In January this year, the Tournament of Champions semi-final produced one of the most talked about squash matches when Gregory Gaultier took on Mohammed El Shorbagy in New York.
An injury to Gaultier midway through the match seemed to indicate the game was all but finished, especially in a match where El Shorbagy was beginning to take control and dominate. The injury certainly caused El Shorbagy to take his foot off the gas, almost as if to ensure he did not humiliate his opponent and fellow professional or be seen to take advantage of someone clearly struggling.
However rather than continue to struggle, Gaultier seemed to take advantage of the situation and the injury that at first looked to completely hinder his movement, all of a sudden seemed to only appear in between points. This shift in momentum and the apparent rehabilitation of Gaultier seemed to upset ElShorbagy who then struggled to take back control, both mentally and of the match.
The match that transpired and the subsequent result is worth a watch.
What are your thoughts on this type of behaviour. Is it a form of cheating or is it an acceptable tactic within our game?
SimplySquash 