ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic

Ah, squash. It’s many a Londoner’s fitness method of choice. It’s an actual sport, so not as painfully boring as the gym, and yet it is so much more helpfully indoor than tennis. And, best of all, many gyms have squash courts.

So it’s probably not a surprise that squash has quite a following and that tournaments have been known to come to London. In this case, the ISS Canary Wharf Classic is a massive international event for those who are truly into squash, and it is on very soon, running from the March 21 to 25.

As the name would suggest, the event is being held in Canary Wharf, at the East Wintergarden. Have you seen the East Wintergarden? It’s pretty magnificent: a big atrium-type structure made of glass, which fits in well with the glass-and-chrome effect of the otherwise soulless wharf.

I’m not sure how they manage to make it function as a squash venue. I’d have thought parties and corporate events might have been more appropriate for the surroundings – and, according to an article on the website, ‘most young players are often nervous about playing on the glass court’.

You think? I’d be terrified! But apparently it works.

Wimbledon it ain’t, but tickets nevertheless start at £15 and rise as high as £45. That might, perhaps, give a hint as to how big an event this is to those who are into the sport. You can buy tickets online; many are sold out – the most expensive ones, in fact – but there are still some free for several of the days. The event should be as fast and exciting as squash is – and it is an exciting game, because the speed and power of the players really keep your eyes glued to the action.

For anyone wanting to get a bit more into squash, there is a serious London enclave devoted to it. To find places that have squash courts, have a look at www.squashinthecity.com, which helpfully lists all the courses and coaches you could ever want for the sport.  Obviously there’s a zillion other squash courts scattered all over the city – just get Googling.

ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic takes place March 21 to 25, 2011, at:

East Wintergarden
Canary Wharf
E14 5NX

Tel: 0844 847 2419

Image courtesy of Stock.xchng