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| October 29, 2002 | Tuesday | Sha’aban 22,1423 |
Missing Jansher in trouble with PSA
DOHA, Oct 28: Jansher Khan, who was given free membership by the Professional Squash Association (PSA), is now to be reported to the PSA after going missing from the Qatar Classic.
Jansher, a record eight time World Open champion, is accused of offering no explanation for his non-appearance at the US$120,000 event, which was to have been his first Super Series tournament for four years.
Jansher had been aided both by the PSA so that he could continue his unexpected comeback and by the Qatar Tennis and Squash Federation, so he could gain entry as a local player.
But now he has upset some of his supporters.
“We have treated him as something other than an ordinary player,” tournament director Robert Edwards told AFP.
“And yet he doesn’t turn up, gives us no reason, and gives the media no reason. It’s not professional.
“When Jansher appears at a tournament he is afforded respect because of his past greatness and there is enormous interest in the press.
“Now we are not able to explain to the media the answer as to why he is not here and I don’t think that is professional. It is also sad.
“I speculate that he has an injury but I don’t know. I shall have to report what’s happened to the PSA,” added the Welshman.
Jansher’s comeback may now have hit the buffers.
He also pulled out of a four-match series with British national champion Lee Beachill a fortnight ago because of a bad back, but played in the CAS Trophy in Karachi the following week.
The former World Open champion a record eight times has also been talking of playng again in the World Open - in five weeks time in Antwerp - but he may find it hard to get in.
Jansher’s ranking will be too low, and there are no wild cards.
The only way might be as an invitee of the World Squash Federation and, after what has happened in Qatar, that now seems unlikely.—AFP
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