Welcome back to episode 77. Curtis Malik jumps on the pod fresh off the best stretch of his career, highlighted by two huge wins on his US Tour over Youssef Soliman and Mohamed El Shorbagy. We get into how he’s carrying that momentum as he pushes toward the top 15 and beyond. We also break down his recent US Open run, talk through some match and player takeaways, and hear his two cents on the whole glass floor versus wooden floor debate. Enjoy.

Thanks in advance for all the comments, critiques and conversations!

Rally Report is sponsored by Maspeth Squash. Maspeth Squash disrupts the traditional squash world - accessible, outdoors, steel and embraces difference. So big thank you to Robert and excited to be able to partner up. You can find all information regarding Maspeth here: https://maspethsquash.com/

Rally Report is partnered with World Squash Forecast. World Squash Forecast brings cutting-edge analytics to the pro game, offering ranking projections, player trends, and in-depth insights into the PSA Tour. We’re thrilled to partner with them to bring more data-driven squash coverage to our audience. Big thanks to the team for pushing the sport forward. Explore their work at psa-world-rankings-forecast.fr.

-------------------------

Timestamps:

0:00 – Rundown

3:17 – Introduction (Season Catch Up)

5:25 – Curtis speaking on the depth of the men’s tour this season

6:26 – Curtis career month of October (US Tour)

8:06 – What’s changed about his game that’s helped him push up the rankings

10:16 – Thoughts on the changes of the tour this season

11:58 – Sunrise Courts Ad Segment

13:01 – Match analysis on the US Open (El Shorbagy and Steinmann)

22:15 – Curtis Malik breaking down what makes Asal so deadly

24:52 – Curtis tells the truth on what players think about the Glass v Wood Floor debate

26:56 – Breaking down the family dynamic between all the Malik squash players

33:03 – What started the Malik YouTube Channel

35:50 – Curtis sharing his advice from Mohamed El Shorbagy from World Champs

38:24 – How he feels about the buzz and pressure for him and Jonah

40:28 – Blind Rankings

43:17 – Quick Fire

-------------------------

Relevant Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therallyreport/

Spotify, Apple, Anchor: https://linktr.ee/therallyreport

Welcome back to episode 76! The long awaited Season Preview Show with Johnny Williams! We kick things off with takeaways from the first Gold Event of the season, the London Classic, before diving into the full preview: who will lock in their place in the top 10, players with potential to make big jumps, the battle at the top 4, and even a bit of Junior stars chat. Agree with Johnny’s takes? Enjoy

Thanks in advance for all the comments, critiques and conversations!

Rally Report is sponsored by Maspeth Squash. Maspeth Squash disrupts the traditional squash world - accessible, outdoors, steel and embraces difference. So big thank you to Robert and excited to be able to partner up. You can find all information regarding Maspeth here: https://maspethsquash.com/

Rally Report is partnered with World Squash Forecast. World Squash Forecast brings cutting-edge analytics to the pro game, offering ranking projections, player trends, and in-depth insights into the PSA Tour. We’re thrilled to partner with them to bring more data-driven squash coverage to our audience. Big thanks to the team for pushing the sport forward. Explore their work at psa-world-rankings-forecast.fr.

-------------------------

Timestamps:

0:00 – Rundown

2:42 – New Season / London Classic

7:02 – London Classic Recap (Women’s Side)

20:06 – London Classic Recap (Men’s Side)

41:32 – Men’s Season Preview (Player’s to Watch Out For)

47:07 – Men’s Season Preview (Who’s going to solidify into the top 10)

56:01 – Men’s Season Preview (Who’ll end up on top)

58:07 – Women’s Season Preview (Player’s who will make a move)

1:01:19 – Women’s Season Preview (Amina or Weaver)

1:02:21 – Women’s Season Preview (Amanda and Joelle still have it?)

1:05:14 – Women’s Season Preview (Young Player’s)

1:09:22 – BONUS: Marwan Asal Potential!?

-------------------------

Relevant Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therallyreport/

Spotify, Apple, Anchor: https://linktr.ee/therallyreport

Welcome back to episode 75! Veer joins the podcast as a full-time pro, making the leap from College Squash to the PSA tour. He’s been on an absolute rampage to start 2025 and is looking to carry that momentum into the new season. With his rapid rise and fearless play, Veer is definitely a name to watch — enjoy the conversation!

