Robert Edwards, PSA Technical Director and
'the Voice of Squash' reflects on 2004 ...

It's Christmas and a good time to reflect on what a good year 2004 was - It was a year of changes, surprises and some sadness.

Smash Hit In Kuwait

The event in Kuwait was a smash hit - hundreds of doves and thousands of fireworks lit up the sky to honour the memory of the late Sheikha Al Saad. An event that saw Adel Alghareeb become a major Promoter and Tournament Director. James Willstrop became a certain star of the future. Under the Chairmanship of Sheikha Fadia the 2005 event promises to be another sensation.

Some out, some Back

Carol Owens chose to retire at the top of her game - she has left an indelible impression. A winner and a fighter - no shrinking violet. She leaves a lot of supporters and a wonderful record. Good luck in New Zealand Carol - I will never forget you singing in the hotel at Hurghada!! You blew MY hat off.

Anthony Ricketts came back from injury and finished the year by reaching the final of the Pakistan Open. Tough - uncompromising and a lot of colour. Nice to have you back Anthony even if you do drive me crazy at tournaments!!

Dan Jenson also did something of a Frank Sinatra by completing his come back with some excellent form and performances at the end of the season. Good to see him climbing the rankings again. Personally I thought his greatest moment was when he and I won the golf at Doha Golf Club (thanks Greg for the hospitality again) - Dan carded a gross 80 off an 18 handicap on the Championship course. The Curse came in on four of the holes to tie up the loose ends. After putting Rod Martin's game right I felt it only fair to help another wayward Aussie!! Gawain Briars & Jack Herrick never actually got into hand but they were superb in the bar!!

Bermudan Blast

The Bermudan Open was a real blast. Ross Triffitt - Kim Carter - Stephen Young and their entire gang of toughies were a sensation. By the time that they completed the build of the Glass Court they knew the difference between amateur and professional!! I now hear them saying "I don't do Glassbacks" !!!!!! (where did they get that from?). A wonderful venue and some special people.

Masters Moves

PSA enjoyed the last of the three year PSA Masters contract in Qatar. Three years of quality presentation, twinned with the Qatar Classic making Qatar the leading professional venue on both tours. The QSF certainly did a great job in hosting the PSA Masters for the three years. The final presentation was crowned by Ross Triffitt and Kim Carter coming onto court dressed in their stylish Bermuda Shorts. The announcement was made that Bermuda would host the next two years of the Masters and in 2007 host the PSA World Open. What a journey Bermuda have made - glass back exhibitions to the ultimate squash tournament. Kim & Ross were afforded typical Qatari hospitality by Nabeel Ali Bin Ali and Hisham Algosaibi. Hospitality doesn't come much better than Qatari style.

A highlight of the year for me was travelling back to Bermuda in the summer to voice the new David Palmer video (order it now it's really good - coming out early 2005).

Thanks Again, Qatar

The PSA World Open found a wonderful venue in Doha, Qatar. The QSF under the auspices of the Qatar Olympic Committee hosted a wonderful event. Certainly the players rewarded them with some magnificent squash - full of excitement and sensation. Amr Shabana lost his title in a great shoot out with David Palmer. Dave finally winning in a nail biting tie break in the fifth game. Graham Ryding had the tournament of his life beating Nick Matthew - Alex Gough and then the mighty Peter Nicol before losing a "Big One" against Thierry Lincou in the Semi - but not before taking Thierry to the very edge - a 3-2 tie break in the fifth.

My only criticism Graham was our after match interview when you said, " No, there wont be much support for me back in Canada - squash isn't very big there" ....... I had just read that John Nimick had a full house every night in Toronto for the Canadian Classic - and to think that you could have a future in marketing!!

Well done Graham, a fantastic week for you. Then the controversy of the match ball between David Palmer & Lee Beachill in the other semi - which led us into a wonderful final between Lee and Thierry. What a pity that you can't have two winners. The icing on the cake - five superb games and a nail biting finish before the Frenchman raised his hand in victory.

Having been so close last time Thierry was able to crown the best year of his life - he started in January as the Number one player in the world and ended the year as the World Champion.

Kick start for Vanessa

Vanessa Atkinson finally brought all of her talents to court to win the WISPA Qatar Classic. Like Lee Beachill I believe the Classic will kick start her to the very top - she went on to win the Women's World Open the very next week.

Finally, this year saw a new Tournament Director. For years we have worked under Hisham Algosaibi, who has become something of a legend amongst the players - the World Open saw Khalid Al Obaidly take over the reins. I can safely predict that he will enjoy the same respect that Hisham commands. It was a pleasure to work with you Khalid. Hisham, don't you dare retire from squash - the QSF and all of us want you to continue forever.