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THREE GRAND DISAPPEARING ACTS
April 11 2002 © 2002 SquashTalk.
Photos special to SquashTalk by Fritz Borchert, © 2002

OPEN MARKED BY MISSING NATIONALITIES
Pakistan as a nation is virtually synonymous with the British Open Squash Championships. There were no Pakistanis at Lambs Club on Wednesday. Beginning with Hashim Khan in 1951 and most lately with Jansher Khan in 1997, Pakistani nationals have collected the most famous squash trophy 30 times (out of 46 opportunities.)

So it's truly momentous that no Pakistani player took his place in this year's British Open draw. Amjad Khan has been as high was number 12 in the world, while Mansoor and Shahid Zaman currently stand at 31 and 32 in the rankings. All three lost in the qualifying rounds at this year's British Open. None suffer from talent, but each lacks the extra bit of confidence they need in the big moments.

Pakistan will be back, though. The deep pride that fueled creation of this year's Pakistan Open will drive Pakistan to return to squash excellence. Their presence at all age groups in January's British Junior Open was dizzying; and could be a sign of things to come.

Where were the Americans? (not in the prequalifier) photo © 2002 Debra Tessier

USA as a squash-playing nation, couldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as Pakistan. But still, with squash growing steadily in the USA, it's equally as noteworthy that NOT ONE single American even entered the prequalifier for the British Open, on either the men's or women's side. British Open regulars, Latasha and Shabana Khan, who have spent the last several years in the world's top thirty, and have been regulars at the British Open, didn't make the trip. Neither did any of the aspiring young American players — not Meredith Quick, not Dana Betts, not Tim Wyant, not Dave McNeely, not Tim Wyant.

There is no determined focus on the British Open on the part of the American squash establishment. Such focus might afford support to the aspiring players, which they would need to appear in England and and gain the experience to strive for the next steps.

Australia started strong this year — with two defending champions (David Palmer and Sarah Fitz-Gerald) in the hunt. (Australia holds nine men's and 27 women's titles) But the quarters finds Australia with all of its top men - Palmer, Price, Boswell, Kneipp, and Ricketts on the outside looking in. Only Sarah Fitz-Gerald and Rachel Grinham keep the Aussie flag alive.

Australia's Stewart Boswell (left), Paul Price and David Palmer (right) were early casualties of the 2002 British Open (photos Fritz Borchert © 2002)

But with so much parity in the top 20, those three will all be back strongly contending in upcoming events. Sarah Fitz-Gerald remains the prohibitive favorite to win the women's event.

AND A FEW STRONG SHOWINGS
Egypt placed four in the Open draw — a great showing for most countries — but for Egypt whose players boast 13 British Open crowns, it is a big disappointment to have only one survivor in round two and none beyond. El Borolossy scored a terrific win over Anthony Ricketts, one he was not expected to get, and made Thierry Lincou be at his very best in the next round. But still, for Egyptian fans, who are accustomed to the glory days of Ahmed Barada's exciting game and heroics, it's wait till next year. Barada flew close to the sun, always attacking, always going for the dramatic play. And when he was at his best, he was electric, charismatic and exciting to watch.

But it is two European countries, not normally thought of as the squash hotbeds, that can feel best about this year's outcome so far — the French and Dutch contingents exceeded their expectation. France's Renan Lavigne was the sensation of round one, pushing a beleaguered Peter Nicol to the absolute limit; while his countryman Thierry Lincou remains in the draw and has a winnable quarterfinal match-up with Martin Heath.

Holland's Vanessa Atkinson put it all together with a fine win over up-till-then streaking Natalie Pohrer. Atkinson who can put intense pressure on her opponents with a fast racket and pace, kept her mental equilibrium and applied the pressure at the right time to give tiny Holland a strong representative in the quarter finals. And she could well move to the semis with a win over Fiona Geaves.

And of course, last but not least, an extremely strong showing for England - who placed four players each in the men's and women's quarter finals.