Squash: Veteran Ryan to meet Willstop in testimonial
Squash player Derek Ryan, the former Irish No 1 and world No 7, will play world No 3 James Willstop from England in a testimonial match at Fitzwilliam LTC, Dublin on Friday September 19.
During a highly successful career, Ryan has played for his country 168 times -- a world record -- and it's not quite over yet.
"I think I can probably make the team again next year, but that would be it. We have some good players coming up," he says.
INTERNATIONAL
After turning professional in 1992, Ryan's best year came in 1998 when he won international tournaments in the USA, Norway, Kuwait and Pakistan. At home he won the Irish National title eight times.
After some years living abroad, he returned to Ireland in 2006 after graduating as a chartered physiotherapist from Salford University. He is squash manager at Westwood Leopardstown, plays his team squash with current Irish club champions Fitzwilliam and is mentor to many of Ireland's up-and-coming players.
Now aged 38, Ryan has remained a valued member of the Irish national team, most recently playing at this year's European championships where the Irish men finished ninth.
James Willstop, the current world No 3, is the current English champion and only lost 2-3 to David Palmer in the final of the Dunlop British Open earlier this year.
Willstop pulled out of the Dutch Open with a sprained ankle, but Ryan is by no means taking him for granted.
TRICKY
"I've been training hard for this, so that I can give him some sort of a match. He's good to watch as a player -- very talented and very tricky," says Ryan.
As part of the celebrations, Willstrop's father Malcolm will conduct a coaching clinic with some of Ireland best young players. Following the match, a special presentation will be made to Derek Ryan to acknowledge his many years of service to Irish squash -- and Irish sport.
3Tickets for the testimonial evening cost €25 and are available from the Irish Squash office at 01 625 1145, John O'Connor at 087 246 8441 or Angus Kirkland at 086 384 5746.
