Very much a beginner says Rod Hayes

Press, 14 April 1982, Page 42

Very much a beginner says Rod Hayes

After his first three months as a professional squash player Canterbury’s Rod Hayes' has reached a clear verdict: “I'm very much a beginner." Hayes, the New Zealand No. 5. said when he arrived back in Christchurch that his experience in the second round of the British Open had opened .his eyes: “I had a good hiding from Glen Brumby (the world No. 11). There’s- a long way to go before I can handle that sort of game." But Hayes, who admitted to feeling "a bit lost and lonely” when he last played squash in Britain as a youthful 20-year-old four years ago, said he enjoyed this overseas trip a lot more than the first one. He had- somewhere to stay and someone, another New Zealander, Paul “Fudge" McFadzien, to train with.. ’ ' And he was sure that his

game has improved: “I did as much training in three months as I did all last year. I improved a few shots and picked up a few others to work on.” To get a world ranking Hayes would have to join'the International Squash Players’ Association, and he probably will do that in Britain next year. Meanwhile, though, he has something to go on — wins over the Pakistani, Karimullah Khan (No. 40 on the I.S.P.A. rankings), in the Swiss Open for third place and over the British No. 3, Peter Verow, in the first round of the British Open. “I started off playing hopelessly,” Hayes said, “and then picked up and the best was at the end." His win over Karimullah was followed by a couple of days training with New Zealand’s Stuart Davenport and the English player, Phil Kenyon, which

“certainly sharpened me up" for the British Open. Financially, Hayes said,'he had done a lot better on this trip. “All I won last time was £ 20; this time I got £250 for losing in the second round of the British Open.” But he knows he will have to win more money to survive on the next trip. New Zealand’s top player, Ross Norman, the world No. 8, plans to stay in Europe while Davenport, a fine young prospect, is not expected back until July. "That makes New Zealand seem easier I suppose," said Hayes, who was the top points qualifier on the Adidas T.P.C. national circuit last season. Hayes, formerly a secondary ’school teacher, will waste little time getting back into squash here — he will head the Canterbury mens team which plays Southern Districts at Timaru on Sunday.