BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Orioles interrupted their miserable 2019 season to introduce a sliver of hope for the future: Adley Rutschman, the top overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft.

Rutschman sat alongside general manager Mike Elias during a news conference Tuesday at Camden Yards before the Orioles were to face the San Diego Padres, whose most notable player, Manny Machado, was nabbed by Baltimore with the third selection in the 2010 draft.

Machado became a star, but the Orioles traded him away last year in the midst of a 115-loss season because they couldn't afford to keep him beyond 2018.

Now in the process of a major rebuild, Elias is counting on Rutschman -- a switch-hitting catcher from Oregon State -- to become a key figure in the team's rise to respectability.

After mulling over several options, Elias settled on Rutschman and bestowed upon him an $8.1 million signing bonus, the largest ever provided to an MLB draft pick.

Elias termed the selection of Rutschman as "probably the biggest decision this organization is going to make this year."

Whether the 21-year-old rises to his potential will be determined soon enough, but at this point there is no understating his importance to a franchise that finished with the worst record in the majors last year and appears well on its way to duplicating that lamentable feat this season.

"We couldn't be more thrilled, having him be a part of the process we're going through to take this organization back to where it belongs," Elias said. "We are in phase right now where we are looking for building blocks, and I think by signing Adley Rutschman, we found a very big piece."

Rutschman intended to take batting practice with the team and was to be introduced to the home crowd on Tuesday night. After that, the plan is for him to take a break to accept some of the many awards he garnered this season, then play in the Gulf Coast League before joining short-season Class A Aberdeen.

"I always believe, when in doubt, start players at the lower-level league because it's very easy to transfer them if they're performing well," Elias said. "We took a lot of college players and almost all of them will be starting there."

Rutschman has already played plenty of baseball this season, but he can't wait to get started with the next phase of his career.

"It's always been a goal of mine to be in this position," Rutschman said. "For me, it's always been about the process of getting there. So, now it's about setting new goals. Now that I'm here, I am just excited about the opportunity and I'm truly humbled to be a part of the building process that is going on right now."

Rutschman is a pivotal piece of the rebuilding puzzle that Elias is trying to put together, but the Golden Spikes Award winner can't turn the franchise around alone.

"We're trying to bring in talent from every direction possible," Elias said. "Obviously having the No. 1 pick in the draft is a special opportunity to do that. The important thing for us is, this doesn't start and end here. But to have a player of his caliber, that I think is not necessarily available every year in the draft, is big for us."

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The principal owner of the Rays says it's unrealistic for his team to play full time in the Tampa Bay area and a shared season with Montreal is the best option.

"I don't see it happening in St. Petersburg and would be hard-pressed to see it working in Tampa from what I know," Stu Sternberg said at a news conference Tuesday. "This is not a staged exit. This is about Tampa Bay keeping its hometown team and Montreal having one, too. I believe strongly in the sister-city concept. We're asking for open minds."

Commissioner Rob Manfred said last week the Rays have "broad permission to explore what's available." Tampa Bay is averaging 14,546 fans a game, lowest in the American League and well below the MLB average of 27,360. Only the Miami Marlins draw worse at 9,378.

"We are at or near the bottom in every economic category in Major League Baseball," Sternberg said in his remarks at the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.

An agreement between the Rays and St. Petersburg for Tropicana Field runs through 2027. St. Petersburg's mayor has shot down the two-city possibility.

"The City of St. Petersburg will not participate in the funding of a new stadium for a part-time team," Mayor Rick Kriseman said. "We remain receptive to partnering with the Tampa Bay Rays to redevelop the Tropicana Field site and build a new stadium for a full-time team."

Sternberg envisions open-air stadiums in both cities but noted there are no plans to pay for them. He said an ideal target date would have everything in place for the 2024 season.

The Rays have played at Tropicana Field since their inception in 1998 and drew their lowest home crowd of 5,786 against Toronto last month.

Montreal has been without a big league team since the Expos left after the 2004 season for Washington and became the Nationals.

