26-Oct, FINALS:

[1] Nicol David (Mas) 3-0 [2] Raneem El Welily (Egy)
          11/8, 11/2, 11/8
 
[1] Tarek Momen (Egy) 3-2 [2] Omar Mosaad (Egy)
           6/11, 11/5, 11/7, 4/11, 12/10

Top seeds take Macau titles
in contrasting styles ...
Andrew Cross reports

The Macau Squash championships 2014 came to an end today with two new winners adding their names to the trophies in contrasting styles - Nicol David won her 8th tournament of the year with a straight-games win over Raneem El Welilly while Tarek Momen had to save two match balls before beating defending champion Omar Mosaad 12/10 in the fifth!

Nicol David and Raneem El Welily were the first two players onto court in a rematch of their semi-final from last week in the US open.

Nicol led the first game 6.3 before Raneem fights back to 6.6, Nicol again led 8.6 but Raneem pegs her back to 8.8. Nicol plays two great drops to lead again 10.8 but misses her first game ball when she hits the tin. In the next rally Nicol boasts a shot into the nick to give her the opening lead.

Nicol got a good start in the second game leading 6.1 and converting this to winning the game 11.2. A similar situation in the third game Nicol led 6.3 but this time Raneem fights back to 7.7, but Nicol finds her way again to win 11.7 and add the Macau Open to her impressive record in tournaments.

“Great to win my first Macau squash open here in this amazing venue," said Nicol. "I felt I played well today and Raneem hit more tins today than she has done before.



Last year’s champion Omar Mossad and top seed Tarek Momen were next on court. Omar begin extremely well leading 8.2 but Tarek began to work his way into the match losing 11.5 you sensed he had woken up ready to fight for the second and that is exactly what happened.

In the second Tarek played well to win the game 11.5 could Omar stop the momentum. It looked like he had done that very well when he raced out to a 4.0 lead but Tarek who never seems phased when he is behind began his comeback and led 7.6. Two low straight drives takes him to 9.6 and he closes out the game 11.7.

In the fourth Omar played well winning it comfortably 11.4 so we were all set for a deciding fifth game. The fifth is incredibly tight both players winning and losing points Tarek leads, and creates an opening at 8.6 but then loses the next four points to be behind 10.8.

Omar plays a great rally I thought he had won it with a low backhand drive, I still don’t know how Tarek got the ball or got it in play but somehow he did. He continues the fight back and now holds his first match ball. A no let is awarded to Omar at match ball and Tarek who saved four match balls this week is the Macau champion for 2014.

“I don’t feel anything just tired from this week," said Tarek. "I feel I have been playing well this week and hope that I can continue that into the World Open in a few weeks’ time.”

Alternative uses for
a squash court ...

11/7, 11/8, 11/9

[6] Mazen Hesham

6/11, 11/5, 11/7, 4/11, 12/10

[2] Omar Mosaad

11/8, 12/10, 11/8

22-Oct, Qualifying Finals:

Eddie Charlton (Eng) 3-0 Tom Ford (Eng)                    11/7, 11/7, 11/7
Jaymie Haycocks (Eng) 3-0 James Huang (Tpe)          11/7, 11/7, 11/4
Matthew Karwalski (Aus) 3-0 Ivan Yuen (Mas)            11/5, 11/7, 11/0
Tsz Fung Yip (Hkg) 3-1 Rex Hedrick (Aus)         11/9, 10/12, 11/0, 11/3

21-Oct, Qualifying Round One:

Tom Ford (Eng) 3-0 Cheuk Yan Tang (Hkg)                    11/9, 11/7, 11/8
James Huang (Tpe) 3-0 Henry Leung Chi-Hin (Hkg)         11/3, 11/1, 11/1
Jaymie Haycocks (Eng) 3-0 Tsz Hei Ma (Hkg)                 11/6, 11/6, 11/4
Matthew Karwalski (Aus) 3-0 Armando Amante (Mac)      11/5, 11/7, 11/0
Ivan Yuen (Mas) 3-0 Elvinn Keo (Mas)                          11/7, 11/8, 13/11
Tsz Fung Yip (Hkg) 3-1 Valentino Bong (Mas)       11/9, 10/12, 11/0, 11/3
Rex Hedrick (Aus) 3-0 Chi Him Wong (Hkg)                   11/3, 11/4, 11/8

