I Dig Sports
Andy Murray is "cautiously optimistic" about returning to action "at some point this summer", says mother Judy.
The British three-time Grand Slam winner, 31, said in March that he was pain-free after hip surgery but his chances of playing singles at Wimbledon this year were "less than 50%".
Murray said the operation meant it was possible he would not be able to play professionally again.
"It is still early days so we will have to wait and see," Judy Murray said.
She told the BBC during a visit to Tennis World in Middlesbrough: "He was told not to do impact work, which basically means running around the garden hitting a ball, for three months but he's been hitting against a wall from a static position."
Murray broke down in tears at the Australian Open in January, saying in his pre-tournament news conference that he planned to retire after this year's Wimbledon because of pain in his hip.
However, he said the first Grand Slam of 2019 could prove to be the last tournament of his career.
After a gutsy first-round five-set defeat by Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, Murray appeared to soften his stance by telling the Melbourne crowd he hoped to see them again next year.
In his post-match news conference, he said he was considering the resurfacing operation primarily to improve his quality of life.
Murray had the hip resurfacing operation - which keeps more of the damaged bone than a hip replacement, smoothing the ball down and covering it with a metal cap - in London on 28 January.
American doubles player Bob Bryan had the same surgery last year and returned to action, alongside twin brother Mike, five months later. No tennis player has competed in singles after having the operation.
'Still a chance of Wimbledon?' - analysis
BBC Scotland tennis reporter Kheredine Idessane
There's no disguising the sense of quiet optimism emanating from the Murray camp at the moment.
The social media "thumbs up" from Andy Murray himself to his hip replacement; pictures of him enjoying a round of golf; his mum Judy now saying there's every chance he could be back on tour at some point this summer. Admittedly, that gives him plenty of wriggle room, as the summer tennis season drags well past September's US Open.
He won't be at the French at the end of May but is there a chance he could feature at some point on the grass in June? Queen's Club and Wimbledon would be the obvious targets, even if only on the doubles court.
However, if a pain-free, rested, rejuvenated Murray starts serious on-court weight-bearing work at some point next month, there is a possibility he will play singles at the All England Club in July.
He only gave himself a 50% chance of that a few weeks ago but it's certainly no less than that now. Quite a turnaround when you think that, in January, he was tearfully contemplating retirement.
Stuttgart Open: Naomi Osaka beats Hsieh Su-wei to reach quarter-finals
World number one Naomi Osaka began her clay-court season with a straight-set victory over Hsieh Su-wei at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.
The Japanese, who lost to Taiwan's Hsieh at the Miami Open in March, won 6-4 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals.
The victory ensures Osaka will retain the world number one ranking for at least another week.
Osaka will face Donna Vekic next after the Croat overcame Russia's Daria Kasatkina 6-1 7-5.
5 Things we learnt from Day Four in Budapest
China won’t lockout final
For the first time in 16 years the World Championships men’s singles final won’t be an all-Chinese contest after second seed Xu Xin suffered a shock round three elimination.
In a thrilling match filled with twists and turns at every corner it was Frenchman Simon Gauzy who emerged victorious over the master of penhold (11-8, 6-11, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9, 11-9), leaving China without a representative in the lower section of the draw.
Tomislav Pucar is more than a “one-hit wonder”
A month back at the 2019 ITTF Challenge Plus Oman Open Tomislav Pucar outperformed expectations to secure an unprecedented semi-finals finish – On Day Four in Budapest the Croatian was at it again.
The clear underdog in his third round meeting with no.12 seed Dimitrij Ovtcharov but that didn’t hold Pucar back as he pulled off a magnificent 4-3 win against the German star (11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 8-11, 2-11, 11-5, 11-7).
It’s not over until it’s over
Over in the women’s singles draw Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem showed us that there’s always a way out of a difficult situation as she earned an impressive win against Japan’s Kasumi Ishikawa.
Trailing 0-5 in the deciding game and staring at a Round of 16 defeat but Doo refused to give up the fight, winning 11 of the next 15 points to keep Hong Kong in the competition (11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 11-9, 4-11, 6-11, 11-9).
Exciting times ahead for Latin America
There’s a great deal of excitement brewing in Latin American surrounding the excellent Hugo Calderano, who has taken the world by storm over the past couple of years and the Brazilian has provided the continent with yet more cause for celebration in Budapest.
Calderano’s convincing 4-0 victory over India’s Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (11-6, 11-3, 11-9, 11-9) means he equals Latin America’s personal best record of a top 16 finish on the World Championships stage, a feat that was previously achieved by Biriba and Claudio Kano in 1961 and 1971 respectively.
