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May 2001, Concord MA, © 2001 SquashTalk
Photos: © 2001 SquashTalk

by Ron Beck

Donald Butcher: First British Open Winner

Donald Butcher was a squash professional based at the Conservative Club in the UK. Butcher won the British Open in 1931 and 32 and also the British Professional Championship in 1930 through 32. Charles Read was the first British Open "holder", but he had merely been named the holder at the initiation of the event. Butcher defeated Read in the first actual British Open competition.

According to Rex Bellamy, "words like grace and beauty came to mind when watching him in action. He had a delicate touch and a delayed, accurate drop shot... As a match player, though he had weaknesses. He did not take the initiative often enough and his stamina was suspect."

This shortage of stamina was undoubtedly his downfall against

his successor as champion, Amr Bey, who was famous for the incredible levels of fitness he attained.

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