Colchester lad Michael Tallentire last night got his reward for being named Essex Junior Squash Sportsman of the month…a match against four-times world champion Amr Shabana.
Ten-year-old Michael was praised for a terrific display of sportsmanship at the recent Essex Junior Open when he was filmed enthusiastically applauding his opponent despite narrowly losing a gripping Under-11’s Final 12-10 in the fifth. We felt his sporting reaction deserved a treat and arranged for him to meet four top PSA stars at last night’s sold out Shabana-Shootout exhibition match at Bishops Stortford Squash and Racketball Club in Hertfordshire.
World number five Shabana saw the video clip of Michael on Facebook and was ready with praise when the two got together at Stortford. “I was really impressed by the way Michael reacted after losing such a tight final,” said the Egyptian star. And, amusingly, he added:”I think as a 10 year old I would have thrown my racket away in temper.”
Before going on court with the legendary Shabs, Michael was also introduced to Essex’s top two professional players Daryl Selby and Peter Barker, as well as big-hitting Australian world No17 Cameron Pilley. The Lexden lad had eyes as wide as saucers and a beaming smile as he exchanged coaching tips with the PSA players.
It was then time for the action with Michael looking fit and ready for his big match-up. After some advice on court positioning when receiving serve, the Essex lad was into his stride. He was running hard but determined to chase down everything Shabs could throw at him. The first half dozen points were pocketed by the man from Cairo, then came the big breakthrough.
A cracking forehand millimetres above the tin by Michael caught Shabana off guard and the audience roared as he bagged his first point. It was gleeful entertainment for the next 15 minutes as Michael ran his heart out reveling in every second.
“That was great, I loved every moment,” said Michael as he came off court. And he was quick to add:”I won seven points, yeah seven.”
His exploits also caught the attention of BBC Radio Essex. Their reporter Ben Fryer interviewed Michael this morning (Friday) and they broadcast the chat at 5.55pm on the drive-time show. Michael spoke about the Junior Final, meeting the PSA players and his match-up with Shabana. He was as unfazed on air as he was on court. We clearly breed ’em clever here in Essex.
WATCH THE BALL: Shabana serves to Michael who is ready to pounce
BELOW IS A REPORT OF LAST NIGHT’S EXHIBITION COURTESY OF SQUASHMAD.COM
Amr Shabana, the Maestro of squash, came, saw and conquered everyone at his first-ever exhibition event in England last night recruiting a whole new legion of fans left mesmerised and beguiled by the Egyptian superstar.
Shabs headlined a star-studded evening, billed as Shabana’s Shoot-out at Bishop’s Stortford Squash and Rackets Club in Hertfordshire, which also featured England stars Daryl Selby and Peter Barker as well as big-hitting Australian Cameron Pilley.
The players are using the two-night sell-out event as part of their build-up to next week’s Allam British Open. Judging by their form last night, all four will be banging hard and running tough in Hull.
It was a return to home turf for Selbs, who began his career on the Stortford courts at the age of five. He helped stage the event – run by Off the Wall Squash. Tickets were sold out within hours of going on sale, testimony to the pulling power of the PSA tour in general, and Shabana in particular.
Shabana and Selby turn on the style
The four-times World Champion and current World number five was mesmeric as he and Selby thrilled the audience with squash laced with stardust. The heady combination of grueling points, humorous exchanges and magical racket craft was a joy.
Selby has never beaten Shabana on the pro circuit and was thrilled with the support and the match.
He said: “I started playing at this club 25 years ago so to play a four-times world champion on the court I started on is an amazing thing. I have been looking forward to this evening for quite a long time. To have such an enjoyable game with such a great crowd was something very special.”
He added: “Amr is a fantastic player to play against. He is a great guy and great professional. I have played him four or five times. I lost to him 3-2 in the last 16 when he won the World Championship in Kuwait but that’s the closest I’ve got to him.”
Shabana, 34, won 6-11, 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-2 but few in the audience were concerned by the score. They were engrossed in the theatre and would have revelled in more.
The earlier match saw World Number eight Barker beat Pilley 3-1 in another encounter that brought wild applause from the crowd, dazzled by the skill and fitness levels. Both players know how entertain at these events an had the audience eating out of their hands at the finish.
The players head for the golf course today for another head-to-head battle that probably won’t carry the skill levels of last night but is bound to be equally competitive.
The evening was organised by Off The Wall Squash and tonight Selby will play Pilley and Shabana will take on Barker.
It was backed by Simplixity Travel Management, Remit Now and Nick Sheppard.
Photographs by Tom Barley Photography