The Rays had looked into building a stadium for years, but in December abandoned a plan for one across the bay in Tampa's Ybor City area.

Private equity mogul Stephen Bronfman, whose father Charles was the original owner of the Expos, is part of a group spearheading the effort to return baseball to Montreal.

Sternberg said it's possible the Bronfman group could join the current Rays' ownership if the sister-city plans succeeds, but he will keep controlling interest.

Sternberg reiterated that the Rays will remain in St. Petersburg through 2027 but doesn't know what would happen after that if the plan fails.

A possible site for a new St. Petersburg ballpark would be Al Lang Stadium, a longtime spring training facility now used by a pro soccer team owned by the Rays.

Also under consideration: shifting the spring training season from Port Charlotte, Florida, to Tampa Bay to provide two more months of baseball in the area.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Jordan Hicks will have Tommy John surgery, Cardinals president John Mozeliak told reporters Tuesday.

The announcement comes a day after the team said Hicks had a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow.

Hicks was removed from Saturday's 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels in the ninth, after 1 1/3 innings.

The 22-year-old has thrown 211 pitches at least 100 mph this season, over 100 more than the next-closest player. Last year, Hicks threw 673 100 mph pitches and became the only player in the past 10 years to throw 500 or more 100 mph pitches in a single season.

The hard-throwing Hicks is 2-2 with a 3.14 ERA and 14 saves this season.

Baseball has a new process for deciding who will start the All-Star Game on July 9 in Cleveland. With the primary portion of the voting complete, we're down to three candidates per league at each position (with nine outfielders). Everyone starts at zero when the Starters Election balloting opens at noon ET Wednesday and runs through 4 p.m. ET Thursday.

While the finalists sweat it out, we examine the candidates at each position. (All statistics through Sunday's games.)

Watch All-Star selection shows on ESPN: The Starters Election winners will be revealed at 7 p.m. ET Thursday. | Full rosters announced at 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Jump to: AL | NL

American League

Catchers

Primary voting results: Gary Sanchez (Yankees), 2,266,469; James McCann (White Sox), 1,085,254; Robinson Chirinos (Astros), 946,823

Who is the favorite? Sanchez. See that home run total? With 23 homers this year, Sanchez has outhomered the two other finalists combined, but here's what's really impressive: The Yankees catcher is tied with new teammate Edwin Encarnacion for the American League lead in the category. Sanchez isn't just a power threat: His .973 OPS is tops among qualified AL catchers and well ahead of those of McCann and Chirinos.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... McCann and Chirinos have similar backstories leading to their placement here. McCann struggled at the plate for the Tigers for four seasons before finding his stroke on the South Side this season, and Chirinos showed flashes of power during a six-year stint with the Rangers before flourishing in his new home. He might not have Sanchez's power, but McCann's .324/.387/.508 line certainly wouldn't look out of place in an All-Star starting lineup.

First basemen

Primary voting results: Luke Voit (Yankees), 1,205,706; Carlos Santana (Indians), 1,180,719; C.J. Cron (Twins), 1,045,120

Who is the favorite? Voit ... maybe. There isn't much that separates the three finalists here statistically, but there won't be much hope for Santana or Cron if Yankees fans turn out in full force to back their slugging first baseman. Santana could get a strong push as the only player with a chance to start the game for host city Cleveland.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... Cron doesn't have the big-market backing or the hometown factor, but he does have All-Star numbers on the season's most surprising team. Minnesota is going to roll into the All-Star break with more than 50 wins, and a breakout season from a first baseman on his third team in the past three seasons has helped the AL Central leaders get there.

Second basemen

Primary voting results: Tommy La Stella (Angels), 1,713,094; Jose Altuve (Astros), 1,629,148; DJ LeMahieu (Yankees), 1,312,490

Who is the favorite? LeMahieu. Altuve has the name, and La Stella (somehow) has the votes, but DJ LeMahieu is a legitimate MVP candidate in his first season in the Bronx. After signing with the Yankees following seven years (and two All-Star campaigns) in Colorado, the 30-year-old infielder has been a veteran rock for a team that has soared to the top of the AL East despite battling injuries all season.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... There isn't a bigger dark horse on this ballot than La Stella, whose unexpected power surge has turned the former fan favorite in Chicago into a legitimate All-Star candidate for the Angels. Prior to 2019, La Stella had hit 10 home runs in his 396-game career. This season? The Halos infielder has 15 in 259 at-bats.

