HUNT: "BIGGEST AND BEST EVENT EVER"

 KUALA LUMPUR, 17 Sept 98 (Bernama):

"The event has been absolutely fantastic," said Hunt, the winner of four World Opens and eight British Opens, and one of the select few in the World Squash Federation's "Hall of Fame".

"The publicity, particularly the television has been unprecedented. This should do a great deal for the sport to become an Olympic discipline. (Australian) Channel Nine's coverage was seen by millions. It has never happened before," he said. 

Hunt felt the presence of all the world's top players at the National squash Complex in Bukit Jalil showed how seriously they took the Commonwealth Games.

"Michelle Martin was very emotional after her win. It meant a great deal to her. The ladies final was shown live and this should give the game a big boost back home. Squash has been the winner here," said the maestro. 

On the doubles event which started today, Hunt said it was a totally different kettle of fish. 

"It is exciting. It is all about partnership. You do not have to be a top 20 player to become world doubles champion. Michael Soo of Malaysia and Daniel Sharplin of New Zealand are very fine doubles players but are down the list in the world men's rankings," he said.

"We have four days of competition ahead and it promises to be as good as the singles."

-- BERNAMA