On June 19th Squash Site posted a blog by Malcolm Willstrop (father of James Willstrop current World #6) who proposed that the game move to a best of 3 games scoring instead of best of 5. The current scoring in squash is games to 11 points (point-a-rally) and then best of 5 games. This is the scoring method used for all tournaments on the professional world tour except for 1, the World Series event at the end of the season. This debate was sparked by the 2017 World Series event in Dubai, where we watched players play in the best of 3 games format for all matches except for the final. Now, players are weighing in with their opinions about this potential change. By altering the stakes of what it takes to win a match, the game of squash will evolve with it. Willstrop has said the quality of the matches were higher as players were less fatigued, going for more risky and adventurous shots and also produced a greater spectacle for the tv viewers. Willstrop believes that matches going 40-60 minutes in length are optimal for spectators, both on tv and in the crowds.
The Elshorbagy brothers (EGY, Mohammed current WR #3, Marwan current WR #7) then stated on social media that they are advocates for keeping the best of 5 game format. They agree that it is fun for the World Series event, but state that they don't want to the sport to change. The argument for keeping best of five is that it demands a lot more physicality and endurance as well as mental strength. Both of the brothers hope to maintain the tactics behind a best of 5 game match by maintaining the longer scoring format. Chris Simpson (ENG, Current WR #34) quickly agreed with the brothers and argued that "we are proud that many consider us the amongst the fittest athletes in the world". In the same article, Lee Beechill, former World #1 and current PSA Squash TV commentator, ads to the debate by arguing that the best of 3 format demands an intensity and quickness from players that shows their athleticism in a different way. He also states that watching this year's World Series event was exciting, captivating, and overall an excellent experience from a spectator's perspective.
Soon after the Elshorbagy Brothers' comments were published, Ali Farag (EGY, current WR #5) wrote a pro-cons article for PSA. He makes great arguments for both sides, but most notably that most people don't want to switch to best of 3 just purely on the fact that it is change! Although he believes best of 5 is best for himself, he closes with the statement that "the game is way bigger than any individual and we need to put the growth of our sport the top priority over anyone’s own benefits."
Most recently, Nick Matthew (ENG, current WR #4) also put his two cents on social media, also advocating for considering the change...
Lots of players have given their opinions...but what do you think? Vote below!
We will continue to follow the debate and keep you updated....and let you know the results of our poll, too!
The Elshorbagy brothers (EGY, Mohammed current WR #3, Marwan current WR #7) then stated on social media that they are advocates for keeping the best of 5 game format. They agree that it is fun for the World Series event, but state that they don't want to the sport to change. The argument for keeping best of five is that it demands a lot more physicality and endurance as well as mental strength. Both of the brothers hope to maintain the tactics behind a best of 5 game match by maintaining the longer scoring format. Chris Simpson (ENG, Current WR #34) quickly agreed with the brothers and argued that "we are proud that many consider us the amongst the fittest athletes in the world". In the same article, Lee Beechill, former World #1 and current PSA Squash TV commentator, ads to the debate by arguing that the best of 3 format demands an intensity and quickness from players that shows their athleticism in a different way. He also states that watching this year's World Series event was exciting, captivating, and overall an excellent experience from a spectator's perspective.
Soon after the Elshorbagy Brothers' comments were published, Ali Farag (EGY, current WR #5) wrote a pro-cons article for PSA. He makes great arguments for both sides, but most notably that most people don't want to switch to best of 3 just purely on the fact that it is change! Although he believes best of 5 is best for himself, he closes with the statement that "the game is way bigger than any individual and we need to put the growth of our sport the top priority over anyone’s own benefits."
Most recently, Nick Matthew (ENG, current WR #4) also put his two cents on social media, also advocating for considering the change...
Lots of players have given their opinions...but what do you think? Vote below!
We will continue to follow the debate and keep you updated....and let you know the results of our poll, too!
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