Third basemen

Primary voting results: Alex Bregman (Astros), 2,341,355; Gio Urshela (Yankees), 857,474; Hunter Dozier (Royals), 746,742

Who is the favorite? Bregman. After he made his first All-Star team and finished fifth in the AL MVP voting a season ago, Bregman's primary voting totals showed just how highly fans across the game think of the Astros infielder. Yes, the batting average is down a bit from his 2018 mark, but he has already hit 21 home runs, and his .910 OPS isn't far off the .926 he posted last season.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... A stint on the IL has hurt the argument for Dozier a bit, but the long-time prospect, first-time performer has been one of the few bright spots in K.C. this season. Entering the season, the 27-year-old owned a .228/.279/.388 career slash line, making his 2019 numbers of .311/.397/.592 a welcome surprise for the Royals. How impressive are those numbers? Well, they're better than both Bregman's and Urshela's in all three categories.

Shortstops

Primary voting results: Jorge Polanco (Twins), 1,450,913; Carlos Correa (Astros), 1,115,469; Gleyber Torres (Yankees), 976,163

Who is the favorite? Polanco -- but it's close. After showing flashes in his first three seasons with the Twins, Polanco has put together an MVP-caliber first half for baseball's biggest surprise. His .326 batting average is the best in the American League, and he's also tied for the major league lead in hits while closing in on his career high for doubles and home runs in a season.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... There is no true dark horse in this race. If back injuries hadn't limited Correa to 50 games, his case to start would be stronger. Meanwhile, Torres has taken another step forward after a strong rookie campaign and is on pace for nearly 40 home runs with an All-Star-worthy all-around stat line.

Outfielders

Primary voting results: Mike Trout (Angels), 3,370,499; George Springer (Astros), 2,565,706; Michael Brantley (Astros), 1,667,430; Austin Meadows (Rays), 1,344,031; Mookie Betts (Red Sox), 1,325,117; Eddie Rosario (Twins), 1,172,657; Aaron Judge (Yankees), 995,903; Josh Reddick (Astros), 928,606; Joey Gallo (Rangers), 904,563

Who is the favorite? Trout. Mike Trout is doing Mike Trout things again, and his AL-leading WAR total translated to the most primary-round votes in the league. After Trout, a pair of Astros could be hard to keep out of the starting lineup, as Springer nears a return to the lineup that should give him a chance to add to his big first half, and Brantley has shined from the start of his first year in Houston. It would also be hard to count out Betts or Judge (even though he hasn't played much this season) in a fan vote.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... Austin Meadows has been slumping at the wrong time for an All-Star hopeful, but his .304 average, 12 home runs and .930 OPS are certainly worth consideration. Before being sidelined with an oblique injury, Joey Gallo was in the midst of a breakout campaign that had him in the MVP hunt, thanks in large part to a .276 batting average -- 63 points above his career mark -- to go with the power we've come to expect from the Texas slugger.

Designated hitters

Primary voting results: J.D. Martinez (Red Sox), 1,564,520; Hunter Pence (Rangers), 1,054,282; Nelson Cruz (Twins), 974,788

Who is the favorite? Martinez. J.D. Martinez's past two seasons have been so good that a .288 average, 16 home runs and 42 RBIs so far might qualify as a down year by his standards, but he's still the guy to beat at DH.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... If your first thought here is, "Wait, Hunter Pence is still around?" you probably aren't alone. When Pence left San Francisco after a string of nondescript seasons since last making an All-Star team in 2014, it seemed like the end could be near for the 36-year-old. Instead, Pence returned to his hometown and has provided one of baseball's feel-good stories of the first half for the Rangers.

