Gaultier (L) failed to win any of the four World Championship finals.There is a distinction, though not a proud one, that often precedes Grégory Gaultier. He invariably carries it with him, even for exhibition matches like the one he played in Mumbai. Of the four Squash World Championship summit clashes and the five Hong Kong Open finals that he’s played in, the world No. 2 hasn’t managed to win any.
The unwanted record isn’t something the 32-year-old claims has troubled him before, but of late, there is a sense of frustration that has grown. Yet with it, a degree of determination has crept up. “It’s always the goal to become world champion. To be in the final four times and fall at the final hurdle just increases your hunger for it,” he asserts.
Age, however, isn’t on his side anymore. The former world No. 1 reckons he has a few more years before the required levels of athleticism get the better of him, hence the urgency. “Competition these days is getting tougher and tougher. I’m not as fit as I used to be and the play is getting faster and stronger. Not to mention my opponents are getting younger,” he says. Yet the desire to win the two elusive events hasn’t left him yet. “It’s just a matter of setting a goal, and going out to achieve it. That’s all,” he adds.
No regrets
At the same time though, the Frenchman is preparing himself for the possibility of finishing a career without having won the world event. In that case, he claims he won’t be overly disappointed. “I’ve won so many other major events and I’ve got a strong legacy back home. Life will go on and there won’t be any regrets,” he mentions.
Of the many accolades he has achieved, the one that stands out is his first of two British Open titles. That was back in 2007, when he became the first French winner of the event. Subsequently, his achievement served as a catalyst for the sport to pick up rapidly in France. Two years later, when he became only the second Frenchman to claim the top ranking spot in the world, his fame reached legendary proportions. “People would call or send me text messages to try cheer me up after every loss or congratulate me for each win. I got plenty of messages when I got the world No. 1 spot,” he explains.
Gaultier’s last stint on the top of the world rankings, which lasted nine months and ended in November last year, was cut short by an Achilles injury. Recovery stalled his preparation for the new season, though he did manage a runners-up finish at the Swedish Open and a semi-final exit at the Windy City Open. Nonetheless, the British Open in May is his next major target. Following that he will look towards the World Championships in November. “Maybe I’ll be lucky the fifth time,” he concludes.
Mustafa Kamal was miffed after Srinivasan handed over the World Cup trophy to Michael Clarke at the MCG. (Source: Solaris)Mustafa Kamal stepped down from his post of ICC president on Wednesday saying that it was completely unconstitutional on the world body’s part not to allow him do the honours at the World Cup presentation ceremony. In an interview with The Indian Express, Kamal alleged that ICC has become a gang of three under the chairman N Srinivasan. Excerpts:
Why did you resign?
I’ve resigned because I can’t share the table with someone who doesn’t have any regard for the ICC constitution. ICC is a platform where we work together. But it now prefers to work in isolation. So I thought it would be better to step down.
Are you referring to N. Srinivasan?
Yes. ICC has changed for the worse under his chairmanship. Decisions have been taken arbitrarily. We had 14 teams in this World Cup. It would be 10 in the next edition. Who are taking these decisions? Also, it’s better not to work with someone who has been a controversial figure.
But the executive board have approved the decisions.
With India bringing in revenue, members have little choice. But I was always opposed to his high-handedness and in most cases stood as an isolated figure. ICC has become a gang of three. India, England and Australia are running the show. But I’ve shown the way and hopefully, others will stand up and raise their voice.
In hindsight, do you regret your comment after Bangladesh’s loss to India in the World Cup quarterfinal?
Why should I? I spoke in a personal capacity and never said anything against India. We deeply acknowledge BCCI’s help in Bangladesh cricket. We will always be grateful to Jagmohan Dalmiya for his support. He was very inclusive as ICC president. Sharad Pawar too. He brought me to the ICC fold.
But you reportedly said ICC has become Indian Cricket Council?
Even the ICC release said the no-ball was a fifty-fifty call. Why have they deleted the footage (of the incident)? Why wasn’t the spider-cam working? Why was the giant screen, operated by ICC, repeatedly flashing the message: Jitega bhai jitega, India jitega.Umpires are humans. They make mistakes. But in that game, they were handicapped by the absence of technology.
These are serious allegations. Do you’ve enough proof to support your claims?
My position prevents me to put up (conspiracy) theories out of thin air.
What happened in the board meeting on the eve of the final?
Led by Srinivasan, they asked me to offer an apology for my comment. I refused. Then they told me to withdraw my comment. I categorically said I couldn’t do that. So they said, ‘you won’t be allowed to present the winners’ trophy because you’ve belittled ICC’s position’.
I said, who will give away the trophy then? As per the Clause 3.3 (B) of ICC constitution, it is the sole responsibility of the president to give away the prizes at all global competitions under its aegis. Srinivasan did it to elevate his position and in doing so he humiliated the game of cricket. He was roundly booed at the presentation ceremony and the disapproval from the fans said it all.
Are you mulling any legal action?
No. I will never take any legal recourse against an organisation that runs the noble game of cricket. But in my letter to the ICC, I’ve asked them to look into the problems within.
Do you think your action might have a negative influence on the future India-Bangladesh bilateral cricket ties?
If we face the consequence, then we will have our answer.
Starc plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore but will now be unavailable for a fortnight. (Source: PTI)Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc, the player of the tournament at the recent cricket World Cup, will be out for up to three weeks after suffering a minor knee injury.
The 25-year-old left-arm paceman climbed to the top of the world’s ODI rankings for bowlers after taking 22 wickets in Australia’s World Cup-winning campaign but suffered a left knee niggle during the closing stages.
“Mitchell had some knee soreness during the later stages of the World Cup,” team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a report on Cricket Australia’s website.
“He will have a short period off to rest and recover, before being reassessed by CA medical staff.
“We estimate his recovery time will be between two-three weeks.”
Australia will hope to have a fully fit Starc for their tours to the Caribbean and England in June and July. The team will play two Tests against West Indies in June before the five-test Ashes series starts in England in July.
