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 PetroSport
EN BREF 2008 Issue #7
Everything you never knew you needed to know about the Sky
PetroSport Open ... |
The Tournament Team
No shortage of Security at Sky |
RICHARD GRAHAM'S
BAPTISM OF FIRE
 It
was so nice to hear from the new PSA CEO, who was interviewed during
the semis by Robert. Nice touch from the Mister Big, who was able to
say a few words in Arabic to a delighted crowd…
"This is a fantastic tournament," he said, "I think I speak in the
name of the players by saying how wonderfully well organised this
event is, and I would like to thank everybody here at Petrosport,
Sky and everybody else who has been involved in its success. And
also, of course, I would like to thank the fans, who've been coming
every night, a very knowledgeable crowd indeed.
"I've met with the players this week, and I'm impressed with their
dedication and their professionalism, I don't know of many sports
where the players are so involved, and it's such a shame that they
are not recognised more widely, as they all have great
personalities. We will try and do our best for them to now reach a
wider audience, and especially in countries like Egypt."
And on live Egyptian TV, a beforehand slightly nervous Richard
successfully passed his Baptism of Fire … You are so welcome in the
Squash Family, Richard. We needed somebody like you, desperately…
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BANK ON WHEELS…
I thought I saw everything on my travels, but a Mobile Bank, that
was a first!
We had an ambulance on site, which is already very nice of the
organisers – and a full house of doctors, nurses and physios, which
is very reassuring.
But we have also a van from which you can actually take money from,
guarded by three men – well, maybe more, but that's what I saw.
Sorry, I know I'm repeating myself, but, ONLY IN EGYPT…!
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 Meanwhile
in Whitley Bay ...
It's great to see all the photos of the Egyptian sunshine and to
hear all the problems the heat is causing at the sensational Sky
complex. Wouldn't it be wonderful, too, to hear of the problems the
Beijing heat, humidity, air pollution and internet censorship were
causing all our top players ...
Meanwhile, it's Summer here in Whitley Bay (North-East England) too
- just a different type of Summer. Rain and floods we're used to,
but little piles of ice on your drive in August is taking it a
little far, don't you think ...
Wish you were here ... Steve Cubbins
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Before their semi-final Wael & Amr play
"Paper, Scissors, Stone". Great minds think alike ???
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PetroSport
EN BREF Issue #6 |
NICE HOTEL…
This is such a lovely hotel, the food is nice, the personal doesn't
know what to do to make your stay as comfortable as possible, and
the air conditioning works fine, thank Heaven.
I was still stunned to see that around 3.30 pm, as I was taking
those pics, there were fools to burn under the sun whereas the
temperature was soaring over 40°…
 But
you know the worse? One of the waiters told me that most of those
mad stupid lunatics were actually French. I'm speechless…
Still, two nice swimming pools, nice garden, lots of shadow
everywhere for the people with brain, towel service, drink and food
available 24h a day… That will do fine, thank you.
Mind you, as ever, didn't have a minute yet to enjoy the
sun/swimming pool. Not sure I'll be able to do that on this trip…
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NOT GOOD…
During his match against Olli, Wael hurt his finger. Didn't look
that
impressive, just scratched. But despite ice and all, the next day
against Adrian, it actually doubled!
Can't wait to see what it looks like tomorrow….
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RADICAL SOLUTION
One more thing I love about Egypt, they always finds solutions to
problems. For example, surely you know that refs need to have a
clear view of the court. So, you can't put people right in front of
them.
Normally, that causes problems, you've got to repeat to people,
please do not sit here, it's reserved, and explain why every time.
Well, here, they just take the seats out. And not one, but two!
Problem solved….
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MIND THAT BREAD
One thing when you stay in Egypt, is that you learn that a lot of
people are doing jobs that are long been replaced by automation in
Europe and in so many countries around the world… It’s an
improvement, surely, but we lost a lot of human work too…
For example, here, you have road sweepers, no, not like the road in
town, but the motorways, as the sand keeps wining the battle and
covering everything, trying to regain “its” desert back… For
security, you have 5 people, where we would have 1, to organise an
event like here, we’ve got probably 10 to 20 times more people than
in Europe and America. Everything is just more, I don’t know, human,
more real too.
