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13
Oct 2023
Harrogate sports club hosts world renowned squash players
Two of the world's best squash players paid a visit to a Harrogate sports club this week.
Harrogate Sports and Fitness Club, which is based at Hookstone Wood Road, played host to James Wilstrop and Mostafa Asal.
Willstrop, who lives in Harrogate, is a former world number one and a Commonwealth gold medalist, while Asal is currently ranked number four in the world and considered to be one of the most exciting players in the sport.
The club said:
Willstrop, who grew up in Pontefract but lives locally, won Commonwealth gold in 2018 and at last year's games in Birmingham.
Meanwhile, Egyptian squash player Asal is considered to be one of the most exciting players in the sport due to his playing style and controversial on court behaviour.
Asal, who has 1.2 million Instagram followers, was handed a 12-week ban and £50,000 fine back in August.
The Professional Squash Association gave the 21-year-old the suspension after finding thee separate breaches of the PSA code of conduct, including abuse of racket or equipment and unsportsmanlike conduct in a match against Joel Makin in May this year.
The visit comes as the club's premier squash team has just started its new season.
The team will pit itself against sides from Sheffield and York in the hope of winning the league championship. Home games are held every other Wednesday and are free entry at the Hookstone Wood Road centre.
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