Saudi International 2006

• From the 14 matches we filmed in Saudi, the best 3 were selected for DVDs
• All recorded in our usual “tight framing and fast pace” method using 6 broadcast cameras
• Countless slow motion replays of the most exciting rallies
• New clear FX option available from the DVD menu (court sounds only or with voice over, your choice)
• Expert commentators - Robert “The Voice of Squash” Edwards teamed up with one of the tour’s most seasoned player Alex Gough for all matches’ voice over (VO). Expect clever insights throughout from two of the most knowledgeable commentators we have had the pleasure to work with over the years.
• A special thanks to the event promoter Ziad Al-Turki for providing us extraordinary and unconditional support for the production. Of all the promoters we have had the pleasure to work with over the years; Ziad has to be one of the most dedicated to the growth of the sport, it’s great to have him in our corner.
  

Last event of the season, the players were well rested and eager to finish the year on a high note before heading home to celebrate the Holidays. While everyone who made the trip to Saudi was prepared to compete in the usually cool and dry dessert nights, no one was quite prepared for the curve Mother Nature through at them. It rained so much off & on for a good part of the week that we had the impression of being in the middle of monsoon season.

It was very cool at night in Saudi, and in more than one way should we add. In fact it was so cool that the players appeared to be literally on fire as they stepped off the court between games standing or sitting in front of our TV lights, steam rushing from their clothes, hair and bodies creating an eerie surreal effect. While this weather situation made for great TV, as reported to us by countless Saudi viewers who called in by phone as they watches our live broadcast, it created an unusual difficulty for the players who needed every ounce of strength, technique and balance to get the ball at the back of the court to create openings. Every one of us who played on a cold court at one time or another can surely relate to this challenge, just as the more experienced among us will know that a cold court & ball often favours front court attacks. All in all making for the best squash we could ask for from an entertainment and TV standpoint given that 95% + of all replays in squash get created from the 2 front corners.

Without further due, here as follow is a brief overview of the 3 matches selected from Saudi, hope you’ll enjoy.

1. James Willstrop vs. Anthony Ricketts

   Anthony never ceases to amaze the crowds that see him play; watching him run down balls that are seemingly impossible to retrieve makes you think that he has a total disregard for his personal safety. Some may say that his priorities are wrong, but as he demonstrated time & again in this match Vs James, he appears to think otherwise.

   James on the other hand is more cautious running balls down around the court; diving isn’t for him thank you, that’s another sport altogether he claims. Probably a very wise decision considering his size, picking up a 6 feet 4” frame off the ground is no easy task…. He much rather jump however high he must to keep balls from reaching the back wall, then capitalize on the pressure applied cutting his opponent’s reaction time using his trademark imagination and soft hands at the front wall.

   And the stage was set, cold court and lukewarm balls, the best ball hunter; most likely the fittest man on tour presently Vs Power's creative successor -- the newest magician in town, no matter what playing style you favour, what at a formidable display it was.

2. Amr Shabana vs. James Willstrop

   David Vs Goliath, shot maker & master contortionist Vs the gentle giant Jimbo the magician. One tops the ranking, the other everyone in size. When James stepped on court he knew too well that the cool conditions favoured Amr’s attacking style of play, so his plan was simple – he had to keep the man away from the T and behind him at all cost. The day’s temperature had been slightly warmer than during the previous days so balls that had died so easily in the back corners until then were now hanging seemingly forever, at least by Amr’s speedy execution standards. The momentum shifted momentarily but levelled once again a few minutes later once both had adapted to the new conditions.

   
   Arm and James have the utmost respect for each other’s game; their natural skills are only equal to their deep understanding of what they must do to win. However, a good part of their game is based on instinct, so when all is said and done, they cannot clearly explain or describe with words the reason for their loss, or victory. And this intangible factor combined to their innate ability to re-direct the ball in the craziest of angles and corners is what makes watching these two masters exhibit their craft so exciting.

3. David Palmer vs Nick Matthew

   David and Nick are the two players we recommend you watch if you want to learn how the game is played in its purest form. Very few bells and whistles or fancy tricks of the wrist; what you can expect to see and learn from the two is how they execute the construction of rallies in simple, but devastatingly effective ways. Both play the type of game that is easiest to model after; in a nutshell they set up attacking points by playing hard deep straight or cross court whether through volleys or ground strokes, then put away lose balls short hard or soft (Nick favouring hard & David soft).

   Their opponents may know where the balls will be played more often than not but they are so effective in striking it closest to the walls may it be side, front and back that there’s little they’ll be able to do with it if thereafter. No wonder why David has taken the World Championship crown and Nick one of the most coveted title of all this year i.e. The British Open.

   The weather was a factor and presented the two champions with a challenge they weren’t too pleased with, as if playing one another wasn’t enough already... so sorry that things weren’t easy for you tonight gentlemen, we enjoyed every single second of your match.