Runa Reta - WISPA Squash Pro on Tour on www.squashtalk.com

If you have ever been to Manhattan, you’ll know that it is not a city known for its subtleties. In fact, stepping onto the island is a bit like crossing into a totally different galaxy, where everything is bigger and goes by faster than you seem to recall from the world you just came from. The buildings are big; the lights are bright; the noises pouring out from the streets are loud.

Amidst the chaos, New Yorkers weave themselves into this bold tapestry of life in the only way that can allow them to survive in such an imposing city: they walk tall, with a steely resolve and confidence that no one can shatter.

Indeed, the Big Apple is one very bold and gritty place. And for one week of the year, a squash event is put on in the middle of this madness, in an attempt to mirror the very boldness and vibrance of its surroundings. A squash court is erected inside one of the most iconic locations in all of New York- Grand Central Terminal (GCT). When you think about it, GCT is the main artery through which all of New Yorkers converge, before being pumped back out to the different areas of the city; one could not think of a better place to hold a tournament, and get people to stop in complete awe (and often bewilderment) at what they are witnessing.

There is a small guilty pleasure involved in standing by the front wall of the court, where the public can stop and watch the ensuing matches free of charge; namely, many people have never seen squash before, and listening in on conversations amongst those who are not familiar with the game- trying to put the pieces together and form a cohesive interpretation of what is transpiring- can be quite amusing. I once overheard two women quibbling over the logistics of how the players themselves ‘get into the box’ (obviously having not seen the door on the back glass). It took a superhuman effort of willpower on my part to pass up the tantalizing opportunity of describing to these women a scene whereby two giant forklifts scoop up the competitors, lift them up over the glass and drop them down into the court, at which point no one leaves until they have fought to their deaths! (note: although deceiving poor souls is not advisable, listening in on New Yorkers talk squash is a definite must-do at this event!)

No matter what is decided about the two players in a box, there is an electric, almost palpable atmosphere of curiosity and excitement that forms around the arena and quickly spreads, from the time that the court is built right through to the packed finals. The players themselves can feel this enthusiasm and seem to feed off the energy in their performances, which may explain why so many classic squash matches have taken place at this event.

With so much adrenaline and intensity being bounced around on court, the public can’t help but stop and watch; they are drawn to the all-glass court as if it were a fascinating new item on display in a shop window. And it is no surprise that they are compelled to watch. After all, it is immediately evident that those players on court comprise of some of the fittest, strongest athletes in the world, competing at the highest level of their sport, in an open and highly accessible setting. Unlike in other events of comparable importance (ie. the US Opens of golf and tennis) the top players here can be found milling around the Station (where advertising booths are also set up), speaking freely with any and all who approach them.

Outside the confines of GCT, however, on the surrounding streets, they are overlooked by most, noticed only by the true squash enthusiasts, who could spot these superstars anywhere. For the rest of New Yorkers, these athletes pass by inconspicuously, with no great pretense or attention, just walking tall and confident like the rest. Indeed, it is only when these rather normal-looking men and women step onto the court that they transform into real giants, masters and magicians of their sport. It is in this setting that the true battles will take place, and for those lucky enough to attend, where spectacular feats and triumphs will be witnessed.

The Tournament of Champions is one of a kind, due to its electrifying setting and exhilarating atmosphere. It is an unforgettable experience that I assure you is well worth the price of admission.