In squash - The Podcast

Michael Absalom joins the In Squash Podcast to discuss his journey in squash, from his early days in the sport through to his work in broadcasting and his transition from MC to SquashTV analyst and commentator. Michael shares his thoughts on the Shorbagy interview that made waves, the Asal hand grab controversy, the current men’s game and the players at the top of the sport, as well as the return of Nouran Gohar and the women’s game. We also look ahead to the new SquashTV season and discuss how squash broadcasting can continue to add value for fans. A great conversation with one of the familiar voices behind the modern presentation of professional squash. Follow Michael: @michaelabsalompresenter

The Nash Cup gets underway today as the Canadian swing of PSA events begins. Jay Nash discusses the build-up to the tournament, changes to the men’s draw and the challenges of navigating the unexpected when running a PSA event. The women’s draw is stacked with some of the game’s best young talent, while two past Canadian Nash Cup champions, David Baillargeon and Hollie Naughton, return to the event. The conversation also covers the Nashionals, the strong squash culture in London, Ontario, and the impact of Jack Fairs on the game. A behind-the-scenes look at the Nash Cup and the people and passion that continue to drive squash in Canada.

Newly crowned British National Champion Simon Herbert joins the In Squash Podcast for Episode 411. Herbert reflects on his impressive run to the British National title, his chances heading into the event, and what it means to add his name to a list of past champions that includes some of the biggest names in squash. The conversation also covers his experiences playing in Canada, the upcoming Nash Cup in London, Ontario, his work with coach Rob Owen, and his National Squash League title with the Chicago Grizzlies. A great conversation with one of the rising names in the professional game.

George Parker returns to the In Squash Podcast for Episode 410, just months after winning the London Open and then retiring from the PSA Tour at the age of 29. George reflects on his decision to walk away from professional squash, the highlights of his PSA career, his experiences with discipline and controversy on tour, and what life looks like away from the professional game. We also discuss his move into padel and what squash might be able to learn from the sport’s incredible global growth. A fascinating conversation with one of England’s top squash players about leaving the tour, finding a new direction, and the next chapter.

Former World No. 3 Stuart Davenport joins us for a fascinating trip back to the golden era of squash and an inside look at what it takes to reach the very top of the game. Davenport talks candidly about his own career and his experiences competing at the highest level, including his run to the semi-finals of the 1983 World Championships — an event dominated by the extraordinary Jahangir Khan, who went through the tournament without dropping a game. But this conversation goes well beyond the history books. Stuart breaks down the mental game of squash, including the importance of concentration, the ability to thrive within the chaos of a match, and the subtle skills that can separate the very best players in the world from those ranked much lower. We also get into one of the less-discussed aspects of elite squash: working the referee — how players manage the relationship with the official, influence the rhythm of a match, and use every available edge to their advantage. Stuart shares his observations of players who have mastered this art across different generations. And perhaps most intriguingly, Stuart offers his inside perspective on Paul Coll's remarkable rise from World No. 80 at the age of 23 to World No. 3 by 26. What did he see in Coll that helped explain such a rapid ascent? What separates a very good professional from a true virtuoso? A fascinating conversation about performance, psychology, tactics, referees, chaos, concentration and what it really takes to become one of the best players in the world.

Episode 408 – Declan James: Back to His Best, the Road to LA 2028, and Representing Jamaica After one of the toughest setbacks of his career, Declan James is back. The former World No. 15 returned from a ruptured Achilles in late 2023, but as he explains in this episode, coming back to the PSA Tour and truly feeling like yourself again are two very different things. Following a strong 2025/26 campaign that included last-16 appearances at both the British Open and the World Championships, Declan reflects on a season that, in my view, flew under the radar. We discuss the long road back from injury, the physical and mental challenges of rebuilding confidence, memorable victories over Mohamed Abouelghar, battles with Paul Coll and Karim Abdel Gawad, and the influence of former World Champion Nick Matthew on both his game and mindset. We also spend plenty of time on one of the biggest stories in squash: Declan's decision to represent Jamaica as he begins his pursuit of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. He explains how the opportunity came about, what wearing the green, black and gold would mean to him, and what the qualification pathway looks like over the next two years. Finally, Declan shares his thoughts on where professional squash needs to go next. From branding and marketing the sport more effectively to attracting a younger audience and capitalizing on the momentum leading into the Olympic era, he offers a thoughtful perspective on how the PSA can continue to grow the game.

At only 19 years old, Amina Orfi has already achieved what most players spend an entire career chasing. The four-time World Junior Champion is now the youngest ever Women’s World Open Champion, the 2026 World Champion, and the current World No. 2 after one of the most remarkable seasons in recent memory. Amina joins me to reflect on a season that saw her game reach an entirely new level. After a slower start to the year, she found another gear following the Tournament of Champions, consistently reaching the latter stages of events before capturing the two biggest titles in the sport. Along the way, she defeated both Hania El Hammamy and the legendary Nour El Sherbini to claim both the World Championship and the British Open. We dive into: What it feels like to become World Champion and whether it has truly sunk in. Defeating the greatest player of all time on the sport’s biggest stage. The emotions of that unforgettable World Championship final. Her growth physically, mentally, and tactically over the past season. The rise of Siva Subramanium Having her father in her corner Officiating, decision-making, and the evolving landscape of professional squash. World Champion. World No. 2. Four-time World Junior Champion. Still only 19 years old, Amina Orfi on Ep. 407.

Six years after his first appearance on the podcast, Greg Lobban returns to discuss one of the biggest decisions of his professional career. Following his recent announcement that he intends to pursue Australian citizenship, Greg opens up about the reasoning behind the move, how it creates a more realistic pathway toward qualification for the LA 2028 Olympic Games, and where the process currently stands. We also reflect on his recent seasons on tour, discuss the next generation of players making waves in the game, and dive into the wider conversation around officiating and the future direction of professional squash. A candid and fascinating conversation with one of the sport’s top competitors.

