'˜Unbelievable' new squash record is set

A new world record was set by a pair of squash players last Friday.
Matt Godson and Adam Taylor after their challengeMatt Godson and Adam Taylor after their challenge
Matt Godson and Adam Taylor after their challenge

Adam Mark Taylor and Matt Godson now hold the record for the longest single squash marathon.

They managed to clock up the new winning time of 40 hours, nine minutes and 30 seconds at Pontefract Squash and Leisure Club.

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Both Adam and Matt were left exhausted by the end of challenge but were spurred on by the support of around 100 supporters.

Adam said:”We needed them all to be there, it was unbelievable as it seemed to go on forever.

“We were so happy but we had highs and lows during the game, I almost quit because it was so hard but we had a lot of people there supporting us.”

Their longest break during the challenge was only 35 minutes and followed a seven hour relay,

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Last year Len Granger and Jamie Barnett in Worcestershire set the prvious record at 38 hours, zero minutes and 27 seconds

Adam and Matt undertook the challenge to raise awareness of squash but and to raise money for two charities, MIND and Wakefield Hospice to support.

Both are semi professional players, with Adam also working at Atkins Fencing and Matt currently studying a physiotherapy degree at the University of Huddersfield.

It is estimated the event raised almost £3,000, surpassing the pairs wildest expectations with their Justgiving page only aiming for £500.

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Although proud of their record Adam believes it will be the last time he participates in such an intensive challenge.

He said:”It was absolutely horrendous, we have just been recovering over the weekend, I do not think I will be doing something like that again.”

The pair thanked all those who supported them through the challenge, helping them to pull through.

Pontefract has strong ties to squash,and will be hosting the European Club Championships between September 14 to 17.

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Several of the world’s top players have roots in the area, starting out at Pontefract Squash and Leisure club where Adam and Matt completed their challenge.

Lee Beachill and James Willstrop also trained at the club before going on to earn British and world titles multiple times between them.

Also the club continues to retain the services of world renowned coach Malcolm Willstrop.

Pontefract is currently one of only 12 clubs in the U.K that is able to sustain a team in the national league.

Squash is currently not considered an Olympic sport.

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