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Instructional Videos	1) Above the Tin - Jonathan Power 2) Jonathan Power Exposed 3) Power Squash - Volumes 1, 2, 3 4) Power Squash - Volume 4 5) Chris Walker's Instructional
Tournament of Champions	1) 2008 Tournament of Champions NEW 2) 2004 Tournament of Champions 3) 2003 Tournament of Champions 4) 2000 Tournament of Champions 5) 1999 Tournament of Champions 6) 1994 Tournament of Champions
Super Series Finals	1) 2009 Super Series Finals NEW 2) 2005 Super Series Finals 3) 2004 Super Series Finals 4) 2003 Super Series Finals 5) 2002 Super Series Finals 6) 2000 Super Series Finals (London)
PACE Canadian Squash Classic	1) 2008 Classic *NEW* 2) 2007 Classic *NEW* 3) 2006 Classic 4) 2004 Classic 5) 2003 Classic
Other DVD's	1) Saudi International 2008 NEW 2) Virginia Davenport Champs 2008 NEW 3) INFOR Windy city Open 2007 NEW 4) Saudi International 2006 NEW 5) SSA Windy City Open 2006 6) Jonathan Power's Legacy Package 7) Peter Nicol's Legacy Package 8) Jahangir Khan's Rise and Fall

Saudi International 2008

Prize Money of US$250,000. That's not a typo -- a quarter of a million dollars at stake -- making this the richest event ever played in professional squash
A cool week in the Kingdom suited to daring shot makers & experienced strategists
As a result of the cool weather rallies and matches were slightly shorter than usual so we reduced dvd prices accordingly.
Joint production with Saudi TV using 8 broadcast cameras
Countless original coaching & tour insight features with PSA VIPs and top players (PSA chairman & Saudi promoter Ziad Al-Turki, philosophy insights and coaching tips from Amr, stretching with Thierry, talent search with Ramy & Shahier and more.)
FX, replays & 3 sounds track options (Commentators ON or OFF English & Arabic)
Only the best 8 matches were selected for edits from the 15 matches we filmed
All top 8 players in the world reached the event's last 8 for the quarters.
Expert commentating featuring Robert "the voice of squash" Edwards & PSA's COO Alex Gough

1. Darwish Vs Matthew

This was Darwish's first career match as world # 1, a position he had reached the previous day with a key victory over the top gun himself. Having chased players ranked higher than him since joining the pro tour in 1999, it will be interesting to see how Karim handles being chased after in the next few months. It's no secret to anyone that Karim is a confidence player; once he gets ahead in game scores very few can ever catch up to him. Tour players may now worry that his confidence will be boosted by his new achievement and that it will carry over their next matches against him. That being said though, confidence can go both ways. Indeed all those who have beaten Karim in recent times will also start believing that they too can now aspire to reach the top spot, if he did it, why not them?

Nick was the first to test him; he was in absolute top form having fully recovered from a shoulder injury that kept off the tour for 9 months in 08. Physically, in demeanour and skill-wise, very little separates these two players. If we had to pick one basic difference between the two it would have to be in the number of winners one manages to hit off straight volleys and ground strokes over the other.

Nick is one of the most consistent players on tour; he will rarely beat himself or give free points away. No doubt he went to Peter Nicol's school of court behaviour in the sense that he's a clean fair player who will rarely show his opponents where he is emotionally in a match, or even after for that matter. Testimony on what a gentleman Nick is was evident at the extraordinary conclusion of his marathon match Vs Willstrop during Windy City Open 06 event. While he might have had a valid reason to blow his top and show discontentment on the referee's last call, he choose the high road and accepted the outcome graciously. But enough of the nice guy lines already, how can we really be sure that he isn't the meanest on the inside just because he doesn't appear to be? OK OK let's admit it, maybe we'd want him to bring that meanness to the surface in his matches a little more. If it's all it takes to get him to the top where he belongs, why not?

2. Palmer Vs ElHindi

Palmer is making his place in sport's history books every time he steps on court. His resiliency as an athlete is mind boggling. Given his size and weight and that he's now been on tour for 15 years chasing those balls down and covering gazillion miles in the process, it's a wonder how his joints are actually holding up. It's insane in fact; he has to be hurting somewhere, how could he not? But he's not showing any signs that he's not 100% healthy. He's not slowing down a bit and seems as hungry to win and as focused as he was 15 years ago against champions of the past such as Jansher Khan, Peter Nicol and others who hung their rackets an eternity ago it seems.

If we were seeking to find one reason that may explain the secret of his longevity on tour, it may lie in the methodical way he plays the game (read surgical). He takes very little risk playing each ball in perfect balance and in predictable directions for the most part. To his opponents however, it will make little difference that they know where the balls are going before they leave his racket. They'll still struggle to dig them out of corners and will inevitably end up touring the court more times than they care for as a result.

As one of the tour's most talented players in recent years, Wael would draw on his natural gift and strength to take David out of his comfort zone. He had nursed an injury that had slowed him down the previous 2 months and he was 100% healthy again. He had beaten Shabana & Darwish earlier in the year so he stepped on court full of confidence. The night was cool and the ball was relatively dead, consequently typical daring Egyptian shot making would be rewarded. But then so would kill lengths and paceless blocked drops from Dr Palmer, a giant battle that went the distance until one's legs couldn't push any further.

3. Matthew Vs Ramy

Ramy Ashour is a fascinating character to follow on and off the court. He speaks as fast as he plays and lives his life in high gear. It can't be easy for him to keep up with the expectations that he and others put on him based on the speedy success he's had in the juniors and on the men's tour, but he manages remarkably well. Thanks to a strong family support, his singing hobby (hear him do his thing in the dvd features) and a well balanced outlook on things, he is able to cope with the few injuries he suffered in the last year or two.