11/8, 11/6, 11/6

[7] Jenny Duncalf

 11/8, 11/2, 11/8

 [2] Raneem El Welily

11/3, 11/4, 11/3

Qualifying Finals:

Delia Arnold (Mas) 3-0 Tong Tsz-Wing (Hkg)                11/7, 11/4, 11/3             
Emily Whilock (Eng) 3-0 Latasha Khan (Usa)               11/7, 11/7, 11/8
Victoria Lust (Eng) 3-0 Liu Tsz Ling (Hkg)                    11/5, 11/6, 11/4

Qualifying Round Two:
Delia Arnold (Mas) 3-0 Vanessa Chu                              11/9, 11/6, 11/7
Tong Tsz-Wing (Hkg) 3-1 Vanessa Raj (Mas)      12/10, 7/11, 14/12, 11/6
Emily Whilock (Eng) 3-0 Zulhujah Binti Azan (Mas)        13/11, 11/2, 11/2
Latasha Khan (Usa) 3-0 Teh Min Jie (Hkg)                      11/7, 11/4, 11/7
Liu Tsz Ling (Hkg) 3-0 Lee Ka Yi (Hkg)                           11/7, 11/3, 11/1
Victoria Lust (Eng) 3-0 Eun Ahn Chan (Kor)                    11/5, 11/6, 11/4

Qualifying Round One:
Vanessa Chu 3-0 Karman Siu                                      11/7, 11/2, 11/6
Lee Ka Yi (Hkg) 3-1 Carmen Lee (Hkg)              11/8, 13/15, 11/8, 11/3

Top seeds through to finals in Macau
Andrew Cross reports

The Macau Open semi-finals moved to the all glass court in Macau set against the wonderful backdrop of the casinos and hotels that surround Macau.

The day began with lots of activities for the younger kids of Macau as they look for the event to provide inspiration to a new group of players. A squash clinic, inflatable court and many more activities tried to encourage people to pick up a racket and play.

The first match of the day was between Nicol David and Jenny Duncalf with the World Number one looking to add to the US open title that she won last week.

Jenny looked to begin positively winning the opening couple of points but Nicol soon found her rhythm but there were signs that this was the best Jenny had played so far this week. Nicol won the opening game 11.8 but Jenny again came out of the blocks better in the second staying with Nicol till the midpoint but couldn’t quite keep it up for the rest of the game. It was Nicol that began the third better closing it out 11.6.

Nicol was “very happy to win in three games, it’s nice to be back in Macau after 12 years to see how much it has changed.”

Raneem El Welily the second seed and Rachel Grinham who was looking for her second upset in two days were next onto court.

Raneem pretty much dominated the match from start to finish never really allowing Rachel into the match.

Raneem was “happy to make the final and be here in Macau loving the venue as well as the glass court.”

Top seed Tarek Momen was up against Egyptian team mate Mazen Hesham both looking to see who had recovered better from their brutal five setters yesterday.

Tarek led the opening game 9.5 a stroke took him to 10.6 and a very nice forehand drop gave him the opening game. Mazen led this time in the second leading 8.7 but Tarek stormed back to win the next four points and take a two game advantage. Mazen held a bigger lead in game three leading 7.3 but it was Tarek that fought back to draw level at 7.7 and eventually convert the moment that he had into an 11.9 game win.

Tarek said: “it’s always a huge mental battle playing a fellow Egyptian even before we have got on court so I'm very happy to win, Yesterday was tough it was a mental roller coaster saving two match balls and then going through to the final I’m very happy.”

Last match of the evening saw Ong Beng Hee from Malaysia and Omar Mossad from Egypt, who have played each other numerous times in the last couple of years.

