PROFESSIONAL squash players are not too numerous around the country but Herefordshire has its own in 24-year-old Sam Miller.
Warwickshire's loss proved to be Herefordshire's gain when Miller's parents moved to the county from Leamington Spa three years ago and Sam, after completing his university education, decided to join them.
And Hereford Whitecross Club, where Miller decided to play his squash locally, have gained, in particular, as his talents were central to their third place finish in the National Club Cup.
"Herefordshire is a relatively small place and the standard of squash is not all that high," he said. "But the third place was really good for the club and several members travelled up to Nottingham for the finals weekend to support us."
Whitecross will be confident of going a step or two better next season with the likely signing of Joey Barrington, world number 35 and son of former world champion Jonah Barrington.
While squash also runs in the Miller family - his father was a club player whose involvement initially attracted the young Sam to the sport - Sam has had to work hard at his game to achieve his current world ranking of 79.
"It's a full-time occupation but it's hard to make much money unless you are in the world's top 10," said Miller. "But I am grateful to the Hereford Whitecross Club, Sixth Sense Fitness and Clifford House for all the help they have given."
Now the Herefordshire player is determined to continue his climb up the rankings with plenty of international tournaments coming up.
"I'm off to South America next month where there are three Professional Squash Association tournaments, two in Brazil and one in Colombia," said Miller.
"I shall also be going to the World Open in Hong Kong for the first time as that is only open to the top 90 or so players in the world.
"Then there is the US Open, in Boston's Symphony Hall in November and, of course the British Open. That is like the Wimbledon of squash and the one that everyone wants to win as it has been going longer than the World Open."
While he enjoys the travelling, Miller is required to pay his own way to tournaments and offers of sponsorship would be gratefully received. He can be contacted on 07976 606702 or by email on sam_miller@hotmail.com
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