In squash - The Podcast

Jamie Abbott of Cross Court Analytics first appeared on Episode 167 shortly after their launch, and since then they've been crunching the squash digits big time! The chat today with Jamie bears that out along with plenty of food for thought. On this ep we discuss several areas that they're analyzing: officiating decisions by numbers, the lack of stats utilized in pro game commentary, the numbers behind Karim Abdel Gawad's incredible comeback this season, some of the pro players that they are working with, and much more. Check out Cross Court Analytics at https://crosscourtanalytics.com/ and check out our sponsor Open Squash at https://opensquash.org/

There are some prolific, big name coaches on the PSA tour right now, but you would be hard pressed to find one who has had more success than Omar Abdel Aziz. The list of players that he's worked with and their accomplishments over the last several years is impressive and they include, amongst others, the likes of Hania El Hammamy, Tarek Momen, Karim Abdel Gawad, Nouran Gohar and Youssef Ibrahim. Omar talks about his early days on the PSA tour, the influence of Karim Darwish, Amr Shabana and Ahmad Barada, Hania and Nouran, how the season has played out with his current group of players and much more.

Youssef Ibrahim was in the ascendancy a year ago; playing scintillating squash which saw him reach world #11 before having to step away from the game due to serious knee issue. He's back, and if his form at the recent World Championships is any indication, he's not far off that world #11 form. Youssef talks about the injury, his rehab and comeback, the great match v. Mohamed El Shorbagy in Chicago along with where the backhand topspin winner that went viral came from, and much more. Check out our sponsor, Open Squash, at www.opensquash.org

Class is in session once again with Rob Dinerman. Rob provides a tremendous tribute to Paul Assaiante, a breakdown of the most recent US College Squash season, a recap of the US Pro Doubles season, his take on the PSA from the American perspective and of course his latest book A History of the Briggs Cup. For those of you interested in any of Rob's books check out www.robdinerman.com or contact https://www.mpcprinting.com/

Ali Farag and Nour El Sherbini are your 2023 World Open Champions, and RJ Mitchell and I break down their victories and how everything played out in Chicago. Check out our sponsor, Open Squash, www.opensquash.org

Double champs at the European Team Championships last week, England National Team Head Coach David Campion joins the pod to break it all down; from the ladies impressive win, to the men's inspirational win, Mohammed El Shorbagy's unbelievable comeback against Victor Crouin in the final and MES' impact on the team as a whole, and the culture the David is attempting to cultivate within the team. Really great chat!

Reigning World Open and British Open champ Ali Farag proved that he is back, playing sublime squash on his way to winning his first ever British Open last month. Now, he's a few days away from embarking on a World Open Championship three-peat. Ali talks about over coming injury, working his way back to his best form, his British Open win, the upcoming World Open, Open Squash and much more. Check out our sponsor www.opensquash.org

Who better to break down the upcoming World Open than SquashTv's First though, Johnny talks about England's big win at the European Teams in Helsinki along with Switzerland's historic 3rd place finish with their win over Wales. Johnny then deep dives on both the men's and women's events at the World's, and caps it off by predicting the winners. Many thanks to our sponsors #Weareopensquash www.opensquash.org

Squash Canada Hall of Fame 2023 inductee Jamie Crombie makes a glorious return to the pod to look back at his illustrious squash story. Jamie takes us back to his junior days, the countless caps he's had representing Canada at the World Team champs from 1985 through to 1995 and the Pan Am Games, his relationship with fellow Calgarian and Squash Canada Hall of Famer Dale Styner, as well as a tribute to his late great coach at Western University, Jack Fairs.

Leading Trinity to 17 national titles which included 13 on the trot during "the streak", Paul Assaiante is without question one of the greatest coaches in US Collegiate sports history. Shortly following the end of this season which saw his Trinity Bantams surprise many by reaching the Potter Cup final, Paul announced that he would be stepping down as head coach after 30 glorious years at the helm. This chat covers it all, and it truly captures what makes Coach Assaiante an absolute national treasure for US Squash. Please check out our sponsor www.opensquash.org for more details on the great summer coaching camp offers.