Squash chiefs are continuing efforts to tighten up potential controversies ahead of LA 2028 by using fledgling technology at their disposal during matches.

Mechanical engineering graduate Gruffydd Gozalis Squaser system has been trialled at the Optasia Squash Championships up until the weekend. Squaser is a laser line detection system which helps  referees to determine if the ball is considered in or out of play.

Gozali designed and built the system to detect out balls over 18 months. The laser sits over the top of the tin; when this is blocked by the ball brushing it, a sensor alerts the referee and players. He has already tested the prototype at the National Squash Centre and the Canary Wharf Classic. 

And it looks like Squaser could be making more of an entrance on the World Tour. Given that tennis and badminton has Hawk-Eye and video slow mo on the lines respectively, Squasers laser is much needed. The system is meant to flash but Squash Mad didnt see any lights on Thursday, even when the ball seemed close to the tin.

Confidence in Cleveland

Egypts Nour El Tayeb earned her 16th career title after beating No.1 seed Georgina Kennedy 3-1 this month in Cleveland and then credited the Englishwoman for her renewed confidence on court.

I practiced with Gina at the start of the week, said El Tayeb after winning her third title in Cleveland. We played and she gave me a lot of confidence in my game. Shes very nice, not every squash player is very nice, but she gives me compliments all the time. I remember every compliment she gave me and it makes me believe in myself more.

At this stage I still need someone to give me validation on court and she helped me a lot at the beginning of the week. Having played well yesterday, I called Ali [Farag] after the match and told him I had nothing to lose because I felt Olivia was the better player.

Also in Cleveland, Mexicos Leonel Cardenas won his first World Tour title of his career and became the first Mexican to win a $50k event since Alfredo Avila in 2015.

Limp celebration?

Egyptian Mostafa Asal put on a show after beating Diego Elias last month.

pic.twitter.com/igR4NTKg53

Mostafa Asal (@mostafasal_) February 27, 2024

The last supper

England players and staff enjoyed a farewell dinner for David Campion recently. The former England national coach left his role in January after 23 years. The national governing body has been advertising ever since, surely the money is on one recently retired player.

Hug of the month

They love each other really @Thesquashfalcon & @AliFarag settle their argument with a hug #WCOsquash pic.twitter.com/WWICgimAXt

PSA World Tour (@PSAWorldTour) February 28, 2024

And from the same match

One Question..How?! pic.twitter.com/7nirgwNpY4

Tarek Momen (@TkMomen) February 28, 2024