SquashTalk > Qatar Classic 2001, Doha, Qatar > Chris Walker's Notebook, First Day

Qatar 2001

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Qatar Squash Rolls out the Red Carpet

by Chris Walker, Special to SquashTalk, © 2001

Well the first round of the Qatar Open was certainly and exciting one. Not just because of the Squash but also because of the opening ceremony that preceeded it. The players had the pleasure of being introduced to the Qatary people and some of Qatar's royal family at the venue before being indulged with a firework display that cost a reported $250,000, more than the prize money itself, and wow what a show.

The history of Qatar was presented using lazer lighting projecting on to a giant screen in front of a captivated audience, and the finale of it all was a fireworks display synchronized in time with music and further lazer images on the big screen. A sensational, impressive sight and almost certainly the best opening ceremony I have witnessed at a squash event (Are you reading this Melbourne?).

All the signs here a good for the future and for this week in particular. With all the troubles going on in the world we are being made to feel very at home and welcome. There are no signs of hostilities or anything other than the desire to have a fun and sucessful squash event which they want to be the biggest and best in the world. From what I have seen thus far, they are certainly capable and on the way to achieving that ambition.

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