Date:01/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/01/stories/2007120162882400.htm

Sport - Squash

Egypt in a spot of bother

CHENNAI: With just days remaining for the ICL World men’s team squash championship to get underway here, favourite Egypt finds itself in a spot of bother.

Even though World No. 1 Amr Shabana will be its spearhead, the side will be without the sensational Ramy Ashour (World No. 2) and possibly Karim Darwish (World No. 8).

The two are nursing injuries and according to a press release from SRFI on Friday, Ramy, who could not take part in the ongoing World Open in Bermuda, has already withdrawn. Doubts persist with regard to Darwish’s participation.

The absence of these two sends signals of improved possibilities to the other key contenders like defending champion England, Australia, Netherlands and even France.

In Bermuda, the final four in the race for the title are Shabana, David Palmer (Australia), Nick Mathew (England) and Gregory Gaultier (France). Each is capable of grabbing the honours and that is a fair indication of the likely equations that would emerge in Chennai for the team honours.

Meanwhile all is set for the championship, slated to be held from December 6 to 12. — Special Correspondent