Petrissa Solja knows the secret to mixed doubles success
Winning mixed doubles bronze alongside Fang Bo two years back in Düsseldorf and Germany’s Petrissa Solja is assured of another World Championships medal in Budapest but this time with a different partner.
At the quarter-finals stage of play Solja and Patrick Franziska produced a fine display to knock Japan’s Mima Ito and Masataka Morizono out of the running (13-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-13, 15-13, 11-8) – at the very least a bronze medal is guaranteed but can Solja and Franziska finish even higher?
Preview Day Five: Further drama awaits as tensions rise
The day begins with the last 16 of the men’s singles tournament and we’ve got some absolute cracking matches on the way.
At 10.00am local time Fan Zhendong will face his toughest challenger so far in Budapest as fellow compatriot Liang Jingkun awaits on table 1. The latter player was on the winning side of this head-to-head at the 2018 ITTF World Tour Austrian Open – could the top seed be in danger of an early exit?
Another tie featuring two major contenders sees Hugo Calderano meet defending champion Ma Long on table 1 at approximately 12.00pm. Calderano is attempting to become the first Latin American to reach the last eight of a singles event in World Championships history so expect to see extra determination from the Brazilian.
Enjoying a fine campaign thus far Miu Hirano is just one win away from a medal finish in the women’s singles draw, but she has an uphill task ahead of her as she prepares to do battle with the “Queen of Hearts” Ding Ning at 4.00pm on table 1. Identified as a potential threat to China’s dominance – is this Hirano’s time to shine?
One hour later we have the exciting prospect of seeing two of China’s finest young players meeting face-to-face as Sun Yingsha, 18, and Wang Manyu, 20, take to table 2. In their relatively short careers at senior level Sun and Wang have established an intriguing rivalry and with a medal up for grabs both players will be desperate for the victory. Expect nothing short of a classic when these two meet at 5.00pm.
From 6.00pm you can join the men’s doubles race where Portuguese qualifiers Tiago Apolonia and Joao Monteiro have the opportunity to reach the penultimate round if they can find a way past Germany’s Timo Boll and Patrick Franziska on table 2. The fourth and fifth seeded women’s doubles partnerships are scheduled for table 1 at 7.00pm as China’s Zhu Yuling and Chen Meng take on Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem and Lee Ho Ching in a fiery encounter.
Rounding off the day’s action at 8.00pm are two mixed doubles semi-finals: on table 1 we have a jaw-dropping match between China’s biggest stars as Fan Zhendong and Ding Ning face off against Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen while over on table 2 defending champions Maharu Yoshimura and Kasumi Ishikawa of Japan welcome Germany’s Patrick Franziska and Petrissa Solja.
Be sure to watch the action unfold live with itTV and follow the live blog throughout the course of the day for all the latest from Budapest.
More Information
Shocked. Stunned. Speechless. History is made on Day 4 at the Liebherr 2019 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships!
ONE OF THE ALL-TIME GREAT UPSETS
Day 4 revealed one of the major shocks in recent World Table Tennis Championships history, as world no. 34 Simon GAUZY (FRA) produced an outstanding performance to stun world no. 2 XU Xin (CHN), winning in six games (11-8, 6-11, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9, 11-9).
The swashbuckling style of both players always had this match down as a potential classic and that is how it transpired, with a number of scintillating strokes exchanged and, despite trailing after the third game, GAUZY it was who prevailed amidst the deafening cheers of a passionate crowd inside the HUNGEXPO Budapest.
The result and elimination of XU, the only Chinese athlete in his half of the draw, ensures that this will be the first time in 16 years that the Men’s Singles final does not feature two Chinese players: a scenario not seen since Werner SCHLAGER (AUT) reached and won the final back in 2003 in Paris.
BIG-NAME EXITS CONTINUE
Few may have expected Tomislav PUCAR (CRO) to progress beyond the round of 32 when he drew former world no. 12 Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (GER), but the reality is that the world no. 58 is playing comfortably the best table tennis of his career to date.
Following impressive showings at the ITTF Challenge Plus Oman Open, where he reached the semi-finals, and a round of 32 finish at the ITTF World Tour Qatar Open, the 23-year-old’s career has been on an unmistakably upward trajectory, so much that his match-up against the former world no. 1 had an air of the unexpected about it.
An extremely hard-fought battle ensued, full of twists and turns, until PUCAR emerged victorious after seven very intense games (11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 8-11, 2-11, 11-5, 11-7).
