SquashTalk>Columns>Team Kneipp > World Teams 2005 > Pool E Preview

The 20th Mens Teams

Pool E: [5] Canada, [8] Wales, [13/18] Hong Kong

Canada is the fifth team that has a genuine shot at the title. That was the case in 2003 and they were only able to finish 6th (one of the most ludicrous examples of bad organisation still remains the Vienna tournament director putting Peter Nicol versus Jonathon Power on a dodgy back court that hundreds of people tried to cram in to see while some minnows played to an empty show court).

Canada’s only top 5 result from sixteen attempts came in 1997 when Malaysia hosted the event. Canada’s ranking average is the same as France’s, yet they’re seeded five and France is seeded three. This probably indicates the continual improvement of France as a team compared to the Canadian team.

Power has a similar ranking to what he had two years ago, but the manner in which he has won his matches this year have been more dramatic. He has come back from bad form and shown that he is fit enough to win tournaments and still hand out a thrashing when he plays well. That alone should be very valuable for Power’s confidence and the attitude the team has. Razik’s ranking is similar to what it was in 2003, and Ryding’s has improved. Victor Berg’s number 4 position is now taken by Matthew Guiffre.

Wales and Hong Kong won’t beat Canada but could give them a good scare if they played extremely well. They should save the fight for each other because even if they give Canada a scare they certainly won’t beat them unless injuries play a part. The draw schedule is similar to the France / Ireland / India pool where both Wales and Hong Kong have to play Canada before they play each other, with Hong Kong having the advantage of the day’s rest. Wales and Hong Kong’s coaching should be standing in line behind Ireland and India’s coaches trying to change this.

Hong Kong was one of the stars in Vienna, toppling Malaysia on the way to their best result of 8th.

Wales’ best result to date is 2nd in 1999. They finished 5th in Vienna.
David Evans was playing a lot more squash back then, but the depth of the team with Gavin Jones at 3, and Gough going through a form resurgence should be enough. Jones at 3 is ranked 48. Evans no longer plays in PSA events, but we can safely presume from the team order that he still beats Jones.

Canada and Wales should get through this pool, but Hong Kong has nothing to lose and caused trouble last time.

Canada
Jonathon Power
Graham Ryding
Shahier Razik
Matthew Guiffre

Wales
Alex Gough
David Evans
Gavin Jones
Ricky Davies

Hong Kong
Wong Wai Hang
Dick Lau
Roger Ngan
Anson Kwong

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