THE INCREDI-BALLS – TAKE 8

David Palmer – A Growing Legend

Think age is a barrier? Ask Nick Matthew, current world number 2 and gold medal winner at the Commonwealth Games last week. Nick is 34. To hold his current ranking at that age is remarkable considering the deep pool of young players coming up – especially from Egypt. But he is not the oldest player in the top ten. Amr Shabana holds that honor – he’s 35, and is currently ranked 5^th. In fact, I was surprised to see that there are only 2 players in the world top ten that are in there 20’s. (World number 3 Mohamed El Shorbagy at 23 years old and world number 4 Ramy Ashour at 26 – both Egyptian.). The average age of the top ten squash player is 30.3 years.

Squash, it appears, is rather unlike tennis. Currently there are only 2 players in the tennis world top ten that are in their 30’s. Federer is 32 and is considered by most to be past his prime. The other is David Ferrer (also 32) from Spain ranked 8. The average age of the top ten tennis player: 27.3 years. I’m not sure why this is the case – why can squash players extend their careers further? It’s not the subject of this article, but certainly something to chew over and debate…?

David Palmer is the subject of this article. He is a very young 38. He retired from the PSA 3 years ago while he was still in the world’s top ten. Three years is long time out of professional squash. That’s not to say that he hung up his racquet, planted himself on the couch and ripped open a bag of crisps and can of coke. Although he doesn’t train and play like he used to when he was on the world tour, he still plays regularly and keeps himself in excellent physical condition. We at the DAC can certainly attest to that since we have witnessed his extraordinary athleticism first hand during the PST events here and exhibitions. Palmer is a true professional and endeared himself to our members with ease.

Even at that age, Palmer was selected to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games in the doubles portion of the squash event. His partner in the men’s doubles was Cameron Pilley (he’s 31 years old and currently Australia’s highest ranked player at 20). He also played in the mixed doubles where he partnered with another veteran player Rachael Grinham. She’s 37 and currently ranked 14 in the world. In 2004-2005, she spent 16 months as world number 1. Yeah – she can hit it.  And, take note, I am talking about the softball version of doubles, not the US hardball version. The court is the same length as a singles court but wider, and the tin is only 13 inches high as opposed to the 19 inches we are accustomed to here. They use the same ball as in singles. Scoring is best of 3 games to 11.

David Palmer and Rachael Grinham

Now, on paper, although strong, the Palmer – Grinham pairing were not favored to win the gold medal. Seeded three, they reached the gold medal match anyway where they were up against the English team of Peter Barker (world number 8, 30 years old) and Alison Waters (world number 6, and also 30 years old). It was the Australians who dominated the first game and took it 11-8, but the English pair who raced off to a healthy second game lead of 6-1. But Palmer is renowned to be a grinder, and Grinham has the experience to back him up. Inching back into the game, they saved 2 game balls before forcing a sudden death rally at 10-all, and a Peter Barker tin rewarded their efforts with a gold medal!

For the men’s final – which followed immediately after the mixed final - Palmer and Pilley reached that stage beating the English pair in the semis of James Willstrop (world number 6, 30 years old) and Daryl Selby (world number 10, 31 years old) easily 11-4, 11-4. It would be a tough final against top seeded Brits of Nick Matthew (who won the gold medal in the singles event) and Adrian Grant (world number 22, 33 years old). Grant is a lefty too. They lost the first game 11-10 in 29 minutes, but battled back strongly to take the second 11-7 to force an all or nothing 3^rd and final game. It was a back and forth encounter with England taking the early lead before Australia charged ahead to take a 9-6 advantage and 2 points away from the title. But England scraped back those 3 points to set up a tense last couple of rallies where Pilley – who has been recorded as the hardest hitter of a squash ball in the world – thundered a shot to length just out of reach of their opponents at 10-9 up to secure the win. Match length – 80 minutes,

Cameron Pilley and David Palmer

And with that, David Palmer, at the sweet old age of 38, takes home 2 gold medals. An incredible achievement. He adds to his little baggie of titles which includes 2 World Championships and 4 British Opens.

Just a side note on the doubles itself: Since I couldn’t watch of the matches live here in the US, I only saw a few snippets of highlights on the website. From that it was difficult to get a sense of how attractive the spectacle was. Initial descriptions that I read weren’t overly encouraging, but I think that had a lot to do with the fact that most of the early round matches were rather one-sided. As the tournament progressed to the finals rounds, the reports coming out were mainly positive. Which is a relief – if squash is looking to get into the Olympics, then it needs events like this – in singles and doubles – to be a hit. It appears to have been a big one. You can decide for yourself what to think of it: Squash Doubles .

