7: Blasts from the Past
6: Hurry up, Girls
5: Ref caught napping
4: Evans' perfect preparation
3: Fitz in flight scare
2: Great expectations
1: Jansher no-show

I partnered Rodney Martin once more, in our challenge against the PSA Chairman Jack Herrick (a nifty 21-handicapper) and Executive Director Gawain Briars (more than a bandido, off 18).

Once again we marvelled as Rodney showed that cuddly, kind-hearted, fun-loving warm spirit we all remember from his days on court (not!) as he coached me around the course. However, when you're hitting the ball 180 yards while your partner is whacking it 300 yards you don't get to see each other that much. I was definitely working much harder than Rodney.

I'll certainly remember when Jack Herrick put his third ball off the tee into the lake, at which point Gawain turned to him and said "I think this is an opportune time for a little break, boss!". Rodney just giggled and drove his ball 250 yards to the centre of the green.

However, having taken a lot of stick from my partner for fourteen holes, I managed to chip in from 60 yards to win the match. That was five hours ago, and now everyone in Doha knows about it. 

The only down side of the round was the noise emanating from the three-ball ahead of us, comprising John White, Shaun Moxham and Jonathon Power. If I never hear that phrase "get in the hole" again it will be too soon.

Jonathon won the longest drive award, with at least 325 yards, while Gawain took the closest to the hole prize on the 17th.

But, it's Rodney and I who are the Qatar champions, surprising really, as we look a little like Laurel and Hardy as a team. I wouldn't necessarily say the Rodney has warmed to me, but he did let me drive the cart and hold the prize money. The partnership is cemented, to be resumed in Antwerp for the World Open in December.

Ahmed Barada - Pop star!

Rodney Martin, World Open Champion from 1991, and his opponent, the great Jahangir Khan, 10-times British Open Champion.

Any empty seats were filled by players from the tour, male and female, waiting to experience this special occasion.

As you can imagine, there was lots of humour involved. In the pre-match interview Rodney claimed that if Jahangir tried to block him, he'd barge him out of the way. Jahangir, who's put on a few pounds since his heyday, retorted that if Rodney presented him with any problems he'd roll over the Aussie upstart.

Anyway, as the match got under way it was obvious that neither have retained their stealth and speed, but the old racket skills were still there for us to marvel at. It was great to see that Rodney Martin grip once more, as he drove in some great short kills, while Jahangir was pounding lengths like a good 'un.

The record will show that Rodney triumphed 15-6, but a captive audience will remember this match for as long as they live. It's strange to see today's Rodney Martin, full of jokes and fun, compared to the intense competitor I remember from his days on the tour, and the dignified, proud holder of the WSF presidency, revelling in his new role.

I can tell you that the after-match interview was shorter than the pre-match one, simply because Jahangir had by that time stopped breathing.

I hope we can stage a rematch next year - Jahangir says he'll lose a couple of pounds so that he can put Rodney, who was seen to punch the air as he secured a famous victory, back in his place.

If Rodney thought he had it tough today, he'll be on the receiving end of worse punishment from me tomorrow, as he and I take on Gawain Briars and Jack Herrick on the golf course.

COME BACK MAX,
ALL IS FORGIVEN
Last night the Qatar Squash Federation really pushed the boat out, treating us all to a fantastic gala dinner. After the meal and some presentations, the evening's entertainment began.

I've brought this particular man onto the squash stage many times, in many locations, but never with dancers, guitarists and drummers in attendance. His name, Ahmed Barada ... pop star.

He was fantastic.

I can't class myself as a musical expert, as I'm a confirmed supporter and fan on Max Bygraves, but I can tell you Ahmed entertained us regally, with a set of songs I can certainly describe as lively.

At the end he brought the players onto stage, and also Jahangir and his daughter - who is only about one and a half feet tall, but already moves better than some of the PSA and WISPA players. Ahmed even stayed on at the end to talk about his former career as a great squash champion.

It was a fantastic evening, and on behalf of both PSA and WISPA our grateful thanks go to the QSF.