People beep to each here all the time on the streets, to warn each
other of their presence. It’s not aggressive at all. They actually
communicate…. You say hello to everybody in the street, everywhere,
and people, even with no spoken English or French, try and talk to
you, making you feel non transparent, like you would do in other big
cities. If you go to the doctor, the windows are opened – if the
doctor is a male – and everybody gets involved, because they
actually care about you…
But one thing that I couldn’t imagine, was that the breakfast
toaster would function the Egyptian way too! I put my two pieces of
bread, and walked away.
Well, when I came back, I thought somebody had taken them. They
hadn’t. “They burnt”, told me another guest, who found that very
amusing indeed. You’ve got to stay next to it the whole time…”
But thank Heaven, as it only grills on one side, the damage was not
too bad…
Only in Cairo…. |
WELCOME TO CAIRO…
 So,
here he is, the new "Mister Big" from PSA, came to meet up with the
players firstly, but also with the promoters, the place, etc. It's
so nice to have him round, you find him constantly working here or
there, talking with players, chatting with Alex Gough, surrounded by
paper work, mobile phone, etc.
But the clever man didn't come on his own, but with his stunning
wife, Paola, originally from Colombia. Paola has been very active
too, learning to know about squash, the game, the players, even I
caught her reading our site!
Not just a pretty face, that lady…. Lucky Richard…
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PetroSport
EN BREF Issue #5 |
BENG HEE'S FAN CLUB…
It's always the quieter ones … You never hear any complains from
the Malaysian, even on the court, when he gets an awful call, he
just looks at the ref, and moves on… He is always so discreet,
so adorable…
Well on this event, he came with two charming friends of his who
not only made posters to support their friends, but also – like
for Davide in Hurghada – shirts!!!!
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"Ideas have Wings; we can never stop them from reaching people."
 Sunday-
July 27th, 2008 one day before we start our championship
official schedule & at exactly 3:30AM at that morning, one
important Egyptian person has left life, he was an international
cinema director, he left life aged 82 years old, lived a life
struggling, fighting to blow his ideas.
 Youssef
shaheen or as some write Youssef Shaheen, winner of a
lifetime achievement award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997
for his movie (al masseer) meaning The Destiny, the movie that
gathered some core ideas of chaheen & his opinion about the
continuous contradiction between terrorism and life lovers.
In one point of time some great things die, leave, making a
space, and a life birth for a lot of other things to have the
chance for a record within the history of greatness.
 We
(humans of the universe) are all connected in one main cycle
called life and the more we are contributing positively to that
world, the more we are attached to this cycle.
In my mind I see chaheen my favorite director is leaving and a
new baby championship is born and what a birth it has been given!!
From a little idea to a real thing so many great people are
gathered around and believing in.
 In
the same positive cycle of chaheen I can see all faces of the
players, referees, organizers, reporters, doctors, securities,
and drivers. I can see us; all are making a promise to build,
keep going and to succeed.
A promise grieving chaheen, stressing on one famous sentence out
of al maseer his famous movie, that "Ideas have Wings; we can
never stop them from reaching people."
Sports Marketing Specialist, Petrosport Company
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What happened ???
(courtesy of Azlan) |
INVASION OF THE LEFT-HANDERS
Blimey, guess how many of the strange people did we have in that
first round – I should know they are strange, I’m one – come on,
give it a guess. Six!
So, we had the obvious, Shabana – although I promise you
that not a long time ago in Manchester, one of the top squash
journalists asked if Shabana was left handed, I promise you it’s
true – then Peter Barker and Joey Kemp, who played
together yesterday, Adrian Grant, Farhan and LJ
Anjema.
A nice kebab of talent, wouldn’t you say? |
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Whose leg is that anyway ??? |
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PetroSport
EN BREF Issue #4 |
Love is on the air
 I
looked him in the eyes, with a face that made me look lost, in my
mind I thought he would think that I am stupid, but god…that was not
the case… It is was just that I did not want to miss a word he was
saying, my eyes were round opened, my mind was a sponge and I wished
that I could record every little advice he is giving to me.
