The Australian Open

It was time to head back for my favourite event on the calendar in the familiar and friendly surroundings of Australia. Squash ACT have done well and kept the event alive as promised. Even with a smaller prize fund and lesser top player, it is still a success.

Travel to a neighbouring country doesn't take long in most regions but that's not the case down here. A seven hours drive from Palmy to Auckland, followed by a three and a half hours flight across the Tasman Sea and another three hours drive from Sydney and we were finally in Canberra. It was good travelling with the familiar kiwi boys and soon we were nicely settled in at our host's place.

Seeded third in the qualifying draw I expected to get through to the main draw. After seeing off a local youngster in the first round, I came up against the more experienced Queenslander Nathan Stevenson. Stevo played out of his skin and I had to work hard to win the match in four games. In the main draw, I drew Ramy in the first round. Would have been better get someone else but I looked forward to playing the most exciting and probably the best player on the world circuit - especially because I'd never played him before.

A day off after the qualifying matches provided an opportunity to have a look around Canberra. Spotting a bunch of kangaroos just 30 meters outside our host's house was a treat. This made me want to see more Aussie animals up close and personal so away we went to the National Zoo.

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Playing Ramy was fun as well as painful at the same time. The pace was very high as he hunted the volleys. Running around on the glass court certainly hurt my lungs. He sucked me into playing his attacking style of Squash which only he knows how to do best. There were winners from both of us in a high pace match which saw me get punished for any bad width across the court. After losing the first two games 6-11, 6-11, I led 5-2 in the third and thought I had a chance. However, the pace was taking it's toll and Ramy took control to win the game 11-6 and with it the match 3-0.

On top of his brilliant Squash, Ramy's pleasant and friendly personality makes him unique and stand apart amongst sports stars. He is an assett for our sport and I wish him all the best for the upcoming season.


Even though I fell short of achieving my goal here, I am satisfied with my Squash here in Canberra. The confidence is up and I look forward to my next tournament - The Henderson Open in Auckland.

A big thank you to our host for another year, Donna Chalmers for having us at her place. Also to Gary, Sam and their team at ACT Squash for putting on the Australian Open once again. Well done and all the best.