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THE UPS AND
DOWN OF REPORTING WHILE TRYING TO GET INTO THE OLYMPICS....
 One
great thing about being a “small site that is only read by
squash players, and that has no relevancy or importance in the
Olympic Bid or in the Main Stream” – as we are told – is that we
now realise that whatever we write won’t be
reviewed
/
checked
/
read by the IOC!
That's excellent news.
I know, I know. We’ve got to keep looking at the wider picture,
that one day we will all be rewarded when we can finally type
“SQUASH FINALLY OLYMPIC” as headlines. But jzzzzz, what a palava!!!!
You’ve got to understand that as far as the
Olympics/Commonwealth Games are concerned, the Press should not
be seen, heard, or even exist. Parked outside behind barriers,
no direct access to players, official or refs except from behind
a barrier in some mixed zone, the Press is waiting, and waiting,
and waiting, to finally speak with whoever accepts to come to
the mixed zone.
I lived through the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, and it was
the worst experience ever I had in my short reporting life. I am
famous for normally being too positive and painting a nice image
of nasty things, but trust me, I had rants on that event in each
and every report I wrote. And then I understood why none of the
other squash journalists bothered with the event then, clever
boys...
This
policy is very well for big sports, where you have
dozens/hundreds of journalists, you need order and discipline.
But in our small sport, where we all travel, eat, laugh, cry,
live together, that separation doesn’t exist. THANK GOD! I guess
it may come one day, but I hope I'll have retired by then...
Now, you are aware of the way we work. I watch the whole match
if I can - not like a traditional journalist that gets a story
out of the day instead of a report on each and every match as we
do on SquashSite.
Then I grab quickly each player - if they are willing to talk
- next to the court. I then run to the press office, type the
quote, if I can I make a 5m report, 10m if it's a big match, and
off I am back to my seat watching the next one.
Sometimes, I can take my laptop with me next to the court -
that's why working in Qatar/KW is so great, and that allows me
to hear what's going on in the following one as I'm typing away
quotes and reports of the previous one.
Working in the National Centre can be a bit tricky, as there are
a lot of people, and it's difficult to move in and out, but I
manage.
 Now,
when we get to the Harbour, it's a bit more complicated. The
normal seats are very far away from the court, and the stairs
don't allow the in and out really. We disturb the
spectators, the players and the TV when we move in and out.
So normally, the tournament
kindly and cleverly
gives me a seat next
to the players, which means that 1. I can speak to them as they
finish, quickly done. 2, I can buzz off to the press office
without disturbing anybody. 3, in the same token, I come back
without been seen
by the crowd, and don't disturb the play.
Still
on this occasion, because of the IOC inspection, Olympics
style had to be applied, quite logically I might stress. Meaning
what?
First, no direct access to the players after the matches as we
normally have – they were brought to the press room. Which takes
about 10, 15m. And the matches are follow on. Ah…
Meaning also no more seat conveniently placed. In that instance,
again, nobody allowed next to the court. Blast.
So. I had the choice. Either I took the seat I was given, quite high
up, and I couldn't speak with the players. Or I spoke to the
players, but then, couldn't come back to watch the matches.
So I took the only logical solution. I gave the seat back to a
delighted Tournament office as those seats are hot, and stayed
in the Press Room, to watch the matches on TV... Oh well...
I know, I know, big picture.
But still a
flipping
PALAVA!!!!
Now, let's be a bit positive.
I would like to stress how quickly Plan B was put in action by
Hong Kong Squash. How quickly, once the decision was taken to go
back to the centre, the buses were there to take James and Karim
plus the refs first, then the whole of us. National Centre
opened, air con on, water for the players, everything in place,
even the court cleaners that travelled with us on the bus with
their brooms bless them.
I truly truly believe that it was there that we showed how
Olympic we are. It's when things don't work according to plan,
and that we adapt to anything. Everybody just gets on with their
job. The players, the officials, the refs, the press. Off we go.
And we just keep on. The Squash Show must go on, and does go on.
Such a shame the IOC didn't come back to the Centre with us. It
was probably the most Olympic moment of the week....
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BABY
BOOM!!!!!!!!!
 Squash
may not be a sport where money flows,
but my LORD does it reproduces itself!!! There won't be any
shortage of 2nd generation, that's for sure.... And I'm only
looking at the players that are on the tour at the moment, or
who just retired...
As you know, David Palmer has got two girls, so has
Thierry Lincou and also Anthony Ricketts with
Shelley Kitchen - they just got married I'm told! Plus of
course, Steward Boswell and Vicky Botwright who have a
little boy.... Oh, and I cannot not mention John White
who has 3 boys and 1 girl!
 And
what about the one and only Natalie Grinham, who is back
on tour with a vengeance after having her babyboy Keiran (sorry
Nat, chose that photo, cause I just love it...)
What you may not know... Karim Darwish has a little boy,
Omar, Greg Gaultier also, Nolan. And Legend Shabana,
well, he has two girls and
very very very soon - actually, he is already 4 days late - a
little boy. And to finish, Daryl Selby's wife Lucie is
seven and a half month pregnant!