DOO Hoi Kem (HKG) provided arguably the biggest upset in the Women’s Singles draw. The world no. 12 was down 0-5 in the deciding game against no. 6 Kasumi ISHIKAWA (JPN), however refused to give up the fight, winning 11 of the next 15 points to keep Hong Kong in the competition (11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 11-9, 4-11, 6-11, 11-9).
Day 4 also saw Japan’s second highest-ranked player crash out of the competition, as world no. 7 Mima ITO (JPN) failed to deal with the ever-improving SUN Yingsha (CHN). The world no. 29 is so far justifying her selection for the World Championships amidst typically stiff competition and accounted for ITO in five games (11-6, 11-9, 11-9, 13-15, 11-2).
EXCITING TIMES AHEAD FOR LATIN AMERICA
One day after Adriana DIAZ (PUR) broke new ground for Puerto Rican table tennis by becoming the first player from the nation to reach the round of 32, there would be another record broken by another rising star from the Latin American region.
Hugo CALDERANO (BRA), who has taken the world by storm in recent years to attain the world no. 7 spot, provided the continent with yet more cause for celebration in Budapest. The 22-year-old’s convincing 4-0 victory over Sathiyan GNANASEKARAN (IND) in straight games (11-6, 11-3, 11-9, 11-9) means he equals Latin America’s personal best record of a top 16 finish on the World Championships stage, a feat that was previously achieved by BIRIBA and Claudio KANO in 1961 and 1971 respectively.
BRONZE MEDALS SECURED IN MIXED DOUBLES
The Mixed Doubles quarter-finals produced an eye-catching contest involving LEE Sangsu and JEAN Jihee (KOR), who challenged the powerful pairing of XU Xin and LIU Shiwen (CHN) until the very end, before eventually losing 4-3.
The same round in the same competition saw another upset unfold, as Patrick FRANZISKA and Petrissa SOLJA (GER) locked horns with Mima ITO and Masataka MORIZONO (JPN). FRANZISKA injured his right foot in the sixth game only a few shots before match point. After a medical time out, he and SOLJA got back in the game to finish off a well-earned 4-2 victory to make sure of a bronze medal finish.
FOUR DAYS DONE. FOUR TO GO!
More incredible matches are in store for Day 5, as players start to target the major prizes on offer this weekend in Budapest.
Tune in to itTV to make sure you don’t miss any of the action!
QUICK LINKS:
Day Five Live: Women’s Singles Quarter-Finals
Queen of Hearts moves through
China’s Ding Ning is the first player into the women’s singles semi-finals after negotiating a difficult encounter against Japan’s Miu Hirano (11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-7, 11-9).
Both players demonstrated magnificent speed on the table with the vast majority of rallies concluding in quick fashion but ultimately only one could progress and that proved to be the “Queen of Hearts.” – The title defence continues!
Breaking News: Boll withdraws from men’s doubles!!!
Unfortunately we won’t be seeing Timo Boll in action this evening after the German legend officially withdraw from the men’s doubles event due to illness. Get well soon Timo!!!
Women’s Singles Quarter-Finals
Here’s how the women’s singles quarter-finals schedule looks:
4.00pm: Ding Ning vs Miu Hirano (Table 1) – Doo Hoi Kem vs Chen Meng (Table 2)
5.00pm: Miyu Kato vs Liu Shiwen (Table 1) – Wang Manyu vs Sun Yingsha (Table 2)
Secrets Revealed
Want to know some of French star Simon Gauzy secrets? Watch and find out:
Men’s Singles
Top half: Liang Jiangkun (China) v Koki Niwa (Japan), Ma Long (China), v Lin Gaoyuan (China)
Lower half: An Jaehyun (Korea Republic) v Jang Woojin (Korea Republic), Mattias Falck (Sweden) v Simon Gauzy (France)
The matches will be played on Friday 26th April
Simon Gauzy Reflects
Simon Gauzy looks back at his win against Wang Yang:
“I lost against him twice recently so I started the match fully focused. I did not have the adversary like I had yesterday, when I beat Xu Xin, but this match was mentally harder. I was under bigger pressure because this time I was the favourite. It is so good that I did not play a morning match because I really needed time today to find my focus and to calm down. I have not been feeling comfortable playing against defenders; that is why I started in full power from the first minute. I did not want to give him chance to attack first. I attacked with the fast backhand and through all four games he did not find the chance to recover.” Simon Gauzy
Simon Gauzy beat Wang Yang 11-0, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8
Drama with the departure of both Fan Zhendong and Tomokazu Harimoto, the withdrawal of Timo Boll; the morning ended in a degree of anti-climax.