If Paul Price is out there somewhere, sulking at the appearance of another squash singing sensation, I have a message for him - you're still my number one, Pricey, even ahead of Max Bygraves, who I have to say you remind me of. (I feel safe in saying this, since I'm sure Paul won't have a clue who Max Bygraves is!)

CRAZY CANUCKS
As you can tell, it's all happening here - dancing, singing, dining, great squash. The only ones I feel sorry for are the group of expatriate Canadians who have arrived in the hope of supporting their great favourite, Jonathon Power. I did my best to explain to them that Johnny White had some sort of Canadian connection (for an Aussie, representing Scotland, living in England, with Dutch and American connections anything is possible), but I don't think I convinced them. Nevertheless, they're staying, and are sure to have a wonderful time.

Photos from
Fritz Borchert in Doha

www.squash-u-bild.net

Linda Charman won her all-English quarter-final with Tania Bailey, winning in five games in just over the hour. In the fifth game she neatly picked her opportunities to come out on top, despite earning a code of conduct warning for an audible obscenity.

"I always get ratty on court. It's the way I get myself up. I know it's wrong but I can't help myself," said Charman. "I try not to be too gobby, but the psychologist told me that if I moan to use it help me refocus immediately. I think I did that."

Then, in the women's match of the tournament so far, Natalie Pohrer squeezed past Rachael Grinham, 10-8 in the fifth after 72 minutes of top quality squash.

By contrast, men's top seed Peter Nicol came through an intense battle with Anthony Ricketts in just 50 minutes. It wasn't plain sailing for Nicol though, as he explained  afterwards - "it was a really intense match, Anthony had obviously decided to come out and attack. He is definitely one of the end-of-the-week players. He is a youngster who deserves all praise for the way he plays his game. He has along way to go, but there is no mistaking his incredible pace of play. He does have some amazing shots."

Nicol will now face young Australian Stewart Boswell in the semi-finals, after Boswell put out Asia's last hope, Ong Beng Hee. Stewart is feeling confident. " "I stand a good chance of going to the final. I know my opponent is really tough, but then I have played solidly throughout this week. It has been one of my better performances here in Doha."

Once again Rodney Martin was in Stewart's corner offering sound advice. "I spoke to Rodney after the first game and he always comes up with good points as he did today as well. He is a great help to me," Boswell said.

I wonder whether Rodney will save his best advice for himself, when he takes on the great Jahangir tomorrow ...

BARADA'S A-BUZZIN' ...
The tournament is abuzz with anticipation with the prospect of attending tonight's gala dinner. This veritable feast is put on by the Qatar Squash Federation, president Nabeel Ali Bin Ali and the entire board, to celebrate this fine event.

The after-dinner entertainment, with Ahmed Barada and his band performing live, is a real mouth-watering package, especially to the players, who all remember Ahmed from his playing days.

I've heard a few facetious remarks such as "how do you block a bass player", but I've also had a word with some of the Egyptian players, and the word on the street is that Barada is good, very good. He'll be performing in Arabic, English and French.

John White asked me whether he would be dancing, but I told him, "John, if you want to dance with Barada, you ask him yourself!"

We look forward to seeing a young man who had a glittering career in squash starting off on a new career path. I will let you know if he's the new Gareth Gates or Will Young ...

Pohrer pounces ...

Nicol and Ricketts take a rare breather

Barada's back ...

After a couple of minutes the crowd were certainly aware of my request, but still no response from Ian. I began to wonder what was going on, when another ref wandered across and gave Ian a nudge. It turns out he was fast asleep ... good job he wasn't doing the match!

ALL IN A DAY'S WORK
After fifteen years working in professional squash, with over 160 tournaments under my belt, I experienced a first yesterday in the duties expected of me.

One of the WISPA ladies, who shall remain nameless, poked her head around my office door and, without a trace of a smile, asked what I was doing about the lack of toilet roll in the ladies'. I have to say, it was not on my to do list. I can only assume that Andrew Shelley spoils these girls.

Happily the situation was resolved, and I am currently cleaning the hotel windows and sweeping the six-acre area around the swimming pool ...

GAME ON IN DOHA
I'm delighted to say that, after some cajoling, the new WSF President Jahangir Khan has agreed to make a comeback, and will play the joy-seeking, fun-loving Aussie Rodney Martin on semi-finals day.