As Beng Hee just got married to lovely Winnie, let's see
how long it takes them to add their name of the long squash
parent list... |
OUPS....
 It
was a bit late on the first round/bottom half day, when Stephen
Coppinger upset Omar Mosaad, and my blond brain - already
impaired by nature - heard the South African giving credit to
"Colorado" for his victory, when in fact it was of course
"Orlando".
Well, it's all american, all with a lot of sun, three syllables,
and ending by O, so sue me!!!!
Still, "rendons à César ce qui appartient à César", let's give
credit where credit is due, and let's salute Mr David Palmer for
the great work he's been doing with Steve over the last month
that gave him the weapons to overcome the 11th world ranked
player....
Sorry Dave... |
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SUPER JANE
On each and every tournament, we
are surrounded by angels, who accompany us all along the event,
and on this one, we have Tony, Heather, Karl, Iris, Anthea, and
our Star Angel of the week, Jane Li.
 Not
only she's been working away
in the office, printing out all our infos, even my Qatar ticket
bless her, but she was also MCeeing the event at the National
Centre, where she did a great job.
Plus, she just celebrated her birthday on the first day of the
tournament, I just couldn't believe her age! She looks like
22!!!
Constantly smiling, always helpful and thoughtful, she is
exactly the reason why we do this job. To meet people like her
all around the world. |
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 Nick
Matthew and Gregory Gaultier
The Hong Kong Open is one - perhaps the only one ? - trophy missing
from Nick Matthew's impressive trophy cabinet. The second
seed, who hasn't gone past the quarter-finals since losing to
Thierry Lincou in the 2004 final, to is keen to fill that gap this
week
To get the chance, he'll probably have to get past third seed
Gregory Gaultier, who beat Matthew in last year's
quarter-finals, but has also never won the event, despite appearing
in four consecutive finals from 2007 to 2010. |
David & Shabana
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What are your
memories and impressions of Hong Kong ?
 Nick:
I’ve been going there since 2001, I missed 2008 and 2009 with
injury, but it’s right up there in my list of top tournaments and I
still have great memories of reaching the final in 2004 of course.
The first time I went to stay we were in the Renaissance Harbour
View for the first tme and I was just amazed by the hustle and
bustle in the city and the bright lights.
The Renaissance breakfasts, Hong Kong Football Club and the view
when you drive around the top of the peak are amazing. This year I’m
looking forward to finally going up on the Peak Tram.
I love the food, Sweet and Sour Chicken is my favourite, getting
around on the tram is great, the only thing I don’t like are the
upstairs courts at the Squash Centre!
 Greg:
I’ve been playing in Hong Kong since I was 18, it’s definitely one
of my top three events.
It’s always a great tournament, but playing on the harbour front is
just amazing. The people, the hospitality, the food, and the view
from the Peak Tram are fantastic, even if the weather is a bit too
humid sometimes.
My favourite food is the chicken noodles, and I use taxis to get
around mostly, there’s plenty of them!
What have been your toughest matches (so far) in HK:
Nick: Last sixteen against David Palmer in 2001.
Greg: Final with Ramy Ashour in 2010.
How has your preparation been going and what are your targets
for this year ?
 Nick:
I’ve had a good month to prepare for this and the worlds, and it’s
been going really well. It’s a tough draw, but it’s tough for
everyone - I’m just aiming to play well in my first match and take
it from there.
Greg: My preparation has been going very well, I just need to
recover from the jetlag, that’s all!
The draw looks tough as always, but I’m just looking forward to
playing and to winning all my matches! Everyone will be sizing each
other up for the worlds, but doing well in HK is important to take
some form into Qatar.
The IOC will be there. Will they be impressed ?
 Nick:
For sure, the glass court on Kowloon Harbour must be one of the most
spectacular sights in world sport. I haven’t played there myself
yet, but I hope to one day, it looks great.
I hope the fans come and support us in mass numbers, and create an
atmosphere not to be forgotten.
Greg: HK always does a great job, so I’m sure the IOC will be
impressed.
We need to communicate as much as possible about our great sport,
and we need lots of people to come and support the event.
Playing on the harbour feels great, but it’s very hot! |
HK in three words:
Nick: Hustle And Bustle
Greg: Warm, Crowded, Enjoyable. |
 En Bref Issue
#2
Issue #1
Everything
you didn't know you needed to know about
the Hong Kong Open ... |
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 James
Willstrop - HK Q&A
James Willstrop became world number one at the start of this
year on the back of three major tournament victories in a row, and
it was here in Hong Kong where that run started.
Coming back to HK as world number one and top seed, we asked James a
few HK questions ...
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David & Shabana
Marwan
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 What
are our favourite memories of HK,
and what do you like about the place ?
I’ve been to HK nine or ten times, but in squash terms my best
memory is winning here last year, of course. It’s also was where I
first properly met Vanessa, so clearly it is a game changing place!
The food ain’t half bad, Veggie Noodles in soy sauce is my
favourite, but I think it is the people and the atmosphere around
the place I like the most.
I haven't even mentioned that unbelievable skyline, or the amazing
venue for the glass.
