Walker collects the Cash from Norms

It's not often you'll see a 35-year-old ranked in the world's top ten in a physically demanding sport like squash.

Ross Norman, the man who ended Jahangir Khan's five year unbeaten run to become World Champion was one of them, and 'Norms' was confident that no-one else would make it.

So confident, in fact, that when Chris 'Willy' Walker expressed his own confidence at being able to achieve the feat Norms laid a cool £100 on the line.

That was five years ago, but it looked bad for Chris coming into 2001, as the then 33-year-old had slumped to 40 in the PSA rankings.

But a fantastic recovery, reaching the final of the British Open as a qualifier on the the day before his 34th birthday relaunched the Essex marvel's career.

He soon started to reach the later stages of tournaments again, and rocketed back up the rankings.

Last week saw Chris reach the 35 milestone, and he was definitely within that elite top ten, so this week at Broadgate it was payup time for Norms.

A gentle warm-up first, with Norms and Willy taking on Tim Garner and Stewart Boswell in a doubles exhibition before the final, then it was time to pass the cash, with Sue Wright mistress of ceremonies.

"It's a fantastic achievement," Ross told the packed house at the finals. "I never thought anyone else could do it, but Chris has proved me wrong, well done Willy!"

Norms let his true feelings slip though, when Sue planted the inevitable "how do you feel?" question.

"Well, I'm gutted about the money, actually," admitted Ross.

Happy birthday, Chris!


Well done, mate ...


Loadsamoney ...


I'm gutted!


Chris aims to invest the cash wisely ...

More about Chris on   www.chris.walker.net