Kristi Maroc Exclusive: As the Tournament of Champions gets under way, Ramy Ashour goes under the knife in New York
By KRISTI MAROC – Squash Mad USA Editor
As the prestigious 2015 JP Morgan Tournament of Champions kicks off, one of squash’s biggest superstars Ramy Ashour will be heading into hospital to undergo surgery.
Squash fans were saddened last week to hear that the 2014 world champion and three-time ToC winner had again succumbed to injury and would be missing the event, hosted annually at New York’s Grand Central Terminal.
Ashour has now revealed to Squash Mad that tomorrow he will be admitted into a Manhattan hospital for knee surgery on a meniscus tear…right as the qualifying rounds of the ToC commence at four clubs across the city.
After an injury-plagued year last year saw Ashour miss a large part of the season, he is understandably frustrated to be sidelined again.
“I can and will fight through another challenging process,” said Ashour.
“I believe I need to focus on getting myself back as soon as possible,” he added.
Ashour spent six months away from the courts last year, before an impressive return in November as he won the World Championship in Qatar.
However unfortunately the prosperity hasn’t continued into the start of the new year, with his withdrawal from the Tournament of Champions, one of the favourite tournaments on the tour schedule for many players, as well as the 2015 Swedish Open in February.
“I am going to miss playing in this amazing venue and I will especially miss the ToC crowds, who have the most electrifying energy,” Ashour told the ToC tournament organisers. “I cannot wait to come back next year.”
Qualifying matches for the Tournament of Champions commence Wednesday, leading up to the main draw first round on Friday.
Matches will be played at the Harvard Club, Yale Club, Princeton Club and New York Athletic Club in Manhattan.
Men’s Qualifying Draw: http://www.tocsquash.com/draws/2015-men-s-qualifying-draw.html
Women’s Qualifying Draw: http://www.tocsquash.com/draws/2015-women-s-qualifying-draw.html