National League

Catchers

Primary voting results: Willson Contreras (Cubs), 2,384,622; Brian McCann (Braves), 1,762,917; Yasmani Grandal (Brewers), 1,193,352

Who is the favorite? Contreras. The stats say there isn't much difference between Contreras and fellow NL Central catcher Grandal this season, but the Cubs backstop doubled Grandal's total in the primary round and is a known name as 2018's All-Star starter.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... At the age of 35, Brian McCann returned to Atlanta and has posted his highest batting average since 2009 and his best OPS since 2010 for the division-leading Braves. His overall numbers might lag behind those of the other two candidates a bit, but his place here shows what fans think of him.

First basemen

Primary voting results: Freddie Freeman (Braves), 2,214,793; Josh Bell (Pirates), 1,831,933; Anthony Rizzo (Cubs), 1,545,682

Who is the favorite? You really can't go wrong with any of them -- and the position is so deep that sluggers Pete Alonso and Max Muncy would have had cases to start if they had made the cut.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... In terms of name recognition, Bell is the clear dark horse of this group. But if you like breakout sluggers who routinely hit baseballs to the farthest reaches of the ballpark -- and sometimes into the waters beyond -- Bell might be the candidate for you.

Second basemen

Primary voting results: Ozzie Albies (Braves), 2,190,518; Mike Moustakas (Brewers), 1,758,636; Ketel Marte (D-backs), 1,102,419

Who is the favorite? Albies? The other two candidates are having objectively better seasons, but Atlanta's second baseman appears to be benefiting from the Braves' bump in voting. Moustakas is the most recognizable name of the trio, a star in Kansas City who has hit 30 home runs in his year-plus with the Brewers.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... You might not know Ketel Marte's name, but his .309 batting average and 20 home runs are proof that you should get familiar with Arizona's out-of-nowhere slugger. Besides suddenly becoming a basher for the D-backs this year, Marte's versatility has allowed him to play second base, center field and shortstop when needed.

Third basemen

Primary voting results: Nolan Arenado (Rockies), 2,483,867; Kris Bryant (Cubs), 1,400,401; Josh Donaldson (Braves), 1,376,228

Who is the favorite? Arenado. Colorado's superstar third baseman is putting together another monster year at the plate while continuing to make jaw-dropping plays in the field for the Rockies. While Bryant has rebounded from an up-and-down 2018 and Donaldson has provided a nice boost at the hot corner in Atlanta, Arenado is the favorite to start at 3B for the NL again in 2019.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... All three names are known quantities here. The biggest question at third base will be if Anthony Rendon can finally end his string of All-Star snubs by earning a spot as a reserve.

Shortstops

Primary voting results: Javier Baez (Cubs), 2,598,426; Dansby Swanson (Braves), 1,719,262; Trevor Story (Rockies), 961,384

Who is the favorite? Baez -- by a large margin. This might have been more interesting if not for a recent thumb injury that could leave Story sidelined through the All-Star break, but Javy's combination of star power, market and on-field performance is tough to top.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... Can a former No. 1 overall pick be a dark horse? Swanson is putting together his best season yet but still has a lot of work to do if he's going to challenge Baez (or Story) for All-Star starter honors any time soon.

Outfielders

Primary voting results: Cody Bellinger (Dodgers), 3,685,170; Christian Yelich (Brewers), 3,646,071; Ronald Acuna Jr. (Braves), 2,553,169; Nick Markakis (Braves), 1,425,889; Charlie Blackmon (Rockies), 1,242,552; Albert Almora Jr. (Cubs), 1,071,664; Jason Heyward (Cubs), 1,040,260; Kyle Schwarber (Cubs), 997,340; Joc Pederson (Dodgers), 961,515

Who are the favorites? Bellinger and Yelich. Those two are runaway favorites for NL MVP honors, let alone to start in the outfield. Even the homer-est of homer fans would be hard-pressed to leave the two stars of the first half in all of baseball off their ballots.

