Germany’s Andreas Omlor cherishes the many friendships he has on the ESF Masters squash circuit — even if camaraderie is paused when they go into battle on court!
Omlor was men’s 50+ champion at last weekend’s Dutch Open Masters at the magnificent 16-court Houtrust Squash Club in Den Haag, beating his friend and compatriot Thomas Grubel in the final. In doing so, Omlor regained the M50+ title he won in 2024.
Omlor’s 11-4, 11-6, 11-6 victory narrows the gap between the pair on the ESF European men’s 55+ rankings, with Grubel sitting at the top and Omlor just behind him.
“When we go on the court, there’s no friendship, but afterwards.. for sure!” Omlor laughs.
“I played against Thomas this week who is a friend of mine and I often play Predl Fritsche [winner of last year’s World Masters 55+ title in Amsterdam]. We have trained together for a long time and have known each other since juniors!
“On court, there is a fight, but afterwards, we sit together with a beer and discuss the match. Compared with my son’s situation on the PSA Tour, it’s totally different.”
Andreas’s son is German international player Yannik Omlor, winner of three PSA Tour titles. Andreas’s daughter Mareike has also represented Germany at three European Team Championships.
Andreas himself competed on the professional circuit for a short time, before later becoming a coach and sales rep for racket brand Oliver. He has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for the last two years.
In all, he has been involved with squash for over 50 years. Now 57, he admits his adventures on the ESF European Masters circuit have been some of his favourite times.
“It’s like a family,” he says. “You meet wonderful people everywhere and visit some nice places. My wife travels with me and we enjoy finding combination of some sport and having fun for the weekend.”
His next stop will be October’s German Masters in Hamburg and he is mulling over the Italian Masters in Riccione and a return to the Irish Masters in Dublin, where he competed two years ago.
Omlor insists that he will keep competing as long as his body allows it. “I had a few big problems in the past, but at the moment everything is solved and I feel fine,” he says.
“I played nearly 30 years in the highest German league, I have done many years of coaching, training juniors including my son and daughter. I have spent a lot of time on court, so I have physical problems sometimes.
“My body may be old, but I still take it seriously. I study the rankings and this is the best ranking I’ve ever had. I’m not stopping yet.”
