SA squash coach dies after World Jr C'ships match

In a tragic incident, coach of South African squash team at the WSF-World Junior Squash Championships, Graham Prior, died of heart attack here today.

He was 67.

According to a SRFI release, Prior was on his way to board the bus bound for team hotel after South Africa's play-off match against Singapore here, when he collapsed on the road.

Help came immediately as the ambulance outside the tournament venue rushed him to a local hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

"Prior collapsed in a heap as he was moving from the Indian Squash Academy towards the team bus with his players. He had apparently suffered a severe heart attack," said the SRFI release.

"The SRFI was in touch with the South African embassy and was giving all possible assistance to ensure quick clearance of all formalities before the body is airlifted back home," the release said.

The South African contingent was scheduled to leave on Monday.

Prior was a coach at the Wanderers Squash Club in Johannesburg since 2003.

Growing up in Rhodesia, he played two World Cups for Zimbabwe in 1981 and 1983. Before coming to Johannesburg, he also performed coaching duties at the Salisbury sports club in Zimbabwe.