But if you want to back a dark horse ... Well, if the first two spots are spoken for -- and they are -- who does that leave for the final starting spot? Acuna and Blackmon are the two names that stand out from the remaining options. Still just 21, Acuna is on the verge of a long string of All-Star appearances. The veteran Blackmon, on the other hand, is looking to make his third straight All-Star appearance and is in the midst of a sizzling June that has pushed his average into the .330s with an OPS above 1.000.

European leaders and UK record-holders feature in the first wave of team selections for the event in Borås

Seven European under-20 leaders, including UK record-holders Max Burgin and Alastair Chalmers, headline the first round of selections for the British team heading to the European Under-20 Championships in Borås, Sweden, from July 18-21.

Burgin, who won European under-18 800m gold in 2018, broke the British under-20 record with a 1:45.36 run on Sunday to also become the fastest man in Britain this year.

World under-20 4x400m bronze medallist and current European under-20 400m hurdles leader Chalmers broke the UK under-20 record with a time of 50.11 in Tampere at last year’s World U20 Championships and shaved another 0.04 off his best in Geneva earlier this month for his European-leading mark.

Five other European leaders earn selection, with 2018 European U18 Championships silver medallist Ethan Brown, 100m sprinters Amy Hunt and Jeremiah Azu, 800m specialist Isabelle Boffey and 5000m runner Grace Brock named on the team.

European U18 Championships gold medallist over 800m Keely Hodgkinson earns her first British vest at under-20 level, while 2018 world under-18 1500m finalist Erin Wallace makes the team following her trials success.

Hammer thrower Charlotte Williams secured her selection after moving to second on the UK all-time U20 list with a 62.84m PB as she took victory in Bedford on Saturday.

The 2016 European U18 Championships long jump gold medallist Holly Mills claimed team places in the women’s heptathlon and long jump, where she set a personal best of 6.40m (1.0m/sec) on Sunday before finishing second in the 100m hurdles.

“I am delighted that we are able to name such a strong team from our first round of selections for the European Under-20 Championships in Borås, next month,” said team leader Trevor Painter.

“The standard of competition in Bedford at the trials was incredibly high and because of this, it means that the team named at this point is a strong reflection of the calibre of junior athletes we have to pick from.”

The next trial events will take place on Saturday June 28 in Watford, with the men’s and women’s 3000m. The team will be announced in full on Tuesday July 9.

Chalmers, Hunt and Mills are also among the 20 athletes selected on the British team for the Mannheim Gala in Germany this weekend (June 29-30).

First wave of GB team selections for the European Under-20 Championships in Borås, Sweden

Men
100m: Jeremiah Azu
400m: Ethan Brown
800m: Max Burgin, Ben Pattison
1500m: Joshua Lay
5000m: Rory Leonard
110m hurdles: Josh Zeller
400m hurdles: Alastair Chalmers, Seamus Derbyshire
3000m steeplechase: Kristian Imroth
Long jump: Stephen MacKenzie
Shot: Lewis Byng
Discus: James Tomlinson
Hammer: Ben Hawkes
Decathlon: Jack Turner

Women
100m: Immanuela Aliu, Amy Hunt (Joe McDonnell; Charnwood)
200m: Georgina Adam
400m: Amber Anning
800m: Isabelle Boffey, Keely Hodgkinson
1500m: Erin Wallace
5000m: Grace Brock, Izzy Fry
400m hurdles: Marcey Winter
3000m steeplechase: Holly Page
Long jump: Holly Mills
Shot put: Sarah Omoregie
Hammer: Charlotte Williams
Heptathlon: Holly Mills

British team for the Mannheim Gala

Men
100m: Chad Miller, Tobi Ogunkanmi
200m: Fraser Angus, Joe Ferguson, Praise Olatoke
110m hurdles: Joshua Zeller
400m hurdles: Alastair Chalmers, Seamus Derbyshire
Long jump: Stephen MacKenzie
Discus: James Tomlinson
Hammer: Ben Hawkes
4x100m: Fraser Angus, Joe Ferguson, Chad Miller, Tobi Ogunkanmi, Praise Olatoke