Simon Gauzy won the first 13 points of the match; comfortably he won the second game, before establishing a 4-1 lead in the third. Wang Yang called “Time Out”; advice from Jaromir Truksa but it was to no avail.
The Frenchman was in command; the fourth game closer but not in doubt, a straight games win recorded.
An Jaehyun and Tomokazu Harimoto reflect
An Jaehyun and Tomokazu Harimoto look back at their encounter; An Jaehyun remembering the defeat suffered at the 2016 World Junior Championships in Cpe Town.
“The last time we met it was a very close and tight match but today I was confident that I could win.” An Jaehyun
“I was so nervous in the match, I could not play my game. I tried to play my style but it was a bit difficult. I tried several times but it was not just working. I think I am still nursing the ambition of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games but this means I have to practise more. Probably this loss is one of the phases in table tennis which I quite know will happen.” Tomokazu Harimoto
Timo Boll withdraws
Suffering from a fever, Timo Boll has withdrawn from the men’s singles event. However, he hopes to recover in time for his men’s doubles match partnering Patrick Franziska.
It means Jang Woojin receives a walk-over and despite the losses experienced by Lee Sangsu and Jeoung Sangeun, the Korea Republic is guaranteed a semi-final place. In the round of the last eight An Jaehyun meets Jang Woojin.
Ma Long beat Hugo Calderano 8-11, 11-8, 11-1, 11-3, 11-8
First game to Hugo Calderano as increasingly the chant of “Hugo, Hugo” raised in volume. The backhand of the Brazilian, whether close to the table or distant, potent, the young man from Rio de Janeiro posed problems for the defending champion.
In the second game at 7-all it was parity; the next two points to Ma Long, eventually succeeding 11-8. High quality, the rallies stunning but could Hugo Calderano match Ma Long in the rallies department.
Just one thought, put the backhand of Hugo Calderano together with the forehand of Ma Long and Hugo Long would be some player.
Excelling over the table Ma Long dominated the third game, a rhythm to his play had been found. He gave Hugo Calderano no time to exert his power. Now Ma Long was in motion, the first three points of the fourth game secured, Ma Long called “Time Out”.
The fractional earlier timing on the ball which Ma Long exerted was proving crucial. Ma Long was in a dominant mood. There was no stopping the juggernaut, a quarter-final place was reserved.
Jeoung Youngsik reflects
“The first three games were close and most times made bad services and receives during important points; this really affected me losing vital points. It is my first time making it to the last 16 of the World Championships but I know I had chance to progress. My opponent played very well and I hope to be luckier next time.” Jeoung Youngsik
Response from Tomislav Pucar
“I think playing well at the Oman and Qatar Opens helped my confidence in this competition and it really prepared me well. Losing the first game was very disappointing because I was leading 10-6, if I had won it, it would have been a different thing entirely. If I initiated an attack I could more points, he was more tactical .” Tomislav Pucar
An Jaehyun beat Tomokazu Harimoto 11-7, 3-11, 11-8, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9
Tomokazu Harimoto is the sensation, the youngest in every respect whatever the question but in Budapest, An Jaehyun, required to qualify has been a revelation; defeats earlier in the morning for Lee Sangsu and Jeoung Youngsik, the Korean mantle of responsibility rested on the shoulders of the 19 year old.
Contrary to expectations, An Jaehyun secured the opening game, immediately Tomokazu Harimoto replied; fearless and relishing the occasion, An Jaehyun secured the third and went ahead 5-3 in the fourth. Tomokazu Harimoto called “Time Out”. The break worked but it worked for An Jaehyun who increased the lead before Tomokazu Harimoto reduced the deficit to 9-6. An Jaehyun elected for “Time Out”. He lost the next point but no more, he led 3-1.
Looking somewhat stressed but fighting for every point, Tomokazu Harimoto secured the fifth game.
In the sixth game, there was nothing to choose until An Jaehyun went ahead 9-7. Tomokazu Harimoto levelled but at 10-9 An Jaehyun held the advantage, at the first attempt he succeeded. The Korea Republic celebrated.
Lin Gaoyuan beats Jeoung Youngsik 11-8, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6
Speed the key, Lin Gaoyuan secured the opening game 11-8. The second game somewhat followed the pattern of the first; Lin Gaoyuan established a 10-7 lead, Jeoung Youngsik, saved two game points but no more.
Close games, the third was the same with Lin Gaoyuan prevailing 11-9 and thus established a 3-0 lead. Deciding to take some risks, in the fourth game Jeoung Youngsik trailed 3-5, he called “Time Out” and sought advice from Kim Taeksoo. However, the writing was on the wall. At 10-5, Lin Gaoyuan held five match points, he succeeded at the second attempt.
