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Interview: Karim Darwish, Egyptian squash master
With both the Squash Open and Badminton Open bouncing into Hong Kong this fortnight, we spoke with Karim Darwish, the world’s third-best squash player, to find out if he thinks squash is the ultimate racket sport...
Hey Karim! So tell us… how did you get into squash?
My older brother picked it up first and I used to watch him train. I liked the idea of the game.
What’s so cool about squash?
The game of squash is like a combination of three different activities − chess, a 400m run and a 25km marathon!
And why is it the ultimate sport for city dwellers?
Squash was chosen as the healthiest sport in Forbes magazine!
We’ve got the Badminton Open coming up this fortnight too. Can you tell us why squash is more manly than badminton?
Well, I can’t say squash is better than badminton. But I like squash because I like the kinds of sports where you have to use your brain on the court. It’s also a very healthy sport − you use every single muscle of your body. Also, I have never tried playing badminton before [laughs].
Name two things from badminton that you would like to bring into squash.
Inclusion at the Olympics and popularity in Asia. I like Asian countries!
Do you think squash is more physically demanding than badminton?
Yes! Because we play a squash match that lasts for 90 minutes and we get only five minutes of rest for the whole match. I also think that the pace in squash is faster than badminton.
And is it more technically demanding?
I think squash needs more technical skills because we use a lot of angles, and also because squash is the only sport that requires you to put the ball away from your opponent without seeing him.
I see... why is squash more dangerous than badminton?
Because we play next to each other, so we can hit each other with the racket or with the ball.
What are some of your favourite shots in squash?
I like the attacking strategies. I’m a fan of drop shots and side walls because it makes my opponent run a lot and makes him quite tired.
Squash players would make for good…
Squash coaches!
Interview: Andrea Yu
Squash Open Cultural Centre, Sunday 13-Sunday 20 www.hksquash.org.hk
Badminton Open HK Coliseum, Tuesday 15-Sunday 20 www.hkbadmintonassn.org.hk
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