The exchanges and the rallies are hard Beng Hee creates a two point lead but just can’t quite get the extra couple of points that he needs, opening game to Omar 11.8. In the second Beng Hee again holds a two point lead creates a golden opportunity on the forehand but hits the side wall and Omar crunches one past him. In the next rally Beng Hee misses a drop and it evens up the score, a winner from Omar and a tin from Beng Hee give him the second game.

In the third Omar begins well leading 7.3 but Beng Hee isn’t done yet fighting back to lead 8.7. Omar wins the last four points though to progress to the final with a dying backhand drive at match ball.

Omar was  “happy to make the final after winning here last year, me and Beng Hee have played so many times recently that we know each other’s games very well and he is much more experienced than me.”

24-Oct, Quarters:
Ong and Hesham win marathon quarters
Andrew Cross reports

Quarter final day at the Macau Open 2014 began with Saurav Ghosal from India playing Mazen Hesham from Egypt.

Saurav was good in the opening game keeping in front of Mazen hitting some good low cross courts for winners.

In the second Mazen was getting in front of Saurav this time winning the second game 11.7. In the third it looked like Saurav had regained control of the match and he took a two game to one advantage winning 11.7.

Mazen wasn’t done there though and came back to win the fourth and we were set for a deciding fifth. Saurav led 10.7 but Mazen seemed to play his best squash at this time and at 9.10 down he hits an unbelievable drop to level up at 10.10. He was now in the ascendancy and he took the last two points for the first upset of the day.

The next encounter was between Top seed Tarek Momen and Max Lee who has been in some fine form in the last couple of months. Second match of the day and yet another brutal five setter, with both players putting everything on the line.

Tarek sneaks the opening game on a tie break but Max fights back to win the second on a tie break. Max who is playing well now, solid and looking to take the ball early is applying the pressure and it pays off when he wins the third 11.7.

The fourth is tight but Max squeezes a match ball and creates the chance unfortunately missing a backhand volley into the tin. Tarek seizes the chance and wins the fourth. The fifth is very even Tarek takes the lead at 10.6 and then cramps in his arm but fortunately he was able to survive.

Young Egyptian Marwan El Shorbagy and Ong Beng Hee were the third men’s quarter final and what else to expect but another five set match. Beng Hee was playing well creating lots of chances and Marwan was hitting a lot of tins for Beng Hee to win the first game. The second game was similar to the first Beng Hee with a good start and Marwan coming back in the middle of the game. Beng Hee came from game ball down to carve out a two game lead.

Marwan wasn’t done though fighting back to win games three and four. Game four was more controversial as the ball looked down at 10.10 a let was played and with Beng Hee still thinking about it Marwan won 12.10. Beng Hee again got a good start in the fifth but this time was able to hold onto it winning 11.5.

Defending champion Omar Mossad and Nafiizwan Adnan were the final match of the day and because the previous matches were so long they decided to shift to another court and luckily they did because the opening game was around 40 minutes at least with both of them playing really well.

Wan however seemed to force things slightly more in the second game and found himself behind Omar and under pressure. The third was competitive but Omar was now in full flight and playing good squash and it was he that moved into the semi finals.


Grinham ousts Au

In the first women’s quarter final there was an all English battle between Jenny Duncalf and Emma Beddoes. Jenny played much better than she did yesterday but Emma just couldn’t quite find her range and the accuracy that she had yesterday just evaded her. Jenny wins in three games moving onto the glass court tomorrow.

The next women’s quarter final was an all Malaysian match between World number one Nicol David and qualifier Delia Arnold. Nicol won the first game 11.4 but Delia who seems to be playing better this week wasn’t going to go down without a fight and kept pushing her team mate all the way.

The second game was 11.9 to Nicol but Delia was again willing to hang in there in the third game and she managed to get a chance leading 10.7. She played probably the perfect rally against any other female player creating three great chances in this rally but Nicol just kept picking up shot after shot.

A tin in the next rally and a good Nicol lob is the reason why she is World number one and so good in these situations.

World number two Raneem El Welily followed onto court playing Sarah Jane Perry.  The first was a good game Raneem started better than she did yesterday holding game balls and having saved them Sarah levelled up at 10.10. Two tinned boasts though from Sarah gifted Raneem the opening game.