Response from Mattias Falck and Lee Sangsu
“I was a bit nervous in the first game but when I got back to the table on the second game, I started getting more aggressive and this really helped. I cannot express how I feel about this win because it means so much to me. As one of the seeded players, I had a target of progressing in every match and I am happy I am doing that.” Mattias Falck
“My opponent is a very good player and the match was also very difficult for me. After the first game, he became more aggressive and it was a 50:50 match. Unfortunately I could not contain him and this really cost me the match. This is table tennis, sometimes you win some and you lose some. For me after every competition, I go back to work harder with more practice.” Lee Sangsu
Koki Niwa beats Tomislav Pucar 12-10, 11-5, 5-11, 11-8, 8-11, 12-10
The height advantage with Tomislav Pucar, he towers above Koki Niwa.
Supreme feeling for the ball, Koki Niwa secured a close opening game. Over the table he held the ace cards. More relaxed he controlled the second game. More acclimatized, Koki Niwa making mistakes, Tomislav Pucar secured the third game. In the fourth Koki Niwa established an early lead but at 9-8, the difference was down to one point. Koki Niwa called “Time Out”. The break worked.
In recent weeks, Tomislav Pucar has played at a new level; positive with the first attacking strike he won the fifth game. The sixth game crucial, trailing 7-8, Tomislav Pucar called “Time Out”. Koki Niwa went ahead 10-8, two match points, both were saved but when a third opportunity arose, Koki Niwa converted
Koki Niwa who beat Tomislav Pucar
Liang Jingkun beats Fan Zhendong 5-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7
Fan Zhendong secured the first game 11-5 against Liang Jingkun, safety first, keep the ball on the table and keep your opponent under pressure, he gained success. More relaxed Liang Lingkun responded to secure the second.
The more positive player, Liang Jingkun secure the third game 11-8; now he is the more vocal player. It is role reversal from the opening game. Both from the same country but neither is giving an inch, the crowd is enthralled.
Fourth game, Liang Jingkun leads 10-7; tension. Next two points to Fan Zhendong; Liang Jingkun takes “Time Out”. A long rally ensues, a backhand top spin from Fan Zhendong flies long. Liang Jingkun lead 3-1.
In the fifth game, Liang Jingkun goes ahead 4-3; Fan Zhendong takes “Time Out”. Liang Jingkun is on fire. Narrowest of edges, signaled by Fan Zhendong he moves ahead 6-4. Matters level at 7-all; super consistent, Fan Zhendong moves ahead 10-8, clinches next point, deficit down to one game.
Can Liang Jingkun respond? Has Fan Zhendong weathered the storm?
In the sixth game, the early advantage is with Liang Jingkun, outstanding counter top spin rallies, he establishes a 6-3 lead. Fan Zhendong, once again reverts to safety first, consistency, he levels at 6-all. Again Liang Jingkun seizes the advantage; at 10-7, three match points. He succeeds at first opportunity.
Mattias Falck beats Lee Sangsu 11-13, 11-8, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6
Athletic, Lee Sangsu won the opening game by narrowest of margins, 13-11, against Mattias Falck; an immediate response to secure the second 11-8
A close third game, the verdict against 11-8 in favour of the Swede. It gives him a major boost. In the fourth game he moves ahead 6-1. He maintains lead to win 11-5.
Lee Sangsu responds, establishes 5-2 lead in fifth game. Mattias Falck replies wins next seven points. Match point at 10-6, secured. Mattias Falck salutes the crowd.
Day Five arrives
It’s time for Day Five of the Liebherr 2019 World Championships to begin – for detailed information take a look at the fixture schedule below:
Preview Day Five
See what’s coming up on Day Five with our quick preview article:
Preview Day Five: Further drama awaits as tensions rise
Omar Assar x TATA Trickshot
Backhand, forehand, jump shot – Watch Omar Assar’s brilliant trickshot!
BREAKING NEWS! Timo Boll withdraws from Men’s Singles Round of 16
Official Statement
After his victory against Japan’s Masataka MORIZONO in the Round of 32, World number 5 & 5th seed, Timo BOLL was scheduled to face off with Korea’s JANG Woojin in the Round of 16. The German legend, unfortunately, fell ill with a fever and had to pull out of the Men’s Singles Event. He will, however, try his best to recover in time for his Men’s Doubles match with Patrick FRANZISKA.
