Date:05/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/05/stories/2007120561832200.htm

Sport - Squash

‘Nice to renew rivalry with Shabana’

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Freshly crowned World open squash champion Amr Shabana of Egypt decided on rest but the man whom he beat Gregory Gaultier of France preferred to have a feel of the ICL Academy environment on Tuesday as the final moments for the launch of the 21st ICL-World men’s team championship approached.

“Yes, I have just arrived and it has been tiring coming straight from Bermuda (World Open),” said the World No 3.

“I had a good run until the final. I tried my best but he (Shabana) beat me in straight games,” he said.

Gaultier had won the British Open this year, beating his countrymate Thierry Lincou in the final. But more significant was his toppling Shabana in the semifinal of the British Open. “Including the one at Bermuda, we have met five times and he has now beaten me thrice,” he said.

This is his first visit to India. “I have not seen much and known much except your players. I have come close to your country, to Pakistan before,” he said.

On the prospects here, Gaultier said it would be nice to renew his rivalry with Egypt and Shabana but “Australia and England are also here as strong contenders.”

Egyptian coach Amir Wagih said, “Shabana needed rest. He has won five titles in a row now and he is playing at his best. He has to relax.”

Wagih did not appear worried that his next best player Rami Ashour has withdrawn or that Karim Darwish is just about fit (calf muscle injury).

“We have options because we have other players in the top ten rankings. Our confidence is high and hopefully we will do well,” he said.

Meanwhile the day also saw the start of the World Squash Referees Conference, inaugurated by Asian Squash Federation President, N. Ramachandran. Issues related to Asia-specific were discussed, according to Munir Shah, Referees Director, ASF.