In the second Sarah was more consistent and won it 11.7. Both players posses such great hands that they have a wonderful ability to play great shots to the front of the court. It was Raneem though that won the next two games 11.6, 11.5.

Last match of the Women’s draw was between Annie Au from Hong Kong and Rachel Grinham from Australia. Rachel played well in the opening two games winning them easily and looked to have the match in the bag at 9.6 but then seemed to switch off allowing Annie a way back into the match and a game ball at 10.9.

Rachel regained her composure though and won 12.10 to book her semi-final spot.

23-Oct, Round One:
Arnold and Beddoes
spring the surprises in Macau
Andrew Cross reports

The main draw players began their tournaments today at the Macau Open 2014, but it was a bigger day for the unseeded players especially in the Women’s draw.

Emma Beddoes began the day beating last week’s US open runner up Nour El Sherbini in three games. Emma began well punishing each ball left on half court by taking the ball short nice and sharp keeping it tight on the side wall. Emma kept finding herself in front of Sherbini and this continued to be a theme of the match as she went on to seal the victory with a bit of a fluke shot.

Jenny Duncalf had a five game match with Victoria Lust, Jenny won the first very comfortably 11.4 but then Victoria just began being more basic and hanging in there to win the second game. The third game was similar of the opening game with Jenny dominating it from start to finish winning 11.2. The fourth was a similar pattern of the second and Victoria won it 11.4.

So who was going to dominate the fifth, Jenny began better leading by a few points but Victoria fought back and we were level at 6.6. Jenny held it together better at the end of the game when Victoria suffered a slight dip in concentration after a decision went against her.

Delia Arnold created the next upset when she defeated Madeline Perry in four close games. Madeline started the better winning the opening game but Delia changed things in the second gaining control at the front. The third game was crucial and it was close until Delia got ahead at 9.7 extending this to 10.8 and winning 11.8.

The fourth was again a similar story Madeline getting more upset with the amount of time taken between rallies and the lack of enforcement from the officials. Delia managed to win the fourth game 11.8 and move on to her best results of a quarter final in a Gold event.

Nicol David and Joshana Chinappa were next on court and although the Malaysian won in three games they were no way easy. The first was close 11.8 and Joshana had game ball in the second at 10.9 to level up the match but couldn’t quite finish it off.

In the Third Nicol led 10.6 but Joshana wasn’t done yet fighting back to level at 10.10 creating a golden chance to reach game ball when she forced Nicol to squeeze one into the middle of the court but unfortunately she tinned and Nicol played a perfect lob to seal the match.

Sarah Jane Perry needed only three games to defeat Joey Chan although she almost needed four as the third game was pretty close. Sarah played in good lines keeping Joey moving around her all the time and it was a very good tactic.

Raneem El Welily made a slow start but quickly got into gear to beat Emily Whitlock in four games. Raneem looking slightly out of sorts in the opening game began the second with a return cross court nick and then stream rolled her way to 6.0 lead winning the second 11.3. When Raneem is in full flight she is amazing to watch and this was the case today for the last three games. Raneem will play Sarah tomorrow for a place in the semi-finals on the glass court on Saturday. The last female into the quarter finals was Rachel Grinham when she defeated Line Hanson in three games.

In the Men’s draw Saurav Ghosal and Wildcard Steven Liu were the first match on court, the opening two games were comfortable for the Indian but Steven fought back in the third cheered on heavily by the crowd as they were taking a keen interest in the match.

Steven somehow found himself at 10.9 game ball up, couldn’t finish, a second game ball at 11.10 and one more at 12.11 but didn’t quite have enough to find the winning shot. Saurav regained his concentration to win 14.12.

The entertaining Mazen Hesham booked his quarter final spot after a hard fought victory over Leo Au. Mazen has such great racket skills and he kept holding the ball moving it one way and the next there is such flow to his shot and movement out of the back forehand that it is a delight to watch.