Instinctively Ramy likes to attack short at every opportunity but his opponents picked up on that figuratively and literally in the course of 07 & 08. So heading into the last World Open event in Manchester he surprised everyone by resisting his natural instinct to go short and shifted most of his attacks to the back of the court before closing in at the front or adding even more pressure from there. It worked; he walked away from the event World Champion.

However you know what they say about an athlete's instinct, he can try chasing it away but it will naturally creep back until he changes the action desired in conscious manner, hence the challenge. Natural flow of play gets interfered in competition with by one's own conscious thought about something that needs changing in their games, and that unfortunately often leads to over-thinking and paralysis by analysis and counter performance. Once all desired changes get automated in training though, all falls into place eventually.

Leaving this psychobabbles thing aside for a bit because it can surely clutter a mind if you let it, what if Ramy simply carried over his impetuous youthful play from the junior to the seniors and now second guesses his choices?? Maybe in similar ways Tiger Woods did at one point in golf when he decided to re-build his strokes? Regardless though for Ramy, once he decides to let things flow his talent will blossom; if he stays healthy then we can then expect a royal treat for many years to come.

Nick, his opponent tonight has had his share of physical challenges in the last year but he overcame those. His game is not based on tight angled nics or low percentage shots so his decisions on court appeared pre-conditioned and easier to make than that of Ramy. However that being said, they are probably as hard to make as anyone's but he makes it look easy in a cool blooded kind of way.

Speaking of cool, it was a cold night again so the balls had to be struck harder than usual from the front or mid part of the court to reach the back wall, once there it took players an extra step to get behind them to return all with equally good lengths. On this day the strongest of the two players and possibly the best technically had an edge over the other. You be the judge.

4. Palmer Vs Willstrop

There aren't too many matches played on the men's tour where experience is as visibly determining as it was on this one. It was the last match of the evening and the temperature had dropped a few degrees, taking this factor in consideration it became clear from the early rallies that David had modified his strategy specifically to take advantage of unique weather conditions.

As players we all know that the best time to use a punch-drop and win a rally easily is at the top of a game when the ball is relatively cold, and surely James didn't miss the point here. Knowing how good David is at this game even in the best of conditions, James knew he'd have to keep the balls away from his reach, especially on volleys where he's the best at taking the pace off them.

While James is one of the most amazing ball handler on tour, he's not known to be the hardest striker, something that may have come handy on this night if only to keep the ball a few degrees warmer to take David out of his comfort zone.

Another one of James' quality most admired by his peers and those who have followed his progress over the years is the size of his heart and the effort he puts in every rally he plays. Watching this match and the effort he spent on it is as inspiring as it is heart wrenching, beware.

5. Darwish Vs Gaultier

Together with Amr, Karim and Gregory are two of the hottest and most consistent players on tour at the moment. While Gregory has kept his ranking within the top 4 since Dec. 06, Karim has stayed within the top 9 since March 07. The night was still cool though a bit warmer than it had been the rest of the week. Since both players are hard hitters the ball got warm fairly quickly early in games so fewer points would be won on dead balls than had been in other matches.

However one very small difference in their basic hitting style may have played a factor on this cool night. While Karim's hard drives and strokes are executed at roughly the same speed, Greg's are more varied on the backhand side. He tends to hold his strikes on that side the "Jonathon Power way" to change the rhythm of rallies and for deception purposes. As a result he needs to "muscle" balls to make sure that they'll reach the back of the court when he chooses to play them deep. A bit of physics here will help understand Greg's particular challenge on this one. A good hold means he will have to strike "a heavier ball" while it's dropping towards the floor than it would be if he hit it at the top of the bounce where it is weightless. As a result more arm strength is needed in the best of conditions, and even more in cooler weather. Adding the consecutive days of play and you get the scope of Greg's issue, just as it was that of his mentor JP on that same stroke 6 years prior... Indeed, when during his matches Vs Peter Nicol in the Super Series Finals 2003, Jonathon Power had to finish a rally using his left hand because he could no longer hold the racket with his right hand from too many consecutive holds.

The crowd was loud in cheering for Karim, but Greg wasn't going to let that get to him as it had Vs Amr in the Saudi 06 final; today was going to be different. Awesome match to the breaking point.

6. Darwish Vs Shabana

At the start of this match Amr had held the top spot on the World Tour for 33 consecutive months since he succeeded Jonathon Power in April 06. His countryman Karim had had a pretty good run of his own reaching 2 quarters, 5 semis and 5 PSA tour finals in 2008 thus collecting enough ranking points in the process to challenge Amr's reign on the spot. With a victory tonight he would become world's "numero uno".

It wouldn't be easy though because everyone knows that Amr has the uncanny ability to raise his game to another level on big occasions. Amr's # 1 crown had been threatened only once before by Ramy in a match - now Karim would have a shot at it in another. Ironically though, Karim may not have had that chance tonight would Amr not have lost to Ramy in the semis of the World Open two months earlier.

To enjoy this match to its fullest, and to pick up most valuable tips from it if you play the game, we would suggest that you click on Amr's feature section on the dvd for insights his playing philosophy, court position, strike timing, racquet grip and more.

Hats off Amr, thanks for sharing all this with us, you are a true champion. Please show us a little more of that magic again. we have so much more to learn.

7. Gaultier Vs Palmer (Free with purchase of the 3 or 6 DVD packages)

Although it was one of the event's greatest match we had to push it down to 7th position and give it away only because one the one sided end-score but for no other reason. The first two games went overtime and to the same player, had they shared the two, it would have been near the top for sure.

Gregory has to be one of the cockiest player on tour, he carries himself as if he was 1-and-a-half times his height and weight. The confidence he exudes on & off the court has to intimidate a few of his opponents and could be worth a point or two per game earned on fear alone, and we haven't yet talked about his arsenal of weapons from all corners of the court.

Despite that David is an intimidating character in his own right for all sorts of reason from size to experience to mental strength and we could go on and on, he has a losing tour match record of 1-5 against Greg. The strange part in this story is that it's identical to his own 5-1 record over James Willstrop who has a 3-2 match record edge over Gregory, go figure! Is it psychological, physical, tactical, or is it much simpler in that they have each other's number?

