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ATCOsquash.com

A TINGLE FOR THE
VOICE OF SQUASH
by Robert Edwards

I am starting to get that special tingle just before a big event gets under way. I find myself transported to the venue – I can hear the familiar sounds of the Glasscourt being built – the noise of the ball on the wall as practice schedules begin – the humour and laughter as I meet up with all of the boys again. Enjoying the warm hospitality that is so typically Saudi.

After more than 20 years you would think that the magic would wear off – but no, it’s still as strong as ever.

My mind is already switched into the Saudi International Squash Tournament with its main draw fixed for the 16th to the 20th of December. They don’t come bigger – only the World Open.

Last year was the inaugural event and it was something special. Now we have to follow that success and raise the bar yet again.

I first met the man who would press the buttons that would make the event a reality – Ziad Al-Turki – in London during the summer of 2005. He is an enthusiastic amateur player with a great sense of humour!!

In the commercial world he is cutting edge, heading up an International Group of Companies with its head office in Saudi – it is one of Saudi Arabia’s largest companies, operating in such diverse fields as Automation, Telecoms, Manufacturing, Transport, Engineering plus Commercial Trading, Marine, Retail & industrial Services.

Together with his close links to the Royal Family, Ziad is a man who can make things happen.

Squash in Saudi

Zi likes nothing better than to wander unnoticed behind the courts, with his delightful family and watch the matches. He is an enthusiastic supporter who has forged strong links with the players. He has become a benefactor to the brilliant young Egyptian, Ramy Ashour. And Ramy has responded with a meteoric rise up the rankings – Ramy is seen on the tour wearing the ATCO logo with pride these days.

David Palmer and his coach, Shaun Moxham have already been to Saudi on a coaching trip with more planned for the future. Any young Saudi players with aspirations of becoming better players owe a debt of gratitude to their fellow Saudi. Ziad has certainly put his country on the squash map.

A Dramatic Draw

Today I have completed the schedule of play for this year's event and I can’t help but notice some interesting points. Most of the Egyptian players have been drawn in the same half – Amr, Ramy, Karim & Mo Abbas will be fighting for one semi final place!! Just Wael El Hindi & Ramy’s big brother Hisham in the bottom half (Wael also qualifies for the title of most fashionable Egyptian on tour these days – what a dresser!!).

The match of the first round has to be Karim Darwish taking on double World Junior Champion, Ramy Ashour. Both players are on fire and this will be one for the purist. Ramy will be keen to perform well in front of his mentor Ziad, but Karim will be out to prove a point on the Egyptian ladder.

It’s no secret that all of the boys hope to draw the wildcard in any event – well Olli Tuominen, the flying Finn, has hit the jackpot twice!!! Last year he drew Bandare Alotaibi & this year he has drawn another Saudi player - Moh’d Taher Al-Saif. For Moh’d it will be a big stage in every sense of the word. Playing a world class player on the Glasscourt as the opening match in front of a full house, that will possibly include a member of his Royal Family. Quite a day for him – I hope he rises to the occasion and performs at his best.

Predictions ... no way

I cannot remember a time on the tour when the result was so difficult to predict. Certainly you would expect the brilliant Amr Shabana to be there at the death. Lincou, Palmer & Matthew are always solid. Add the names of Jimbo Willstrop, Anthony Ricketts & Greg Gaultier and you have a cauldron of smoking guns. And I still haven’t mentioned the names of Lee Beachill & Karim Darwish.

And out there somewhere, pawing the ground like a fighting bull is young Ramy – full of youthful self belief and talent. Is it possible……………………………?

Another name I like for the future is Aamir Atlas Khan – he is carrying that famous name with some pride.

A Worthy Cause ...

It will also be nice having Jack Herrick, the Chairman of PSA join us for the event together with Gawain Briars, the PSA Chief Executive as guests of the tournament.

Once again the event links itself with a worthy cause – The Rehabilitation Society of the Eastern Province. Last year Dave Palmer and I spent a day with Zi having a tour of their amazing hospital. We saw young and old being fitted with new limbs.

From behind the scenes we witnessed at first hand the wonderful work that these dedicated people are doing for their fellow man. We did not have to be able to speak the language to see the new hope that their patients were receiving.

I know that Dave and I left there very humble. We are all proud to help again.

The Scene is Set ...

So the scene is set – a huge event to finish 2006. Every hotshot is up for it – established stars and new pretenders to the title. The PSA squash tour ends 2006 with a bang.

Of this I am certain – buckets of sweat will be spilt – new names will emerge – reputations will be dented and new ones will be made before I say those final words;

Ladies and Gentlemen the Saudi International Champion for 2006 is…………………………………………?????????????

Join us on the site as we give you the inside stories blow by blow and finally fill in the blank from above!!

Tournament Director and
PSA World Tour Technical Director