Women
100m: Immanuela Aliu, Cassie-Ann Pemberton
200m: Amy Hunt, Hannah Kelly, Jazmine Moss
100m hurdles: Lucy-Jane Matthews, Holly Mills
400m hurdles: Marcey Winter
Long jump: Holly Mills, Josie Oliarnyk
4x100m: Immanuela Aliu, Amy Hunt, Hannah Kelly, Jazmine Moss, Cassie-Ann Pemberton

European 1500m champion announced as part of a top field for the Diamond League meeting

Britain’s European champion Laura Muir says she is “anticipating a big test” at the Müller Anniversary Games when she lines up as part of a strong 1500m field just 10 weeks out from the IAAF World Championships in Doha.

Muir, who is also a double-double European indoor champion over 1500m and 3000m, will take on Olympic and world 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon, European 1500m silver medallist Sofia Ennaou, 2016 world indoor 1500m silver medallist Dawit Seyaum, 2016 world indoor 1500m bronze medallist Gudaf Tsegay,  European indoor 1500m bronze medallist Ciara Mageean and European indoor 3000m silver medallist Konstanze Klosterhalfen at the Diamond League meeting taking place in the London Stadium on July 20-21.

Fresh from PB performances of 4:01.50 and 4:05.82 respectively, Muir’s fellow British runners Sarah McDonald and Jemma Reekie complete the field.

Muir has had a superb start to her outdoor season as the Scottish athlete won the 1500m at the Diamond League in Stockholm last month, then clocked a season’s best pf 3:56.73 in Rome a few weeks ago for her second-quickest time ever as she finished fractionally behind Genzebe Dibaba.

“This year is a huge one for me and the race at the Müller Anniversary Games is going to be a key test ahead of the world championships at the end of the summer,” said Muir.

“It’s a really strong field with the likes of Faith and Konstanze in the mix, so I’m anticipating a big test with a view to producing a really strong performance in London in a few weeks’ time.

“I know the amazing crowd in the London Stadium will be supporting me and all the British and overseas athletes. They’re always fantastic and it really is a wonderful experience competing there.

“Winning the European outdoor title last summer and defending my European indoor titles earlier this year has given me more confidence and I’m really excited about this season,” she added. “The Müller Anniversary Games is 10 weeks before Doha so the countdown clock will really start ticking there, so I can’t wait to get out and race.”

Anniversary Games organisers also recently announced a world-class women’s pole vault field, with Olympic, world and European champion Katerina Stefanidi, Olympic and world silver medallist Sandi Morris, 2015 world champion Yarisley Silva, 2014 European champion Anzhelika Sidorova, Olympic bronze medallist Eliza McCartney, world bronze medallist Robeilys Peinado, European silver medallist Nikoleta Kiriakopoulou, European bronze medallist and British record-holder Holly Bradshaw, Commonwealth champion Alysha Newman and 2016 European bronze medallist Angelica Bengtsson all set to compete.

Tickets for the Müller Anniversary Games are on sale at theticketfactory.com/british-athletics

Memorabilia valued at an estimated £200,000 belonging to former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker is up for auction to help pay off his debts.

Replica Wimbledon, US Open and Davis Cup trophies, medals and clothing are all being sold off.

Bankruptcy trustees appointed to make payments to the 51-year-old German's creditors have organised the sale.

"We consider this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said auction house Wyles Hardy & Co.

"Examples of these have rarely been available on the open market."

Six-time Grand Slam champion Becker was declared bankrupt in June 2017 over money owed to bank Arbuthnot Latham.

An auction of goods was arranged but then postponed after Becker claimed diplomatic immunity from legal action.

He said he had been appointed a sport and culture attaché for the Central African Republic.

However, Becker dropped his immunity claim in December, paving the way for a new auction to take place.

As well as the replica trophies, the online auction that runs until 11 July features watches, racquets, commemorative goblets, sweatbands - and even socks.

"We are pleased that the auction can now be resumed as these assets are one of the few remaining assets of the bankruptcy, and we anticipate declaring a dividend to creditors later this year," said Mark Ford, joint trustee to the estate of Boris Becker.