 What
was the best or toughest match you ever played in HK ?
Best, perhaps the semis and final last year, or when I beat Jonathan
Power at the worlds in 2005. Toughest was against Shabana, semi
final in 2006.
How has your preparation for HK been going and what’s your
aims for this year ?
Preparation has bee going quite well. I can't complain. The draw is
hard, as is every draw in a World Series event, but winning would do
just fine!
 The
IOC will be in HK this year, will they be impressed ?
They absolutely will.
If the organisers can arrange for there to be no rain that would
help, otherwise the squash will do the talking.
What does it feel like playing on the harbour front ?
It is staggering. In the intensity of the match, sometimes I try to
remember how ridiculous it is playing in a glass box on the harbour
front of one of the most visually alluring cities on the planet.
I’m looking forward to hopefully playing there again of course, and
enjoying the place as usual.
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HK in three words: Vast Neon Hustle |
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 Jenny
Duncalf - HK Q&A
World number two for the best part of three years, England's
Jenny Duncalf has appeared regularly in the later stages of the
Hong Kong Open.
She's never won it - Nicol David has had the monopoly rights on the
title - but is looking forward to another HK campaign ...
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 What
is your favourite memory of HK - squash ?
I’ve been to HK ten times or so, my best squash memories are
reaching the final and also when I was younger getting to see the
top players, PSA & WSA in action on a big stage.
What is your favourite memory of HK - not squash ?
Hmm I think probably the 1st time I came here for a small tournament
when everything was new still. Heather looked after us really well &
and I was taking in all the sights & experiences for the first time.
What do you like most, and least, about HK ?
I love the foot massages, the turtles in the park, 'Great'
supermarket & the bright lights at night. I hate trying to open my
eyes in the morning & bad memories of food poisoning twice here.
 What
was the best or toughest match you ever played in HK ?
Not many spring to mind actually. I can remember just losing out to
Nat Grinham in five a few years ago & also beating Tania Bailey in
five maybe the round before.
What is your favourite HK food and transport ?
All sorts of food, apart from chicken from the outback steakhouse!
It's easy to get around, but I love taking the Star Ferry.
 How
has your preparation been going ?
Not bad. We've just had the World Teams so a few days at home in
between has been good. I’m just looking to play well, having some
good matches, good food & good fun!
The IOC will be in HK this year,
will they be impressed ?
I hope so! If they're not impressed then I really don't know what
they are looking for.
The harbour front has to be one of the best settings in the world.
I've played in the shopping mall before but always wished it was the
harbour instead! The back drop is stunning. |
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HK in three words:
Up and Down |
En Bref Issue
#1
Everything
you didn't know you needed to know about
the Hong Kong Open ... |
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WELCOME TO HONG KONG
 Of
course, the flight to get here was long, but a new plane, a good
French film - yes, there are a few, thank you - a nice young
lady next to me who was visiting HK for the first time, an
arrival before schedule, and it didn't feel that long. Of
course, the shuttle to Hong Kong from the Airport was just about
to leave, so didn't have to wait for more than 15s to get going.
Of course, 24m later, I was at the main Train Station, and of
course, it took me that time to get a taxi (Cubs of course, had
taken a tram the day before, bless him, he is local now).
Of course the traffic was horrendous (between 5 and 6pm), of
course I recognised the hotel, same as last year (I was secretly
hoping for the Renaissance, but no, not this year #tearinmyeyes),
and of course, they gave me a room with no window (it's bad luck
in HK to see a cemetery, so they blind the windows). Of course
was told I would move in a few days, here is hoping...
Of course, at 10pm I was absolutely knackered (8 hours ahead
from London, and no sleep on the plane), and went to bed to only
wake up at 7am - thanks Melatonine, changed my travel life. Of
course, found two tables to squat and chat away at breakfast, my
favourite moment of the day, and of course, found three adorable
players, Aisling, Lauren B and Nicolette to share their taxi with
- they never wanted me to pay bless their lovely heart.
 Of
course, as I stepped in the club, I went straight for my
favourite place in HK, the cafeteria of the Sports Centre. And
OF COURSE, the owners just greeted me with the usual "YOU...
WANT TEA"!!!!!!!
Of course ever, they fed me with lovely chicken, noodles and
other delicatessen. But they managed to surprise me... They
actually printed out the article I did last year, and have
laminated it!
Really nice to be remembered/appreciated, especially after some
rather unpleasantness that happened to us recently. Oh well, as
they say, "No man is a prophet in his own land" I'm told...
Of course, a big THANK YOU HONG KONG!!!!!....
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QUICK PRESS...
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DIPIKA PALLIKAL
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The egg ta(r)ts display... Before Steve
Cubbins.... After Steve Cubbins... |
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BIDDING
UPDATE: Squash prepares for IOC check at Hong Kong Open
Nicol
David Breezes Through to Women’s Hong Kong Squash
Open Quarter Finals
Sheffield’s
Nick Matthew aiming for
a place in last eight
Matthew’s
chance for rare hat-trick
QSF
ready to host Men’s World Open Squash Championship