Episode 405 is a special one as longtime friend and one of the most respected figures in Canadian squash, Eric Baldwin, finally joins the podcast. Eric and I go way back to our junior days competing in Atlantic Canada, so this episode feels less like an interview and more like two old squash boys catching up after years apart. We dive into the golden era of junior squash in the Atlantic provinces, the incredible talent pipeline that came out of PEI and the Atlantic region, the influence of his father Doug Baldwin on the game, memories of the rivalries and personalities from back in the day, and of course some great stories surrounding Eric’s nearly three decades leading the iconic Toronto Badminton and Racquet Club. We also talk Jonathan Power, Canadian squash history, doubles success, Dean Brown and Bow Valley, and what Eric is most proud of after a lifetime dedicated to growing the game. A great conversation, a lot of laughs, and a proper trip down Squash Canada memory lane. 🏆 Sponsored by Squashify & Open Squash

We welcome back one of the biggest movers on the PSA Tour this season, Yahya Elnawasany. After joining us earlier in the season during our Nash Cup series, Yahya returns following a breakthrough second half of the year that has seen him climb to World No. 16 and make a sensational run to the semi-finals of the British Open. We dive into Yahya’s incredible British Open campaign, where he battled through a brutal draw featuring top players including Dimitri Steinmann, Mohamed ElShorbagy, Karim Abdel Gawad on his way to the final four. Yahya also shares the story of having his equipment stolen during competition, battling through adversity, and the mental side of navigating tough five-game matches under pressure. We also look back at the early part of the season, where results weren’t quite clicking, including his appearance at the Nash Cup, and explore the turning points that helped shift his momentum. A big part of that second-half surge came through a new coaching partnership with former world-class player Wael El Hindi, and we discuss how that collaboration helped elevate his game to another level. A fantastic conversation with one of the rising stars on tour, reflecting on resilience, growth, and what comes next as he pushes deeper into the world’s elite. 🎧 Tune in now for Episode 404 of In Squash. Sponsored by Squashify and Open Squash — growing the game and making squash more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Matt Bishop returns to the In Squash Podcast for a conversation that dives deep into the Atlantic Canada squash scene—past, present, and where the game is heading. A long-time Nova Scotia provincial champion, multi-time Atlantic Open winner, and Canadian age-group national champion, Matt shares reflections on longevity, competition, and what continues to drive his success at the highest level. [bishop intro | Word] We also explore the people and moments that have shaped squash in the region, from coaching influences to the unique competitive culture that defined an era. This episode also includes a tribute to Dave Feder, one of Atlantic Canada’s all-time greats. Dave was not only a remarkable player, but a respected teammate, mentor, and friend whose dedication, discipline, and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the broader squash community

Ep. 402 – Johnny Williams on Orfi, Asal, the World Championships & the Future of Squash Squash TV’s very own Johnny Williams returns to the pod as we break down the tremendous 2026 World Championship. We dive deep into Amina Orfi’s historic run to becoming the youngest ever World Champion, her maturity under pressure, tactical discipline, and whether we’re witnessing the arrival of “Gohar 2.0.” We also unpack the incredible final against Nour El Sherbini and what lies ahead in Sherbini’s pursuit of World Title number nine. On the men’s side, we analyze Mostafa Asal’s dominant season and second consecutive World Championship, including his fascinating tactical battle against Diego Elias in the final. We also discuss: • Diego Elias and how he handles adversity at the highest level • Youssef Ibrahim’s rise as one of the sport’s true box-office players • Rob Owen’s comments on officiating and El Gouna • The vacuum left by Lee Drew’s departure and the continued lack of a successor announcement months later • A preview of the British Open, which gets underway tomorrow • Early thoughts on the World Tour Finals A wide-ranging, honest, and passionate conversation on the current state of the professional game with one of squash broadcasting’s best voices.

Ep. 401 — Nathan Clarke Recaps a Historic World Championship Now that the dust has settled, Nathan Clarke of Squash Player Magazine joins the podcast to break down one of the most entertaining and historic World Championships in recent memory. We discuss Amina Orfi becoming the youngest ever women’s world champion, the scrutiny and officiating surrounding her run, and what her victory means for the future of the game. We also dive into Mostafa Asal’s dominant season and second consecutive world title, along with standout performances, controversies, injuries, and the biggest talking points from Giza. Plus: Sherbini’s future, Siva’s rise, Youssef Ibrahim’s electric squash, Diego Elias’ mental battle, and even a little SquashTV commentary drama.

Jonathan Power’s attacking style and on-court presence were unlike anything squash had seen before; and it served to lay the groundwork for the attacking style of play that we see from the best in the game today. JP returns to the podcast for this milestone 400th episode, bringing that same insightful squash mind to the mic as well. JP has been coaching Mohammed Zakaria, and we talk about how Zakaria’s game has reached another level this season. We also take a deep dive into Diego Elias’ current form and recent win at El Gouna International, including his thoughts on the final which included both Diego and Zakaria, and of course the controversial fifth-game semifinal against Mostafa Asal. JP has provides a different perspective on the current trajectory of officiating in general. Episode 400 is a special one for the podcast, and JP delivers an episode worthy of the milestone.

Luke Butterworth jumps back on the pod and does not disappoint. Luke Butterworth returns to the pod—and once again delivers. We dive into Greenwich Academy’s incredible run of 10 consecutive high school girls’ squash titles, achieved during Luke’s tenure as Director of Squash. He shares insights into building a sustained culture of excellence and what it takes to stay on top year after year. Luke is also working closely with several top U.S. pros, including Nick Spirizzi and Caroline Fouts, both of whom are showing strong recent form. We discuss their progress and what’s driving their performances. On top of that, Luke recently stepped into a new role, making his managerial debut with the NSL’s Greenwich Panthers. We unpack that experience, what he learned from it, and whether this debut was simply a one-off or not. To wrap things up, Luke lays out a few non-negotiables for anyone serious about elevating their squash game.

Former World Champion, world number two, and one of the very best coaches in the game today—Rodney Martin jumps back onto the pod for another insightful chat. We dive into his work with Gina Kennedy, who’s been producing some outstanding results this season, and explore what changes have elevated her game. We also get into the mindset of elite players, the intensity and edge at the top level, and whether that competitive fire is what separates the very best. We also touch on some of the game’s recent talking points, including the El Gouna controversy, and finish with a masterclass segment where Rod shares key non-negotiables for players looking to improve.

World No. 13 Marina Stefanoni makes her In Squash debut, and it was an impressive one at that. One of four American women now ranked inside the PSA top 20, Marina has had a breakout season, climbing from just inside the top 30 to just outside the top 10, and picking up impressive wins and pushing some of the very best players in the world along the way. We dive into her rapid rise this season, the growing strength of women’s squash in the United States, and how close she feels to consistently breaking into the very top group on tour. Marina also shares insights into her training approach, the mindset required to handle setbacks at the elite level, and what it takes to compete week in and week out against players like Nour El Sherbini, Amina Orfi, and Satomi Watanabe. We also talk about how exciting the NSL has been for her playing for the SoNo Sharks, and how much she's enjoyed playing under the unique NSL match play format. A great listen with one of the brightest rising stars in the women’s game.