That being said, I’m not convinced that squash doubles should be played at all. Doubles courts are a rarity anywhere in the world (ever seen one??), and the players that compete aren’t exactly doubles specialists. The only time they play it is during the Games. Seems strange to “invent” a doubles version of the game just to have more medals on offer. Not to take anything away from David Palmer – he still had to complete the world’s best, and he won. He’s still a Legend.

FLYING THE FLAG FOR SQUASH

2014 Commonwealth Games - Glasgow

Little is known – or cared about – in the US, regarding the Commonwealth Games. I would bet most of you (Americans that is) didn’t even realize it was that it was going on right now (as I type this article). It’s the Olympics’ forgotten red-headed stepchild international event that is restricted for countries that still bow to the Queen and have the need to etch her (much younger) image on their coins.

Nicol David (far left) carrying the flag

As an Aussie, the Commonwealth Games were (are) always a pretty big deal. Like the Olympics, it’s staged every 4 years. It’s an opportunity for us to feel like we own the sporting world for a couple of weeks since typically – in the absence of countries that are actually good – we win the medal count. (The last time Australia failed to win was 1986.) Also, on a personal level, squash is part of these Games and for the competing players the only real chance they have to win medals for their country and be recognized on the international stage.

Unfortunately, there has been virtually zero television coverage (that I can find on my basic cable package!). I would have specifically loved to have watched the squash event (obviously), but moreover, I would have been just as excited to watch the opening ceremonies. Why? Not just because I know some of the competing players personally and it would have been a buzz to see them walk out on such a big stage energized and thrilled to be a part of it, but also because squash had three flag bearers!

Nick Matthew front and center!

Current world number 1, Malaysia’s Nicol David, actually had the honor carrying the flag that represented the 8 Asian countries competing (India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Bangladesh, Maldives, Brunei) and leading them all into the arena.

Three time world champion, Nick Matthew, was selected by team England’s own athletes to carry his country’s flag and Chris Simpson (world number 23) was handed the same honor to wave the Guernsey flag during the opening ceremony as well. (Guernsey is a country in the Channel Islands between England and mainland Europe.)

For squash to have three of its athletes front and center during one of the biggest international events is nothing short of a phenomenal achievement. The spotlight would have been squarely on these players as they led their respective squads into the stadium, putting the sport of squash sharply into focus to all who were watching worldwide. Pity it didn’t reach non-Commonwealth country’s living rooms.

Guernsey's Chris Simpson

The singles portion of the squash tournament finished on July 28. Nicol David defended her Commonwealth Games gold medal from 2010 winning the final 3-0 over England’s Laura Massaro, and Nick Matthew also managed to repeat his 2010 glory in what must have been an absolute epic encounter with fellow Brit James Willstrop in the final. Nick won 11-5 in the 5^th in 99 minutes.

England completed the sweep of medals in the men’s tournament when Peter Barker won the bronze medal match 3-1 against Indian Saurav Ghosal, and New Zealander Joelle King took bronze in the women’s draw.

Next up is the doubles tournaments start which really doesn’t interest me at all, but more medals are up for grabs. It would interest the DAC members that David Palmer is representing Australia in this event and has a very decent chance of a podium finish.

 

Crowds to watch the squash have reportedly been excellent. Stands were filled to capacity as illustrated by the photo on the right. I hope the Olympic committee is taking notice. Squash (at least at the Commonwealth Games) has put itself on the map and it demands – deserves – respect. With the debacle the IOC orchestrated last year when it chose wrestling as its ‘new’ sport to include it onto the 2020 program – a ‘new’ sport that has been around since the inception of the modern Olympiad – it should (needs to) make amends. Reports have it that the IOC are looking into changing some rules in 2020 and there is hope for more sports to be included if these rules changes come into play. Squash is holding onto slim hope I believe – but a slim hope is better than no hope at all. Keeping in mind that baseball / softball came second in the voting behind wrestling, they would be the first sport to be added if room was found for them. (Again, not a ‘new’ sport for the Olympics, but an old one being reinstated.) With any luck, enough room will be made for squash as well and finally we can take our place amongst the Olympic family and wave the flag for the sport even higher.

SERVING UP THE RIGHT STUFF

Summer League final~~

I remember when I was young and in Australia, I used to have a weekly practice match with one of my team mates. For years it was a Thursday evening ritual. He was the perfect training partner since he despised losing and was one of the gutsiest squash players I have ever met. Even when the match – on paper – meant nothing. To us, it meant everything.

It was also Groundhog Day. No matter how I played, how hard I tried, how desperate I ran the ball down, how far ahead I was, without fail, week after week, I lost in 5. Every. Single. Time. He was like the Rocky Balboa that just never gave up and refused to go down.

