Jonathon Power Retires

Jonathon Power, probably the most entertaining—and possibly the most talented—North American squash pro to come along in the past decade or so, called it quits at the Tournament of Champions in New York last week. He must have been planning this for more than a year. He went out as Number 1, after staging a hard-fought campaign to regain that position this season. He won the TOC several times, and of course it's the marquee North American event, one that he reportedly loved playing, so the announcement makes sense. I think it's all for the good. He was never the fittest player around, and in recent years it was clear that he was struggling with lots of physical issues. It's always better to see a player who knows he's fading give it one last oomph! and then depart with dignity.

I wonder if we'll see another player with Power's unique style any time soon, if ever. Creativity combined with athleticism joined to the soul of a born showman. Stay tuned. There's a new generation coming up in big-time squash.