When I think back to the battles these two endured against each other, I suspect it won't take long for their smiles to disappear as the old competitive spirit returns with a vengeance and the game gets serious. Already players, officials and spectators are speculating on the winner.

I can reveal that Rodney has privately been to see me to arrange a 19" tin and a practice court, while Jahangir has asked me to enquire of Rodney just how many British Open titles he won during his career.

Whatever the result, this pair of greats still possess fine racket skills, and those privileged to watch will be able to say they saw two of the greatest players of all time.

Wake up, Ian ...

Can Jahangir recapture
the old magic ...

In fact, David arrived at 1am, slept, ate, had a quick practice on the court, then went on to demolish Omar Eborolossy 15/10, 15/13, 15/9. I suggested that maybe this mad panic approach to preparation had something going for it.

"It's probably perfect for me," quipped Evans, "I performed as well as if I'd been here for five days."

If David keeps playing like that he'll leave me with another problem, that of how to keep him here long enough - his airline has him booked out of here at 1pm tomorrow!

THE ONE WE ALL WANT TO SEE
The tournament is blessed with the presence of two of the best squash players ever seen, with Rodney Martin and Jahangir Khan here in their coaching and presidential roles, respectively.

I spoke to Rodney, and asked of the possibility of a "catch match" with Jahangir here on semi-finals day. Rodney agreed to the challenge, so now I just need to get Jahangir enrolled and the match will be on.

Rodney made one special request - "make sure it's a 19-inch tin!". However, I feel he will have more problems with Jahangir than mere tin height. Rodney used to complain about Jahangir's blocking, but if he thought it was bad then, he'll find that the new Jahangir has the weapons to keep the Aussie behind him on court - he's slightly larger than in his heyday ...

Whatever the result, it's guaranteed to be a packed audience if it comes off. Watch this space ...

RESULTS

"The trick to beat Del is to keep him off the front wall and that's what I did. It's always good to win the first match and there's less pressure on me now."
David Palmer

"I started a bit slow as I was getting bothered by the fireworks outside the squash hall. The noise was proving to be a major problem, as I could not concentrate properly. Players need quiet when there's a match going on. It wasn't the case when my match started."
Jonathon Power

"We are all more determined than before because we lost a world final that we know we  could have won."
Fiona Geaves

RESULTS

High winds had grounded all flights at Heathrow, and the next available flight to Doha would get Sarah here with approx. half an hour to spare before she was due on court.

I immediately set into motion arrangements for her to be met off the plane and ferried straight to the squash courts, but when I retired at around 1am it was not an easy sleep.

My slumbers were disturbed at 6.30am by a phone call from Sarah saying that she had managed to get to Dubai, and was waiting for a Qatar airlines flight to Doha. One crisis happily averted, as the courtesy car brought Sarah into the complex at 10.45am this morning, in plenty of time for her opening match. It's great to have here here, she's a special talent.

However, she told me that while she had arrived complete with rackets and shoes, the rest of her clothes and equipment was still stuck at Heathrow, and asked if I could find her some tops, skirts and knickers. I am currently going through my wardrobe ...

WHAT A SHOW ...
Tonight's Opening Ceremony was live on TV, and was a truly fantastic affair. Never has a squash tournament been honoured with such a show. There were hundreds of dignitaries, VIP's , players and spectators, and they were treated to a spectacular show featuring lasers, waterworks and fireworks you would have to see to believe.

Players who have been everywhere, seen it all, got every t-shirt, were amazed. "Unbelievable", "Fantastic", and many other superlatives were their comments. Joe Kneipp rang back from the hotel, asking me to thank the organisers for putting on such a fantastic show.

They really know how to put on a show here ...

CRUEL FOR TOMMY & MANSOOR
After the opening ceremony Peter Nicol will go on court against Pakistan youngster Mansoor Zaman. In the match of the tournament so far, Mansoor found himself 2-0 down to Tommy Berden in yesterday's qualifying final. He clawed his way back into the match, winning 17/14 and 15/14, then after 103 minutes it was 16-all in the fifth. Young Zaman went for a crosscourt nick his father would have been proud of - it rolled, and Tommy Berden left a ton of wasted sweat on court. Cruel for Tommy, cruel for Mansoor too, as his reward was to be drawn against a fresh world number one in his next match.

