Chris Dittmar
Chris Dittmar | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 16, 1964 Adelaide, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Squash player, sports commentator |
| Years active | 1980–1993 (professional squash) |
| Known for | Top-ranked Australian squash player, captain of Australian World Team Squash Championships winning teams (1989, 1991), President of the International Squash Players Association |
Chris Dittmar (born 16 January 1964) is a former top-ranked Australian squash player and current sports commentator.
Often described as the greatest player to never secure squash’s two premier titles, Dittmar finished as runner-up at the World Open on five occasions (1983, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1992) and twice at the British Open (1985, 1993). Hailing from Adelaide, he was a significant rival to Pakistani icons Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, persistently contesting their supremacy during the late 1980s and early 1990s. In all seven finals he reached across the World and British Opens, his opponent was one of the Khans. A highlight of his career was defeating Jahangir Khan in a memorable 1989 World Open semi-final, although he ultimately lost the final to Jansher Khan after leading by two sets.
One of Dittmar’s most notable accomplishments was captaining the Australian team to triumph in the World Team Squash Championships in 1989 and successfully defending that title in 1991, which included a victory over Jahangir Khan in the 1989 final.
Prior to turning professional, Dittmar was twice runner-up at the World Junior Championships (1980, 1982) and secured the British Open Junior Championship in 1981. Throughout his professional tenure, he claimed numerous titles such as three Australian Opens, three Canadian Opens, three European Opens, three New Zealand Opens, and two South African Opens. He briefly attained the World No. 1 ranking before retiring in 1993, spending extended periods ranked No. 2 and No. 3.
Recognized for his candid opinions, Dittmar held the position of President of the International Squash Players Association, representing players’ interests. From 2002 to 2005, he served as Patron of Squash Australia and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2005.
Following retirement from competitive play, Dittmar moved into sports media with Australia's Channel Seven and Adelaide radio stations FIVEaa and Triple M. He hosted FIVEaa’s soccer program and currently co-hosts 'Roo and Ditts for Breakfast' on Triple M alongside Mark Ricciuto. Additionally, he has provided commentary for Australian rules football broadcasts on both stations.
In July 2009, Dittmar experienced a minor brain haemorrhage that required hospital admission.
Family
Dittmar belongs to a distinguished sporting family based in Adelaide. His father and uncle Wally represented Port Adelaide in Australian rules football, with Wally also playing for South Australia in State of Origin fixtures. Another uncle, Len, was the Australian welterweight boxing champion during the 1950s. His son Tom has played for WT Birkalla and is currently part of Comets FC.
He completed his education at St Michael's College in Adelaide.
External links
- Archived article at squashtalk.com
- Archived page at squashpics.com
- Channel Seven sports presenter profile
- Squash Info