Great match in the league of the other one we gave away from the ToC 08 event featuring Ramy Vs James, enjoy.

8. Shabana Vs Golan (Free with purchase of the 3 DVD package)

Borja Golan is one of the most improved players on tour in recent months; it shouldn't be any surprise to anyone to see him climb within the top 10 sometime in 09. Watching the way he plays in reminiscent of the Tournament of Champions 94 match we did that featured Brett Martin (then # 2 in the world) Vs the young up and comer Peter Nicol. Already then you could tell Peter had what it took to go far, and similarly now you can tell from watching Golan perform that he's destined to greatness in the sport. How much inspiration does he get from his fellow countryman Nadal we can't be sure, but it has to count for something.

As for Amr well. have we mentioned yet that his friend Jon Power said of him that he was one of the most gifted and skilful player of all times? Looking at his current PSA tour match record I guess we'd have to agree. He has a winning record against every PSA players on the tour but one -- Azlan Iskandar -- to whom he lost one match in 2007 in Toronto. Wow.

Cost: $44 plus GST and Shipping - Darwish vs. Matthew

$44 plus GST and Shipping - Palmer vs. El-Hindi

$44 plus GST and Shipping - Matthew vs. Ashour

$42 plus GST and Shipping - Palmer vs. Willstrop

$42 plus GST and Shipping - Darwish vs. Gaultier

$42 plus GST and Shipping - Shabana va. Darwish

$119 plus GST and Shipping - Best 3 DVDs (DVD #8 is free with purchase of this package)

$199 plus GST and Shipping - Best 6 DVDs

(DVDs #7 and #8 are free with purchase of this package)

Purchase by VISA or MasterCard Only:

Telephone: (416) 426-7201
Email: mmirza@squashontario.com

Virginia Davenport Pro Champs 2008

Full HD production using 4 broadcast cameras & made for International & NA Television
Usual FX, replays & 2sounds track options (1. court sounds only or 2. with commentators’ voice over)
All matches are encoded and compressed to standard DVDs to amazing results given the A1 source material
We edited only the best 6 matches from the events from the 13 we filmed
Expert commentating featuring Henry Clutsam and countless top players

1. Willstrop Vs Gaultier

Both players were at the top of their game in one of the most closely contested matches this year. In a nutshell, it was made more of well constructed and patient rallies than it was of dead nics and outrageous winners that we’ve seen so much of these days coming from top Egyptian players.

On the bigger scheme of things, and through the last few decades, we’ve seen players favouring a more conservative style of a play hold the top of the ranking far longer than opponents who preferred a more daring approach. Testimony to this are the domination of legends of the past in their prime years such as Hashim over my old coach Egyptian master Mammoud el Karim, Hunt over Zaman, Jahangir over Dittmar & Rodney Martin, Jansher over Brett Martin & young Power & Nicol, and then Nicol over Barada & Power & White in the 2000-06 period.

Now with Ramy and Amr winning the bulk of events using a predominantly attacking style of play and raw talent, it may be too soon for squash coaches from around the world to adopt the style and make it the norm with their juniors since a few more decades may be needed to make that assessment, but one thing if for certain as you’ll witness in this colossal match Vs James and Gregory, the old way is far from dead & gone, please take note.

2. Ramy Vs Darwish

In this match these sparring partners went at one another with an arsenal of shots not yet listed in the shot-making coaching book. ‘Live by the sword die by the sword’ as the saying goes for one of the two players that made his mark pushing the limits of risk. One fraction of a second off normal reaction speed caused him to strike the ball off the racquet’s sweet spot and in unwanted directions time and again… He visibly summoned all he had of courage and endurance drawing on his will to get back in the match and survive…

Someone had pushed his body beyond reasonable limits in recent weeks and the overload may have caught up with him, one to learn from no doubt. That being said however, we must be careful not to take anything away from a worthy and most skilful opponent whose time may have come to jump levels. Never-the-less, this one will be for the record book.

3. Lincou Vs Abbas

Not too often will you get to see within the same match such drastic shift in momentum going from great to nightmarish. “It isn’t over till the fat lady sings” - well rarely has a saying been so ‘dead on’ accurate than in this match. Former # 1 in the world vs an aspiring champion whose natural talent is undisputed, as for his future… well he’s writing that chapter one event at the time as we speak.

If whatever goes on between the ears of 2 players during a one-on-one competition will generally dictates which one should win at equal skills, then watching this match should inspire us to also factor in the size their “heart” as well (call it ‘will to win’). This match is undisputable proof of this theory.

4. Illingworth Vs H. Ashour

Best player ever to come out of the US Vs one of Egypt’s best. Barely graduating from Yale U, Julian is now taking the pro tour world by storm and shows tremendous promise beating players ranked double digit ranking points higher than him on the circuit. Hisham, himself one of his victims in recent time, took the court by storm to set the record straight…

From the way he struck balls behind his back and in the most daring, if not “surprising” attacks, it became clear to all spectators watching on that Hisham’s plan was to throw Julien off his game by sending balls in unexpected directions, and burying as many as he could in the nics along the way. Julien however didn’t bite or respond in kind, as many of us may have been tempted to in similar circumstances to impress the gallery & show off our own skills. But Julien had a different plan of his own that aimed to put off the fireworks that came off Hisham’s racket…

Julien’s calm and calculated reactions to his opponent’s actions were disarming in their simplicity… chopped volleys and straight drives hurt Hisham for a while… But he hadn’t said his last word... digging in deep in his bag of tricks he threw all he had at Julien who for the first time in the match barely had a chance to get off his heels. From that point on the Virginia crowd moved up a few inches to the edge of their seats to the match’s bitter conclusion, at least for one of the players.

