Ab Initio International
A full-strength England will take on a Rest of the World team in the eagerly-anticipated Ab Initio Squash International in Surrey on Friday – with the event being showcased live across the globe and featuring a number of exciting elements to capture the Test match feel.
England will field a world-class line-up consisting of Nick Matthew, the three-time world champion, James Willstrop, Daryl Selby and Laura Massaro, the 2013 women’s world champion, on the all-glass show court at St George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club, Weybridge.
The mixed quartet will take on Egypt’s Mohamed Elshorbagy, New Zealander Paul Coll, Australia’s Cameron Pilley and Hollie Naughton of Canada.
The event will be broadcast by BBC Sport, live on their website and on smart connected TVs. Fans will also be able to watch via the BBC Sport downloadable app.
Squash will also be showcased for the first time in 360 Virtual Reality, with viewers able to watch the action unfold on YouTube using mobile devices with or without VR Headsets such as google cardboard or Oculus gear VR.
The first match starts at 6pm and will be preceded by entertainment from renowned opera singer Alexander Wall.
Danny Lee, event promoter and head coach at St George’s Hill, said:
“I am delighted England are using this as a proper international. To have seven athletes who will also be at the Commonwealth Games is a big scoop for us as a club.”
The four singles matches will be played over three games, with every point counting towards the overall team score. Bonus points will also be secured for games and matches won.