In my own personal history I want to always remember his passion,
his enthusiasm and his honesty.
With his warm voice saying my name in a foreign accent with a truly
parent way telling me that I am his daughter, and I believe him,
because while working I never expected that he would show me the
photo gallery on his cell phone, I could have thanked him like
thousands of times for giving me the chance to approach and get that
close.
 It
is amazing how easily people can communicate if they want to; when
they play squash they communicate by playing and the language is the
rules of the game, when they smile greeting each others without a
word they talk and when they use their hands describing things
because of lack of common language, it is a communication no doubt.
For me it has started like an event but it happened to be a whole
different dimension my life is taking and a brand new door opened to
me for love, friendship, hard work, efficiency and no doubt
different kind of thinking.
 I
know now that when the core interest gathered around is respectable
like in sport, barriers are melted, cultures are mixed and love is
in the air.
Robert Edwards our Technical Director, The sound of Squash here in
Egypt...... Come next time.
Sports Marketing Specialist, PetroSport company |
DAVIDE v THE REFS EPISODE 3,450 ...
Davide:
Why is it not a stroke????
Why is it a let????
Ref :
No explanation, Mr Bianchetti, just resume play.
Davide :
I want an explanation, right now!!!!
Ref :
No more explanation, every time I give you an explanation, you
argue. Please continue play Mr Bianchetti…
Davide :
I’m NOT ARGUING ANYMORE!!!! LOOK, I’M CALM!!!!!!!
Please, give me an explanation!!!! (silence from the ref)
You know why you don’t want to give me an explanation, it’s because
you CAN’T give me an explanation! Because it’s not a let, IT’S A
STROKE!!!!!!!
It’s so boring to argue with you, because you are always wrong, and
I’m always right!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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 TYPICAL
WEDDING…
Don't know why, but they do love their weddings in Cairo! Twice I've
been in Cairo before, and like this time, the hotel welcomes an
Egyptian wedding a night.
It's always the same pattern. First, they take nice posed pics of
the groom and bride, then roll video cameras, they put the groom at
the bottom of the stairs, and ask the Father and his daughter bride
to come down. Traditional handing over of the precious life. And
then photos, lots of noise, percussions, flute…
 It's
so lovely, so warm… OK, let's face it, a bit noisy, but hey, you do
that only once in your life, aren't you. Well, you are supposed to.
Actually no, not here I think. But I wonder actually if when the
gentleman takes another spouse, do they go through the same
ceremony?
I'll ask around, and will keep you posted… I so love discovering
different cultures, it's so enriching you know, it broadness your
mind, and makes you see life from different angles. In other words,
makes you a better person I think… |
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ADORING THE PLACE
One of the best thing about this club as far as I’m concerned, is
that I actually see the sky during the day, I can feel the air, the
nice warmth as I walk from the large and well equipped press room,
to go to the air con courts by walking under the open on the square
galleries.
It makes such a difference, just to feel the sun on my skin, even
for a few minutes. Normally, I just come in the venue around 11, and
that’s it. I never the sun again, and I also freeze my big butt with
an air con always too high, but compulsory to prevent condensation
of the squash walls.
When you add to that the kindness and professionalism that floats
around, I’ve got only one thing to tell you: if they organise other
tournaments, as they are planning to do, try and stop me coming back
people… |
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PetroSport
EN BREF Issue #3 |
NICE PARTY
 I
so love that kind of party. You know, not pretentious, open air,
nice grilled food, nice rice, stunning desserts (didn’t touch it,
sigh), all the players showed up – the qualifiers were invited too,
which was a nice touch from the organisers. The same organisers who
made sure that all the stuff, from the security guards to the
drivers were also taken care of, and invited to join the fun.
And what a good choice of date! So many times the party comes far
too late, most of the players are gone already, and those left in
the draws are not keen to stay up late for a bleeping good reason…
We had waiters and waitresses who kept on asking “any service for
you,” and brought us soft drinks at will, with such a nice smile…
Thanks to whoever organised the party. It was perfect in my books.