Thanks in advance for all the comments, critiques and conversations!

Rally Report is sponsored by Maspeth Squash. Maspeth Squash disrupts the traditional squash world - accessible, outdoors, steel and embraces difference. So big thank you to Robert and excited to be able to partner up. You can find all information regarding Maspeth here: https://maspethsquash.com/

Rally Report is partnered with World Squash Forecast. World Squash Forecast brings cutting-edge analytics to the pro game, offering ranking projections, player trends, and in-depth insights into the PSA Tour. We’re thrilled to partner with them to bring more data-driven squash coverage to our audience. Big thanks to the team for pushing the sport forward. Explore their work at psa-world-rankings-forecast.fr.

-------------------------

Timestamps:

0:00 – Rundown

2:22 – Introduction

4:19 – Work with David Palmer and preparations for this season

6:47 – Veer’s experience on the challenger tour and working to get to platinums

9:28 – Indian Nationals Recap

11:04 – Lack of depth in India Squash right now and support from the federation

14:17 – Transition from College Squash to the Pro Tour

18:33 – Full breakdown of thriller against Mohamad Zakaria

27:19 – Full breakdown of match against Ali Farag

32:40 – Experience training with Mostafa Asal

35:26 – Financial component as a young pro

41:33 – Blind Rankings

-------------------------

Relevant Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therallyreport/

Spotify, Apple, Anchor: https://linktr.ee/therallyreport

Welcome back to episode 74! Gina Kennedy joins back on the pod for the first time since 2022. At the prime of her career, she reflects on ways to bounce back from this past season and her ambitions to push beyond her highest world ranking. We also dive into some big current issues in the PSA, from glass floors to the intricacies of subtle movements and seeding debates. Don’t miss out as she also reveals who’s really to blame for the World Tour Finals event! Enjoy.

Thanks in advance for all the comments, critiques and conversations!

Rally Report is sponsored by Maspeth Squash. Maspeth Squash disrupts the traditional squash world - accessible, outdoors, steel and embraces difference. So big thank you to Robert and excited to be able to partner up. You can find all information regarding Maspeth here: https://maspethsquash.com/

Rally Report is partnered with World Squash Forecast. World Squash Forecast brings cutting-edge analytics to the pro game, offering ranking projections, player trends, and in-depth insights into the PSA Tour. We’re thrilled to partner with them to bring more data-driven squash coverage to our audience. Big thanks to the team for pushing the sport forward. Explore their work at psa-world-rankings-forecast.fr.

-------------------------

Timestamps:

0:00 – Rundown

6:09 – Introduction

7:29 – Gina’s thoughts on World Tour Finals Event. Is the structure bad?

11:48 – Gina potentially working with Rodney Martin? Summer Trial?

14:51 – Has Gina thought to explore different coaches before

17:45 – Dealing with Ulcerative Colitis as an athlete

23:54 – Gina’s disappointment last season and rejuvenated to climb back

29:14 – Conversation around England Squash (Funding, Olympics)

33:59 – How Gina separates friends from competitors

37:45 – Gina’s thoughts on referee and movement fiasco (QuashBadSquash)

40:24 – Gina on the realities of how subtle the movement issue really is

44:44 – Gina’s input on the glass floor v. Wooden floor

46:08 – Gina’s qualm with current seeding issues

50:05 – Blind Rankings

-------------------------

Relevant Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therallyreport/

Spotify, Apple, Anchor: https://linktr.ee/therallyreport

Welcome back to episode 73! Marwan El Shorbagy joins the pod this week. Given Marwan's unique background, we dive into his honest take on the differences between England and Egypt squash, the current level of the tour, how recent retirements have affected him, and his thoughts on QuashBadSquash. Lots of gems in this one. Enjoy!

Thanks in advance for all the comments, critiques and conversations!

Rally Report is sponsored by Maspeth Squash. Maspeth Squash disrupts the traditional squash world - accessible, outdoors, steel and embraces difference. So big thank you to Robert and excited to be able to partner up. You can find all information regarding Maspeth here: https://maspethsquash.com/

Rally Report is partnered with World Squash Forecast. World Squash Forecast brings cutting-edge analytics to the pro game, offering ranking projections, player trends, and in-depth insights into the PSA Tour. We’re thrilled to partner with them to bring more data-driven squash coverage to our audience. Big thanks to the team for pushing the sport forward. Explore their work at psa-world-rankings-forecast.fr.