Then, one day, I played him in a final of a real tournament. It would be our first real encounter – on paper. He was very eager to remind me of all our practice matches, all of his ‘impossible’ comebacks from 0-2 down, his death defying 10-9 in the 5^th wins…. (yes, back in those days we played to 9!). He didn’t need to remind me of course – I remembered them quite vividly. I still remember them to this day. I also remember getting cramps in my legs in the 3^rd game of that match and thinking that this time we weren’t going to go 5 games at all. I beat him 3-0 instead. Our practice matches were never quite the same after that.

Point being is that through all that time of losing to this guy, he couldn’t win when it actually mattered. Performing in do or die situations is an art in itself. Winning without pressure is… easy. Winning with consequences hanging over your head is not. I bring up this little memory because the result of the summer league finals were very much unlike the scores of when these two teams met less than a month ago in a non-finals atmosphere.

Example 1: In round 6, Paul Fershee (“Serves You Right” – SYR) beat Sean Kendall (“Technically Delinquent” – TD) 3-0. Their finals match was played early and I happened to talk a little to Sean just before the match started and he was worried that he was going to receive another spanking. Paul had only lost 2 matches all season, and Sean had only won 2. But, it meant zippo as Sean stepped up and no one was more surprised than himself as he took the 2-1 victory.

Example 2: Sante Fratarcangeli (TD) beat Jeff Gembis (SYR) 2-1 in round 6. As I’ve mentioned before in earlier articles, Jeff has slowly been getting his groove back over the last few weeks. Still, beating Sante is never an easy task. Every now and then, the inconsistency hurts him and with a little more patience and confidence, Jeff took better advantage this time around to reverse the score line and walk off with the 2-1 victory.

Example 3: Mike Rock (SYR). Just one week ago he lost to Ted Morris 1-2. Ted was subbing in this week for the absent Brian Schrage (TD) who had the excuse that he was getting married or something. I’m failing to understand how a wedding is more important than a squash match, I’ll have to sit Brian down and straighten his priorities out when he gets back from his honeymoon. Anyway, Mike put all the negative recollections aside and came out on top this week winning 2-1.

Josh Slominski and Bob Rogers

Example 4: Jay Bonahoom (TD) had a lesson earlier in the day and the first thing he asked me was to teach him how to beat Shail Arora (SYR). After losing to Shail 1-2 in round 6, he wasn’t sure how to tackle Shail’s never ending running game. I gave him a couple of basic tips, but I think the main explanation of the big turnaround had nothing to do with me, rather Jay’s new Grays racquet! Like a man possessed, and wielding his new magic wand, Jay rolled to a 3-0 win.

Example 5: Bob Rogers (TD) has a similar style to that of Shail – run every ball down like the fate of the universe depended on it, and then run some more. While you’re at it, bounce of the walls. Bob can be a rather thorny customer to deal with and one needs to display a lot of patience when on the court with him. He beat Josh Slominski (SYR) 2-1 in round 6. This time, however, Josh showed a little more staying power. There were still some ‘forced’ unforced errors (trying to do too much) but they were outweighed with the simpler concept of moving the ball safely around the court and not pushing the issue. Josh was rewarded with the 2-1 victory. (The universe is currently on shaky ground…)

Tom Healy and Alan Howard

Example 6: Alan Howard’s (SYR) weapon of choice is a supercharged, full blooded, belt the ball through the front wall and all the way to home plate in Comerica Park, kill shot. When he connects, it’s surprising the ball doesn’t embed itself in the front wall. Sometimes, that tactic works against him since if it happens to come back Alan doesn’t have a lot of time to recover! Tom Healy (TD) managed to harness that power in round 6 and beat Alan 2-1. In the closest match of the final, Tom couldn’t quite repeat that feat. He was unlucky, though as Alan squeezed a 3-0 win 15-13; 15-14; 15-14. Occasionally when the ball comes onto your strings like a cannonball, control it is a difficult prospect.

 

Two other matches also finished with a different score line than what they did in round 6 – but the winner’s didn’t change. Tom Pierce (SYR) took all 3 games from Jim Miller (he won 2-1 a month ago) and Mike Cooney (TD) did the same to Chato Hill (SYR). The remaining two matches weren’t played.

It was a fitting and deserved win for the “Serves You Right” squad. They finished on top of the ladder, and actually were placed as such from round 2 onwards. It was a complete season and the 24-17 final score proved they were the best team this summer. Congratulations, fellas!

Now is the best time of the year to work on your game – the leagues start up in October and even though that sounds like a lifetime away, it’s only 10 weeks. So, get on the practice court, play your box ladder matches, get those lessons booked in, and be ready to kick butt!