5. Gaultier vs. Lincou

Gregory desperately wants to get where Thierry has been at World # 1, so he knows all too well how important winning every match and every single ranking point is. The two Frenchmen train and play each other so often that know each other’s game inside out, they can anticipate what the other will do before he does it, so they both knew they’d have to keep balls tighter to the walls than ever or they’d pay the price.

Thierry isn’t quite over the hill and still moves around the court as well as he ever did ‘cat-like’ and primed to pounce at every opportunity. Gregory appeared slightly stiffer in his court movement but he makes up for it with impeccable mechanics, shot selection and ‘hold and pull’ deception strokes. As a result of the effort he exerted, black circles appeared under Gregory’s eyes as the match progressed, so until the tie-breaking limit game no one could anticipate whether or not he could pull it off… Wonderfully entertaining and some of the best and cleanest squash we had the privilege to film in NA this year.

6. Ramy vs Illinworth (Free with the purchase of 5 DVDs)

We’ve come to know how fast Ramy is but what we couldn’t anticipate when the cameras began rolling was that he would meet his match on that end in this round. It appeared from the start that Julien would take things where he left off with his previous opponent by neutralizing attacks intelligently and with disarming poise. Furthermore and for the most part, he did so by raising his game to the level of that of the # 2 player in the world.

Throughout the match both players struck balls at crazy speeds that could only be counter-punched instinctively, indeed no human being can think that fast in a conscious (read analytical) state of mind. What a discovery this was for the American crowd present to learn that one of their own was able to compete at such level, one usually only achieved through years of dedicated training and tour competitions by the majority of players, to the exception of Ramy himself of course who’s a young man in a hurry.

Keeping in mind that just 2 years ago Julien was giving all he had to the books and curricular assignments so he could graduate from one of the most demanding University in the world, we can only command this young man for what he’s achieved so far. Can juniors watching find inspiration on the possibility that they too could achieve the highest levels in both sports and academics if they put their mind to it?

Countless game balls in different games were up for grab, one player had been in that situation before, but the other not… Not that anyone is looking for excuses but would it be a factor?

Cost: $42 plus GST and Shipping - Single Matches

$109 plus GST and Shipping - Best 3 DVDs

$159 plus GST and Shipping - Best 5 DVDs (DVD #6 is free with purchase of this package)

Purchase by VISA or MasterCard Only:

Telephone: (416) 426-7201
Email: mmirza@squashontario.com

INFOR Windy City Open 2007

Only the best 6 matches made the DVD cut from the 15 we filmed
All were recorded in our renown close up method using 4 broadcast cameras
Countless slow motion replays, graphics & transition FX
New sound options (1. court sounds only or 2. with commentators’ voice over)
Commentators: Simon Parke (also MC) assisted by top players & teaching professionals

The Windy CO is once again North America’s richest event for the second consecutive year. And although prize money is an undeniable attraction for the top players, it comes second in their minds close behind precious ranking points - especially in a tight race such as the one currently on amongst the top guys all hunting down Amr & the number one spot.

The filming conditions within the intimate University Club’s Cathedral Hall were ideal thanks to the promoter John Flanigan and his crew who had followed up on every production recommendations we had sent their way. The ball contrast against the floor and walls was the best ever; the back wall lighting was excellent and of course so was the court sounds and commentaries worth 100 lessons +. All these elements combined to the players’ fantastic performances help make watching these DVDs a priceless experience.

Here as follow are brief overviews of the matches and set ups.

1. Gregory Gaultier Vs John White

Gregory is just one single ranking position away from reaching his lifetime dream to be number one in the world; and given that he has a 5-3 winning record against the reigning # 1 Amr then the dream is clearly within his reach. Gregory was 7 ranking points ahead of John in the world standings at the start of this match but John lead Greg 2-1 in 2 PSA tour wins, so everyone within the University Club expected that the match would be close, however no one anticipated it would be that close.

It’s no secret to anyone that John’s favourite thing is to flatten loose balls into nicks at every opportunity; Gregory on the other hand generally opts to strike or flick similar loose balls tightly to the back 2-3 more times than most pros would before finally going for the short kill or placement. In a typical Jansher Khan’s way, he chooses to feed off his opponent’s errors all the while minimizing his own by playing high percentage squash. A strategy that certainly paid its dividends until now but how will he fair on the long run against the rest of the field of attacking players currently led by Shabana, Ramy, James & Whity? Well given that there isn’t much anyone can do against an “on” player and rolling nicks then he should be prepared for occasional disappointment… Solid basic Vs supreme attacks -this match is a great preview on what’s in store for him and all other that will hover at the top of the world in the months and years to come.

2. Amr Shabana Vs James Willstrop

No two players on tour can push each other to the limits of the sport the way these two can; their arsenal of shots and quality of execution is so impressive that you could write a book on the subject just from watching this DVD. And as if it wasn’t enough, you could also write another book from it on game strategy alone; indeed their ability to send balls to every square & cubic inch of the court floor and space in the most varied sequences is unparalleled.

While most professionals have done extremely well on tour using 4-5 sets of qualities they have worked on and mastered over the years such as power, patience, instinct, speed, footwork, deception, fitness, strength and focus, these two appear to have mastered all of them at once. As a result, we get treated to the best of the best every time they meet - it’s no wonder Amr and James said of this match that it was one of their hardest ever; hope they won’t mind if we keep asking for more of the same…

3. Ramy Ashour Vs Anthony Ricketts

If it would have been possible to store the amount of energy that emanated from the court when these two stepped on it there probably would have been enough to power the whole University Club building for at least a week. Indeed no touring pros currently generate more body energy then these two; so when all got transferred to match play from the very first point - we were treated to an impressive firework display. It is common knowledge to everyone that has followed the top players for a while that Anthony is the most intense of all; well we’re quickly learning that he’s in for some tough competition in that area from a young Egyptian phenom named Ramy.