Former World #2 Peter Marshall returns to the podcast and it was well worth the wait. We begin by revisiting Peter’s career, including the origins of his iconic two-handed technique, his two World Open finals against Jansher Khan, and what it was like competing against both Jansher and the legendary Jahangir Khan. The conversation then turns to the crux of the episode - the most recent controversies surrounding World #1 Mostafa Asal. We break down the controversy from El Gouna, including the highly disputed stroke and conduct stroke at 8–7 in the fifth against Diego Elias—a decision that proved decisive in the outcome of the match . We also get into his thoughts on the recent Observer article which he feels was a disservice to Asal and to the game as a whole. It’s a candid discussion from an absolute legend of the game.

In this episode, I’m joined by Rahul Vashishtha, currently at Bates College and soon to take on the Assistant Coach role at Louisville Collegiate School. Rahul has taken a truly global path through the game—starting in India, moving into national-level coaching in Singapore, and now building his career in the United States. We dive into that journey, but more importantly, we focus on the realities behind it. This episode is particularly valuable for young and aspiring coaches looking to break into the North American system. We unpack the key challenges that often don’t get talked about enough—especially when it comes to navigating visas, securing opportunities, and adapting to new coaching environments and cultures. We also explore: The differences in coaching culture across India, Singapore, and the US What the US college system looks like from the inside Practical advice on finding coaching opportunities abroad Strategies that helped Rahul successfully transition between countries What to expect when it comes to lifestyle, work environment, and career progression If you’re an aspiring coach with ambitions to work internationally—or simply curious about what it really takes to build a coaching career across borders—this is one you won’t want to miss.

I’m joined by James Zug—a true pillar in the squash media space and someone who, in many ways, helped inspire this very podcast through his early work with Outside the Glass. We’ve been meaning to make this one happen for a few years now, and with the release of the second edition of Squash: A History of the Game, the timing couldn’t have been better. This is a deep dive into the roots of the game—where it came from, how it evolved, and the characters who shaped it along the way. From the early days of squash in North America to the influence of legends like Hashim Khan, we get into the stories that don’t always get told but absolutely should be. We also explore: The origins of squash and how it spread globally The divide between hardball and softball—and why it mattered And some of the great rivalries, including Jahangir Khan vs Mark Talbott Great chat with James Zug!!

One of the PSA's most exciting young talents, Matias Knudsen, makes his In Squash Pod debut on Ep. 393. We take a deep dive into his breakout season, what it means to earn direct entry into the World Championships, and how close he is to breaking into the sport’s biggest events. Matias also reflects on his college days at Drexel under the legendary “General” John White, and why the U.S. college pathway was the right move for his development. Of course, we couldn’t skip over that trick shot—Matias walks us through one of the most creative points you’ll see on tour, and shares a few more moments where instinct and imagination took over. We also explore the influence of Colombian legend Miguel Rodriguez on his game, and what it’s like preparing to face him on one of squash’s biggest stages. Great chat!!

PSA Gold and Platinum events are back—and with them, one of the standout tournaments on the calendar: the Optasia Championship, and with that we’re joined by Bassim Haidar—Founder of Optasia and the driving force behind the event. Bassim shares his personal squash journey, from how he first got into the sport to becoming one of its most impactful supporters. We dive into his entrepreneurial story—launching companies in his early 20s and building Optasia into what it is today—before exploring what inspired him to invest in squash and help elevate it on the global stage. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at his long-standing support of the Mohamed ElShorbagy and Marwan ElShorbagy, his relationship with the Professional Squash Association, and how he’s seen the professional game evolve over the years. With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics, Bassim shares his thoughts on what the sport needs to do to capitalize on this historic moment. We also discuss: His partnership with Danny Lee and what makes the Optasia event tick The current and next generation of top players What he’d change about the global squash landscape And, of course, what he’s most excited about for this year’s Optasia Championship A brilliant conversation with one of the key figures helping push squash forward.

In this episode, I’m joined by Cross Court Analytics data analyst Tom Glover, who takes us behind the scenes of how elite players and coaches are using performance data to gain a competitive edge. We explore how Cross Court Analytics works with top professionals, what kind of insights players are actually looking for, and how those same tools can benefit club and amateur players. From identifying patterns in match play to breaking down decision-making under pressure, this is a fascinating look at squash through a completely different lens. Tom also dives into some recent and compelling case studies, including: What the numbers reveal about fast vs slow starters—featuring players like Mohamed ElShorbagy, Karim Abdel Gawad, and Ali Farag A data breakdown of the thrilling Zakaria vs Makin semi-final Insights into Marina Stefanoni’s standout performances in Australia What’s driving Paul Coll’s recent success And a remarkable deep dive into 300,000 drop shots, where Nour El Sherbini emerges as the most efficient, alongside Youssef Ibrahim and Joelle King

Hadrian Stiff returns to the podcast for another thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation. Since we last spoke in a two-part episode on the mental and technical sides of the game, Hadrian has continued his work in New York while supporting elite players and juniors around the world. In this episode, we discuss his upcoming transition back to the UK and reflect on his time coaching at the Heights Casino in New York. Hadrian also shares insights from working within the US squash system during an important period leading into squash’s Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Summer Olympics in. We also talk about the Olympic qualification journey ahead for Iain Yow, and what this historic moment means for players and coaches involved in the process. The conversation then shifts back to a topic Hadrian is especially passionate about: the mental side of performance. We explore how elite junior players deal with pressure, why learning to sit with disappointment is a crucial skill, and the role breathing techniques can play in helping athletes perform under stress.

Greg Marche makes a long awaited return after his remarkable run to the semi-finals of the Windy City Open, making him the second-oldest player ever to reach a major semi-final on the PSA Tour. Greg reflects on the tournament in Chicago, how his training and recovery routines have evolved as he’s gotten older, and the adjustments required to stay competitive at the top level of professional squash. We also discuss the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics, his views on the qualification process, and what the opportunity means to him going forward. We also talk golf, a mutual passion of ours, and the positive impact golf has had on Greg's game and how it helped him during a difficult period in his PSA career. Great chat!!!

