All posts by Alan Thatcher

No return to Harvard but life goes on for Crouin By ALAN THATCHER and JEROME ELHAIK Squash in France is on lockdown because of the Coronavirus. But that hasn’t stopped French players Baptiste Masotti and Victor Crouin, ranked 41 and 42 in the world, from arranging daily training sessions.  Both players have enjoyed a successful [...]

‘After my injury I’m a master at being OK with not being able to play squash’ By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor Amanda Sobhy, the US No.1 and world No.8, is keeping busy staying fit and living life to the max during the global lockdown caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Her sunny personality, and [...]

Boris shuts bars, and squash clubs are expected to follow By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor All squash clubs in the UK are expected to close to avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus, following a government announcement today. However, one club chairman claimed the guidance was only advisory and called it a “stitch-up”. [...]

‘I am worried about by immune system, I have cancelled all my lessons and I won’t be able to pay my rent’  By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor Two squash coaches based on the south coast have shared their experiences concerning the impact on their lives of the coronavirus pandemic. Zoë Shardlow and Brian [...]

As many nations order courts to close, some UK clubs carry on with hygiene advice for members Squash Mad Reporting Team: ALAN THATCHER, JAMES ROBERTS, ALEX WAN Squash clubs across the globe are taking a mixed approach in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Some are closing their doors completely, while others are staying open and [...]

Skills and sportsmanship make it a special occasion in final men’s battle before PSA Tour shuts down By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor The quality of the squash was simply breathtaking; brilliant shot-making matched by some unbelievable retrieving. But one of the main talking points surrounding Friday’s final of the St. James’s Place Canary [...]

Mohamed-Ali’s epic Canary Wharf final is one to remember By ALAN THATCHER, GEOFF BEW and MATT COLES Egypt’s World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy claimed the St. James’s Place Canary Wharf Classic title for the second time in his career after he prevailed in a terrific final against World No.2, and compatriot, Ali Farag at the spectacular [...]

Current events Canary Wharf Classic and Black Ball Open allowed to go ahead  By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor The PSA (Professional Squash Association) have announced the suspension of the World Tour until the end of April due to the widespread effects of the Covid-19 virus. The release was issued at 11.45 am today, [...]

Stars hit top form as they set up London showdown By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor Egypt’s World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy and World No.2 Ali Farag both look to be in top form as they prepare to meet in the final of the St. James’s Place Canary Wharf Classic after defeating compatriots Tarek Momen [...]

  All-Egyptian line-up in Canary Wharf semi-finals By ALAN THATCHER, GEOFF BEW and MATT COLES Egypt’s World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy is through to the semi-finals of the St. James’s Place Canary Wharf Classic after surviving an incredible fightback from India’s Saurav Ghosal in a nailbiting last-eight clash. ElShorbagy looked to be in a comfortable position as [...]

Selby goes close against Momen but Elias is too hot for Willstrop  By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor England legends James Willstrop and Daryl Selby bowed out of the St. James’s Place Canary Wharf Classic as top seed Mohamed ElShorbagy overcame a tricky test and India’s Saurav Ghosal produced a seedings shock on day [...]

‘Playing in front of a crowd like this and with my family watching was all the motivation I needed’ By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor England’s Daryl Selby provided the biggest shock on the opening day of the 2020 St. James’s Place Canary Wharf Classic with a thrilling fightback to beat Welsh World No.10 [...]

Wild card Richie has a hunger for success By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor Richie Fallows, the rising squash star from Stratford, aims to serve up a real treat for his army of fans in the St. James’s Place Canary Wharf Classic on Sunday. He warmed up for the event by playing doubles – [...]

Willstrop and Fallows launch Canary Wharf with Makin v Selby to follow By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor The opening day of the St. James’s Place Canary Wharf Classic boasts eight blockbuster battles in Sunday’s first round at the East Wintergarden. Former world number one James Willstrop, who recently won a fourth British National [...]

After the Pyramids, the Black Ball Club is one of the great wonders of the squash world By ALAN THATCHER and ELLIE MAWSON The main draw for the women’s 2020 CIB Black Ball Squash Open has been released, with defending champion Raneem El Welily predicted to play World No.2 Nouran Gohar in the final of [...]