Anthony trailed Ramy 1-3 in tour wins heading into this match, but he’s not the kind of competitor who worries too much about such trivial detail, just the opposite in fact based on his performance today. The pace at which this match was played was incredibly furious from start to end; in fact only one comes close to that one in speed of execution in the last 7 years and it was that which James Willstrop played Vs John White during the ToC 04 event. Blink and you could very well miss a winner from either player so you should consider watching this one is with the remote control in hand to rewind and slow things down to a more human level.

4. James Willstrop Vs Mohamed Abbas

Mohamed is one of the 6 Egyptians who have taken the squash world by storm in recent times; at 6 feet 2” he is the tallest of the lot so size wasn’t going to be an advantage James could capitalize on easily on the volleys end of things during this match. And what to say of his amazing touch where there again he challenged and even surpassed James on his own turf.

Similarly to his memorable match Vs John White in this same Windy City event a year back, this one from Mohamed also went the limit. If fitness or there-lack of may have been a determining factor then, it certainly didn’t appear to be the case this year. As for James, would he manage to will himself back on the victory trail following a difficult 2006 season? Having been so close to the top of the PSA tour ranking at # 2 just 13 months ago, could he draw on his formidable talents to make his way back up there, even with Amr, Gregory & Ramy standing in his way? Well if the fact that he is featured in more DVD quality matches than all other tour pros since the Dec. 06 Saudi event is any indication, the answer to that question is inevitably YES.

5. Thierry Lincou Vs Wael El Hindi

Thierry has been one of the tour’s most consistent players having kept his ranking within the top 5 in the last 4 years, one of those spent at the # 1 spot for an entire season in 2005. He is one of the tour’s best overall athletes; his footwork is impeccable, and consequently so is his cat-like movement around the court. And what to say of his competitive spirit having treated us to more dramatic come-from-behind wins than any other touring pros.

Wael had worked harder than ever at his game and fitness these past few months; most of it done under the watchful eyes of one of the world’s most famous ex-player and coach Jonah Barrington. As we had witnessed in his extraordinary Semi-Final match Vs David Palmer in the year’s first Super Series event (CDN 07 Pace Classic), he was ready. As he demonstrated once again through his aggressive and controlled type game Vs Thierry, there isn’t a doubt in anyone’s mind that he will join the elite top 10 group within the next 6 months at most. This match was a great clash of style; Thierry applying controlled pressure Vs a Wael in top form prepared to take the punishment needed before turning the tables and imposing his own kind, a wonderful study.

6. Ramy Ashour Vs Thierry Lincou (Free with the purchase of the 5 DVD package)

It’s a strange coincidence that once again Thierry is featured in another extraordinary encounter. Here we refer to another match he played Vs the now retired ex # 1 Peter Nicol in the Super Series Final 2003 event during which Peter had played 2 of the most extraordinary games of all times by effortlessly, some would say unexplainably, killing almost every ball his racket would touch, hence totally neutralizing Thierry in the process. Now again today and despite that he was playing, what most of those who were watching on would call, impeccable squash, he was on the receiving end of yet another onslaught but this time for the best part of 3 whole games and, to make matters worst, at the hands of a young man 9 years his junior.

If we had to choose some the best moments in the history of the game that transcend time which featured the world’s best such as Jonah, Geoff, Janhangir, Jansher, Peter & Jonathon, this one match showing off Ramy’s brilliance would absolutely be one of them.

Note - We do not normally edit matches that aren’t a balanced affair between two opponents but we simply couldn’t let go of this phenomenal match and felt it had to be preserved. We will therefore not charge for it and will include it with every package of 5 DVD purchases.

Cost: $39 plus GST and Shipping - Gaultier vs. White

$39 plus GST and Shipping - Shabana vs. Willstrop

$39 plus GST and Shipping - Ashour vs. Ricketts

$34 plus GST and Shipping - Willstrop vs. Abbas

$34 plus GST and Shipping - Lincou va. El-Hindi

$99 plus GST and Shipping - Best 3 DVDs

$139 plus GST and Shipping - Best 5 DVDs (DVD #6 is free with purchase of this package)

Purchase by VISA or MasterCard Only:

Telephone: (416) 426-7201
Email: mmirza@squashontario.com

Saudi International 2006

From the 14 matches we filmed in Saudi, the best 3 were selected for DVDs
All recorded in our usual “tight framing and fast pace” method using 6 broadcast cameras
Countless slow motion replays of the most exciting rallies
New clear FX option available from the DVD menu (court sounds only or with voice over, your choice)
Expert commentators - Robert “The Voice of Squash” Edwards teamed up with one of the tour’s most seasoned player Alex Gough for all matches’ voice over (VO). Expect clever insights throughout from two of the most knowledgeable commentators we have had the pleasure to work with over the years.
A special thanks to the event promoter Ziad Al-Turki for providing us extraordinary and unconditional support for the production. Of all the promoters we have had the pleasure to work with over the years; Ziad has to be one of the most dedicated to the growth of the sport, it’s great to have him in our corner.

Last event of the season, the players were well rested and eager to finish the year on a high note before heading home to celebrate the Holidays. While everyone who made the trip to Saudi was prepared to compete in the usually cool and dry dessert nights, no one was quite prepared for the curve Mother Nature through at them. It rained so much off & on for a good part of the week that we had the impression of being in the middle of monsoon season.

It was very cool at night in Saudi, and in more than one way should we add. In fact it was so cool that the players appeared to be literally on fire as they stepped off the court between games standing or sitting in front of our TV lights, steam rushing from their clothes, hair and bodies creating an eerie surreal effect. While this weather situation made for great TV, as reported to us by countless Saudi viewers who called in by phone as they watches our live broadcast, it created an unusual difficulty for the players who needed every ounce of strength, technique and balance to get the ball at the back of the court to create openings. Every one of us who played on a cold court at one time or another can surely relate to this challenge, just as the more experienced among us will know that a cold court & ball often favours front court attacks. All in all making for the best squash we could ask for from an entertainment and TV standpoint given that 95% + of all replays in squash get created from the 2 front corners.