With Boll’s withdrawal, the bottom half of the draw has now become even more open especially since China’s XU Xin lost against Simon GAUZY on the previous match day. It will be interesting to see how the action progress after this unfortunate news.
QUICK LINKS:
Squash legends provide a chorus of tributes for Ramy Ashour
Ramy Ashour, The Artist, makes his final bow
‘He was a genius at work and a pleasure to play with’ says Nick Matthew
By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor
Ramy Ashour’s retirement provoked a massive response from the global squash community, mixing sadness at his departure from the professional tour with enormous gratitude at the way his astonishing skills and smiling demeanour lit up the game of squash.
Former rivals got in touch to express their feelings about his phenomenal talent and his massive contribution to the game.
Nick Matthew, who featured in many thrilling battles against Ramy, wrote: “He was a once in a generation player. He was the only player I ever played (when I was at the top of my game) who made me go away and think more about how to stop them than trying to get better myself.”
Both players won the world title three times. And Matthew added: “When you hadn’t played him in a few months you could be in your fittest condition but he still winded you with the speed of the game and how early he took it. And that backhand cross court volley nick was unplayable at times.
“He was pretty much a genius at work and a pleasure to play against so many times. I feel very privileged to have played as many times as we did. He helped raise the game of squash to new levels.”
Danny Lee, a former top player and now Head of Squash at the fabulous St George’s Hill club in Surrey, recalled an early meeting with the young Ramy when he first appeared in England.
He said: “I thought Tom Richards was a pretty special prospect as a young boy but rumours came in, from a St George’s Hill second team player who worked in the Middle East, that there was an Egyptian boy called Ramy Ashour, a year younger than Tom who was even better.
“That fact was proven a year or so later when Tom was comprehensively beaten in the British Open Under 13 final .
“They met again two years later in the Under-15 final. Ramy’s leg was already ominously strapped. I sat with Jonah Barrington, who was obviously impressed by Ramy , who won 3-1 this time and oozed class particularly at the key moments of the match.
“Three or four years later I received several calls and texts from a very concerned Mrs Ashour , whose son was embarking on his first major trip on his own.
Danny Lee with Ramy Ashour
“My club staged the Saudi qualifying event and I remember Ramy brilliantly dispatching Simon Parke 3-0 and I knew then for sure that he would probably be world champion one day.
“Ramy’s mother was right to be worried, but she would have been proud of the way her son conducted himself on that trip and subsequently throughout his career. I found him polite, gregarious and funny.
“His abilities on court were phenomenal and he was without doubt the most entertaining player ever to reach the very top of the game.
“He combined flamboyant stroke play with exceptional retrieving and his ability to do the unexpected well set him apart from his peers.
“Without the injuries he would have won many more world titles and it’s sad that he was unable to compete much in the last few seasons.
“Ramy’s retirement leaves a big void and he will be greatly missed by the game that he has given so much to. A true great of squash and a unique man.”
Tom Richards, who was on the receiving end of that beating in the British Junior Open, wrote on Twitter: “Sad to see @RamyAshour retire but what a legend of the game.
“Having first played him as an 11 year old and not even managing to get a point, his genius was evident early on and every match we played was a real pleasure, even that one! A great character who will be sorely missed.”
Australia’s Cameron Pilley said: “One of the all-time greats has announced his retirement. Possible/probable GOAT!
“So many things to say about Ramy but I loved the spirit in which he played the game and the way he carried himself both on and off court. He was a once in a generation player.”
Women’s squash legend Nicol David of Malaysia was full of respect for Ramy, both on and off court. Like Ramy, she recently announced her imminent departure from the PSA World Tour and, like the Egyptian, she intends to put her massive experience to good use by mentoring a new generation of players.
She took to Instagram to write: “Ramy, a talent like yours has not been seen in the world of squash and you have shined brightly for us to witness true art in motion on the squash tour. Thank you for sharing your kindness, grace and spirit for all of us to admire and be inspired.
“May you recover from any pain that you’re going through right now and that your body and mind can be free from the trauma that you have put it all on the line to fulfil your passion for squash.
“Look forward to all you have going for you with the next chapter in life and I wish you every success in anything you do. I am and always will be inspired by you.”
Another great friend and rival, Gregory Gaultier, also took to Instagram to offer his views, saying: “Tough to see/hear the news about my good friend @ramyashourr. He has always put squash to another level, has revolutionised the game, gave it much more interest. He won everything in an amazing/impressive way, so talented but to me the most perseverant player after trying to come back with all those injuries, sometimes playing only once or twice a year and still winning those events. Very sad to go out cause of your body letting you down, you tried it all.
