SQUASH FOR GOOD INTERVIEWS

Meet A Pro guest is the Singapore legend, Peter Hill.

Robert Graham Reports

“I remember Peter as a true gentleman on court, a deceptive left-hander, and a player no one wanted to draw in the Asian tournaments. Thanks for the interview, Peter!”

1) What years did you compete professionally and what was your highest ranking?

I turned pro near the end of 1984 when my term in the Singapore Army expired. I think I reached the top 26 in the ISPA Grand Prix rankings and was in the top 35 in the ISPA (now PSA) world rankings.

2) Top highlight of your career?

I met some great friends, and played in so many great tournaments all over the world. I reached the quarterfinals in all the major tournaments in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand for a number of years. I also won a few tournaments in Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

3) Favorite tournament(s) you played in and why?

It has to be both the Singapore and Hong Kong Opens.

I remember beating David Lloyd in Singapore to reach the quarterfinals before losing to Phil Kenyon (who went on to win the tournament) in four games in Singapore. I beat Qamar Zaman in Hong Kong in the last 16 but then lost to Chris Dittmar, who lost to Jahangir Khan in the final.

4) Favorite memory(ies) from the tour?

Monte Carlo was my favorite destination. We got picked up by helicopters or Rolls-Royces and stayed at the famous Lowes Hotel.

It was a tournament main draw that everyone wanted to qualify for. I remembered when I did, I had other players bunking in my room for several days. It was worth staying there a bit longer. Prince Rainier was sponsoring the tournament so they really rolled out the red carpet!

5) Who was the toughest opponent of your career and why?

I’ve played with so many players like Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan, Qamar Zaman, Rodney Martin, Brett Martin, Gamal Awad etc. All of them are so different in playing styles that it’s hard to say. I guess the main difference was that when I played all the rest of the players except the two Khans I always felt like I had a chance, but those players had something special in them too.

For example, Rodney Martin could pull out an unbelievable nick at the most crucial moment in the match and come from behind to win. That happened to me at the Paris Open in the quarterfinals – I lost 3-2 to him having been 2-0 up.

As for playing against Jahangir Khan, it was an honour to play him and to see whether even getting one game was possible. But as soon as the first point was played, the pace was so quick and the power he put into his shots made it hell in the court, and it was over in less than 30 minutes. Against Jansher Khan I always felt good at the start of the first game, but then each rally was so long and hard my legs started to melt and get soft. I was very fit at that time too, but both Khans played on a different level to everyone else.

6) Where are you from originally?

Singapore. I played for them over 100 times.

7) Age when you first started playing and what/who got you into it?

I started playing at eight years old. My dad was in the police force as a Chief Superintendent officer. He was also our Prime Minister‘s bodyguard. He took me to the squash courts, and the rest is history!

8.) Where do you live now and what are you doing?

I’m living in Hong Kong now and I’ve been here since 1990. I used to coach and also did a lot of business here. I’ve since retired from business. I want to carry out the rest of my life working with squash players who want to improve. I am based at the Ladies Recreation Club as the Squash Director. Prior to this club I was at the Hong Kong Football Club.

9) Do you still play?

Yes, I’m still pretty active. This coming season I will be playing in the division two league. I enjoy competing because it gives me incentive to work on my health and fitness. I believe when you stop completely aging begins and the joints start to play up. So, I’m trying to delay the process (ha ha)!

10) A former or current player you admire that might surprise people?

I think in my time Jahangir Khan was above politics and he carried himself well promoting the sport. I’ve noticed many of today’s pros on the tour are polite and promote the sport well too. Ali Farag stands out most in interviews speaking well about his opponents and the game. This is so important for the sport to grow.

11) A coach of any era you admire and why?

I started out with my dad and then with Rahim Gul and finally with Rahmat Khan. Outside of squash I had engaged in track and field coaches. So I learned a lot from everyone.

12) Advice to an up-and-coming Pro?

Hard work pays off, and get the right coach based on what stage of your career you’re at. Listen to them and work hard. If you know you have talent, make full use of it because it will be the difference when you compete.

13) Thoughts on the future of squash and its inclusion in the Olympics?

I think the players are doing all they can to promote the sport. I think the PSA and WSF must do more. If you look at so many courts around the world today you see black markings on the walls. To anyone walking past the courts, the impression is old and dirty and not cool to play. People want to be in a sports environment where it smells nice, is clean, and there are beautiful courts, and nice carpeting with good air-conditioning outside the courts. That’s my take.

China is watching very closely. They have half a foot in the sport, and with squash in the next Olympics they will go all in. For the future of our sport to be secured, we need both the USA and China to do this.

14) Best general squash advice to anyone?

My advice to budding squash players is you have to be able to solve problems about the game by yourself.

You should always seek expert advice to discuss whether your weakness is a structural issue, a skill issue, or physical issue. It’s a constant problem that creeps up with all players. So try to find solutions and do not be afraid to try different things out.