will see all round of sixteen and quarter-final
matches played under the best-of-three format, while the semi-finals
and final will revert to traditional best-of-five scoring.
"The best-of-three scoring system has featured in the season-ending
World Series Finals for the past few years and has contributed to
what have been some of the most intense and exciting matches of
recent seasons," said PSA Chief Operating Officer Lee Beachill.
"Every point matters under the shorter format, a scenario that
increases the intensity of the match from the opening exchange and
as a sport it would be foolish not to explore the wider
opportunities this format could bring to an event.
"For fans it will deliver a more intense viewing experience - with
matches played at a higher, more explosive pace - while
best-of-three matches also allow players greater recovery time
between matches, essential for them to perform at their best day-in,
day-out.
"We are excited to see how the format will work in practice during
the Canary Wharf Classic."
Tournament Promoter Tim Garner said: "Throughout our fifteen year
history the Canary Wharf Classic has embraced new technology and
developments, forging a reputation as one of the most innovative
events on the PSA World Tour.
"The best-of-three format brings a new dynamic to the sport and the
crowd at the East Wintergarden - who are amongst the best in the
world - will be treated to another instalment of world class squash
again in 2018, when the drama and skill on show will be greater than
ever before.”