“You inspired everyone, gave so many smiles to people whenever you were around and stepping on court. It was a privilege to play you so many times and having to make myself push harder in the training.
“I wish you the best for your next chapter, i m sure all the qualities you have and showed during your squash career will drive you to be as successful in whatever you do. A true legend, the tour will never be the same…We’ll catch up soon.”
Daryl Selby added: “So sad to see this, on his day probably the best player to ever play the game. Absolutely loved watching him play and absolutely loved sharing a court with him. He took the sport to the next level and we will all miss him. Absolute legend.”
American number one Amanda Sobhy wrote: “Sad to read, but what a privilege it was to grow up & watch @RamyAshour play. One of a kind squash talent & overall human being. The squash tour will surely miss you, but at least I can still see you in NYC.”
Ashour has been ravaged by injury over the past decade and suffered a range of hamstring and knee issues. The latter has kept him out of action since last May, with his final PSA appearance coming at the 2018 British Open.
Announcing his retirement, he said: “I’m not the biggest fan of beginnings and endings. During my 25 years on the squash court, I won a combined eight World Championships (including senior, junior and team), and I never loved anything more than I have loved the game of squash. Squash has given me so much but also took a lot from me physically and mentally.
“While I look towards the next stage of my journey, I have to thank the people who have been with me every step of the way. First of all, my parents and my brother, who have always been there, have always been my biggest supporters and motivators, and who shared with me my best and worst times.
“I also want to thank my close friends, who have stood by me. Thank you to all my coaches, who helped me get to the next level. Thank you to all my sponsors, Prince rackets, Pharco Pharmaceuticals, CIB Bank and Salming Sports.
“Last but not least, I want to say that I am grateful for all of you (the fans), the people I don’t know personally, who have always believed in me, you guys are the biggest reason I was always pushing to win.”
PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough said: “Ramy has inspired countless of aspiring squash players around the world and is without a doubt one of the most talented players the game has ever seen.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ramy for his contributions to the PSA Tour over the past 15 years and everyone at the PSA wishes him well for the future.”
Ramy’s brother Hisham, head coach at the CityView club in New York, provided a fitting finale with this post on Facebook: “The time has come my brother. The one and only Ramy Ashour has decided to step down after along fight with injuries.
“I have seen it all from the beginning. From day one it started by winning the nationals when you were nine, under 10 years old then saw you win British Opens, World Opens and a lot more. Also had the privilege to play with you in the same team alongside Mo Shorbagy and Karim Darwish to win the World Open in Germany in 2011.
“I’ll never forget your crazy moves, waking up 25 minutes before your match and your long naps, and you would wake up, start jumping in the room then take a freezing coldd shower and then you go and win.
“We played almost 8 years on the tour together. It was a hell of a journey ..we are also lucky to have had team players like mum and dad Mohamed Ashour and Dalal Nowaiah they were always there to help push and protect.
“Today we won’t mourn or cry over you stepping away, in fact we should celebrate an amazing career of someone who was able to inspire thousands of people and had a huge impact on a lot of them .. ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for the one and only RAMYYYYYY ASHOURRRRRR.’
Readers are invited to leave their own tributes to Ramy in the Comments Section below.
Pictures courtesy of PSA, Steve Line, Patrick Lauson, Patricia Lyons, Dan Bogosh, Marian Kraus
Stunning wins for Fares Dessouky and Nouran Gohar in El Gouna
Fares Dessouky stretches for a volley against Mohamed ElShorbagy
‘I am happy to say to everyone that I’m back’
By MATT COLES
Egypt’s Fares Dessouky and Nouran Gohar shocked World No.2s Mohamed ElShorbagy and Nour El Sherbini, respectively, as the quarter-finals of the El Gouna International, PSA World Tour Platinum tournament drew to a close on a thrilling night of action at the Abu Tig Marina.
Dessouky, who currently sits at World No.42, beat compatriot ElShorbagy for the first time in four attempts, having lost the previous three to the former World Champion, to reach his first Platinum semi-final since he tore his ACL in November 2017.
The 24-year-old was given a wildcard spot for the tournament and will appear in the semi-finals in El Gouna for a third time after winning 15-13, 11-4, 8-11, 11-9.
“I’m happy to say to everyone that I’m back playing at a high level,” said Dessouky.
“Mentally as well, I was good today, I feel I’m playing better than before. I’m really happy to beat Mohamed today, it was a really tough match, especially after 14 months out injured.