Most of the time he is so great and attacking and then he seems to just wander and hit the floor from nowhere and this happened a couple of times today. Mazen generates such racket head speed that Leo was having to wait until the last minute before he could decide which way the ball was going. Mazen won through in four games tomorrow will be interesting against Saurav.

Ong Beng Hee and Eddie Charlton were next on court, Beng Hee was in control in the opening game playing some good lengths allowing him to be in front of Eddie but the roles were reversed in the second game as Eddie was the one that was now in control. As usual the third is crucial which Beng Hee managed to sneak. Eddie began the fourth the better leading 4-0 before Beng Hee managed to level up at 6.6, its now point for point when Beng Hee reaches match ball at 10.9 a big rally which ended in a rather harsh stroke for Beng Hee allowing him to advance to the quarter finals.

Marwan El Shorbagy and Shaun Le Roux were next on court, Marwan working the ball around the court so well moving it to all four corners keeping it tight to the side wall. In the second Shaun got going and moving applying pressure to Marwan but somehow even from a very impossible position Marwan would find a winning shot. An example was at 10.9

Shaun had run Marwan from corner to corner but Marwan got onto a drive in the front corner hitting it perfectly straight above the tin, one bounce dead on the back wall. At the end of the second Shaun had a cut on his leg which needed to be covered so after a couple of minutes delay we were back to the action. Marwan again holding the lead by a few points and closing out the game to move through to the quarters with Beng Hee.

Top seed Tarek Momen was taking on Jamie Haycocks next and this was a tough match with Jamie playing well moving Tarek around the court and finding himself with chances to win the points.

A few discussions with the referee seemed to have Tarek a bit rattled but he was just quick enough to get a lot of shots back and reapply some pressure to Jamie. A good performance from Jamie and a lot of positives for him to take out of it. Tarek progresses for a match with Max Lee tomorrow after he defeated Zahad Mohammed. This was a game of fine margins the opening game being won by Max on the tie break.

The pace of the game was fast both working the ball around the court using speed to recover when they were out of position. Max started the third well and quickly led 8.3 as Zahed looked to be suffering from the frantic pace of the first two games and Max won the third 11.6

Nafiizwan Adnan booked his place in the quarter finals with a hard fought victory over Yip Tsz Fung in four tough games. Wan found himself behind in the first before coming from game ball down to win 12-10. Wan began better in the second leading 5.1 but couldn’t capitalise on this eventually losing the game 12.10.

In the third Wan did use the good start to his advantage winning the game 11.4. In the fourth game Yip gave one big push but Wan held the advantage and got his first match ball at 10.8, Yip pushed again and now held game ball at 11.10, its now tense and both players finding it difficult to finish.

Eventually Wan got one more match ball hitting a great low cross court to finish off the match. Winning this match set up a quarter final match with defending champion Omar Mossad as he defeated Matthew Karwalski in three games to complete a good day for the men's seeds.

22-Oct, Qualifying Finals
Andrew Cross reports

Qualifying was completed today in the Macau Open 2014 with seven players - four of them English - making it through to the main draw.

Delia Arnold was the first player into the main draw beating Tong Tsz Wing from Hong Kong. Delia led the opening game rather comfortably but lost her way slightly in the middle before securing the game 11.7. The next two games were easier for the Malaysian player as she set up a match with Madeline Perry tomorrow.

Emily Whitlock and Latasha Khan were next onto court the first was close until the last three points when Emily got ahead to win it 11.8. Latasha lead the second game but then three quick tins at the business end of the game moved Emily to a two love lead. The third game was again tight up until 7.7 when Emily broke clear to win 11.8 pitting her against Raneem El Welily tomorrow.

Victoria Lust was the last female to book her spot in the main draw after she defeated Liu Tsz Ling. Victoria had a few point gap in the opening game but then allowed Liu back into the match to draw level at 9.9 before finishing it 11.9. The second was a bit more comfortable with Victoria winning 11.5. In the third game Liu fought back and gave everything but unfortunately not enough as Victoria moves on to play Jenny Duncalf tomorrow.

