Raneem aims for a fourth Chicago title
By MATT COLES – Squash Mad Correspondent

Egyptian World No.1s Raneem El Welily and Ali Farag will top their respective draws at The Windy City Open presented by the Walter Family in Chicago, held between February 27 and March 4.

The glass court will be staged in the University Club of Chicago’s iconic Cathedral Hall, with 96 of the world’s best players battling out for a share of the $500,000 prize fund, which is split equally across both the men’s and women’s tournaments.

El Welily is a three-time winner of this event, having taken the title in 2015, 2016 and 2017, with World No.4 Nour El Tayeb the most recent winner of the Windy City Open, last held in 2018.

In addition to El Welily and World No.2 Nour El Sherbini, the likes of World No.3 Nouran Gohar, El Tayeb, World No.5 Camille Serme and World No.6 Joelle King will be vying for the women’s title, alongside US No.1 Amanda Sobhy, who will be the home favourite for the tournament.

The 2019 event was replaced with the 2018-2019 PSA World Championships presented by the Walter Family, held at Chicago’s Union Station, where Farag and El Sherbini got their hands on the biggest prize in squash.

Neither have tasted success at the University Club of Chicago, but both have fond memories of the city. The men’s event features four former champions, with Egypt’s Mohamed ElShorbagy and France’s Gregory Gaultier winning this event twice in the past while Spain’s Borja Golan and India’s Saurav Ghosal have also got their hands on the men’s trophy.

In the men’s draw, World Champion Tarek Momen will be among those trying to get the better of the top two, along with former World No.1 Karim Abdel Gawad, World Championship runner-up Paul Coll, World No.6 Diego Elias and World No.7 Simon Rösner.

All matches will be held at the University Club of Chicago, with fixtures from the glass court streamed live on SQUASHTV (rest of world), Eurosport Player (Europe only) and the official Facebook page of the PSA World Tour. 

The Windy City Open presented by the Walter Family, Catedral Hall, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illionois, USA.

PSA $250k Men’s Entry List:
1) Ali Farag (EGY)
2) Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY)
3) Tarek Momen (EGY)
4) Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
5) Paul Coll (NZL)
6) Diego Elias (PER)
7) Simon Rösner (GER)
8) Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)
9) Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY)
10) Miguel Rodriguez (COL)
11) Fares Dessouky (EGY)
12) Joel Makin (WAL)
13) Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
14) Saurav Ghosal (IND)
15) Gregoire Marche (FRA)
16) Zahed Salem (EGY)
17) Omar Mosaad (EGY)
18) Mazen Hesham (EGY)
19 Adrian Waller (ENG)
20) Daryl Selby (ENG)
21) Mostafa Asal (EGY)
22) Leo Au (HKG)
23) Cesar Salazar (MEX)
24) Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)
25) Greg Lobban (SCO)
26) Declan James (ENG)
27) Campbell Grayson (NZL)
28) Nicolas Mueller (SUI)
29) Raphael Kandra (GER)
30) Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP)
31) Tom Richards (ENG)
32) Borja Golan (ESP)
33) Eain Yow Ng (MAS)
34) Lucas Serme (FRA)
35) Alan Clyne (SCO)
36) Tsz Fung Yip (HKG)
37) Youssef Soliman (EGY)
38) Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT)
39) Max Lee (HKG)
40) Baptiste Masotti (FRA)
41) Arturo Salazar (MEX)
42) Ramit Tandon (IND)
43) Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY)
44) Ivan Yuen (MAS)
45) Mahesh Mangaonkar (IND)
46) Tayyar Aslam (PAK)
47) Vikram Malhotra (IND)
Wildcard) Shahjahan Khan (USA)

