Nick Matthew claims a record seventh national squash title

Well done (again!) to Sheffield's Nick matthew on securing a record-breaking seventh national squash title with a dominant victory over Daryl Selby in Manchester yesterday.

Nick Matthew on his way to winning gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games

Before the weekend, Nick had shared the record of six victories with Cassie Jackman, but took the outright lead with a 11-5, 11-3, 11-2 win.  He claimed "To beat her record was a massive goal of mine and it makes me feel young again," 

All the best for 2015 Nick!

Nick Matthew wins British Squash Grand Prix

Sheffield's Nick Matthew became only the ninth player to win 30 Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour titles by beating Mathieu Castagnet in the British Grand Prix final.

Nick Matthew winning gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.  See more at: http://www.peverilphoto.com/section665568_622920.html

Three-time world champion Matthew beat the Frenchman 11-7 11-6 11-5 in 50 minutes in Manchester to cap a great year for him after he won gold in Glasgow following knee surgery.

Sheffield Stars of the Commonwealth Games treated to a Civic Reception

Some of the many sporting stars from or who train in Sheffield and who were at this year's Commonwealth Games were invited to a Civic Reception today.

Held in the grand setting of the Mayor's Parlour, the Lord Mayor, Peter Rippon congratulated them on being part of the most successful England team ever.
 

Pictured: Nick Matthew (squash); Freddie Woodward (diving) and coach Tom Owens; swimmers
Nick Grainger, Lewis Coleman, Ellie Faulkner, Max Litchfield and Becky Turner and coach Russ Barber.

A special mention to Nick Matthew who signed photographs of himself from this year's event in aid of the Lord Mayor's auction which will take place in the spring of 2015.

Nick Matthew retains his gold medal in the Men's Singles Squash at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Nick Matthew retains his gold medal in the Men's Singles Squash at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Having beaten Peter Barker in the semi-finals 11-3; 13-11; 11-6, he had a tougher final against James Willstrop which went to five sets 11-9; 8-11; 11-5; 6-11; 11-5

Visiting the Main Press Centre at the Commonwealth Games

Had a day out to Glasgow yesterday to get the photo accreditation done and dusted for the Commonwealth Games.  After an early start and a long train ride to wet and windy Glasgow (they are keeping the good weather for 23.07-03.08) it was off to the Main Press Centre (MPC) at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) which was eerily quiet.  The photo repair firm Fixation were there and kindly stuck down a little edge of rubber-coated body on my D700 which had worked loose after many years of good service.  Check them out if you ever need gear replacing.

Then a short train ride out to Scotstoun which is hosting the table tennis and squash competitions.    Will be back next weekend to photograph the main matches in the Team competitions.

I've been given bib #844 for the duration, along with a natty rucksack, a water bottle, a Longines pen and a wee dram of whiskey.  The photo accreditation looks good, and gives free transport on buses and trains til the end of the games.  All in, very impressive.

British Junior Open Squash Championship 2013

For the 18th year running, this was held in Sheffield at from 2-6th January 2013. There were games at Hallamshire and Fulwood and the finals were on the glass show-court at Abbeydale.

Diego Elias (Peru, in white) reaches for a shot during his match with Mohamed El Gawarhy (Egypt, in grey), Boys U17 final.

See more at: http://www.peverilphoto.com

Looking good for 2013!

Well, as if 2012 wasn't a fab year for sport, 2013 looks like it will at least start off by continuing the trend.  Coming up are:
* British Junior Squash Open, Sheffield, 2nd-6th January
* Northern Athletics Championships, Sheffield, 12th-13th January
* Fencing - Beazley Trophy & FIE Centennial Activity, Guildford, 25th-27th January
* UK Indoor Athletics Championships, Sheffield, 9th-10th February
* British Athletics Grand Prix, Birmingham, 16th February

then there will be Snooker in April/May, Swimming and Diving in June/July, the list goes on....I've put the book project on a slight hold over Christmas, but will look to get a near-enough 'final' draft ready by the end of February (which will allow for pictures for some of the above to be included).

Hope your year is a good one in 2013 =:~)