Ross Norman

He stunned Jahangir and the sporting world with a four-set victory in the final of the World Open in Toulouse in 1986. As a former professional player and Squash New Zealand chief executive, Robin Espie, wrote:

“With a forehand drop shot on a court in Toulouse, Ross Norman’s life took on a new dimension.”

The story behind the conqueror of the best player squash had seen gradually came out: how he’d struggled for years making ends meet on the amateur circuit; how a parachuting injury nearly ended his career; how he and other squash players for years toiled in the shadow of Jahangir. It all changed that night in Toulouse in southwest France. But Norman was not a one-tournament wonder.

In his magical year of 1986, he won eight other international tournaments and was the dominant player on the world circuit. Norman continued international play until 1994 and played for New Zealand in seven world teams championships.

For all his durability and success over the years, Norman lives on in sporting history as the man who beat the mighty Jahangir.