Squash: Waters’ win is sure to make waves – Willstrop

She won the final, beating long-time compatriot Omneya Abdel Kawy from Egypt to continue a recent mini-stranglehold of English winners: 5 of the last 6 have fallen in to English hands.

Next up is Philadelphia for the US Open which is in to its third day today. The two events are as strong as they can be, but there have been an unusual number of withdrawals due to injuries. Ramy Ashour has had a bad time of it lately, missing the US leg of the tour, but has signalled his intent to play in the World Championships in Qatar in November.

During my own recovery period I’m having chances to do one or two different things, and I was invited on Saturday to the Manchester Sports Awards. During my career, the city has not only become the centre for squash and backed the sport all the way with its endless support of major events, but it has been a leader for sport in general.

Top-class events, brilliant facilities and sporting opportunities for all are what the city and its sport-minded council are all about. The Commonwealth Games in 2002 wasn’t just about staging a sporting event, but what it would inspire and accommodate in the future. Twelve years on it’s impact is clear to see.

The squash in Philadelphia continues this week on psasquashtv.com The finals are on Saturday.