Hong Kong Squash2000!

By Ron Beck. The Cathay Pacific 2000 Tournament is one of the oldest on the tour with the same continuous sponsor (over 30 years sponsorship).

Coming on the heels of the summer break and right after the Al-Ahram, the Cathay Pacific alway provides some interesting squash drama - this year is no exception

Last year this event proved to be the venue for a great breakthrough by Graham Ryding. Largely on the heels of that success, Ryding went on to prove his legitemate status as a top twelve player, consistently performing to a quarterfinalist level. Can he rise to the occasion again this year in Hong Kong?

Peter Nicol has proved, last week in Egypt, that he is fit, motivated and ready to continue on his road towards the British Open in October. Power, on the other hand, looked strong in Egypt until his encounter with Barada that led to his questionable status for this week.

Parke, who has shown a consistent ability to push Nicol to the brink over the past nine months, will be looking for a big week here after a disappointing match against Nicol in Egypt last week.

Barada, who also fizzled against Nicol, will be looking to perhaps snare a crown away from the Scotsman in this Far Eastern metropolis.

Main draw play begins Wednesday August 30.

• Nicol wins in three (Colin McQuillan)
• Nicol over Power (Squash Canada)
• Semi-finals: Power, Nicol to meet again 8-2 (Squashtalk)
• Barada in controversy 8-2 (SCMP)
• Power into finals 8-2 (Squash Canada)
• Quarterfinal Report 8-1 (Squashtalk)
• Power second round win 7-31 (Squash Canada)
• Second round Report 7-31 (Squashtalk)
• Power looks strong 7-31 (SCMP)
• First Round II Report 7-30 (Squashtalk)
• Power first round win 7-30 (Squash Canada)
• First Round I Report 7-30 (Squashtalk)
• Nicol confident 7-29 (SCMP)
• Barada relaxed, ready 7-29 (SCMP)
• Power confirms Cathay entry 7-28
• Power and Barada at loggerheads 7-25

[Looking back: Cathay Pacific '99]

• Golestan Radwan: Egypt
• Tomas Barva, Czech Republic
• David Blick, Alaska USA
• Kim Tunney: Midwest USA
• Andre Maur: Atlanta USA
• Paul Ansdell: Massachusetts USA
  

  to become a regional reporter send mail to editor@squashtalk.com