Wael El Hindi and an international support team give Abou the edge 
By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor

Mohamed Abouelghar came very close to a surprise win over Karim Abdel Gawad in the recent PSA World Series Finals in Cairo. It was a quality performance from the 25-year-old, showing just how much he has improved this season with an international support team working hard in the background. 

Abouelghar had already beaten Gawad in his round-robin qualifying group, also toppling Paul Coll after losing to Ali Farag in his opening match.

In the semi-finals Abouelghar produced a stunning display to beat Tarek Momen after losing the opening game.

The final lasted 92 minutes, and, at 10-10 in the fifth, it was anybody’s. But Gawad got the edge in those vital points to win the title in front of an excited Cairo crowd at the open-air court erected at the Mall of Arabia.

Abouelghar’s performances this season have shown a significant improvement after hooking up with coach Wael El Hindi (based in New York), sports science experts Joerg Stadelmann and his girlfriend Laura Northeast, who live in the wilds of Essex. Back home in Egypt, he continues to work with lifelong friend Mohamed Farid.

Everyone in squash knows the flamboyant racket work that El Hindi employed on court during his heyday, not to mention a unique fashion sense.

Abouelghar is displaying the same kind of outrageous confidence in his racket ability, now backed up by some solid work on and off court to improve every area of his game, both physically and mentally. He began the season strongly, winning the China Open in September, beating Gregory Gaultier in the quarter-finals, Saurav Ghosal in the semis, and Coll in the final.

He won the Motor City Open in February this year, winning a tough quarter-final against Adrian Waller 11-9 in the fifth, beating Zahed Salem in the semi-finals and Diego Elias in another five-setter in the final. 

One of Abouelghar’s most significant results of the season was a four-game victory over new world champion Ali Farag in the quarter-finals of the Grasshopper Cup in Zurich. All the while he was picking up enough points to make the World Tour Finals, squeezing in as the eighth-ranked player.

After beating Farag, he lost in the Grasshopper semis to Momen, who had also beaten him in the third round of the World Championships in Chicago, so that victory over Momen in Cairo must have tasted sweet.

Here we get to meet the team behind one of squash’s rising stars.

1: It’s great to see Mohamed rising to a career high of No.7 in the PSA World rankings for June 2019, and doing so well in the World Series Finals. Please tell us about the work you have been doing together?

A: So many variables factor into competing at the highest level. Obviously the athlete himself, genetics and physiological characteristics; psychological elements such as personality and motivation and then the environment in which he competes, trains and develops in. Support from parents, family, friends and coaches are also important. Abou’s work ethic, resilience, dedication and talent aside, it is important to not forget that his previous coaches and family have laid the foundation for his current success, without their contribution our current work would be much more difficult, if not impossible.

We view squash as a team sport, we as a team, win together and we lose together. Within the team responsibilities are clearly defined and each team member is accountable for the outcome. We try to focus on the controllable and optimizable factors rather than worrying about what we can’t influence. Ultimately the most important thing is to prepare Abou for the physical, psychological and technical/tactical demands of world elite squash; we are happy that we have found a formula which suits him.

2: How did you all connect in the first place?

A: In 2014 Joerg was working as a physiologist/sports psychologist for a Sports Medicine clinic in London when Alister Walker just happened to wander in one day during the Canary Wharf Classic. (You were probably MC’ing as it happened, Alan!). This relationship led to connections with Tarek Momen, Karim Gawad, Mohamed and a number of other players – mostly from Egypt.

Abou has been training with Mohamed Farid, his hitting coach, since 2008. He has been through it all really and he has been with Abou since the U13s and therefore knows exactly how Abou operates.

In the summer of 2018 Wael El Hindi joined the team. It goes without saying that his work has benefited Abou’ s squash greatly. Wael was a hugely gifted player and is bringing something special into Abou’s game.

3: Please tell us about your own backgrounds in sport.