And as none of the players left (normally, they just disappear so
quickly), I guess they were having a great time too…
Thank you very much to all the people that must have worked very
hard to make this evening such a great success.
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Welcome to the SKY Club from
Hady Samir Fahmy, Chairman of the Championship Higher Committee
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Marwan enjoys the Party
It was the night before his
15th birthday, so Marwan was definitely going to the party ...
It was my first time to be in a PSA party in such a big event, it
was my first time to see how they are doing the draw.
All the players were very nervous of course, I was sitting behind
Omar Abd El Meguid and Badr when they said the Lucky loser, it was
quite funny.
The Food was ok, I am really happy to cover this tournament with
Framboise for my second time in my life, It's a very nice club, nice
place, the organisation are doing a great job, really great job.
The party was very cool, all the player are very nice. I am very
happy coz of my birthday so of course I will enjoy it.
I am really wishing to my brother good luck for the world juniors, I
hope he will win it.
And Last thing I would like to thank Amr Mansi because he pick up me
everyday to the club...... See u tomorrow !!
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HILL'S SON IS OK
 You
were a lot to ask us how Anthony Hill's son was doing after Ahmed
Barada helped his friends fly the baby to Switzerland to have an
emergency operation.
Well, I spoke to Hilly this afternoon, and the baby is fine. He is
not allowed to walk yet, but he is crawling everywhere, and the
doctors are confident he'll be allowed/able to walk within the two
coming months.
I'll tell you more about it later, when I get the mum's view on it.
And by the way, she is preparing a great surprise for you too.
Stay posted…. |
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 MARWAN
IS 15…
Our personal gem, little Shorbagy (big bro is having fun in Zurich,
a bit of fresh air, will do him a hell of a good), our own
unstoppable writer, is getting bigger.
 He
first approached us when he was what, 12, 13?? “Can I help you” he
said. “I want to write for you”. And he started sending reports… And
until I asked him for a photo, I never imagined he was so young.
He used to work from home, now he’s got a laptop. He used to take
photos with his phone, now, he’s got the same camera that Steve used
to have (and gave me when we upgraded his equipment, now he is
getting stunningly good with action pictures). And Marwan uses both
those tools with talent, discretion, and dedication.
 Meeting
his parents was a joy of every minute. They were kind, supportive,
loving, and wonderful friends. This time, I didn’t see them, as they
are both in Dubai. But I send them my love.
Marwan, you’ve made a big difference to SquashSite. I don’t think
you realise how precious your help is, how refreshing your views on
matches are.
Please, never leave us. Oh, and Bon Anniversaire, mon petit…
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PetroSport
EN BREF Issue #2 |
OLD FRIENDS…
AND NEW ONES…
 As
it's my third visit to this blessed country, there are people
that I know already, like
Mahmoud Khalifa, who was already assisting in the
 World
Open in 2006, Mr Elsawy, who everybody here calls Sawy –
great tan, sir – and Nasser, tournament ref, always a
pleasure.
But we are truly blessed on this tournament, as the number of
nice/competent/ hard working/efficient people here is rather
astonishing.
 From
the Main Man, Mr Adel Naser, our always present and on
the ball tournament director; to our IT man, Ahmed, who
keeps on approaching my desk with a deep thinking face, "Euh,
what about a nice cup of tea", on a regular basis - way to my
heart, as you MUST know by now - who has been sorting
everybody's connection in a flash; of course, the Marketing one,
Tamer, who doesn't know what to do to help us out; not
 forgetting
the Pearl of the Press Room, the stunning Shimaa, who is
as adorable and efficient as it comes, and with whom I
established an immediate and warm contact – we seem to like the
same things out of life – we are surrounded by a nice bunch of
smiles that makes every minute a joy.
You have places where it's a bit of a challenge to function. And
then, you've got a tournament like this one. Only one word to
say. Thanks to you all.... |
REFS AT WORK
We have three refs here, one from Australia, 27 hours flight
from Melbourne bless Damien Green, Wendy Danzey,
from England, and of course Nasser Zahran.