Zena Wooldridge, President of the World Squash Federation, returns exactly 100 episodes after her last appearance — when we were celebrating squash’s successful bid for LA 2028. This time, we dive into where things stand now. We unpack preparations for LA 28, including the 16-player qualification pathway and the various scenarios that could shape the Olympic field. We discuss the Comcast venue, how the professional game is aligning with Olympic demands, and what changes fans might see as squash prepares for a global audience. We also look ahead to Brisbane 2032, with a crucial decision looming on squash’s continued Olympic inclusion. An essential update on squash’s Olympic journey — where we are, and what comes next. #weareopensquash #LA 28 #squashify #WorldSquashFederation

Squash Player Magazine's one and only Mike Dale is back on the pod for episode 387 — a long-overdue catch-up. The last time Mike joined us was a couple of years ago, recorded during his daughter’s swim practice. This time, we reconnect in the aftermath of a house move and turn our attention to something far bigger: squash’s road to the LA 2028 Olympic Games. With just 16 spots available in both men's and women's events, Mike breaks down the proposed Olympic qualification pathway, what it means for players, nations, rankings, and the competitive realities that come with such a limited field. We talk structure, timelines, and the inevitable questions and challenges that sit beneath the headline announcements. As always with Mike, it’s informed, clear, and grounded in the realities of the professional game — cutting through the noise and focusing on what actually matters. #squashplayermagazine #weareopensquash #squashify

1975 British Open Champion and former World No. 1 Qamar Zaman returns to the podcast — and somehow manages to top his unforgettable appearance on Episode 217. In this wide-ranging conversation, Qamar reflects on the outstanding performances of World Junior Champions Amina Orfi and Mohammed Zakaria, both crowned winners at the recent Karachi Gold event, and what their success means for the future of the game. He also shares his thoughts on Pakistan’s next wave of talent, with Noor Zaman and Hamza Khan both showing serious promise this season. We dig into Qamar’s perspective on the Pakistani underage junior controversy, his candid views on the current men’s World No. 1 Mostafa Asal, and the state of the modern game. And of course, no conversation with Qamar Zaman would be complete without a look back at history. We take a deep dive into his iconic 1975 British Open triumph, including a fascinating breakdown of his legendary quarter-final victory over Geoff Hunt. A masterclass in squash, past, present, and future — this is one not to miss.

Three finals on the trot and one of the matches of the year already on his résumé. Despite an early exit in Karachi, Youssef Ibrahim has been must-watch squash this season. We sit down with Youssef to unpack a remarkable run of form, including the China Open final with Mohamed Abouelghar that many have tipped as the match of the year. Youssef reflects on his season to date, how his body has responded post-injury, that epic China Open clash, and what lies ahead with the Tournament of Champions on the horizon.

Couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off 2026 than welcoming my partner in podcast crime, Squash Radio’s Bill Buckingham, back on the pod. We chop it up for over an hour, diving deep into the season so far, the current state (and future) of SquashTV, LA 28 and beyond, and of course a healthy dose of Qwash Bad Squash.

I always enjoy getting caught up with people I haven’t spoken to in a minute — but even more so when they’re former world #1s and world champions like today’s guest, the French General Gregory Gaultier. It’s been close to three years since Greg was last on the pod, and there’s plenty to dive into. We talk about Nour El Sherbini’s outstanding Hong Kong Open performance, how their player–coach relationship has evolved, and we revisit Greg’s unforgettable World Championship victory in 2015.

Season Recap: PSA, the Women’s & Men’s Game, and the Conversations That Shaped the Year In this solo episode, I give an unfiltered recap of the current PSA season across both the women’s and men’s tours — breaking down the standout performances, the clear cream of the crop, my players of the year so far, and who I think is genuinely knocking on the door as the next wave of contenders. I also tackle some of the recurring flashpoints from the season, particularly the ever-present officiating debate — what’s being said, what’s being missed, and why it keeps dominating the conversation. I finish by pulling apart a few of the louder threads from squash social media, taking on the hot takes, the keyboard-warrior commentary, and even the questionable fashion choices we’ve seen from certain players on tour.

Mohamed Abouelghar – “The Bullet” Is Back In this episode, I sit down with Mohamed Abouelghar, former World No.7 and now surging back up the rankings at No.15. Fresh off his spectacular China Open victory—his first title in five years and widely hailed as the best men’s final of the season—Abouelghar talks us through the match that had everyone buzzing: a thrilling showdown with the electric Yousef Ibrahim. We dive into his long road back from knee surgery, the setbacks and frustrations along the way, and how he’s rediscovered the form that once made him one of the most dangerous players on tour. We also look at his season so far, what’s changed in his game and mindset, and what’s next as he continues his climb. We also take a bit of a dive into recent rule changes and officiating. Great chat!!

In this episode, I’m joined by Duncan Riddell, a freelance squash writer whose new Substack, The Nick, should become one of the most exciting developments in the squash media landscape. Duncan is doing something rare in our sport: producing deep, thoughtful, long-form squash writing at a level of quality that frankly isn't easily accessible in the squash world. We’ll be diving into his latest pieces, exploring the ideas behind them, and discussing what readers can expect from upcoming features on The Nick. If you’re passionate about squash, storytelling, and elevating the way our sport is covered, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Check out Duncan’s work here: https://duncanriddell.substack.com/

Jesse shares the story behind his transition from the court to the mental game, how SportMind has evolved into where the very best in the world go to for their mental game, and the innovative ways his SportMind app is helping athletes build resilience, focus, and confidence. We also dive into his current work with some of the world’s top squash professionals, including Victor Crouin, Sabrina Sobhy and Tinne Giles, and we discuss how the mental side of the game continues to shape the future of high-performance sport. Whether you’re a coach, player, or simply fascinated by the psychology of performance, this conversation offers deep insights into the mindset of champions and the evolution of a brand redefining how athletes think, train, and compete.

The 2026 World Team Championships are headed to Cheongju, South Korea — marking the first time the country will host an event of this scale. Joining me is Sang Hoon Lee, who helps set the stage by sharing insights into Squash Korea, the successful bid, and the Cheongju venue itself. We also look back on the incredible performance of the Korean Junior Men’s Team — with a special focus on Na Ju Young — one year after their unforgettable run at the 2024 World Juniors.

The “smartest and best squash player in the room” label fits Timmy Brownell perfectly. Timmy joins the pod to talk about his big win in Charlottesville, his outlook for the upcoming season, and his bold ideas for cleaning up the game—especially when it comes to asking for lets. He also breaks down the National Squash League, the draft, and what fans can expect in the season ahead. An awesome, insightful, fun chat with one of the game’s sharpest minds.

Johnny Williams joins the pod to break down all the action from the first three major PSA events of the season! 🏆 We dive into the standout performances, surprises, and storylines so far — plus Johnny shares his take on the new look Squash TV production and how the officials have been managing the matches this season. Tune in, share your thoughts, and let’s talk squash! 🔥

The Open Squash Classic kicks off today in Manhattan, and #2 seed — and Open Squash–sponsored player — Victor Crouin returns to the pod! We chat about the event, how Open Squash continues to raise the bar and grow the game, and Victor’s fantastic start to the season which sees him back in the top 10 after a semi final finish at the Egyptian Open. A tremendous conversation with one of the sport’s most thoughtful and driven pros.

