Willstrop Book On William Hill Shortlist A First For Squash
by Howard Harding
James Willstrop and "Club From Hell" author Aubrey Waddy
30 October 2012 - Shot and a Ghost, the debut book by England's world number one squash player James Willstrop, has been shortlisted for this year's William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award.
Titles celebrating an astonishing range of sports - including football, cricket, long-distance running, cycling, TT racing, squash and the Ironman triathlon - will battle it out for the richest and most prestigious prize of its type anywhere in the world.
The Willstrop book, an eye-opening diary account of a 'brutal' year on the Professional Squash Association World Tour, will represent Squash on the shortlist for the first time in the 24-year history of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award.
"Everyone at the PSA is delighted to hear the news that James's book has been shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2012," said PSA CEO Alex Gough. "The entire squash community is aware how good the book is and what a great job James did.
"The book has received international recognition, which is a testament to James's writing ability, and has raised the profile of squash worldwide. It's a fantastic achievement.
"We wish James the best of luck for this final hurdle and are anxiously awaiting the announcement on November 26, 2012."
The William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award is the world's longest established and most valuable literary sports-writing prize. As well as a £24,000 cash prize, the winning author will receive a £2,000 William Hill bet, a specially-commissioned hand-bound copy of their book and a day at the races.
Graham Sharpe, William Hill spokesman and co-founder of the Award, said: "From a record entry of 165 titles, the judges have produced a magnificently varied list of seven readable, remarkable and worthy contenders. The subject matter encompasses the entire emotional gamut from comedy to tragedy."
The winner will be announced at a lunchtime reception at Waterstones Piccadilly (London), Europe's largest bookstore, on Monday 26 November.
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