Qatar Classic 2001 on Squashtalk


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

Qatar 2001 PSA Draw/Results WISPA Draw Reports Qualifiers Day One Day Two Round of 16 Quarters Semis Finals PSA Profiles WISPA Profiles WISPA Day 1 WISPA Quarters WISPA Semis WISPA Finals Walkers Notebook: One Two Three Four	*Chris Walker's Notebook* Day four, Oct 6, from Doha	Squashtalk Pro Squash Headlines Event Engine Squash: Tourney of Champs US Open YMG Capital Classic World Men's Open Qatar Classic Cathay Pacific Superseries Qatar Masters '02 British Open Pakistan Open Macau Open Melbourne 01 Al Ahram Video recordings Player profiles Rankings Calendar

	The Buzz among the Pros by Chris Walker, Oct 6 2001 Special to SquashTalk, © 2001 After various 'behind the scene negotiations' it was announced yesterday by the Victorian Squash Association that the World Individual Championships had to be cancelled because of the current business climate: Sponsorship hunting and the funding needed to host the event had not been successful enough. Despite any contractual arrangements the WSF have made, they cannot guarantee the prize money for the event. This has been the main topic of conversation in Qatar amongst the players and PSA board members here. The biggest disappointment from our perspective is that it has all come to light at the 11th hour. Some players had already left for Melbourne to prepare for the competition, some players have got tickets that they will not be using now and stand to lose money on, and then a large group of the players who will be in the World Team Championships are now in Limbo for 2 weeks just waiting for that event to start on the 22nd of October. It's a long way home from Australia for most of the team players so the chioce of whether to go back to Europe or make the best of the extra time in Oz is something that is being considered by all right now. Brisbane and the Gold Coast seem a popular option because of the beach and surfing opportunities as well as the QE2 Stadium there which has the Australian Institute of Sport's squash courts. A few are thinking of taking time out to perhaps visit Sydney, Ayers Rock, Cairns and see some of the country. The problem being personal costs and the ability to train properly for the World Teams at the same time. Not the best preparation for a World Team Championships for the touring professional but they are a resilient bunch, able to make the most of what gets thrown in to their faces, and I am sure that despite these unusual circumstances they will be able to adapt to this situation as well. It's just a shame it all happened at the 11th hour! Meanwhile the Qatar event goes from strength to strength with more spectators than have been at any event in the past, and a growing feeling of what a great event this is and plans to be in the future. The tournament organisers and Qatar Squash federation are talking of expanding the tournament next year, wanting it to be the biggest and best event on the calendar. This is great news for next generation of squash players as it will encourage all the other tournaments around the world to grow as well. If you want to bet on the matches here in Doha you can open an account at www.stanjames.com. They are covering the major squash tournaments of the world and you can bet on individual matches or who you think will win the title. Check out the site and see what the bookies think!

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