British Embassy Kicks Off Moscow Leg of WISPA Russia Tour Moscow’s British Embassy hosted the welcome event for the second leg of the Women’s International Squash Players’ Association (WISPA) promotional tour to Russia, led by Australia’s five-times world champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald and top European Vanessa Atkinson, the world No5 from the Netherlands.   Sarah (front left) and Vanessa (right) pictured with their Embassy staff opponents Tracey Broadbent and (back row L to R) Paul Baker, Jonathan Aves and Peter Edwards WISPA’s fifth annual tour in its continuing drive to promote women’s squash around the world arrived in Russia’s capital city after four days in St Petersburg. Sadly, the Ambassador had to attend the opening night of a special season of Britain’s Royal Opera Company at the Bolshoi Ballet Theatre in Moscow and was unable to host the WISPA party at his Embassy. “As a long time (42 years) squash player, I am mortified to be missing your visit – but relieved to be spared the public humiliation on court!” said Sir Roderic Lyne in a personal message given to the WISPA stars. The visit also attracted a crew from Stolitsa TV and journalist and photographer from the Itar-Tass national news agency - keen to meet the WISPA stars and discover more about squash. Such is the low awareness of squash in Russia, that photographers and television cameramen need considerable guidance in how best to capture the sport visually. Furthermore, interviews become long-winded affairs as both questions, then responses, have to be translated. The new British Embassy is one of three in Moscow to feature a squash court – the other two being at the US Embassy and the Indian (widely believed to be the first court constructed in the city). The British court is well-used by the 500 or so personnel based at the impressive complex. The gallery was packed by Embassy staff and numerous invited guests and media who delighted in seeing Fitz-Gerald and Atkinson put a stream of squash enthusiasts through their paces. “It was awesome to have players of Sarah and Vanessa’s calibre playing here and giving so many of us the chance to hit with them on court,” said the Embassy’s leading player Flight Lieutenant Peter Edwards, Head of the Admin Office in the Defence section, after a brief annihilation by former world No1 Fitz-Gerald. “I know the Ambassador was gutted when he realised he would miss the visit – he’s such a keen player and would have relished the chance to try and get a point or two from the girls. We will do all we can to capitalise on this visit and spread the word for squash around the city,” Edwards added. He concluded by wishing the group well for the remainder of their Moscow activities.   Sarah & Vanessa try out contrasting Russian headwear!