“I love playing in Egypt, I feel like the people here love me, and I give my best here. I’m playing in front of my family and friends, this is something incredible, and I’m happy to be here in El Gouna one more time to play on this beautiful court.”
Dessouky’s win guarantees a new men’s champion, and he will take on 2017 runner-up Karim Abdel Gawad for a place in the title decider.
Karim Abdel Gawad on the attack against Marwan ElShorbagy
Former World No.1 Gawad, who claimed top spot when reaching the final in El Gouna two years ago, ended the title defence of men’s champion Marwan ElShorbagy as he claimed an 11-9, 12-10, 11-6 triumph.
A year ago to the day, ElShorbagy got the better of Gawad in the quarter finals en route to winning his maiden Platinum final, but this time, it was the World No.6 who took the victory in straight games.
“It was very tough. 3-0 against someone like Marwan means a lot to me as he is a very tough opponent. I am really happy to see him back and really happy with my performance today,” said Gawad, who won the last Platinum event held in Egypt, December’s Black Ball Open
“I have very happy memories [of Gouna]. Reaching the finals and reaching World No.1 here in Egypt is a huge memory for me that I can never forget. Playing in Egypt is always different for me, wherever it is, in Gouna or Cairo. It is a great thing for me and I am always happy to playing a tournament here in Egypt.”
Nouran Gohar volleys against Nour El Sherbini
In the women’s draw, Gohar is into the semi finals of the El Gouna International after she beat World Champion El Sherbini for the first time since 2014.
Gohar had lost nine straight matches to El Sherbini since then, but played her best squash to win 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 12-10, securing a match-up with France’s Camille Serme in the last four.
“It feels amazing. The only other time I beat her was our first meeting and that was in Egypt as well, it is my lucky place,” Gohar said.
“I am really pleased with it. It was a really tough match which could have gone either way. I gave my best and she gave her best so I am really pleased with it. I expected her to come back. She was not going to leave it like that, even when I was 9-5 up in the last game. I was sure she was going to get everything and she was playing as if it was 0-0 or something. She is a true fighter and I really respect her for that.”
Camille Serme (left) hunts the ball across the midle of the court against Sarah-Jane Perry
World No.4 Serme won the opening match of the night in a high-quality four-game encounter with England’s World No.6 Sarah-Jane Perry.
The pair had met nine times on the PSA World Tour previously, with the Frenchwoman having won seven of those. Serme fell behind after losing the first, but battled back to win the next three against a spirited Perry, who is still continuing her return from an elbow surgery.
“I knew I had the right tactic because I was leading in the first game, but I tried not to panic. Of course, she came back strongly but I knew what I had to do and I tried to stick to it,” Serme said.
“It was a big battle physically. I think physically, I could feel that she was getting tired with long rallies, so I was trying to force myself to have long rallies even though I was losing them. I had to try and make her tired, and maybe that helped in the end.”
The action continues today (Thursday) as the semi finals take place at Abu Tig Marina. Play will start at 18:30 local time (GMT+2), with four matches set for tomorrow evening.
Matches from the glass court will be broadcast live on SQUASHTV (rest of world), Eurosport Player (Europe only) and the official Facebook page of the PSA World Tour (Indian subcontinent only). Play starts at 18:30 local time (GMT+2).
El Gouna International Open 2019, Abu Tig Marina, El Gouna, Egypt.
Men’s Quarter Finals (Bottom Half):
[4] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-0: 11-9, 12-10, 11-6 (43m)
[WC] Fares Dessouky (EGY) bt [2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-1: 15-13, 11-4, 8-11, 11-9 (61m)
Women’s Quarter Finals (Bottom Half):
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) bt [6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 3-1: 12-14, 13-11, 11-8, 12-10 (61m)
[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) 3-2: 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 12-10 (74m)
Men’s Semi Finals, Thursday April 25:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) v [3] Tarek Momen (EGY)
[4] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v [WC] Fares Dessouky (EGY)
Women’s Semi Finals, Thursday April 25:
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v [13] Amanda Sobhy (USA)
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) v [8] Nouran Gohar (EGY)
Pictures courtesy of PSA
Henry Taylor: Northampton Saints sign scrum-half from Saracens
Northampton Saints have agreed a deal to sign scrum-half Henry Taylor from Premiership rivals Saracens.
The 25-year-old will move to Franklin's Gardens for the start of next season following four years at Allianz Park.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity to join a club like Northampton Saints," he said.
"It's clear that the side has made brilliant progress this season and they are playing a brand of rugby I have always loved."
Taylor is a former England Under-20 international and made his Premiership debut for Saracens in 2017.
Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: 
Email: 