-------------------------

Timestamps:

0:00 – Rundown

2:53 – Introduction

4:17 – Coaching relation with Ahmed Effat

6:40 – Marwan changing up coaches throughout his career

8:53 – Switching Allegiance to England

12:59 – What’s troubled England Squash to not be at the top

18:39 – Marwan’s experience moving to England

20:47 – Marwan’s thoughts on the level of the tour right now

24:33 – How Ali Farag’s retirement affected Marwan

28:25 – Dissecting why Marwan had success over the Farag match up

31:34 – Is Marwan playing his squash right now?

37:32 – Marwan on the glass floors

43:18 – Transitioning from being the best junior player to senior circuit

47:23 – Marwan’s thoughts on QuashBadSquash

51:48 – Blind Rankings

54:32 – Quick Fire

-------------------------

Relevant Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therallyreport/

Spotify, Apple, Anchor: https://linktr.ee/therallyreport

Breaking news episode! Excited to share a new squash initiative bringing together 3 squash podcasts as a centralized medium for the audience to come and enjoy all the squash content out there! Lots of hard hitting questions between Bill, Jackson and I. Enjoy!

Welcome back to episode 72! An absolute shock of a week it's been in the squash world. Four-time World Champion Ali Farag announced his retirement last week, completely shaking up the squash world ahead of the prestigious British Open. What does having someone of Ali Farag's pedigree out of the game change about the dynamic of the men's tour to end this season and into next? Johnny Williams joins back on the hot seat to answer it all. Jam-packed episode with a recap of the World Champs and a preview of the ongoing British Open as well. Enjoy!

Thanks in advance for all the comments, critiques and conversations!

Rally Report is sponsored by Maspeth Squash. Maspeth Squash disrupts the traditional squash world - accessible, outdoors, steel and embraces difference. So big thank you to Robert and excited to be able to partner up. You can find all information regarding Maspeth here: https://maspethsquash.com/

Rally Report is partnered with World Squash Forecast. World Squash Forecast brings cutting-edge analytics to the pro game, offering ranking projections, player trends, and in-depth insights into the PSA Tour. We’re thrilled to partner with them to bring more data-driven squash coverage to our audience. Big thanks to the team for pushing the sport forward. Explore their work at psa-world-rankings-forecast.fr.

-------------------------

Timestamps:

0:00 - Rundown

2:36 - Ali Farag retirement

5:18 - What does Ali Farag’s retirement mean for the men’s tour?

10:50 - Where does this leave Mohamed El Shorbagy

18:42 - The men’s top 10 being too old

23:42 - World Championships Recap

33:30 - British Open Men Preview

45:33 - British Open Women Preview

-------------------------

Relevant Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therallyreport/

Spotify, Apple, Anchor: https://linktr.ee/therallyreport

Welcome back to Episode 71! It's the big one, folks — the pinnacle tournament of the calendar year: the PSA World Championships. There are headlines galore heading into this year's event — from the battle for the top spot between Asal and Farag, to the Big Three under threat with the rise of Amina Orfi, and a potential changing of the guard in a blockbuster Round 2 clash between Zakaria and El Shorbagy. Johnny Williams joins the show, gets put on the hot seat, and breaks down the draw, the key matchups to watch, and who he thinks will ultimately take the title on both sides. It's a must watch! Enjoy.

Thanks in advance for all the comments, critiques and conversations!

Rally Report is sponsored by Maspeth Squash. Maspeth Squash disrupts the traditional squash world - accessible, outdoors, steel and embraces difference. So big thank you to Robert and excited to be able to partner up. You can find all information regarding Maspeth here: https://maspethsquash.com/

Rally Report is partnered with World Squash Forecast. World Squash Forecast brings cutting-edge analytics to the pro game, offering ranking projections, player trends, and in-depth insights into the PSA Tour. We’re thrilled to partner with them to bring more data-driven squash coverage to our audience. Big thanks to the team for pushing the sport forward. Explore their work at psa-world-rankings-forecast.fr.