PSA $250k Women’s Entry List:
1) Raneem El Welily (EGY)
2) Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
3) Nouran Gohar (EGY)
4) Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
5) Camille Serme (FRA)
6) Joelle King (NZL)
7) Amanda Sobhy (USA)
8) Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
9) Tesni Evans (WAL)
10) Hania El Hammamy (EGY)
11) Annie Au (HKG)
12) Joshna Chinappa (IND)
13) Alison Waters (ENG)
14) Salma Hany (EGY)
15) Victoria Lust (ENG)
16) Yathreb Adel (EGY)
17) Olivia Blatchford Clyne (USA)
18) Nele Gilis (BEL)
19) Joey Chan (HKG)
20) Nadine Shahin (EGY)
21) Rowan Elaraby (EGY)
22) Tinne Gilis (BEL)
23) Zeina Mickawy (EGY)
24) Low Wee Wern (MAS)
25) Millie Tomlinson (ENG)
26) Rachael Grinham (AUS)
27) Emily Whitlock (ENG)
28) Nada Abbas (EGY)
29) Hollie Naughton (CAN)
30) Mariam Metwally (EGY)
31) Julianne Courtice (ENG)
32) Milou van der Heijden (NED)
33) Olivia Fiechter (USA)
34) Coline Aumard (FRA)
35) Lisa Aitken (SCO)
36) Melissa Alves (FRA)
37) Sivasangari Subramanium (MAS)
38) Danielle Letourneau (CAN)
39) Sabrina Sobhy (USA)
40) Mayar Hany (EGY)
41) Alexandra Fuller (RSA)
42) Liu Tsz-Ling (HKG)
43) Tze Lok Ho (HKG)
44) Haley Mendez (USA)
45) Lucy Turmel (ENG)
46) Donna Lobban (AUS)
47) Jasmine Hutton (ENG)
Wildcard) Hana Moataz (EGY) 

Report by MATT COLES (PSA). Edited by ALAN THATCHER.

Pictures courtesy of PSA

Johnny Sexton has said he expects to be available for selection for Ireland's Six Nations opener against Scotland on 1 February.

The Leinster fly-half has not played since injuring his knee in their Heineken Champions Cup win over Northampton in early December.

"Everything has been going to plan, so hopefully I can take part in training tomorrow," said the Ireland captain.

"If anything, a little bit ahead of schedule."

Joey Carbery, who was Sexton's deputy at the World Cup, will miss the tournament with a wrist injury, which means Leinster's Ross Byrne and Ulster's in-form Billy Burns will be the back-up fly-halves in Farrell's first Ireland squad.

Sexton was selected by new head coach Andy Farrell to lead Ireland into the Six Nations after former captain Rory Best retired following Ireland's World Cup exit in October.

The 34-year-old was proud to be selected for the role but accepts it may only be a short-term appointment.

"I think everyone would want to be captain but it's about someone wanting you to do it," he added.

"That's the biggest honour you can be asked to do and it meant a lot that Andy asked me to do it, that he thought I was the one to lead us forward into this campaign.

"It's obviously a campaign-by-campaign thing at the moment and we'll see how we go."

With seemingly positive news on Sexton's availability, Farrell is now waiting on the fitness of Jordan Larmour.

Leinster full-back Larmour sustained a foot injury during Saturday's Champions Cup win at Benetton.

"We met up (on Tuesday) and had a bit of a walk-through so he was able to partake in that," Farrell said.

"We'll have to take it day by day. We don't think it's anything too serious but how that's going to play out in the next few days, we'll have to wait and see."

England and Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell is hoping the Six Nations will provide an escape after a "different" build-up to the annual tournament.

Saracens will be relegated from the Premiership at the end of the season following salary cap breaches.

Eddie Jones' England gather for the first time on Wednesday ahead of their opener against France on 2 February.

"It's been different over the last couple of days," said Farrell, one of seven Sarries in the 34-man squad.

England begin a seven-day training camp in Portugal on Thursday before their Six Nations opener in Paris.

Talking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Rugby Union Weekly podcast, England captain Farrell added: "We've had chats individually for the lads that are going away. Nothing's set in stone yet so I'm not going to go into it.

"That has given us enough clarity that we're excited about what's in front of us which is the most important thing."

Farrell, 28, made his senior debut for Saracens in 2008 and has played 188 times for the side.

The Rugby Football Union confirmed that players can be picked for England from the Championship but there has been much speculation about whether Farrell will stick with Sarries when they are relegated.

The fly-half says "there's an idea" of what he is going to do, but added: "There's a fair few moving parts to it so nothing is set in stone."

Farrell turns focus to England and Six Nations

England head coach Jones said the side would hold talks to resolve any anger among the squad relating to Saracens.

And Farrell insists he is "clear enough" on his club future to "crack on and enjoy" being with the international team.

"It's always brilliant to see the lads again then get going, see where we can take this," he said.

"For me it's unbelievably exciting and I'm sure it is for the rest of the lads so we'll get together and see where we're at.

"We've got a bit of an idea about our own situations but you're stepping away from the club where there's a lot of different ones going on."

'Disappointing' World Cup will be discussed

England assemble at their Bagshot base on Wednesday for the first time since losing the World Cup final to South Africa in November.

Jones has selected 22 players from the World Cup squad for the Six Nations, as well as eight uncapped players.

Farrell says the "disappointing" result in Japan will also be a subject of discussion when the squad gets together.

