Pro Squash Tour Suspends Defending Champion
Bradley Ball For Referee Dissent
from DailySquashReport.com
August 20, 2011 - Defending PST tour champion Bradley Ball has been suspended for 30 days as a result of his on-court behavior during the August 14th final of the Mohawk Open in Southhampton, New York.
This marks the second disciplinary action the PST has taken against Ball. He was fined for referee dissent following an event in March.
Pro Squash Tour commissioner Joe McManus issued the following statement regarding the suspension:
"The severity of this punishment is based on the content of his (Ball’s) remarks to the referee while protesting a decision.”
McManus said that after the suspension is served, Ball will remain on probation for the rest of the 2011-12 season. Another offense, he said, could result in a season-long ban.
Ball was defeated in straight-games in the Mohawk Open final in question by former World #1 player John White. The final was a rematch of a highly charged Providence Open encounter between the two last spring, won by Ball in five but not before play was suspended to administer to bleeding and racquets were smashed.
From its inception in 2009, the Pro Squash Tour has made it a priority to police player behavior.
PST performer Ned Marks was fined along with Ball in March for referee dissent, and monetary penalties have been levied on several players for late tournament withdrawals.
McManus said last spring:
"PST tournaments are events where mothers and fathers feel comfortable bringing their children. Our players are expected to act accordingly on court and off.
"PST tournaments are known for their professionalism and fan friendly atmosphere. Our standards for player behavior are high and will remain so."
Ball is originally from Suffolk, England and is now based at the Union Club in New York City. He has been ranked #6 in England and has won sixteen world circuit titles.
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