-------------------------

Timestamps:

0:00 – Rundown

1:28 – Women’s Draw Breakdown

8:36 – R1/R2 Match Up Talk

12:01 – R3 Talk

18:36 – QF Talk

26:56 – SF Talk

28:40 – FINAL MATCH UP

29:57 – Men’s Draw Breakdown

30:49 – R1 Match Up Talk

36:15 – R2 Match Up Talk

42:42 – R3 Match Up Talk

49:43 – QF Talk

58:01 – SF Talk

59:15 – FINAL MATCH UP

-------------------------

Relevant Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therallyreport/

Spotify, Apple, Anchor: https://linktr.ee/therallyreport

Welcome back to episode 70! Bernat jumps back on the pod to catch us up on his recent performances and his move to Egypt. We dive into the squash culture over there and what it’s like having Zakaria as his go-to hitting partner. He also shares his honest thoughts on the glass floors and the dangers they pose compared to traditional wood courts. Bernat opens up about not being drafted by the NSL last year and what it means to now represent the Lake Erie Beacons in Season 2. Enjoy!

Thanks in advance for all the comments, critiques and conversations!

Rally Report is sponsored by Maspeth Squash. Maspeth Squash disrupts the traditional squash world - accessible, outdoors, steel and embraces difference. So big thank you to Robert and excited to be able to partner up. You can find all information regarding Maspeth here: https://maspethsquash.com/

Rally Report is partnered with World Squash Forecast. World Squash Forecast brings cutting-edge analytics to the pro game, offering ranking projections, player trends, and in-depth insights into the PSA Tour. We’re thrilled to partner with them to bring more data-driven squash coverage to our audience. Big thanks to the team for pushing the sport forward. Explore their work at psa-world-rankings-forecast.fr.

-------------------------

Timestamps:

0:00 - Rundown

2:41 - Introduction (Moving from Spain to Egypt)

3:48 - Being part of the Egyptian environment / Playing at the same club as Zakaria

8:31 - Season review. Playing at his highest ranking

10:19 - Australian Open Deep Dive - Youssef Soliman Match

12:38 - Australian Open Deep Dive - Auguste Dussourd Match

14:46 - How dangerous the glass floors are

21:32 - Discussing the hype around Jonah Bryant

24:28 - Playing against younger generation players

26:59 - What Bernat is trying to add in his game now

28:50 - Bernat not being picked by NSL last year

30:58 - Knowing he is capable of beating the best

34:44 - His thoughts on the Lake Erie team and who the best team is

39:20 - Has funding increased since Olympics announcement

40:52 - Blind Rankings

43:14 - Ali v. Mohamed El Shorbagy -- who’s had a more accomplished career

Welcome back to Episode 69! The NSL Draft took place just last week, and each team selected their roster according to the draft order. It was fascinating to see how every team approached constructing their lineup. Philadelphia Lightning's very own Andrew Douglas joins the podcast to analyze each team's picks and grade their performance. With so many high-profile names entering the league, it should be an exciting season ahead as we see who thrives in the NSL format and who struggles to adapt. Which team do you have winning it all?

Thanks in advance for all the comments, critiques and conversations!

Rally Report is sponsored by Maspeth Squash. Maspeth Squash disrupts the traditional squash world - accessible, outdoors, steel and embraces difference. So big thank you to Robert and excited to be able to partner up. You can find all information regarding Maspeth here: https://maspethsquash.com/

Rally Report is partnered with World Squash Forecast. World Squash Forecast brings cutting-edge analytics to the pro game, offering ranking projections, player trends, and in-depth insights into the PSA Tour. We’re thrilled to partner with them to bring more data-driven squash coverage to our audience. Big thanks to the team for pushing the sport forward. Explore their work at psa-world-rankings-forecast.fr.

-------------------------

Timestamps:

0:00 - Rundown

0:56 - Introduction (Criteria for Grading)

4:05 - Philadelphia Freedom

11:21 - District Inferno

13:21 - SoNo Sharks

17:04 - Lake Erie Beacons

21:07 - Greenwich Panthers

25:55 - Philadelphia Lightning

31:30 - Lake Erie Beacons

33:57 - Chicago Grizzlies

35:29 - Newport Dragons

38:11 - Louisville Colts

39:25 - Atlanta Tornados

41:06 - Nashville Crushers

43:49 - New York Knights