"What's happened since [the World Cup], everybody will be in a different situation and that's what we'll have a chat about when we're all together," he explained.

"We'll get it all out in the open and get it sorted so that we can crack on with the rugby.

"It's only every four years that you get together for that amount of time. This group grew a lot over that time.

"I don't think we can assume that tightness is going to stay the way it is. We've got to make sure we work at it and push on with it."

Premiership Rugby will release the report into Saracens' breaches of the league's salary cap.

The move comes after the defending champions said they were "keen" for the report to be published in full.

The north London club will be relegated to the Championship at the end of the season for persistently breaking the Premiership's regulations.

Sarries had already been deducted 35 points and fined £5.4m in November for the three previous seasons' spending.

In a statement published on the club website, Saracens chairman Neil Golding said the release of the report will "provide much needed context and clarity" to the situation.

Sarries, winners of four of the past five Premiership titles and three of the past four European Champions Cups, accepted relegation after being asked to prove they complied with the £7m cap for the 2019-20 campaign.

Golding, who took over from Nigel Wray as Saracens chairman earlier this month, said another audit of the club would have involved a "long period of more financial and emotional strain", which was "not a viable option".

"We agreed with PRL on relegation in the hope that we could draw a line under the mistakes made by Saracens with respect to compliance with the regulations and concentrate on putting new robust procedures in place," he added.

"We know our path will not be a smooth one in the short term. We must face that challenge together; be resilient, united and open in order to move forward."

On Tuesday, Premiership Rugby chief executive Darren Childs called on Saracens to "take ownership" of the process which led to their unprecedented punishment, and the league's governing body have now begun preparations to release the decision document.

"Premiership Rugby welcomes Saracens' decision to withdraw its previous objection to publication of Lord Dyson's decision," a spokesperson said.

"These objections were stated in the strongest terms and in writing on behalf of the club by its lawyers.

"We believe that publication of the decision in respect of Saracens' past breaches of the salary cap is an important step towards upholding trust in our enforcement of the regulations and the disciplinary process."

Saracens interim chief executive Edward Griffiths said "a little transparency might help" the situation.

"The legality of whether or not the report can be published is a matter for PRL," he added.

"But I think the chairman here has made it clear he would be in favour of the report being published.

"Around this issue there has probably been too much intrigue. I think in this day and age it's probably best to err on the side of transparency."

POMONA, Calif. — The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship will feature several new elements this year.

Competitors in the premier series may earn their way into the Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s version of the playoffs, by one of two ways.

As in previous years, the top 10 drivers in each of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series categories at the conclusion of the NHRA U.S. Nationals will earn positions in the Countdown to the Championship.

New for 2020, drivers in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series who meet a minimum set of requirements will also earn their place in the playoffs.

In NHRA’s Top Fuel and Funny Car classes, drivers who compete at all 18 events in the regular season and run a minimum of two qualifying sessions at each event will also earn their place in the playoffs.

In Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, drivers who compete at all 13 or 11 events, respectively, in the regular season and run a minimum of two qualifying sessions at each event will get to compete for the championship in five events throughout the Countdown.

Those who secure a position in the Countdown to the Championship will have their NHRA Mello Yello points adjusted at the conclusion of the NHRA U.S. Nationals.

In the Nitro categories, first and second place will be separated by 20 points and each consecutive position will be separated by a 10-point differential.

In Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, first and second place will be separated by 20 points, while second through fifth place will be separated by 10 points and all following positions will be separated by five points.

Accumulation of points will remain the same, with points-and-a-half rewarded at the Auto Club NHRA Finals. The top 10 drivers at the conclusion of the Countdown to the Championship will be recognized at NHRA’s annual awards banquet.

NHRA officials made this change in order to better reward driver endurance and encourage participation in regular season events.

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Two new drivers are part of Yokohama Tire’s 2020 off-road racing roster.

Three-time Mint 400 winner Justin Lofton is Yokohama’s new Trophy Truck driver and Levi Shirley is taking the wheel in the Ultra4 4400 class.

Both drivers will compete on purpose-built GEOLANDAR M/T-Spec R race tires.

Among Shirley’s many career highlights was being named Ultra4 Sportsman of the Year in 2011 and 2014. The title is a huge honor, as fellow drivers in Ultra4 vote on it.

“We welcome Justin and Levi to the Yokohama off-road family. They are top drivers in their class and proven winners,” said Fardad Niknam, Yokohama’s senior director of consumer product planning and product marketing. “We’re excited to have them on our team this season competing on the rugged M/T-Spec R. We have developed race-ready tires for different desert terrains with various platforms, teams and drivers. We know it’s a tough tire that offers great traction and durability.”

