Welcome to BA clubs

BA finished in third place in the 22nd World Airline Squash Tournament in Dubai, losing to eventual winners, Qantas, in the group stage and to hosts, Emirates, in the semi-final.

Most of the tournament was played in good spirit, although a couple of teams were found to be playing professionally-registered players and were subsequently penalized. BA had enough players for two teams, captained by Adam Dewey and Mushtaq Siddiqui.

Andrew Long, playing on number one for the main team, finished the week with the best record with only a single loss (to the Qantas number one).

The venue for the week was the grand Dubai Aviation Club which provides facilities for the annual Dubai Tennis Championships. When not playing squash, the pool was a popular attraction.

The opening function set the tone for the week - a splendid banquet and music, with free drinks kindly donated by main sponsors Boeing.

The hosts arranged many events throughout the week with one of the highlights being a visit to the desert. A fleet of 4-wheel drive cars skillfully negotiated their way over the sand dunes, although it was noted that the only car to get stuck contained a fair smattering of BA players. After stopping off to see a working camel farm and the sunset, the evening was rounded off with dinner and drinks, followed by belly dancing (where participation was invited and taken up by most) and hubbub pipes. Most of the BA team also came away with a menagerie of henna tattoos!

A visit to Wild Wadi Water Park, next to the famous Burj al Arab, resulted in a few knocks and bruises, but was nothing as befell Lesley Simms during her match with Emirates. Her Achilles heel went and she subsequently flew home that night in plaster ... not a great birthday present!

The Closing ceremony was every bit as good as the Opening function, and it sets a high bar for the next WAST in Singapore.