A: Joerg Stadelmann: a professional football player (Goalkeeper in Austria, US, UK).
Laura Northeast: played squash from a young age then got into running and is a fitness fanatic to this day!
Wael El Hindi: is the former world number 7 and an extremely talented player who is now coaching in the States.
Mohamed Farid: he played numerous national tournaments in Egypt and started coaching Abou at the age of 21.

Coincidentally Joerg and Laura have similar academic backgrounds, which they discovered when they met in Florida while Joerg was playing football and Laura was working at Chris Evert’s tennis academy. Both have Masters degrees in Psychology and Sport Science/Physiology.

4: What specific knowledge and strengths did you bring with you to help Mohamed?

A: Wael, as former world number 7, brings a wealth of squash expertise to the table which has helped Abou tremendously. Through Wael’s experience and coaching he has matured on and off court. Laura and Joerg use their academic backgrounds to optimise fitness, psychology and nutrition. Joerg has also played about 450 games as a professional goalkeeper and therefore knows what elite sports is about. Since Farid and Abou have been working together since 2008, he knows Abou’s mentality and way of operating inside out; his contribution to Abou’s development as an athlete is huge.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

5: What shape was Mohamed in when you started work, and how do you think he is performing now?

A: Mohamed first came to England five years ago. He was an easy canvas to build upon; very skillful, already fit, dedicated, resilient and open to new approaches. It was more about implementing a structured programme to build on those strengths and correct any weaknesses with the aim of allowing him to get as much squash training in as possible while keeping him healthy. The sports science facilities at Writtle University (in Chelmsford, Essex) allow us to conduct physiological and biomechanical diagnostics and then design tailored training blocks.

6: How easy or difficult is it to communicate between England, Egypt and the US?

A: With technology constantly evolving it is quite easy to put platforms and tools in place to facilitate constant exchange between all team members; for example all training prescriptions and plans are online, available wherever the tour takes Abou. We also have regular conference calls during which we discuss squash, fitness and psychological topics.

7: Logistically, how does it work? Do you go to Egypt, or does Mohamed travel to England?

A: Both. Mohamed has been here a number of times. He’ll either stay in London or with Laura and Joerg. Here we can utilise the Sport Science laboratory at Writtle University (Laura’s workplace) for the more advanced measurements such as specific endurance, strength and power tests. Last summer Joerg and Laura went to El Gouna (to support Mohamed Abouelghar and Mohamed Reda) and Joerg has been to Cairo twice to see the players. Abou also regularly spends time with Wael in New York, where they can utilise top-class facilities.

8: Without giving away too many secrets, what are the most important aspects of your work together?

A: The most important aspect is that Abou is very dedicated, resilient, talented and hungry; he is not only a great athlete to work with but also a nice and humble guy.

We have a respectful but honest team culture, we set high standards, and we challenge each other constantly. This environment allows people to learn from mistakes and take responsibility. All of us agree that development is a process and quick fixes or magic does not exist. On this basis everyone is willing to work hard towards a common goal.

9: Mohamed, how do you see the relationship developing?

A: Squash for me is a team sport and I need the right people around me in order to move forward and develop. I am very lucky to have knowledgeable and dedicated coaches around me who I can also trust on a personal level and not only professionally. I think having this relationship of trust is very important to have as an athlete.

10: Mohamed, from your point of view, what was the highlight of the season?

A: I think, I played well throughout the season. Winning two big titles and winning against players that I have never beaten before was great but reaching the World Series Finals would definitely come on top given the fact that it was in Egypt in front of my home crowd and family. It was really special.

11: What does the future hold for you now? How do you prepare for the ultimate challenge in squash, competing on level terms with the six guys above you at the top of the rankings: Ali Farag, Mohamed ElShorbagy, Tarek Momen, Karim Abdel Gawad, Simon Rosner and Paul Coll?

A: I am now in in my off-season but will be starting pre-season soon. We have set the goals for next season and together we plan on what has to be done. I do not really pay attention to rankings because I believe it is a big distraction. The goal is to be the best player I can be and develop. The focus is more on the process and what I can really influence, if we can do this then the results will take care of themselves.

Pictures courtesy of PSA