All Golds v Newcastle Thunder KPL1 2016 - FINAL_2

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TOM FORD A PROFILE OF THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE SQUASH PLAYER CLIMBING UP THE WORLD RANKINGS WRITTEN BY PATRICK BAINES 10 TOM FORD FIRST PICKED UP A SQUASH RACKET WHILE AT PRIMARY SCHOOL. SINCE THEN HE’S RISEN FROM PROMISING JUNIOR TO SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONAL AND, AFTER RECENTLY WINNING TWO PRESTIGIOUS CHAMPIONSHIPS, HAS RISEN TO A CAREER HIGH 64 IN THE WORLD RANKINGS. At the time of writing, the 22-year-old will be on court in Egypt in the El Gouna International championship. His first few years on the professional circuit have seen him climb up the rankings after winning five PSA titles. Travelling is something Tom has become accustomed to, with the biggest tournaments taking place all over the globe. “I really enjoy it. I love going to other countries. UK travel can actually be a lot more demanding than flying abroad, which sounds strange”. In 2015 the left-hander www.allgoldsrugby.com @AllGolds facebook.com/AllGoldsRugby
acked up some serious air miles, playing in tournaments in the USA, Canada, India, Macau, Switzerland and Sweden. Tom turned pro at 18 after finishing his education at Cheltenham’s Bournside school. From Monday to Friday he is based in Bristol where he trains under the guidance of coach Hadrian Stiff. “With squash being an individual sport I can mix up my training regime. I train Monday to Friday in Bristol then spend my weekends in Cheltenham. I don’t have to stick to a set plan - I like the flexibility of being my own boss. A lot of my time is spent either in the gym building up my strength and stamina or on court with my coach working on my game.” Squash is a sport that tests both a player’s physical and mental capabilities. The game mimics the hardest cardio and aerobic workout you can get. Constant running and following the ball, coupled with making hard, consistent contact with the ball and your racquet are tiring. Not only do you need supreme physical fitness but you need to mentally prepare for where your next hit is going to come. A successful player needs to get inside his opponent’s head and anticipate what kind of shot he’s going to play so he can be one step ahead. Tom says the support of his parents was crucial in the early years. “I’ve wanted to be a professional squash player since I was about ten years old. My parents used to drive me all over the country to junior events, their support enabled me to progress up the junior system which gave me the opportunity to turn professional.” While training full-time and competing internationally Ford also finds the time to organise the annual East Glos Doubles Tournament. “This year it’s taking place on June 4-5 at the East Glos Squash Club. Essentially it’s a pro-am so it gives recreational players the chance to compete with full time professionals. Anyone can enter, it’s a really good way of bringing everyone together regardless of their standard to have a good time and get out on the court.” When asked to name a career highlight, the answer didn’t take much thought. “Late last year I won back-to-back titles in Canada - the Goodlife Open in Ottawa then, two weeks later, the Saskatoon Boast Open. They were $10,000 events and winning them gave me a huge amount of confidence and saw my world ranking improve. “I’m really enjoying things at the moment. I hope to get the opportunity to win again and carry on improving my world ranking.” If you want to contact Tom or are interested in entering the East Glos Doubles Tournament email him at tomfordsquash@gmail. com 11 Subscribe to our website mailing list to get exclusive All Golds news first.
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All Golds v Newcastle Thunder KPL1 2016 - FINAL_2

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