2008 World Team Championships, Cairo

The Aus Team Coach: Michelle ‘Ice Queen’ Martin

Physio: Victoria ‘Victor Victor Hazelbum’ Simpson

Official Cheerleader: Pru ‘Mumma’ Pittock

Players: Kasey ‘Grunter’ Brown, Donna ‘Olive’ Urquhart, Lisa ‘Fang’ Camilleri,  Amelia ‘Windmill’ Pittock

Pre Tournament: Team Aus had a bonding session with a tour of the Egyptian Pyramids, including camel and horse riding, and photos a plenty.
Play of the Day: Running into the glass revolving door at the Sonesta Hotel. Had a bit of a headache after that one and the security guards found it pretty amusing.

Day 1: Aus v Switzerland: The girls got off to a good start with all girls winning in straight sets on the bouncy courts of Cairo Stadium. A good one to get the nerves out. Aus won 9-0 Play of the Day: Michelle ‘Ice Queen’ Martin making our liason officer cry. All was forgotten after a cup of tea.

Day 2: Aus v Japan: Fang, Olive and the Windmill did Oz proud winning all matches, with a 9-1 victory, although we still wait in suspense for the Windmill. Aus v Canada Playing on the glass court, Fang did Oz proud, coming from 2-1 down to defeat, an unorthodox, Carolyn Russell. There were a few sweaty palms in that match. It seemed the court suited a deceptive Runa Reta, who overcame Olive in a tight 3 games. Finally, I beat Alana Miller in 3 sets to see a 6-5 victory for Australia.
Play of the Day: Windmill calling out ‘Com’on Camo’ when Olive was playing (nice one Amelia)

Fang’s Quotes: “Im hungry” “Whats for dinner?” “Is it dinner time yet?”

Day 3: Aus v Egypt: In front of a home crowd, Egypt defeated the Aus team. Although Olive was looking the goods against Engy Kherillah, she was unlucky to lose in 5 sets. Only playing on the Cairo glass court for the second time, Fang lost to a talented Raneem El Weilley, who showed some great shotmaking ability. I then lost to Omneya Kawi in 3 sets. Although not playing my best squash, Omneya was taking the ball very early and was too good on the day. Aus ran second in pool B and will play Malaysia in the quarterfinals of the World Champs. Play of the Day: Squash legends, Michelle ‘Ice Queen’ Martin and Dame Susan Devoy stage dancing to Abba’s Dancing Queen. As they quoted “there are not as many personalities in the game anymore”.

Recovery Day: The girls took to a recovery session in the morning, followed by some relaxation before again practicing on the glass court (sunnies required)

To be continued....