Without further due, here as follow is a brief overview of the 3 matches selected from Saudi, hope you’ll enjoy.

James Willstrop vs. Anthony Ricketts
Anthony never ceases to amaze the crowds that see him play; watching him run down balls that are seemingly impossible to retrieve makes you think that he has a total disregard for his personal safety. Some may say that his priorities are wrong, but as he demonstrated time & again in this match Vs James, he appears to think otherwise.

James on the other hand is more cautious running balls down around the court; diving isn’t for him thank you, that’s another sport altogether he claims. Probably a very wise decision considering his size, picking up a 6 feet 4” frame off the ground is no easy task…. He much rather jump however high he must to keep balls from reaching the back wall, then capitalize on the pressure applied cutting his opponent’s reaction time using his trademark imagination and soft hands at the front wall.

And the stage was set, cold court and lukewarm balls, the best ball hunter; most likely the fittest man on tour presently Vs Power's creative successor -- the newest magician in town, no matter what playing style you favour, what at a formidable display it was.
Amr Shabana vs. James Willstrop
David Vs Goliath, shot maker & master contortionist Vs the gentle giant Jimbo the magician. One tops the ranking, the other everyone in size. When James stepped on court he knew too well that the cool conditions favoured Amr’s attacking style of play, so his plan was simple – he had to keep the man away from the T and behind him at all cost. The day’s temperature had been slightly warmer than during the previous days so balls that had died so easily in the back corners until then were now hanging seemingly forever, at least by Amr’s speedy execution standards. The momentum shifted momentarily but levelled once again a few minutes later once both had adapted to the new conditions.

Arm and James have the utmost respect for each other’s game; their natural skills are only equal to their deep understanding of what they must do to win. However, a good part of their game is based on instinct, so when all is said and done, they cannot clearly explain or describe with words the reason for their loss, or victory. And this intangible factor combined to their innate ability to re-direct the ball in the craziest of angles and corners is what makes watching these two masters exhibit their craft so exciting.
David Palmer vs Nick Matthew
David and Nick are the two players we recommend you watch if you want to learn how the game is played in its purest form. Very few bells and whistles or fancy tricks of the wrist; what you can expect to see and learn from the two is how they execute the construction of rallies in simple, but devastatingly effective ways. Both play the type of game that is easiest to model after; in a nutshell they set up attacking points by playing hard deep straight or cross court whether through volleys or ground strokes, then put away lose balls short hard or soft (Nick favouring hard & David soft).

Their opponents may know where the balls will be played more often than not but they are so effective in striking it closest to the walls may it be side, front and back that there’s little they’ll be able to do with it if thereafter. No wonder why David has taken the World Championship crown and Nick one of the most coveted title of all this year i.e. The British Open.

The weather was a factor and presented the two champions with a challenge they weren’t too pleased with, as if playing one another wasn’t enough already... so sorry that things weren’t easy for you tonight gentlemen, we enjoyed every single second of your match.

Cost: $39 plus GST and Shipping - Single Matches

$99 plus GST and Shipping - Best 3 DVDs

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Telephone: (416) 426-7201
Email: mmirza@squashontario.com

SSA Windy City Open 2006

Only the best 10 from the 15 matches filmed were selected for DVDs
All recorded in tight close-up fashion using 5 broadcast cameras
Slow motion replays where it counts
DVD menu navigation from game to game
Beau River leads the commentating team composed of local experts & PSA tour players

Since Jonathon Power announced his retirement from the professional tour just a few weeks after this event was played, then his matches from Chicago Vs Shabana, Palmer and Ricketts would be their last. Unexpectedly for that reason and for so much more, they would make squash history.

US$100,000 in prize money was bound to attract the best of the best; all were eager to start off the year on a good note by collecting not only the largest purse available on the North American continent but also the highest number of ranking points that would set up their year nicely. The stakes were high; the chosen matches were absolutely incredible.

1. Jonathon Power vs. Amr Shabana

Reigning World Champion versus the current World # 1; as they stepped on court before the match, both players understood that this was an extraordinary moment. The richest event in North America and the second richest in the Western world; major ranking points were at stake but more importantly, the winner of this match would prove to the rest of the world who the best man was.

If there was a time we doubted that Amr had what it took to reach the top of the ranking, well his successes of the last few months should make us reconsider. In a recent interview in Toronto Amr admitted to his desire to put an end to his performance inconsistencies on court, now he’s absolutely determined to reach the number 1 spot in the world, and who better to take it away from but the man currently holding the position? And as it turned out he would never get that chance since Jonathon retired one month after this match – this one then turning out to be their last…

Not only will you see countless amazing rallies from start to end, you will also witness the most incredible exchange we have had the privilege to capture on film in the last 25 years. For as long as we’ve been filming Jonathon, never have we seen him move and play as well as he did, not only in this match, but his match with Palmer in this same event (#3). The two most naturally talented players in the world in their last ever professional tour encounter – what a way to go, what an amazing gift Jonathon leaves us with.

2. James Willstrop vs. Nick Matthew

And we thought we had seen the best these two had to offer in their Super Series Finals '05 encounter... well not quite. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to gage reaction speeds between players who meet their opponents once they join the pro tour Vs that of those they played 1000 times before joining as is the case with James and Nick? Indeed these two were practically neighbours growing up in the UK. Short of being able to measure this scientifically, as you’ll watch this match you’ll notice how much quicker they react to each others’ attacks than they would against any other tour players. What an amazing unique show it provides.

Trading shot for shot and game for game each ending in almost identical scores, they inched their way to an extraordinary final game and the heart breaking decider that froze everyone on the spot.

A conclusion that could possibly become a case study for referees who are eager to improve on the quality of their work

3. Jonathon Power Vs David Palmer

Unarguably one of the best match of all times, and if after seeing it you disagree then we’ll credit you the cost of the DVD, no questions asked. Sadly for the world squash community and since Jonathon retired a few weeks after this match was played, this Chicago match would be their very last on the men’s professional tour. What an amazing way to go… what an extraordinary legacy.

