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11th WORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
(photos)

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND 20/27 July 2012

GB VETS STRIKE GOLD!

The 11th World Masters took place in glorious sunshine in Birmingham between  20th – 27th July 2012.

Over 750 competitors from 47 Nations took part, of which no less than 73 were members of the GB Vets Club.

The venues – Edgbaston Priory Club and University of Birmingham mainly – were excellent whilst the organisation was outstanding.

Phil Ayton says: ‘One downside was that the tournament was played under PARS to 11 scoring. Separate from being fundamentally against our ideals, this had the shocking effect of reducing matches to ridiculously short contests. For us Vets Club members, this was disappointing, but for our overseas visitors it must have been galling. We will be contributing to the de-brief for the event to try to ensure this is not repeated.’

It was also noted that a number of players failed to enter the plate events or play the 3, 4 play offs. This not only caused a headache for the organisers in planning schedules, but deprived many players, some of whom had travelled half way around the world, their guaranteed minimum of three matches. Clearly some players had legitimate excuses for not playing but the original application stipulated that all players should be prepared to enter the plate events.

Early in the tournament the GB Vets hosted an evening reception/drinks party organised by our President, Phil Ayton. A thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile event at which members chatted but, perhaps more importantly, the raison d’etre of the Vets Club was broadcast, resulting in some new members and good contacts across the world for possible future overseas tours.

The total number of medals achieved by members compared favourably with previous tournaments ie 12.

GOLD MO65 Philip Ayton
  M070  Adrian Wright
     
SILVER MO55 Peter Alexander
  MO60 Keith Jones
  MO70 Brian Philips
  MO75 Malcolm Gilham
  MO80 Alex Hamilton
  WO60 Faith Sinclair
  WO65 Bett Dryhurst
     
BRONZE MO65 Rodney Boswell
  MO75 John Woodliffe
  WO55 Karen Hume
     

 Further information may be obtained from the official web site www.squashworldmasters.com

A full report and pictures will be published in the Summer Newsletter due out late September.