Despite the global coronavirus issue being topic in March; there were some interesting Squash news stories, both domestic and internationally that gave Squash fans reasons to be happy.
Even though world government officials said there needs to a lockdown, major tournaments such as the Canary Wharf Classic and Windy City Open, continued even though coronavirus was quickly becoming a global pandemic.
However, news of more people being tested positive for the coronavirus, as a precaution the PSA and World Squash Federation announced that all top-tier Squash tournaments were on hold to prevent further spread and infection.
These six stories showed the sport in a good light, thus keeping the spirits of Squash fans happy:
New English Squash pro aims for a community atmosphere at Toledo Squash Club
Now a Squash club in Toledo has recruited a new English Squash pro, who plans to create a sense of community at the club, thus you can expect this club to produce a future champion to follow in the success of Amanda Sobhy and hopefully another US-born Squash world champion:
Eddie Charlton (credit Toledo Blade)
For the full story visit Toledo Blade publication
Clubs achieve high attendance for International Women’s Day
Women’s participation in Squash is on the rise, as approximately 781 women players took part in International Women’s Day taster sessions at Squash clubs across the UK, which saw an increase of 74% in attendance compared to records of attendance since the one-day event was established.
Young Squash player raises funds in 5hr Squash marathon
A young (& future star) Squash player aged 11 from Grimsby, raised the sum of £2,000 in a 5-hour Squash marathon taking on various opponents as part of the non-stop challenge to raise money for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital, which treated two of his friends for leukemia.
For the story in the Grimsby Telegraph sports section
Penn University and ASB Squash form a beneficial partnership
One of the USA’s major universities has formed a formidable partnership with ASB Squash; the news of this major grassroots development for the US Squash scene shows how serious the Americans are about their Squash.
Photo: ASB courts at the University of Pennsylvania (Credit: PSA)
This is an interesting development and come to the next World University Squash games, you would be a fool not to consider the USA performing well against the Squash superpowers.
For the full story visit the PSA World Tour website
Munlochy squash player win 10th Scottish title
News of Scottish Squash pro, Alan Clyne’s 10th title success is bound to raise the profile of the sport in the country. Furthermore, the success will help boost their credibility on the world stage should the country enter the World Team Squash Championships with Alan as captain.
Photo: Alan Clyne – 10-time Scottish Squash Champion (Credit: Ross-Shire Journal)
For the full story visit the Ross Shire Journal
Rising Squash star wins all Egyptian Ladies final
Just before the lockdown of the top-tier Squash tournament, Hania El Hammamy (Egypt), current world No.10 beat fellow Egyptian four-time World Champion Nour El Sherbini in a thrilling 5-set match, to lift her maiden Black Ball Open title.
Video credit: PSA SQUASHTV
On her way to the final Hania (19) fought competition from experienced pros who are ranked above to defeat Nour El Sherbini.
For the full report on the 2020 Black Ball Open visit the PSA World Tour website
Truly, this is defining moment in the sport, and we can expect more successes from Hania when the sport resumes playing soon.
Squash will continue, but when is the question
As we said in a previous post Squash can continue behind closed doors with the help of live-stream technology of the matches with plenty of social media engagement- whether Squash members nations agree, then who knows when the game will resume.
To sum up, Squash is an indoor sport, hence it should not have been suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak, – and instead, members’ nations should come up with an effective plan to allow some matches to go ahead without crowds.
Let us hope Squash can resume play soon, with measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
