Last week, the Marsa Sports Club hosted one of the world’s top squash players as Frenchman Gregory Gaultier played an exhibition match against Malta’s leading player Brad Hindle Deguara. Valhmor Camilleri caught up with the world no.3…

Gregory Gaultier may not enjoy the popularity of other sporting stars in his country, such as soccer great Zinedine Zidane, tennis star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or basketball ace Tony Parker.

However, his achievements in squash surely make him one of the most successful sportsmen France has ever produced.

Despite coming from a country that does not enjoy a great tradition in the four-walled court sport, Gaultier still succeeded in working his way to the top of the game.

In fact, the 32-year-old is the first French player to have won the prestigious British Open and the Tournament of Champions on his way to becoming the world no.1.

“Brad had suggested to play an exhibition match in Malta a few months ago but due to a busy playing schedule I had to delay my decision,” Gaultier told The Sunday Times of Malta when asked on his trip to the islands.

“Luckily, I managed to find a few days off in June so I’m really pleased to have made it here as promoting my favourite sport is very important for me.

“Brad and I have been friends for several years now.

“I’ve known him since his time as a pro on the tour. A few years ago he was in France to work with my fitness coach and we became training partners... our friendship has blossomed since then.

“He is a great ambassador of the game and Malta should be proud to have him on board.”

String of successes

After coming through the junior elite programme in France, Gaultier developed into one of the best players of his generation, winning tournaments in various parts of the globe including the United States and Qatar.

Gaultier says he is still hungry for more success.

“True, I have experienced some great victories but I’m by no way finished yet,” Gaultier said.

“There are still two or three targets that I still haven’t reached so that’s what keeps me going. I want to win the world championship. I have reached the final four times and that is one major title that still eludes me.

“Next season the championships will be played in Seattle and I’m determined to end this jinx.

“Obviously, it gets more difficult to remain at the top but I always try to adjust my training programme differently to ensure that I can give my 100 per cent.

“I love playing squash and I want to keep going as much as possible.”

Regaining the world no.1 ranking is another target in Gaultier’s agenda.

“I was the world no.1 for most of 2013 but I lost my ranking due to an injury that dragged for several months,” he said.

“I did manage though to stay in the top positions despite playing most of the tournaments not 100 per cent fit. I underwent a lot of treatment lately and hopeful I will be in the best shape as the new season starts in September. I want to be the no.1 again.”

Squash has been in the news lately after the world governing body – the Professional Squash Association – launched its bid to include the sport in the 2020 Olympic Games programme.

Gaultier said Olympic participation would be a great boost to the sport.

“Squash deserves to be in the Games,” he said.

“The PSA launched a strong campaign and hopefully they will be successful. I think we have a good chance as compared to other sport the cost of having squash included is reasonably low. You don’t need huge facilities.... a glass court and seating for spectators, that’s all.

“We have been striving to get into the Olympics for a number of years now but I think we could be accepted this time.”

Gaultier said he has no plans to quit squash in future.

“I definitely want to stay in-volved long term,” he said.

“I’d love to coach professional or junior players. My preference would be to work with the elite as they are the kind of players with whom I would love to transfer the knowledge of my game and help them develop.

“Squash is an integral part of my life so I cannot wake up one day and move away from it. I would not be able to live without a racquet in my hand.”