Gary Nisbet from Unique Fitness Solutions returns to the pod to share his 10 non-negotiables for squash training and nutrition—insights that will sharpen your game and elevate your preparation. Your host also breaks down the epic Qatar Classic showdown between Jonah Bryant and Mohamed Zakaria, while weighing in on the growing issue of referees handing out inconsequential warnings to players.

After nearly a year away from the PSA tour, Sabrina Sobhy returns as the top seed at this week’s Nash Cup. We catch up with her four years after her first appearance on the pod, reflecting on her recent comeback at the London Classic, the challenges of her hand/wrist injury, the Nash Cup and its stacked draw and what it took to fight her way back onto the tour.

Adam Hawal has quickly become one of squash’s brightest young stars after stunning the squash world by taking down former World No.1 and London Classic champion Paul Coll—despite being ranked more than 200 spots lower in the PSA rankings. As a result of his Egyptian Open escapades, he's launched himself close to 150 spots up in the rankings to world 114. In this episode, Adam and I dive into his breakout run at the Egyptian Open, his journey through the junior ranks, the role models who inspire him, and his future plans—including whether he’ll follow in Ali Farag’s footsteps and pursue the U.S. college squash route.

The Nash Cup is only a few days away, and Yahya Elnawasany joins us to talk about his 3rd appearance in this iconic Canadian PSA event. This time around, he's seeded 1, but the draw is stacked with some tremendous young talent. We talk about the Yahya's impressive junior career, junior days in Egypt, making inroads on the PSA tour, his epic 5 game thriller v. Yousef Ibrahim at the World champs last year, and of course, the Nash Cup. Great chat.

For 17 years, the Nash Cup has been lighting up London, Ontario, showcasing some of the very best talent in the game. At the heart of it all is Jay Nash—the host, the driving force, and the visionary behind this world-class event. In this episode, we dig into his backstory, the birth of the Nash Cup, how it’s grown into one of squash’s must-see tournaments, and what’s in store for this year’s edition featuring some of the brightest young stars on the circuit.

The Squash Summit 2025 kicks off in just a few days, ahead of the first Diamond event of the PSA season — the CIB Egyptian Open. Joining me is Adriana Olaya, Head of the PSA Foundation and the driving force behind this year’s summit. The theme? The secret to Egypt’s squash success — from grassroots to the PSA tour. Adriana breaks it all down in this episode.

After many head scratching years of wondering why pro league squash hadn't taken off in the US, Fernando Valdizan along with co-founders Spencer Lovejoy and Timmy Brownell have put something truly special together with the National Squash League. The NSL is set for it's 3rd season after 2 incredibly successful previous editions. Fernando and I talk about how this all came together, what it means for squash overall, expansion, and much more.

Class is now in session. Rob Dinerman has forgotten more about the history of squash than I’ll ever know—apart from maybe Jonah Barrington—but few speak or write as eloquently about our beloved game as Rob. In this episode, he delivers a tremendous recap of U.S. College Squash’s 2025 season alongside highlights from the latest U.S. pro hardball doubles circuit. He’s also been busy off the court: within the past year, Rob has published two new books—Racquets at Rest and Racquets and Rivalries. He takes us inside both works, which you can find on Amazon

Fresh off an impressive showing at the 2025 World Junior Championships, US Junior National Team Director Karim Ibrahim joins us to share his thoughts on the team’s performance and the event itself. Additionally, he discusses what makes Amina Orfi and Mohamad Zakaria so exceptional, weighs in on whether the gap between Egypt and the rest of the world is growing, and takes us inside the game of his uber-talented younger brother, world #10 Yousef Ibrahim.

🎙️ Episode 365 is live! He’s coached world #1s, world champions, and some of the biggest title winners in the game — Haitham Effat is arguably the most successful coach on the pro squash tour. In this wide-ranging conversation, Haitham shares his coaching journey and what it’s been like working with some of the sport’s biggest stars over the past decade. He dives into his relationships with such greats like Nouran Gohar, Tarek Momen, Nour El Tayeb, and Raneem El Welily — and what it takes to guide players at the highest level. A must-listen for squash fans and aspiring coaches alike! 🧠🔥

Three-time British National Champion, 2014 World Team Champion with England, and a former World No. 5 — Sarah-Jane Perry’s squash résumé speaks for itself. In this episode, Sarah reflects on her incredible PSA journey as she officially bows out from the pro tour. Her swan song came fittingly at the 2025 British Open, held close to home in Birmingham — the perfect time and place for a memorable send-off. We talk about career-defining moments, her player/coach dynamic with Rob Owen, what made this final British Open so special, and much more.

Squash Canada CEO Jamie Nicholls makes his debut on the pod—and he does not disappoint. We dive into Jamie’s squash backstory, relive the glory years of Canadian squash, and trace his evolution from athlete to executive. He shares candid insights into his leadership approach, the vision driving Squash Canada forward (including the Road to the Podium fundraiser), and what it will take for our athletes to thrive on the road to LA28.

3 time British Open champion and former world #1 Nick Matthew breaks down the 2025 British Open which saw Nouran Gohar and Diego Elias emerge victorious. He also gives heartwarming tributes to the recently retired Ali Farag and Hall of Fame inductee Jonah Barrington. We also take a trip down his personal British Open memory lane. Great chat with The Wolf!!

Squash Player Magazine Editor in Chief Nathan Clarke jumps back onto the pod to recap the World Championships and set the stage for the iconic British Open which kicks off in a few days time. We also talk about the new Squash Player Magazine podcast which was launched just a few weeks back. Great chat.

For 26 years, Steve Lawton held down the fort as the head squash professional at the Vancouver Racquet Club. With over 30 years of experience playing at the highest level in Canada during an era where we had several players in the top 30 in the world, Steve brought to Canada a style of squash that had rarely been seen on Canadian courts, both in terms of squash flare and banter with the officials and his opposition. A true legend of the game, he’s recorded big wins against top tour players at the World Team Championships and even took a game off former world #6 Jonah Barrington at the Canadian Open. In this episode, Steve and I take a deep dive into his incredible journey in squash—from his playing days to his enduring legacy in Canadian squash

Here's Johnny!! Back just in time to recap the season just ahead of the World Championships in a few weeks' time. Johnny's got thoughts on how it's going to play for both the men and women.

