Ross Norman

Last updated

Ross Norman
Ross Norman (cropped).jpg
Norman in 2014
CountryFlag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
Residence Sunningdale, England
Born (1959-01-07) 7 January 1959 (age 65)
Whitianga, New Zealand
Retired1995
PlaysRight-Handed
Men's Singles Squash pictogram.svg
Highest ranking2 (December 1985)
World Open W (1986)
Medal record
Men's squash
Representing Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
World Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 1986 Toulouse Singles
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 1985 Cairo Singles
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 1984 Karachi Singles
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 1988 Amsterdam Singles
Last updated: 20 December 2011.

Ross William Norman MNZM (born 7 January 1959 [1] ) is a New Zealand former professional squash player. He is best remembered for winning the World Open in 1986, when he beat Jahangir Khan of Pakistan in the final 9–5, 9–7, 7–9, 9–1 to end Jahangir's unbeaten streak dating back to 1981. The win marked the end of an unbeaten run for Khan that had stretched for over five years (the longest in the history of professional sport).[ citation needed ] Norman had been ranked the World No. 2 behind Khan for some time going into the match, but despite a single-minded determination to end his unbeaten run had been unable to end the total dominance that the Pakistani had held over the game. Norman had vowed: "One day Jahangir will be slightly off his game and I will get him." That day finally came in the final of squash's biggest tournament, which was held that year in Toulouse, France.[ citation needed ]

Norman retired from the professional squash circuit in 1995, but has remained active in seniors events. He now has two sons, Brett and Alex.[ citation needed ]

In the 2014 New Year Honours, Norman was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to squash. [2]

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Jahangir Khan won his third consecutive title defeating Qamar Zaman in the final.
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Jahangir Khan won his fifth consecutive title defeating Ross Norman in the final.

The 1981 Audi British Open Championships was held at the Bromley Town Squash Club with the later stages being held at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, Greater London from 30 March - 9 April 1981.
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The 1982 Audi British Open Championships was held at the Bromley Town Squash Club with the later stages being held at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, Greater London from 29 March – 8 April 1982.
Jahangir Khan won his first title defeating Hiddy Jahan in the final. Defending champion and eight times winner Geoff Hunt the number two seed withdrew through injury just before the tournament started.

The 1983 Davies and Tate British Open Championships was held at the Carrington Club with the later stages being held at the Derby Assembly Rooms from 4–11 April 1983.

The 1985 Davies and Tate British Open Championships was held at the Dunnings Mills Squash Club, East Grinstead, with the later stages being held at the Wembley Conference Centre from 15 to 23 April 1985.
Jahangir Khan won his fourth consecutive title defeating Chris Dittmar in the final.

The 1987 Hi-Tec British Open Championships was held at the South Bank Squash Club with the later stages being held at the Wembley Conference Centre from 4–14 April 1987. Jahangir Khan won his sixth consecutive title defeating Jansher Khan in the final 9-6 9-0 9-5. Eight times champion Geoff Hunt made a comeback after a five-year absence.

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References

  1. The Times 7 January 2010, Retrieved 2010-01-09
  2. "New Year honours list 2014". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2018.