A major new 'Video Replay' initiative trialled at last week's ISS Canary Wharf Classic in London has been hailed as a major success by the Professional Squash Association.
Players were able to ask for a review of a decision (made for a let, no let or stroke) from the 'Television Match Official' (TMO) - who was able to watch replays of any incidents from a variety of angles before making his or her final decision.
The replay of the incident was simultaneously played on a large screen in the venue - with the decision flashed up on the big screen above the glass court at the East Wintergarden venue for all to see.
Players were allowed one appeal per game, which remained live following a successful appeal. In the event of a game moving into a tie-break, each player had his single TV appeal opportunity renewed.
"This is an exciting new development for the professional game," said PSA CEO Alex Gough. "With the latest enhancements made to the TV coverage, we were able to bring in the technology that assisted referees in one of the fastest games on the planet.
"We were able to fine-tune the process during the PSA International 50 championship at Canary Wharf and will now roll out the initiative in all televised events."
England's world champion Nick Matthew, who successfully defended his Canary Wharf Classic crown, was impressed by the success of the new concept.
"I think it worked well," said the world number one, after picking up the 20th PSA Tour title of his career. "There were one or two tweaks by the end of the week and allowing one appeal per game, plus one in the tie-break, was the right number.
"It cut out the arguments between players and referees and helped the crowd to get involved in the whole process."
John Massarella was also delighted with the pilot scheme: "It was an undoubted success," said the WSF World Referee. "The appeals referee, with time to reflect, and the availability of different camera angles has that extra advantage to correct a decision."