At the age of 21 Mostafa Asal reached world number one for the first time, and he made it to the promised land once again a few months ago, recently retaining that top spot in a winner take all type final at El Ghuna earlier this April. In the aftermath of that win though, a youtube video titled "Mostafa Asal Cheating Analysis" was released highlighting 4 or 5 areas in Asal's game that they allege prove he is cheating. The video could have been an objective piece that identifies and discusses the leg trips, aggressive swings, and taking space issues, but instead the video is injected with troubling hateful language and doesn't raise any questions, only pointing fingers solely at Asal. Mostafa provides his thoughts on the video and how he's handling the upshot of it all. We also discuss the high stakes face-off with Ali Farag at El Ghouna, how he adjusted to life and squash in Pontefract, his relationship with coach James Willstrop, his brother Marwan and much more.

University of Pennsylvania men's team won its first ever Potter Cup in 2024, and proved they weren't a one hit wonder by winning it again in 2025. Head coach Gilly Lane talks about this year's win, winning two in a row, this year's team, the 7 seniors who will be moving on, College Squash individual champion Salman Khalil, and what it's going to take to make it a three-peat.

Parlaying a playing career which saw him reach world #1 in 2004 into an incredibly successful coaching career is not something you see very often, and the more of John White we see, the better it is for squash. John White ranks up there with the most exciting players in the history of our sport, and now he's developed a highly successful College Squash program at Drexel University from the ground up. John talks about Drexel's 2024/25 season which saw both men's and women's teams finish in the top 10, the tragic passing of former Drexel captain Filip Krueger, the National Squash League and the Philadelphia Lightning, and some nuggets from his days on tour.

Jamie Maddox is one of the most prolific content creators in squash today. For over a decade, Squash Stories has been the go-to online squash community, bringing players and fans together to discuss everything from the pro game and officiating to squash history, lore, and even the occasional laugh—all with squash as the backdrop. In this episode, Jamie and I discuss the evolution of Squash Stories, Mostafa Asal’s return to world #1, the state of the pro game, the progress in officiating, and much more.

Squash Egypt has its first ever female President, Amna Eltarabolsy; former world junior runner up and world junior teams champion. She's been a member of Squash Egypt's board for several years, and now she's ready to take Egypt to yet another level. Amna lays out her vision, Squash Egypt's success at growing the game, its unparalleled junior program, LA 28, and much more.

Karim Darwish was one of the Egyptian greats, along with Ahmad Barada, Amr Shabana, Rami Ashour and Mohammed El Shorbagi, who laid the groundwork for Egypt's complete domination of the pro game. Darwish reached world #1 in 2009 and was part of 2 World Championship winning teams in 2009 and 2011. Karim's post playing career has been nothing less than impressive as well. He's the man behind the Wadi Degla Squash Academy, with 9 branches and counting, and over 2000 juniors across Egypt. Darwish also served as VP of the World Squash Federation and was part of the historic story behind squash's long awaited acceptance as an Olympic sport for LA 28. We take deep dives on all of this and so much more.

Not many can lay claim to being inducted into both the Canadian and US Squash Halls of Fame, but Gary Waite might be the one and only. 4 Time Canadian National Champion, World #1 Hardball singles and doubles, and as high as 12 on the pro softball tour, Gary Waite's eclectic squash accolades are unparalleled. Gary takes us back to the Sarnia wolf pack that laid the groundwork, memories and rivalries throughout the years in Canada, Canada's second place finish at the 1997 World Teams, his hardball days, his vision to bring hardball doubles into the mainstream of racket sports, Harrow Squash, Jack Fairs and much more.

The National Squash League launched in 2024 as a pro squash league unlike anything we've seen before. The brainchild of several young US squash brains including Timmy Brownell and Spencer Lovejoy, have come up with a concept that includes a match with 3 periods and a potential shoot out to determine the winning team. The Philadelphia Lightning are one of several expansion teams to join the NSL, and B.G. Lemmon and the rest of the ownership team in Philadelphia can't wait for the season to commence. Draft day, much like most professional sports, brings with it great anticipation as the list of players available includes none other than Mostafa Asal, Mohammed El Shorbagy and the Colombian Cannonball Miguel Rodriquez just to name a few. B.G. and I talk about all of this and more on Ep. 351

Miles Jenkins has been working with Joel Makin for the last 12 years; former college teammates at the University of Birmingham which was the beginning of the supremely successful player/coach partnership that we see today. Miles talks about those early beginnings with Joel, the evolution of Joel's game and the skillset which has him at #5 in the world, what is required to gatecrash Asal, Elias and Farag, and a deep dive into Miles' coaching philosophy. Many thanks to our sponsors Open Squash and Squashify.

Calgary's Bow Valley Athletic Club will host the Airsprint Private Aviation Canadian Men's Open in week's time and the Bow Valley brain trust, CEO Dean Brown and Darren Thompson, talk about the event, last year's epic final, this year's draw, the growth of BVAC since it reopened during Covid, and much more.

It's been an eclectic season for Canadian #2 and Pan Am Championships gold medalist Nicole Bunyan. We talk about her season which is about to get underway again and includes the Pan Am Champs, World Team Champs, PSA and of course Squash TV duties. Speaking of which, Nicole breaks down all of the finals day TOC drama both for the men and the women. And of course, she lays out a few things we ought to consider as regards our own game's as well as we flesh out some of her recent Squashletic content. Great chat!

2 PSA titles, top 10 status, 2nd place in the World Teams, and his third appearance on the pod! It's been a solid season for Marwan ElShorbagy, and he looks to build on this in 2025. We talk about his two wins, how competitive the top 20 is right now, playing for England, thoughts on playing a final in the first round of an event, and much more. Great chat as always.

Going undefeated at the World Teams including wins over England's Nathan Lake and a huge win over Ivan Perez to lay the groundwork for Canada's 11th place Playoff win over Spain definitely turned some heads and has some thinking the Canadian men might be back on track. Salah and I talk about the World Teams and Canada's best performance since 2009. We also look back a bit to his backstory which saw his family move from Egypt to Canada during his junior days with some encouragement from Canadian squash icon Gary Waite. Great chat with Canadian National Team # 2 Salah Eltorgman.

The first half of the 2024/25 PSA saw Hannah Craig make a name for herself, winning in Paraguay and moving well inside the world's top 100. 2024 ended with Ireland's long awaited return to the World Team Championships where Ireland placed a respectable 15th and Hannah won 4 of 6 matches. We talk about all of the above, along with her incredible years playing for Mike Way and the Harvard Crimson and most importantly her Canada/Calgary connection. Great fun, great chat!!