SUMMER SEMI SLUGFEST

Summer League semi-finals~~

Serves You Right v Point of No Return

It was close – just like it was in round 2 when these teams squared off. Back then, “Serves You Right” edged out the win by 2 points only, and this time the winning team got through by only five.

For the first time all season, “Serves You Right” were beaten on bonus points. “Point of No Return” collected 9 of them, one more than their opponents.  “Serves You Right” also had a sub stepping in for one of their most reliable players. Colin Bayer hadn’t lost a match all season either, but unfortunately could not play this week. With these two setbacks, could “Point of No Return” take advantage?

The evening started out well for “Serves You Right”. Jeff Gembis is getting more solid as the summer weeks progress and was too much for the scampering Dane Fossee with a 3-0 win. It was the first time these two had played against each other, I’m sure Dane will be gunning to play him again soon. “Serves You Right” continued on strongly as Josh Slominski took revenge on the round 2 result where he fell to Brian Bartes 2-1. A scrambling affair, Josh proved to be a little steadier this time around and pulled out a valuable 3-0 victory.

The news wasn’t all bad for “Point of No Return”. Tom Bejin scored 3 important points for them after taking Chato Hill for a tour de court; Josh Gershonowicz better hope he doesn’t have to stand in front of Judge Murphy anytime soon as he walked away with the 2-1 triumph; and Andrew Walawender stepped up from the previous week where he lost to Jim Smietana 2-1 and reversed the result this time around. (Jim was subbing for the absent Colin Bayer.)

However, as soon as “Point of No Return” would crawl back within a couple of points, “Serves You Right” would surge ahead again. Shail Arora came off the court bent over and heaving in gallons of oxygen, looking like he had just been slapped around by John Mann. But contrary to how it appeared, Shail had taken all 3 games. I guess amid the agony of exhaustion, I missed Shail’s sigh of relief! Paul Fershee then outplayed Peter Fromm to snatch all 3 games from him as well.

 When I received news of Ted Morris’s 2-1 victory for “Point of no Return” over Mike Rock (and according to Ted, I missed the ‘match-of-the-century’!) with one match left to play, “Serves You Right” were too far ahead to be caught. They had managed to overcome their obstacles and earn their way to the final next week. The last match was still completed – Jerry Rock lobbed and dropped his way to a 2-1 win over Alan Howard to only leave “Point of no Return” 5 points behind. Final score: 26-21.

Lob-Otomies v Technically Delinquent

This contest was even closer. This literally came down to the final match. Winner takes all. We’ll look at how we reached that point in the first place…

“Technically Delinquent” won against this team in round 5 but not all the matches were played. Bonus points would not be a factor here since both teams picked up 8 of them. The result would be decided on court. Sante Fratarcangeli gave them a good start with a hard fought, tight 2-1 win over Paul Huth and Bob Rogers complimented that with a solid 3-0 win of his own over Tom Fabbri. Bob’s match looked a little like Shail’s because when the two players walked off the court, Bob appeared the worse for wear. But I suppose that is how Bob always looks after playing squash!

Jay Bonahoom was the next to pick up a win for “Technically Delinquent” as he sent Jeff Jardine packing 3-0. Following suit, John Perkins dominated his opponent and put another 3 points on the board for his team. But the wins were starting to come in for the “Lob-Otomies” as well. Mike McCuish got the ball rolling with a 3-0 victory over Bert Donovan and not far behind him was Andy Petcoff also ripping off 3 consecutive games against Brian Schrage. Chris Tipton inched them even closer with a tough 2-1 win over Jim Miller, and after Kevin Prather’s 3-0 win, the two teams were tied 20 points apiece.

With one match reaming, all the pressure landed squarely on the two remaining players. “Technically Delinquent” was relying on Tom Healy and “Lob-Otomies” had their hopes lying all over Paul Flanagan. According to the match records, these two have only played each other in league or ladder 4 times. Paul has won 3 of those matches, including the last 2 meetings which were a 2-1 result. On paper, Paul would be slight favorite - but it really could go either way. I’m not sure either Tom or Paul were aware how much their result meant. I was not witness to the contest – they had organized the show down at a time that I crawl myself out from under the bed sheets cursing at my alarm clock.

No doubt, this epic battle eclipsed the Morris v Rock ‘match of the century’. The result was forwarded to me quietly and humbly. Healy -2 ; Flanagan – 1. With that win, “Technically Delinquent” gets through by the narrowest of margins, 22-21.

Gazing into my crystal ball, the final should be a bruising encounter. The teams played each other in round 6 and “Serves You Right” won 18-16. That day, both teams picked up the same amount of bonus points, and of the 8 matches completed, both teams won 4. Seven on those matches were 2-1. My crystal ball just went hazy. It failed to tell me who is going to win.