US Pro Squash recently held a tournament at Franklin & Marshall College. Several college players entered the tournament as amateurs. Below is a description of the event from US Pro Squash.
Lancaster, PA — US Pro Squash was on campus from April 8-11 for the Franklin & Marshall College Invitational Pro Squash Tournament. Two-time World Champion David Palmer won the championship with a 3-0 victory over ’08 Egyptian Champion Wael El Hindi. The four-day tournament featured top-level squash as well as important community outreach and clinics. In addition to the pro tournament, the squash pros ran a clinic with the Franklin & Marshall Squash ACES students and community players.
The draw included 3 players who competed at the collegiate level this year. Two-time College Squash Association national individual champion and Trinity #1 Baset Chaudhry made his US Pro Squash professional debut. Chaudhry lost to El Hindi in the quarters, but played well in the consolation bracket, winning the plate division in a five-game war with Franklin & Marshall #2 Gui de Melo. Competing in the tournament as an amateur, de Melo showed how well he can play under pressure. He and Chaudhry battled for over an hour, with Chaudhry ultimately prevailing 11-8 in the fifth game.
Franklin & Marshall #1 Gabe de Melo, who also played as an amateur, lost to David Palmer in the quarter finals (3-1) and to US National Team Member Chris Gordon in the consolation bracket finals. Joe McManus, US Pro Squash CEO, said he was impressed with Gabe’s play. “Gabe had a strong contingent of fans from the college come out and cheer him on in the quarters. I was very impressed with his level of play. He took the first game from Palmer and equipped himself well on court. All credit to him.”
“This tournament gave us the opportunity to bring world class squash to a top tier college program,” said McManus. With Palmer and El Hindi playing, the crowd certainly saw top-notch squash. “We also highlighted the elite level of America’s top college players. Although the touring pros were a little stronger, these college players showed that they deserved to be on the same court as the pros.”
“Baset is a great young man,” continued McManus. “I was thrilled that he could join us for the event. Also, F&M has a great future with the de Melo brothers leading the way. Coach White is building a very strong program in Lancaster, PA.”
For more information about the US Pro Squash Tour, please go to: www.USProSquash.com.
