This past weekend HSRA members braved the I-45N corridor and headed to the “Big D” and participated, and got treated, to some wonderful hospitality and squash Texas style.
We had Stuart & Jennifer McGeoch, Sylvie Dejardins, Abbas Maniar, and myself participating in the amateur event with some significant cheerleaders to encourage us on. Held at the YMCA, in downtown Dallas, it’s an easy venue to get to and see all the matches.
Play started on Friday night and we were all back there Saturday morning to play more matches. Very organized with things going off very much on time. In the late afternoon we were treated to some great semi-finals by the Women Pros jockeying for a position in the finals. Afterwards we all headed for the Saturday night dinner at Blue Mesa Mexican Restaurant home to the killer Blue Margaritas.
Some of us had matches Sunday morning so it was an early night, for some of us
, and then get ready for the Pro final at 1:00. Another cracking match with some of the best squash I have seen both opponents play. An amazing 5 gamer that went to 11-8.
I have to commend Tournament Director Sanjeeb Samanta, Dallas SRA President, who always puts on such a good event. He does an amazing job raising funds only from individuals, no corporate monies, for the $35,000 purse. Truly a passion for him that is widely appreciated by all. Things seemed flawless from beginning to end with the help of his wonderful volunteer team.
Pics and article from Aussie Squash
And a few pictures of Houstonians and the Pros