RESULTS

"There would have been nothing we could have done about it. The rules are clear and if she had arrived late she would have been disqualified."
Andrew Shelley

Storm nearly
blows away
Sarah's record bid

Photos courtesy
www.qatarclassic.com

There are great expectations in Doha, not just for fantastic squash from the best players of today when the main round action starts tomorrow, but also for the anticipated arrival of Jahangir Khan, the new WSF President, who is to arrive in Qatar tomorrow on his first official engagement.

Jahangir was here in March for the PSA Masters, and provided a master class on court for some of the current generation of players (albeit with a small handicap), leaving Doha unbeaten. I'm happy to serve as the great one's matchmaker once again, and I'm confident that we'll once more leave with a little extra cash in pocket.

Also due in tomorrow is Ahmed Barada, the Lion King of Egypt, who retired from squash only last year. He will be arriving in his new capacity as a professional singer, and he and his band will be performing tracks from their newly-cut album. He will have his toughest audience for his first performance, but it will be great to see him in action once more. I wonder, do they block on stage, or do they call it jamming ...

The current PSA king crooner, Paul Price, has the look of a qualifier who has just drawn the top seed. Will his crown disappear to the new challenger, or will the crowd start to chant for the young Aussie, who is also to shortly release his first album. This could be quite a clash of egos, but I'm sure everyone will enjoy first-class entertainment.

On a fashion note, young Price seems to have taken to wearing what looks like his pillowcase on his head. Speaking as someone who long ago lost my fine locks I am amazed that someone should choose to cover up a fine head of hair in such a way -  it must be some new Australian fashion.

My new golf partner, Rodney Martin, has yet to appear to take up our next challenge, professing his stomach to be the cause. There have been cruel comments from some players that the cause was not food, but having to put up with me as his partner for 18 holes. I can assure you that it was not I that made Rod sick, and that we will be victorious over all challengers.

I shall be unveiling my secret weapon on the next golf outing, taking WISPA's Andrew Shelley on course with me. Not as caddy, but as my tee-peg - he's just the perfect height ...

RESULTS

JK on his way

Barada's back ...

Pricey's Pride ...

As qualifying got under way here in Doha, there was no sign of Pakistan's squash master Jansher Khan. He has failed to arrive to take up his reserved place in the qualifying as a 'local' player. Neither I nor the organisers have heard from Jansher or the Pakistan Squash Federation.

One of my first tasks in Doha was to debrief the players returning from the Milo Challenge in South Africa. PSA President David Palmer, who won the event, was full of praise for Glenn Whittaker and his organising team for making their stay in South Africa so enjoyable. Much praise was lavished on the organisation of the event and the opportunity to play several good rounds of golf.

Speaking of which, the first Doha Golf challenge took place yesterday, where I paired my 18 handicap with Rodney Martin's impressive 4. We decided to give David Palmer and his  coach Shaun Moxham an introduction to a real man's game.

Unfortunately it all went horribly wrong as a series of chips and long putts rolled into hole after hole from the Aussie pairing.

On the 14th green the handicapping committee (consisting of myself and Rodney) was hastily convened, which ruled that the Australians had clearly cheated, purporting to play off 15, and were thus disqualified.

Rodney went on to score an impressive gross 78, although this morning he revealed that the sandwich he had consumed kept him entertained in the small room for 12 hours thereafter. I well remember being on tour with Rodney, Brett Martin and Chris Dittmar, who would always take and prepare their own food to avoid such mishaps.

We will remain as a pairing, although there is no shortage of challengers from the players. Dan and Joe Kneipp have arrived, loudly proclaiming themselves to be the best on tour. We shall see. Perhaps the handicapping committee will be called upon again. Our next challenge is against the PSA's Jack Herrick and Gawain Briars.

Doha is a wonderful, lively place, ideal for squash ... and golf. Watch this space for further updates on both ...

RESULTS

RESULTS