Peter Marshall (squash player)
Peter Marshall (born 12 May 1971 in Nottingham, United Kingdom) is a former professional squash player from England.
With his unique double-handed playing style, Marshall finished runner-up to the great Pakistani player Jansher Khan at the World Open in 1994 and the British Open in 1995. When he reached the World No. 2 ranking behind Jansher in November 1994, many observers felt he seemed a strong candidate to displace the aging Pakistani champion as World No. 1. However, in 1995, Marshall was afflicted with glandular fever, the effects of which meant he was unable to play top-level squash for two years.[1]
Marshall returned to the professional tour in 1997, re-claiming his place in the England squad which went on to win the World Team Squash Championships title in Malaysia. He broke back into the world's top-10 in 1999, and won his third British National Championship title in February 2000. He was protecting a remarkable record, having been unbeaten in that event since December 1989.
Early career
Marshall won British junior titles at all age-groups (under-12, under-14, under-16 and under-19). He first became England's No.1 in November 1991, holding the position unchallenged for four years.
In 1989, Marshall won the British Open U19. The following year, he became World Masters U23 Champion.
His first full year of international competition was 1991, but it was in the 1994-95 season that Marshall's promise was most powerfully demonstrated. He was a finalist in five PSA Super Series events leading up to and including the 1995 British Open.
Marshall was British and European No 1 for several years.
After retiring from the professional tour
Marshall released an autobiography about his battle against chronic fatigue syndrome in 2001 entitled Shattered: A Champion's Fight Against a Mystery Illness.[2]
Marshall has a BSc in Physiotherapy from Nottingham University and an Executive MBA from Imperial College London. He currently works for Ernst & Young.
In 2008, Marshall won the Over-35 British National Championship in Manchester.
Marshall is an Ambassador for Access Sport, a charity focused on providing children from disadvantaged areas with access to local sports and promoting the real difference sport can make within deprived communities.
In May 2015, Marshall was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the World Squash Awards for his achievements, continued support and commitment to the game.
References
- ↑ Fletcher, Iain (12 October 1997). "Squash: Marshall's rebellion within". The Independent. Retrieved 21 December 2010.
- ↑ Marshall, Peter (March 2001). Shattered: A Champion's Fight Against a Mystery Illness. Mainstream Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84018-395-5.