They are assisted by e few local referees, as the 3 refs system
is in place from the first match of the qualifiers. So, they all
have a lot of work on their hands.
They were a few surprising decisions, but very very few, and so
far, no outburst, only clean and friendly matches.
Mind you, our Main Drama Queens who we love and love to love
(they will recognise themselves) haven't come on the scene yet.
Pourvu que ça dure....
(So far, so good)
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 TO
BE NOTED…
The presence of the first Korean player I've ever seen, Se
Hyun Lee, who had a good and satisfying encounter with
Ritwik, and whose English, although basic, is still much better
than my Korean… It was so nice to see him coming all the way
from his country with his family support…
 …
The excellent performance from young Ali Amr Farag, he
really impressed me with his maturity today, and I know that if
he keeps being serious with his training, this boy will go far,
very far indeed…
 …
And of course, Galifi, the Return…
After two years away from the courts for enjoying life and funny
substances at the wrong time, Stéphane Galifi is now returning
to the PSA international circuit. His first victory on the PSA
was in June in Toulouse, where he beat Julien Balbo in the
final. He only stayed 17 minutes on court today, but will face a
very tough opponent tomorrow in the person of Tom Richards, the
excellent young English hope.
Well done to all three… |
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PetroSport EN BREF
Issue #1 |
“MAMMA MIA…
 Here
we go again, my, my, how could I resist you…”
Unless you’ve been on the moon for the past month, you can’t have
missed the presentation of Mamma Mia, the movie version of
the famous Abba musical with Meryl Streep and a few heartthrobs
beside her.
Well, it’s a bit what I felt as I was unpacking my stuff in my room
in “Le Passage”, a hotel virtually on the doorstep of Cairo Airport.
It’s just, you know, it’s the middle of summer, we are supposed to
get a bit of rest/sun/work done, and this tournament just appears.
And I could have done with a bit of holidays, to tell you the truth.
But picture this. I stepped off the plane and was greeted at the
main door by five men. Yes, five. Just for little me. One grabbed my
passport, one my luggage ticket, one my money for the visa, and one
starting filling my landing card, while the fifth was chatting away
happily with me…
Within minutes, less than ten, I was walking out of the airport with
my luggage, and was given the mobile number of a driver who would be
driving me for the whole duration. OK, he can’t speak English or
French, and I can’t speak Arabic, so our conversations are a bit
limited, but we still communicate fine, thank you very much.
Same organisation at the hotel. Instead of waiting in line at the
desk for hours, I was asked to sit down at the bar terrace, while
two boys (others!) were sorting out my room. And again, less than 10
minutes later, I was stepping into the lift which took me to my room
on the top floor.
Perfectly on time, less than an hour later, at 6.30pm, my driver,
Mahmoud, took me along the long drive (45mn) it takes to get to
the “New Cairo”, a brand new town, where upmarket houses, all
finished and all, neighbour building sites.
Quite surreal, to be honest. A gigantic complex, with a stunning
view all around with 6 brand new glass backwalls and one glass
court, VIP areas, etc… I’ll have more time to explore it tomorrow,
as the night was already falling when I finally got there…
Met with “Mister Robert” – you know, a bit like “M. Andrew”
for Hurghada, - and a few players who were already there, Greg
Gaultier, seed number two of course, but also, Adrian G,
Joey B, Simon R, Julien B, and the Man of the
Moment, M. Hisham A, of course, who just made that great
advert for Sprite .
Nice relaxed meal at the hotel buffet, with a funny moment, when
Adrian asked the waiter “Could we have two small bottles of water,
please”. “No” was the answer was. It was of course a
misunderstanding, but I must say, a funny one!
But that doesn’t beat a stunned Paul Selby – Head players'
rep – who still wonders why a tall and strong Egyptian knocked at
his door, to kiss him on both cheeks and give him a flower, with a
“Welcome to Cairo” coming straight from the heart.
… Like I said to start with, how could I resist you, Egypt?...
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