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Last updated 08/30/2003

Brad Faxon, PGA Golf Star and Ming Tsai, Celebrity Chef, face off on Squash Court

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"Pace Car" For the US Open

Dated: Aug 29, 2002 ©2002 SquashTalk.com

U.S. Open Squash Championships is moving into high gear for its precendent-setting venue at Symphony Hall Boston.

Ming Tsai (left), chef and former Yale squash standout faces off against Brad Faxon, RI "A" level player and highly ranked PSA golf star. (photo © 2002 Ron Beck)

On Wednesday, in front of an audience of journalists and a few lunch-time squashers in downtown Boston, chef and owner of the Wellesley MA restaurant BLUE GINGER, Ming Tsai faced off with #11 ranked PGA golfer Brad Faxon in an exhibition squash match.

US Open promoter, John Nimick, conceived of the event to add media interest as the US Open comes to Boston amidst a crowded sports schedule in Boston The US Open will be fighting for attention with the wind-down of the Boston Red Sox season, the startup of the World Champion New England Patriots season and a rash of fall college sporting events.

Brad Faxon faces the crowd after his squash adventure (photo © 2002 Ron Beck)

The exhibition match, which featured good quality squash on court, was covered by a group of local media, and was covered Saturday morning (August 31) on the nationally syndicated PBS radio program, "Its Only a Game" - a radio sports journal hosted by Bill Littlefield.

The two busy celebrities were on hand to help promote a game they both love. Ming Tsai, father of a brand new baby, host of two TV coooking programs, and owner/chef of "Blue Ginger", was enthusiastic in support of the US Open. "John Nimick has done an incredible amount for the game of squash," Tsai told the crowd. "I'm here to support the US Open and squash and laud John for tirelessly working to improve the game."

Tsai came into the match as the heavily favored player - in addition to playing #2 for a highly regarded Yale collegiate squash team, Tsai has been a perennial strong performer in the US National age group championships. But Brad Faxon, an enthusiastic squash player as cross-training for golf, showed the characteristic competitiveness of an experienced pro athlete.

He took advantage of openings that Ming provided, and sneaked by with the first game after some gutty retrievals up front. After Ming got serious and took the next two games, the two celebrities came off court to talk to the press. Only a Game's Littlefield asked Faxon whether he'd rather have a rematch with Ming Tsai or a 19th hole playoff with Tiger Woods for a golf major. "Definitely a rematch with Ming," Faxon reported, tongue firmly in cheek.

Before the exhibition, the Boston SquashBusters squad was on hand to publicize their new facility at Northeastern University, now under construction. Ming Tsai enthusiastically took the court to drill the SquashBusters (while Faxon warmed up on the exercise bike.)

Ming Tsai showed he still has that deft touch (photo © 2002 Ron Beck)