Squash is still struggling for acceptance as an Olympic sport, but while people argue its importance over raquetball, it’s telegenic capacity as the ball is so small, and work on increasing its popularity, two Canadian talents are showcasing themselves in this week’s Montreal Squash Open.
Shawn Delierre, who won gold at the Pan Am Games, is ranked 53-rd in the world, and David Baillargeon, the top Canadian Junior Champion, currently ranked 180th in the world, was chosen by organizers at their wild card entry.
Karin Abdel Gawad, from Egypt, ninth in the world, is making his debut in Montreal. He won last year at the Edmonton Open, in Alberta.His main competition is countryman, Ali Farag, ranked 13th in the world. But Delierre, 34, is thrilled to be competing on home turf.
“We’re going to get to compete, spar, and show off basically our love for the sport through amazing shots, techniques, dives, spills, cries, blood, tears… hopefully not!”
“We’re going to get to compete, spar, and show off basically our love for the sport through amazing shots, techniques, dives, spills, cries, blood, tears… hopefully not!” Delierre told CBC Sports’ Doug Gelevan.
Baillargeon, 19, is eager and ready to rise to the occasion. “Winning an event like this would be something amazing, the top guy here is 9th in the world so it would mean that I’m basically one of the world’s best,” Baillargeron said.
The qualifying rounds are underway today and the main draw will be played out Thurday to Sunday at the MAA.Club. The athletes are competing for a $35,000 (US) purse.
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