Having filmed these two great players in numerous occasions over the years then naturally we were expecting another highly physical match and even maybe a few heated arguments with the referees along the way, but to our surprise - there was almost none of it. 99.9% of it was only squash in its purest form – clean, tight and devastatingly effective throughout and until the bitter end for one of the players…

We’ll spare you the qualitative description of this awesome battle letting the above wager and comment speak on its behalf.

4. John White Vs Mohammed Abbas

It hasn’t been since the Canadian Classic 2003 match against Power that John has been featured in one of our top matches, so let’s pull the red carpet for this amazing athlete who, for very unique reasons, is unquestionably the most entertaining player on tour. For those of you who haven’t had the privilege to see him in action at his best, this could very well be one of your last chances since the years are catching up to him. Through an array of shots you never knew existed, he’ll blow you away just as he did his opponent on more than one occasion during this match.

John hits the ball so hard and puts so much spin on it that you’ll loose sight of it on more than one occasion. If you’re confused and maybe a little dizzy watching, then you can imagine how his opponent Mohammed felt as he ran laps around the court over and over chasing the white thing… But to his credit, and even if he reacted to John’s attacks more than he initiated his own, Mohammed played amazingly well and pushed the match to its limit. Though maybe not without having to catch his breath and his bearings from time to time… because short of seeing where the ball was so many times, then he could at least keep his eyes on the front wall knowing that the ball would eventually end up there… or would it?

5. Thierry Lincou Vs Mohd Azlan Iskandar

Mohd Azlan played this match with such confidence that you would have thought he had spent last year at the top of the men’s world ranking and not Thierry.

Maybe it was because this was their first PSA tour encounter and that it’s never easy to figure and adjust to one’s playing style? Or was it that the younger player had everything to gain and the more seasoned one had everything to lose? Hard one to answer from the spectators’ standpoint, but as long as the match was of the highest standard then it’s really all that counts. And so it was, well at least until the nightmarish error.

6. David Palmer Vs John White

Rarely will you ever see fiercer attacks being neutralized with more efficiency than they were here. Figuratively, if not literally, one player was on fire and the other clearly made it his mission to put the flames out.

Thunder-clapping shots only John can generate were subdued by David and sent into the every far corner of the court. But John is never one to quit on anything, so through full split lunges or spectacular dives he’d retrieve shot after shot leaving the crowd in awe. No doubt, he has to have traded the footwork lessons for a diving one.

This match has the most unique ingredients you’re not likely to experience again anytime soon on tour, this we can assure you.

7. Jonathon Power Vs Anthony Ricketts

Jonathon is in a league of his own in terms of the base foundation of his game; a typical rally from Jonathon could best described this statement < Quick short steps to the ball then once on top of it he pretends to hit a shot which he strikes as shown, or in some other way or directions based on whether or not he feels his opponent has fallen for the trap >. Anthony’s game in contrast is far simpler – he runs every ball down seemingly forever until his opponents lose their legs or their will to keep up with him.

So there you have it; two very different playing styles clashing for the last time on tour, attrition s deception / as flamboyant and as raw as they come, enjoy.

8. David Palmer Vs James Willstrop

A clash between titans on a monumental scale - James, the creative young giant and apparent heir to Jonathon had good victories against David in the last two years; but then the opposite was also true. Would the artist be able to express his liberal talent against the best ‘neutralizer’ on tour at the moment? Well the best answer is yes… and no.

Rarely will you have seen the sport of squash be made to appear so easy to play than in this single match; nothing fancy or blatantly spectacular, just the right shot was played at the right time - tight, short or long and effective. This great match is definitely one to watch & learn from before heading to the court.

9. Anthony Ricketts Vs Graham Ryding

Graham has a remarkable array of shots, he trains extremely hard and he is one of the tour’s best movers around the court. These qualities should have been enough to keep him within single digit ranking his entire career, but it wasn’t to be for some reason.

If you haven’t had the chance to see Graham push another top player in the ropes then this is your chance. He started the match blazingly fast mixing pace and shots that Anthony just couldn’t handle. But as mentioned earlier about Anthony in his match Vs Power, he can and will run all day if it’s what it takes to take his opponent’s will to fight away.

We can all wonder how many matches Anthony won in his career over more talented opponents just from the influences he conveys on court through his highly energized body language which sends the message to his opponents that he wants to win at any cost.

A great clash… and a psychology 501 case study maybe also.

10. James Willstrop Vs Karim Darwish

Karim and James both won the Junior World Championship two years apart and respectively in 2000 & 2002, so they’ve both proven that they can rise to big occasions. Karim reaching # 5 two years back and James # 2 last year is a testimony to the high level and consistency of their games, and this has to be a sign of great things to come on the rivalry end of things.

If Karim hasn’t produced the big wins that James has over higher ranked player in the last year, then we suspect that his training regiment off court has been so incredibly intensive that he may not have had enough left in him to take on the best once reaching the main draws. We all know that there is such a thing as over training so let’s hope that experience will have taught him to pace himself more effectively just so he can eventually collect the fruit of his labour. (Since he beat both David Palmer and Lee Beachill in the event that followed this one (ToC06) then it appears his time may have come).

Once you will have seen this mach and the others here above, then you may reflect on the amazing fine line that separates top players such as James and Karim. The punishment one player can inflict on another can just as easily be inflicted back on him by another player in the following rounds, or by the same one in subsequent events. Not knowing who will be the sharpest on any given day, and why, is where the real pleasure lays for us spectator; what a treat!

