I am missing out on a wonderful sporting event. If I wasn't preparing to fly out to follow the All Blacks, I would very definitely have been in Christchurch for the World Masters Squash championships- if only for the social activities.
Over 750 players from about 40 countries are there, so it is not a competition just for Kiwis.
Some of the overseas players have been national representatives, and while the passing of time might have slowed them down a little, it will not have blunted their competitive spirit or their desire the win.
One player I would dearly love to have seen play is the former world number three-ranked player Stuart Davenport.
Gifted player
At his peak, the Wellingtonian looked the most gifted player of his age. Sadly for him, he timed his peak with that of one of the world's greatest, Jahangir Khan and also another Kiwi, former world champion Ross Norman.
It must be nearly twenty years since Davenport quit the squash scene, but he's back as top seed in the 45-49 year age group.
I would also have made a point of watching the man who is the event's main organiser, Barry Gardiner.
This man, who is approaching 70 years of age, was a sportsman of exceptional quality.
I recall as a youngster in Timaru, watching Gardiner play rugby for my Celtic club.
He arrived in Timaru from the West Coast with a glowing reputation, as he had represented the South Island in rugby league.
But there were no league teams in South Canterbury, so Gardiner had no choice but to play union.
He immediately gained selection for the South Canterbury team in which his unusual versatility was soon to push him into prominence.
South Canterbury caused a massive upset by defeating the touring French side in 1961.
I was there with my primary school class.
The South Canterbury first five was concussed and forced to leave the field. In those days of no replacements, Gardiner, who was a loose forward, moved into the backs.
He played a blinder. His bone-shuddering defence unsettled the French and was an influence on the outcome.
He made the switch from loosie to five eighth with ease, because he actually played in the five eighths for Celtic!
Best players
When his rugby career ended, Barry Gardiner became one of the best squash players in the South Island.
I had not heard of him for years, so it was pleasing to see that he has not lost his appetite for the game he has now played for close to fifty years I suppose.
Another former sportsman came to mind during the week when I learned of the achievements of Jackie Hawkes at the world squash championships.
Hawkes caused two major upsets on the way to a quarterfinal spot, beating the 4th and 10th ranked players along the way.
She looked set to reach the semi finals after winning the opening two games of her quarter final before losing to Ireland's Madelaine Perry.
Jackie is the daughter of Richard Hawkes who, in the sixties, was one of our leading tennis players, representing New Zealand in several Davis Cup ties.
Her mother Julie was a national squash representative.
For many years the Hawkes lived in Hong Kong where Richard was a well-respected judge, and on each of my many visits to the Hong Kong Sevens, I'd bump into Richard who was also an avid rugby man.
His daughter is an exciting prospect.
She has a double degree in law and commerce and is based in Halifax from where she travels to events on the women's professional circuit.
New Zealand squash has high hopes for her over the next few years.
There we are then, a little bit of reminiscing!
