Exeter strengthen title bid by signing Mohamed Elshorbagy
By Squash Mad Reporter
The English Premier Squash League, which bills itself as the world’s most prestigious squash league, starts its 31st season tomorrow (Tuesday October 21).
There will once more be 12 teams from around the UK competing for the title, with 10 trounds of league matches before the end-of-season play-offs and final.
Newcomers Everards Leicester replacing Chapel Allerton in an otherwise unchanged lineup of teams which between them boast 11 of the PSA top 20 and five of the WSA top 10 players.
Leicester will compete in the primarily Northern Division A, and are at home to Yorkshire outfit Pontefract in their opening fixture, although their signature signing, world No.9 Daryl Selby, is unavailable for the first match.
Four-time champions Benz Bavarian Duffield, who lost out in last year’s final, welcome neighbours Air IT Nottingham while Coolhurst London will start their second PSL season with a home match against the renamed Birmingham Lions.
In Division B six time and reigning champions Virgin Active Surrey HRC start with a home match against UWE/Elite Bristol.
Having added new world number one Mohamed Elshorbagy (above) to their line-up, Exeter Diamonds are expecting to challenge for the title, and will be fielding their star signing at home to Luxford/9 Group St George’s Hill, who are once again relying on mainly home-grown talent.
To complete the fixtures Team Chichester meet Winchester Racquets & Fitness, who will again have current world number one Gregory Gaultier (right) at the top of the order.
England Squash and Racketball Head of Competitions and Events Chris Nutley said: “I am delighted that Leicester have agreed to join the league allowing us to field a full complement of teams once again.
“With all team squads now confirmed we can look forward to another exciting season of PSL and I wish all teams an enjoyable and successful season.”
PSL Fixtures, Tuesday October 21.
Division A:
Benz Bavarian Duffield v Air-IT Nottingham
Coolhurst London v Birmingham Lions
Everards Leicester v Pontefract
Division B:
Exeter Diamonds v Luxford / 9 Group St George’s Hill
Virgin Active Surrey HRC v UWE / Elite Bristol,
Team Chichester v Winchester Racquets & Fitness