Canada's 11th place finish at this year's World Team Championship was the country's best since 2009, and Graeme Schnell's performance in the playoff v. Spain for that 11th place finish gave Canada the win. Graeme and I talk about Canada's performance at the World's, why things could bode well for Canada going forward, how he's managed to play his best squash in his mid to late 30s, the Calgary squash hotbed, and much more.

Finals day at the World Team Championships saw one of the most dramatic yet unexpected matches to kick off the men's final when Curtis Malik was only a few points away from giving England a 1-0 lead. Mazen Hesham's arsenal proved to be a bit too lethal in the end, but Malik put forth an incredible battle for 5 tremendous games. Curtis and I talk about his tremendous results at the World Teams which saw him go unbeaten until the final, the match v. Mazen, coach Crawford's decision to have lead off proceedings in the final, and much more.

At 35 years old, Nicolas Mueller is still playing top 20 squash, and has proven so this season with some very strong results, including a quarter final appearance in Qatar in October. Nicolas and I talk about Switzerland's 3rd place finish at the World Team Championships in Hong Kong last week, the promise that the team shows going forward, his passion for the game and dream to represent Switzerland in the LA 28 Olympics, and much more.

The short film Crack Shot tells the story of a troubled young squash player who finds himself entangled in a confrontation with the determined parent of another up and coming junior. The short film hit the streets about a year ago now, but it recently came to my attention and perhaps the larger squash community following a great Squash Player Magazine piece on the film. Alex Cohen is the young film maker behind Crack Shot, and he has a vision for growing this highly entertaining, thoughtful and contextually relevant and relatable story into a feature length film. Great chat, and you can check out the film here: https://youtu.be/u5lhJHUwvOs?si=SupNxhaDbuNwVzTe

Squash Player Magazine Editor in Chief Nathan Clarke breaks down several topics, but primarily all things Hong Kong in terms of the World Teams and last week's Hong Kong Open. Great chat.

20 plus years as England Squash National Team Head Coach, David Campion has been an instrumental part of contemporary England's National Team success and player development. In January, he stepped down from this role and today we talk about what led to this decision and what's on his plate going forward, including his new role working with Italian National Team Head Coach Marcus Berrett. We also talk at great length about elite performance and elite mindset. Great chat.

The youngest ever world junior champion, the youngest male winner on the PSA tour, and now into the world's top 30 at the age of 17, Mohamad Zakaria is most certainly following in the footsteps of all the Egyptian greats before him, and then some. Mohamad and I talk about his achievements to date, becoming the youngest ever world junior winner, his success on the PSA tour and what he's learned from playing the very best in the game. We also talk about his relationship with coach Ahmed Shohayeb.

Ranks right up there with the best conversations on the pod to date. Bill Buckingham and I talk about the joys of retirement, the evolution of Squash Radio, his years working for US Squash and the recent hiring of Nick Taylor as the US National Team Head Coach, LA 28 and beyond, the National Squash League, the PSA and Squash TV, and of course Barry Gibbs.

Recently appointed Irish National Team Head Coach Arthur Gaskin returns to the pod after a 4 year hiatus, the fault of which lays entirely on the shoulders of In Squash Pod host Gerry Gibson. Arthur talks about how the National Team position came about, the team itself, expectations and his vision. We also discuss where LA 28 figures in the plan ahead. We also look back at his time as a player with the National Team and coaches from previous teams, and his fond memories of working with two coaching legends during his playing days, the great Malcolm Willstrop (rest his soul) and Rod Martin.

Former world #2 and World Open champion, legend from one of the greatest eras in squash history, Rodney Martin joins the pod again and whenever we have Rod on, school is in session. Rod talks about the players he's been working with including Olivia Weaver who finds herself knocking on the door of the world's top 3. We also talk about his coaching philosophy when dealing with pro level players and why fundamental technique is the key to producing your best squash.

Youssef Ibrahim's US Open performance was not surprisingly electric as he more than lived up to his moniker the gunslinger; not only that, he once again performed at a top 10 worthy level, giving world #1 Ali Farag a real run for his money in the quarters. Youssef and I talk about his season till now, his US Open run, managing his chronic knee issues whilst putting himself in a position to perform at the highest level, and his first year with the Atlanta Tornadoes of the National Squash League.

Another tremendous chat with Johnny Williams which basically amounts to a rapid fire recap of what we've seen from the men and women on the PSA tour after this season's first three big events. Don't forget to check out www.opensquash.org and get involved with the Fall Fundraiser event which kicks off on October 17th.

Jackson Bragman's Bragman Breakdown is eclectic, highly entertaining; not only does he lay out College Squash and most recently and prolifically the National Squash League, he also takes on the WWE, movie reviews, and a wide range of other pop culture topics. Meanwhile, he's a full time student playing college squash Denison. Clearly, impressive is an understatement. Jackson deep dives on the highly acclaimed new US pro squash league, the NSL, and I also get his take on the college squash landscape, including Denison's chances of making inroads towards the Potter Cup. Great chat!!

After leading the English junior boys to the World Team Championship in 2022, Josh Taylor's stock had risen significantly. At the time he saw his future growth still in England, but no doubt there were opportunities aplenty, and low and behold, Josh is stateside running and growing a tremendous squash academy which is turning into quite a hub for players of all levels, including the likes of Joel Makin and several others on the PSA tour. Josh talks about his decision to move stateside, Bee Squash and The St. James, his coaching philosophy, what it takes to develop top juniors, and much more. Don't forget to check out The Open Squash Classic which starts today, October 6th; for more details go to www.opensquash.org

Delaying play, player dissent, foot faults, and interference have all been part of the WSO's mission to clarify these rules through their 2023/24 directives. Lee Drew joins the pod to discuss these issues generally and what we've seen so far in the first two events of the season. Quick heads up—recorded this in my office, and the acoustics weren’t the best from the host side. Apologies in advance! Still, a great chat with Lee, who has that silver radio tongue and sounds fantastic. Huge shout out to Open Squash, www.opensquash.org. They have their bronze event coming up on Oct. 6th, so stay tuned for that.

One of the most intriguing, exciting and as it turns out successful player/coach dynamics on tour today is undeniably James Willstrop and Mostafa Asal. James took over has Mostafa's main coach just over a year ago, and the tremendous impact that it's had on Mostafa's squash is indeed palpable. The Marksman joins the pod to talk about the progress that they've made together and his thoughts on Mostafa early on. James also takes a deep dive on Pontefract and the Malcolm Willstrop ethos which remains its guiding force to this day.

Current World #11, recent winner of the European Closed championships, Victor Crouin is ready for some home cooking whilst playing in the Paris Squash 2024 PSA platinum event which kicks off tomorrow. Victor takes several thoughtful deep dives today including on his current form, winning the European closed, the door-slam incident with Mohammed El Shorbagy, the officiating "Directive, and much more.

