Jonathon Power to lead Canadians into World Team Championships

OTTAWA – Jonathon Power of Montreal, the former world number-one and world champion, has been named to the Canadian squad for the men’s world team squash championships set for September 27- October 3 in Odense, Denmark.

Joining Power on the team are Shahier Razik of Toronto, currently ranked 29th in the world, Shawn DeLierre of Brossard, Que., and David Phillips of Pointe-Claire, Que. Robin Clarke of Ottawa is the non-travelling reserve.

Power, 35, heads to his 10th world team championship event. He retired from the professional circuit in 2006 ranked number-one in the world, but has committed to representing Canada at major international events and playing at national championships. He helped Canada to sixth place at the last team worlds in 2007 and fourth place in 2005

Power is the most successful North American player in sport earning 32 career pro tour wins as well as the 1998 world title and 2002 Commonwealth Games gold. He also helped Canada to a best-ever second place finish at the team worlds in 1997.

“Jonathon can definitely make a difference for us at the world championships,” said Yvon Provencal, head coach of the men’s national team. “He has a lot of experience and still has the capabilities to beat anybody in the world.”

Provencal adds that Power also brings an extra dimension to the team off the court.

“He does a really great job helping out the other players,” said Provencal. “He knows our players and he know the international field. He is a wealth of information for us at that level.”

Razik brings more experience to the table for Canada. These are his sixth world team championships and he’s enjoyed a strong 2009 so far on the pro circuit winning the National Capital Open in Washington and reaching another final and two semifinals as well.

DeLierre was a member of the 2007 world team, and is currently ranked 60th in the world. David Philips of Pointe-Claire, Que., ranked 68th internationally makes his team worlds debut but is an experienced international player including appearances at the individual worlds last year and the Pan Am championships in 2006.

The tournament seeding has yet to be announced.