Lofton and Shirley join Pro UTV racers Wayne and Kristen Matlock as Yokohama’s 2020 off-road team. Wayne is a six-time SCORE champion, including the 2019 Pro Turbo UTV title.

“Ironwoman” Kristen won the Pro UTV NA class in the 2019 Baja 1000.

CONCORD, N.C. – Procore will back Christopher Bell for his NASCAR Cup Series debut next month with Leavine Family Racing, during the 62nd running of the Daytona 500.

Procore, a leading provider of construction management software, first appeared on the hood of the No. 95 in 2017 and has continued to build on that program as it enters its fourth season with LFR.

The company will be featured as the primary sponsor six times throughout the 2020 season, kicking off with the season-opening Daytona 500.

“Procore is proud to continue our partnership with Leavine Family Racing,” said Jim Sinai, SVP Marketing at Procore. “NASCAR has one of the most passionate fanbases in sports, and our relationship with Leavine Family Racing allows us to get the Procore brand to millions of people every Sunday. We look forward to supporting what promises to be an exciting season of racing.”

LFR heads into their 10th year of NASCAR competition and is poised for their best season yet with rookie Bell behind the wheel of the No. 95 and a continued relationship with Toyota Racing Development and Joe Gibbs Racing.

“Procore has been a long-term partner with Leavine Family Racing and we are thrilled to have them returning for the 10th anniversary of racing for our team,” said Jeremy Lange, President of Leavine Family Racing. “We anticipate an exciting season with Christopher behind the wheel and are counting the days until the No. 95 Procore Camry races at Daytona.”

Bell has made a name for himself while working his way through the ranks.

In 2017, Bell captured the NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series championship, and heads into his Cup Series debut on the heels of a record-setting NASCAR Xfinity Series season, where he won eight races and led over 2,000 laps.

“I’m ready to get back to the track and for this opportunity with Leavine Family Racing to drive the No. 95 Camry,” said Bell. “The Cup Series is the ultimate goal and having the Daytona 500 as my first start with Procore on the hood of my car is very exciting.”

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – Numerous stars from the American midget scene will square off against New Zealand’s brightest talents during the 78th annual Accessman NZ Midget Championship, Jan. 24-25 at Ruapuna Speedway.

The annual event is one of the most-prestigious midget car meets in New Zealand, and will be streamed to a worldwide audience this year through a SPEED SPORT TV-supported, RJP TV pay-per-view broadcast.

Forty-five drivers are currently on the entry list for the two-day event, headlined by eight-time New Zealand midget champion and defending race winner Michael Pickens.

Other former Kiwis to have won the New Zealand Midget Championship entered for this weekend’s running include Brad Mosen, Michael Kendall and Peter Hunnibell.

Among the notable Americans entered are reigning NOS Energy Drink USAC National Midget Series champion Tyler Courtney, three-time POWRi National Midget League titlist Zach Daum, 2018 USAC National Midget champion Logan Seavey and reigning Driven2SaveLives BC39 winner Zeb Wise.

The event is being broadcast by RJP TV, part of the SPEED SPORT Network. Visit speedsport.tv to watch the event live.

2020 New Zealand Midget Car Championship Entries (45 as of Jan. 22)

1NZ – Michael Pickens
2NZ – Brad Mosen
4USA – Zeb Wise
5A – Brock Mascovich
6A – Jayden Worthington
6N – Brian Barclay
7A – Travis Buckley
7M – Jayden Dodge
7USA – Tyler Courtney
7V – Glenn Huijs
8C – Jeremy Scarlett
9C – Tom Lumsden
9USA – Zach Daum
10USA – Logan Seavey
12C – Reon Taylor
12V – Brent Huijs
14C – James Haliburton
18A – Brett Morris Jr.
21AU – Kaidon Brown
21D – Nathan Wilkie
22C – Mitchell Hill
24S – Mark Willans
25A – Aaron Hodgson
27A – Hayden Williams
33A – James Cossey
39A – Peter Hunnibell
45C – Glen Milroy
54C – Jack Low
55A – Hamish Dobbyn
56A – David Pellow
61A – Brad Hollier
66C – Glen Durie
68P – Chris Bagrie
71A – Breyton Davison
73N – Nevil Basalaj
74V – Ben Huijs
79A – Max Guilford
81S – Michael Kendall
88C – Jeremy Webb
91A – Hayden Guptill
93A – Kayne Buck
95S – Duane Hickman
98A – Ryan O’Connor
98C – Jay Chadwick
99C – Dave Kerr