|
|
World Masters Games 2005
22-31 July, Edmonton, Canada |
 |
Fitz-Gerald the Master in Edmonton
Ryan Barnett catches up with Fitz in Calgary
 World
Junior and five time Women’s World Open Squash Champion Sarah
Fitz-Gerald has added another two titles to her resumé.
In the recently completed World Masters Games held in Edmonton,
Alberta Canada, Fitz-Gerald mowed through the field in women’s
singles competition surrendering a total of only 11 points. She also
took the Teams title along with mates Bob Ballinger and Jamie
Crombie.
For Fitz-Gerald this recent visit to Canada provided the perfect
opportunity to see some old friends and have fun at the same time. A
brief stop-over in Calgary provided the perfect opportunity for me
to get her thoughts on the event, discuss in greater detail her
decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games, and future plans.
Ryan Barnett
So how was Edmonton? I guess you could say you’ve now won eight
World Titles?
 (Laughs)
It was good a time. Winning these titles are very different from
what I was used to because the atmosphere was fun, there was low
intensity, not as competitive, and I was also playing on a mixed
team. I knew the World’s were in Edmonton and had some discussions
with Bob Ballinger and decided I would play if I was in the area.
I was set on just playing the Teams then decided that seeing how I
was already there I would play the singles as well. This was
actually my 2nd Masters event the first being the Victorian Open and
I really enjoyed myself as going ended up being a real positive
experience.
For the most part my opponents had travelled a long way so I played
with good spirit and focused on giving them a good run. Being a past
professional who trained for squash I was mainly up against amateurs
and club players.
The detractors will look at this and say that it’s unfair for
such a skilled player to be competing against amateurs. How much fun
or satisfaction do you get beating someone 27-0?
I get satisfaction from giving my amateur opponent a good fun game
where they can feel the difference in my ability and there’s and
learn from it. Many of my opponents enjoy saying that they were on
the court and played a match with a former World Champion.
To the detractors I say simply that I retired from professional
squash NOT the sport of squash. I have every right to play events
that do not constitute a world ranking. Events like league, local
tournaments and future Masters Events should I so choose.
Well said. I read a story a few weeks back about your decision to
withdraw from the Commonwealth Games and
the first paragraph said it was a “lack of motivation” which was the
major factor. What’s the real deal?
 I
retired from professional squash on top, on my terms. I accomplished
everything I set out to do. My initial decision to participate in
the Commonwealth Games was made solely on the fact that they are
being held in Melbourne my home town so I made myself available.
I retired from pro squash because I was tired of all the training
all the travel and also the pressure. Not playing the Commonwealth
Games has nothing to do with a lack of motivation. Representing
one’s country is one of the greatest achievements an athlete can
have.
When I announced my decision not to participate I had just broken my
toe and at this stage in my life I see my squash going in a
different direction and stand by the reasons just given. Simply put
I have moved on.
Different direction?
 The
next phase of my life has me working on my Level II coaching
certificate as I want to get more involved in coaching and give back
to the sport of squash.
I’ve been asked to be a commentator at the Commonwealth Games and am
quite excited about that as well. I have so many fond memories from
my playing days, continue to love the sport, and will still be
involved through exhibitions, promotions and with coaching will
remain part of the squash scene.
As for participation in future Masters tournaments. If I’m near an
event, want to play, in condition, then I might. Honestly at this
stage, I’ll play when and where I want as I don’t see myself
tripping around the world chasing Masters Tournaments.
I’m enjoying life and leave Friday for a camp at Williams College in
the U.S. followed by a week in Toronto with Mike Way and then it’s
off to England.
Sarah Fitz-Gerald
|
Squash Finals
|
World Masters Finals:
Men's Events:
O35: Jeffrey Bond (Aus) bt David Sly (Can) 9/5, 9/3, 9/3
O40: Jamie Crombie (Usa) bt Dale Robbins (Aus) 9/3, 9/2,
9/3
O45: Simon Gogolin (Aus) bt Mike Smeltzer (Can) 9/3,
9/3, 9/4
O50: Christo Baben (Can) bt Larry Armstrong (Can) 9/7,
9/0, 10/8
O55: Tony Naughton (Nzl) bt Brian Cook (Aus)
O60: John Perrott (Eng) bt Thiessen Henry (Can) 9/6,
7/9, 9/5, 9/10, 9/6
O65: Brian Phillips (Eng) bt John Woodliffe (Eng) 9/7,
9/2, 9/1
O70: Lance Kinder (Eng) bt John Cax (Eng) 9/3, 10/9, 9/3
O75: George Oshlack (Aus) round robin
Women's Events:
O35: Sarah Fitz-Gerald (Aus) bt Judith Casbolt (Nzl)
9/1, 9/0, 9/3
O40: Beau De Dreu (Ned) bt Julie Multamaki (Can) 9/2,
9/6, 9/1
O45: Lorrie Baildham (Can) bt Christien Strydom (Rsa)
9/7, 9/0, 9/2
O50: Pauline Douglas (Rsa) bt Lesley Jewitt (Can) 9/2,
9/1, 9/4
O55: Maggie Verity (Can) round robin
O60: Kay Glenny (Nzl) round robin
|
Full
Squash Draws
|
|
