29-Dec-06:
PAR Scoring trial for WISPA in Edinburgh


Following a WISPA Board initiative to test PAR scoring, BSPA has agreed to alter the scoring of women's matches in January's Artemis Edinburgh Open to PAR to 11, as used by the men's professional tour, to allow WISPA to evaluate the system.

"As PSA have now confirmed that they plan to stick with PAR to 11 for the foreseeable future the WISPA Board decided that early next year we will start to evaluate it as a possible alternative to the standard scoring that we use at present."

Andrew Shelley WISPA Chief Exec.  Full statement

There has been much debate over the relative merits of the standard "hand in / hand out" and PAR scoring methods for professional play, the system was set to be trialled - then shelved - in September's Gerrard British Grand Prix, so Edinburgh will present an opportunity to see what effect a switch may have on the women's game.

Certainly at the top level, women's matches tend to last just as long as men's, with the average time for glass-court matches in November's Women's World Open averaging 45 minutes,  comparable to most men's tournaments.

Some women's matches in this season's PSL have used PAR scoring to 9, with players such as Tania Bailey commenting that it had an effect on the tactics employed, but would be a good move for spectators. World number four Natalie Grinham, after her marathon world open final, was still in favour of traditional scoring, likening it to a game of chess with more tactics involved than in PAR scoring.


Women's World Open Final - 98 minutes of traditional scoring

A busy BSPA start to 2007

25-28 Jan: Edinburgh  (M&W)
02-04 Feb: Ilkley         (M&W)
08-11 Feb: Manchester (M)

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Edinburgh 2006

"It definitely felt strange playing PAR scoring, it makes you paranoid about going for winners.  If we played that all the time everyone would play safe until they got used to it … you definitely have to concentrate more, but I'm sure it will come.

"It will be a good thing though, everyone will be edgy to start with, but it will be better for the crowd. I'm sure if we have time to get used to it it will be fine, it just came as a bit of a shock tonight."


 PSL round four

 
WISPA statement on Scoring Trial:
 MATCH SCORING

As PSA have now confirmed that they plan to stick with PAR to 11 for the foreseeable future the WISPA Board decided that early next year we will start to evaluate it as a possible alternative to the standard scoring that we use at present.

While it would be an advantage if the Men's & Women's Tours were both to use the same scoring system we need to evaluate to be sure that it is at least as good as the scoring that we use along with recreational players across the world.

For example, will it shorten matches?

To study this scoring in action for higher level matches we have received the kind agreement for BSPA WISPA Challengers starting with Edinburgh at the end of January to use PAR for their Women's event.

However, I need to stress that all WISPA Tour events continue to be played to nine in the normal way, and this is an experiment using a few specified Challengers in UK to evaluate the alternative in a controlled manner.

24-Sep-06:
HEAD Continue to Support British Circuit

The British Squash Professionals Association (BSPA) is delighted to announce that premium rackets brand, HEAD, have confirmed their continued sponsorship of the HEAD UK Grand Prix.

Since its inception 13 years ago the BSPA circuit has grown in stature, and now boasts 8 events across the UK, culminating in the Head UK Grand Prix Finals.

The BSPA’s tour director, Tim Garner was understandably pleased that Head have seen the benefits of being associated with the British circuit.
 
"Our circuit has become the bedrock of tournament squash in the country, and it is the involvement of HEAD that enables us to deliver a product that is appealing to both players & clubs.

"Last year over 100 players competed in our events with the Colets Open playing host to nearly as many players as the British Nationals!"

"The circuit allows the young players to cut their teeth in a highly competitive environment, without the expense of overseas travel, while the more established players are able to pick out some substantial prize money when breaks in the PSA tour allow it."


  BSPA Tour Director

The HEAD UK Grand Prix will begin with its traditional opener in Boston, Lincolnshire, in December and culminate in the HEAD Grand Prix Finals in Ipswich.
  


2006/07 Calendar

"The circuit has enabled us to have some brand recognition through the profile of the circuit but also allows us to get into some of the country’s most active clubs.

"We have been impressed by the standard of play and also by the commitment & professionalism of the BSPA’s players and look forward to another successful season."


 HEAD UK