Cost: $39 plus GST and Shipping - Power vs. Shabana Match

$39 plus GST and Shipping - Willstrop vs. Matthew Match

$39 plus GST and Shipping - Power vs. Palmer Match

$34 plus GST and Shipping - White vs. Abbas Match

$34 plus GST and Shipping - Lincou vs. Iskandar Match

$34 plus GST and Shipping - Palmer vs. White Match

$34 plus GST and Shipping - Power vs. Ricketts Match

$34 plus GST and Shipping - Palmer vs. Willstrop Match

$34 plus GST and Shipping - Ricketts vs. Ryding Match

$34 plus GST and Shipping - Willstrop vs. Darwish Match

$99 plus GST and Shipping - Best 3 Matches

$144 plus GST and Shipping - Best 5 Matches

$209 plus GST and Shipping - Best 8 Matches

$224 plus GST and Shipping - All 10 Matches

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Telephone: (416) 426-7201
Email: mmirza@squashontario.com

Jonathon Power Legacy Package

Through a series of the matches we have had the privilege to film and produce since 1999, this is a tribute to one of the greatest squash player of all times - Jonathon Power, the man who played his entire career to beat of his own drums. The first professional squash player in the history of the sport to have retired on his own terms – and at the top of his art.

Please note that the 4 matches Jonathon played Vs Shabana, Gaultier, Palmer and Ricketts in the newest releases of the2006 Windy City Open and Pace Canadian Classic 2006 events are not included. If you wish to read up on those or buy them, then please proceed to their respective description or purchase pages where you can buy them separately - SSA Windy City Open 2006 - Pace Canadian Classic 2006
The matches marked with * are our favourite picks (If Jonathon played one player more than once then we picked the best of the lot)

Matches:

Vs Ahamed Barada (1999 Tournament of Champions) *
Vs Martin Heath (2000 Tournament of Champions) *
Vs Paul Price (2001 Canadian Classic) *
Vs Peter Nicol (2001 Canadian Classic)
Vs Thierry Lincou (2003 Tournament of Champions)
Vs Peter Nicol (2003 Super Series Finals) *
Vs John White (2003 Super Series Finals) *
Vs David Palmer (2003 Canadian Classic) *
Vs John White (2003 Canadian Classic) *
Vs Thierry Lincou (2004 Tournament of Champions)
Vs Anthony Ricketts (2004 Canadian Classic) *
Vs Thierry Lincou (2004 Canadian Classic) *
Vs James Willstrop (2004 Canadian Classic) *
Vs David Palmer (2005 Super Series Finals)
Vs Thierry Lincou (2005 Super Series Finals)

Cost: $139 plus GST and Shipping - Any 5 Matches

$199 plus GST and Shipping - Any 8 Matches

$219 plus GST and Shipping - Any 10 Matches

$279 plus GST and Shipping - All 15 Matches

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Telephone: (416) 426-7201
Email: mmirza@squashontario.com

Peter Nicol Legacy Package

March 1st 2006 at New York's Tournament of Champions and shortly after having lost his match against Gregory Gaultier, Peter announced that this was his last participation in the event and that he would not play in the PSA tour next year. Coincidentally, 2 days later Jonathan Power made his own announcement that he was also retiring from the game.

Although Peter may elect to play a few select events such as the Commonwealth Games, his and Jon's announcements confirm the end of an era for the sport that see two of its icons leave the scene that they have dominated for so long. Giving credit where credit is due, Peter was the more dominating of the two since he held the top of the ranking spot for the longest period since the late 90s.

From the first time we filmed Peter in NY in 1994 Vs the world #2 Brett Martin who was then one of the most formidable player on tour, we knew that Peter had what it took to make it far, very far. His attitude and determination on court then closely resembled that of the few young players who are now pushing through the ranks and on whom we have written about on this site. It was magic.

Without further due, here as follow is the list of Peter’s matches from our library.

The matches marked with * are our favourite picks (If Peter played one player more than once then we picked the best of the lot)

Matches:

Vs Brett Martin (Tournament of Champions 1994) *
Vs Simon Parke (Super Series Finals 2000) *
Vs Jonathon Power (Canadian Classic 2001) *
Vs Jonathon Power (Canadian Classic 2002)
Vs David Palmer (Super Series Finals 2002)
Vs Thierry Lincou (Tournament of Champions 2003)
Vs David Palmer (Tournament of Champions 2003) *
Vs Anthony Ricketts (Tournament of Champions 2003) *
Vs Martin Heath (Super Series Finals 2003) *
Vs Thierry Lincou (Super Series Finals 2003) *
Vs Lee Beachill (Super Series Finals 2003) *
Vs Jonathon Power (Super Series Finals 2003)
Vs John White (Tournament of Champions 2004) *
Vs Lee Beachill (US Open 2004)
Vs Amr Shabana (Super Series Finals 2005) *

Cost: $129 plus GST and Shipping - Any 5 Matches

$189 plus GST and Shipping - Any 8 Matches

$209 plus GST and Shipping - Any 10 Matches

$269 plus GST and Shipping - All 15 Matches

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Telephone: (416) 426-7201
Email: mmirza@squashontario.com

Jahangir Khan's Rise and Fall

1981 Vs Geoff Hunt in the World Open Championships - Toronto, Canada

Fully edited multi camera one hour program highlights produced for CBC (The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)
Years have had their effect on the master copy of this match, so please note that the quality of its image and sound isn't the best and cannot be compared to that of more recent productions created from the year 2000 until now.

1990 Vs Young Jansher Khan in the Canadian Open

One camera close up filming, program not edited, complete match
Line judges Mike Way and Steve Wren, referee -Tony Swift

Matches:

JAHANGIR KHAN Vs GEOFF HUNT
Geoff Hunt dominated the sport for the last eight years, Jahangir Khan, then half his age at 17 thought it was his turn, this is an historical match that people still talk about decades after it was played...
JAHANGIR KHAN Vs JANSHER KHAN
Jahangir had taken the squash world by storm 9 years earlier, fierce competitor, great ball striker, relentless attacker, he had gone 5 ½ years without losing a single match from 81 to 1986. Jansher wanted his share of fame, he had predicted that he would be # 1 in the world 2 years before playing this match, could Jahangir fend him off just one last time.

Cost: $39 plus GST and Shipping - Both Matches

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