Paris Squash 2024 kicks off in a few days time, and former world #2 Camille Serme is a big part of the team that got that ball rolling with a PSA event in Paris this time last year, and now we have a platinum event the very best in the game taking their talents to this one. Camile talks about Paris Squash 2024, last year's learning experience, being on the comeback trail as a new mother, and French interest in this year's event.

15 years at the helm of Harvard Squash where his teams have won at least 15 Potter and Howe Cups combined, an absolute legend of the college squash coaching ranks, it's hard to believe that there was once a day when Mike Way was in Jonathan Power's corner leading him to World #1 and to becoming North America's first and only World softball champion. Mike takes a look back at his 15 years at Harvard, what it takes to build a college squash team, the challenges behind the Crimson's recent season, Harvard and collegiate squash legend Amanda Sobhy, Ali Farag's incredible run of form and the Egyptian Open final, and much more. Big shout out to Open Squash, www.opensquash.org, where growing the game and making it more accessible and more affordable for everyone is what it's all about.

Nick Taylor's playing career was impressive, but his coaching accomplishments dating back to what he accomplished in Jersey as the Director of Squash could be even more noteworthy. This past August, US Squash announced Nick Taylor as their new national team head coach to succeed Ong Beng Hee. Nick and I talk about this next chapter, his coaching journey and the growth of his academy, and the vision and challenges that lie ahead in his new role which includes ramping up for LA 28. Great chat and many thanks to Open Squash, www.opensquash.org , where growing the game and making it more affordable for everyone is their mission.

2024 World Junior Championship runner up Ju Young Na shocked the squash world when he upset defending champion Hamza Khan in the quarter final, and then continued to play absolutely amazing squash straight to the final where he lost to world junior #1 Mohamed Zakaria. Ju Young's performance bled into the team event where he led Korea to trip to the final against Egypt. An unbelievable performance with an inspirational backstory. Ju Young Na joins the pod today to talk about this historic result at the world juniors, his squash story and much much more. Huge shout out to Sang Hoon Lee for translating and helping lay the groundwork, and to the great sponsors of this podcast www.opensquash.org and www.sunrise-courts.com

Numbers don't lie, especially when you've got a team of number crunching experts like the one assembled at Cross Court Analytics. The insight generated from the numbers clearly runs levels deeper than what is revealed to the naked eye whilst watching Squash TV or even watching back a match of your own. Jamie Harlington joins the pod again and breaks down a few of the many incredible analytics that he and his team have identified during the course of the 2023/23 PSA season, including what the numbers say about the two world championship finals, Sherbini v. Gohar and Elias v. Farag, how the length of a match impacts the number of officiating decisions, how certain players respond to breaks in play and much more. You can check out all of this and much more at www.crosscourtanalytics.com . Big time shout out to the sponsor of today's podcast www.sunrise-courts.com

Hadrian goes in depth on his technical philosophy in part two of our chat. Once again, Hadrian's thoughtful approach speaks volumes when it comes to explaining technique and training routines that work. Many thanks to www.opensquash.org for sponsoring this episode of the In Squash Podcast.

2023 US National Champion and 4x PSA tour title winner Andrew Douglas announced his retirement from PSA professional squash two weeks ago to pursue a law degree at NYU. Andrew's squash resume is impressive, from numerous junior accolades, to going to back to back Potter Cup finals while playing for Penn, and winning 4 PSA titles along with a US National championship. Andrew talks about his career, why he decided to step away and some of the decisions he had to navigate before deciding to embark on this new chapter.

Hadrian Stiff makes a triumphant return to the pod and in case you didn't know, he's taken over the high performance junior squash program at Heights Casino in Brooklyn New York from Jonathan Power. This first of two episodes highlights Hadrian's thought provoking and practical approach to the mental side of the game. He takes deep dives on everything from how crucial it is at the junior level to get this right and how he has seen process, patience and persistence lead to success with the some of the greats that he has worked with including Mohammed El Shorbagy, Joelle King and Eain Yow Ng. Part two focusses on technical side of the game and will be released soon.

British Nationals kick off today and the Malik clan is once again represented like no other. Curtis leads the Malik boys, with a world #40 PSA ranking and seeded 5/8 this week. Curtis had his best PSA season to date, finding his way into the main draw of several big time PSA events. We talk about the British Nationals for himself, his 3 brothers and sister Torrie, his progress on the PSA tour, the general behind the Malik success - father Camron and much more. Check out Sunrise Courts at www.sunrise-court.com to see all of the great growing the game initiatives they have on the go.

At 2-1 down and 10-10 in the fourth, the fate of the Korean junior men's team was hanging in the balance. Jeong Uk Ryu then went ahead and produced the point of the tournament and completed the comeback to put South Korea in the junior men's final where they lost to the heavily favored Egyptians. Jeong Uk and I take a look back at the world juniors and we talk about his squash story, the past, the present and the future. Great chat and many thanks to Sang Hoon Lee for providing translation during the episode :). Don't forget to check out our great sponsor Open Squash at www.opensquash.org

Ep. 317 is the first of two successive quick fire podcasts on Korean squash which created a tremendous buzz following Ju Young Na's 2nd place finish in the world junior boys' individual event and the Korean boys' incredible 2nd place finish in the world juniors team event. Sean comes on to talk Korean squash, what the scene is like there, both at the elite and squash enthusiast level. We also take a deep dive into their elite level program with respect to coaching, player development, officiating and much more.

From winning national championships at Princeton to promoting and growing the pro game through Squash Engine and so much more, John Nimick is one of the game's prolific trailblazers. John has dedicated his life to this great game of ours, and it was an honor to talk with him. We cover it all including his early days winning championships at Princeton and his time on the high profile pro hardball tour, the crossover days of the hardball and softball pro tours, the history and evolution of the Tournament of Champions, US College Squash, and some great thoughts on things squash needs to consider leading up to LA 28. Great great chat. Check out our tremendous Open Squash at www.opensquash.org

2023/24 was sneaky good! She reached a career high of 5 and winning both the Manchester and German Open titles, reached the World Tour final and had some confidence boosting wins over top 5 players. She'd also love to cap all of that off with her maiden British National title, and that event kicks off next week. Gina and I look back at last season, the ups and downs, her tribute to the recently retired Nour El Tayeb, the difficulties she's had staying healthy and of course her thoughts on the British Nationals. Great chat and a big shout out to our mutual sponsor, Open Squash, www.opensquash.org