Eddie Charlton and Tom Ford was the first men’s match onto the court in what was an all English match and very entertaining. Both players worked the ball around the court well using good height and pace to try and gain control of the middle of the court. In each game it was pretty much level pegging to 7.7 but Eddie would seem to pull away from this stage and win each game 11.7. Tom never gave up and we saw the rally of the tournament so far at 9.7 in the third game after Tom had run all over the court he somehow managed to get the ball up onto the front wall not really knowing too much about it in what was a very fast reaction shot but was running the wrong way to get the next shot.

Jamie Haycocks was another English player to make the main draw after he defeated James Huang from Taipei. The first two games were pretty close but Jamie was doing less of the work than James holding the middle of the court working the ball well. In the third Jamie looked confident and found a spring in his step when he lead 6.1 and despite a small fight back from James the game finished 11.4. A match with top seed Tarek Momen tomorrow is the reward for making it through qualifying.

Matthew Karwalski and Ivan Yuen was the next match onto court, Ivan started slightly better and had some success in the front corners but Matthew was a bit steadier and won the opening game. Matthew continued in the second with Ivan losing his length, Matthew won 11.6. In the third Ivan found what he had been looking for his length and he reaped the rewards leading 10.6 but then it disappeared again as Matthew won the next six points and the match.

The last match of the day saw the only upset as Yip Tsz Fung defeated Rex Hedrick in three games. Yip was very aggressive throughout the entire match working the ball around the court never really allowing a drive to hit the back wall and volleying a lot especially on the backhand side. This meant that Rex was doing a lot of running around the court and was kept guessing by Yip all the time. A very entertaining match which Yip deserved to win.
 

21-Oct, Day One Qualifying
Andrew Cross reports

The Macau Open gets underway today with two rounds of women’s qualifying and one round of men’s qualifying.

The Men’s qualifying got under way in the afternoon with two left handed players taking to the court first, Tom Ford from England and Cheuk Yan Tang from Hong Kong. Tang began the better leading throughout the opening game getting a two point advantage at 9-7 but it was Tom that hit back to win the next four points and the opening game.

In the second game it was Tom that began better always in front of Tang and having a few point advantage and winning the game 11.7. Tang now looking very tired at the beginning of the third game as Tom looked confident easing to 7.1. Tang showed a small comeback to 4.7 but Tom regained the lead to reach match ball at 10.4. Tang was not done yet though coming back to 8.10 before Tom finally got the point that he needed to face Eddie Charlton tomorrow.

Second men’s match saw James Huang from Taipei playing local 19 year old Van Keng Hei, this was always going to be tough for Keng hei but it will have been a good learning experience for him. James winning 11.3 11.1 11.1.

Jamie Haycocks one of the favourites to progress from qualifying found himself up against Ma Tsz Hei from Hong Kong. Tsz Hei started well leading 4.1 but that was the only lead he had through the entire match as Haycocks totally dominated the rest of the match.

Matthew Karwalski from Australia began against Armando Amante with the first two games being evenly contested before the speed of the game seemed to catch up with Armando as he lost the third 11-0.

Two Malaysians were on next Ivan Yuen and Elvinn Keo who met a few times recently with Ivan winning both matches in five games. Ivan won the first two game that were pretty short sharp rallies. In the third game though he found himself 10.7 game ball behind before winning the next four points to get himself his first match ball. Elvinn saved it but couldn’t save the next one as Ivan sets up a match with Matthew tomorrow.

Another Malaysian followed this match onto court with Valentino Bong taking on Yip Tsz Fung from Hong Kong. The first two games were very tight Yip sneaking the opening game before Valentino won the second but Valentino paid a heavy price losing the third 11.0 and the fourth game 11.2. Yip will now play Rex Hedrick after he defeated Wong Chi Him.

In the first round of women’s qualifying top seed Delia Arnold took on this morning’s winner Vanessa Chu. Delia began better looking to use her physical advantage to her benefit striking the ball firmly and holding the T area. Delia led by quite a distance in the first but then seemed to lose her way before eventually winning 11.9. Delia then managed to win the next two games to advance to the next round.

Another Malaysia vs Hong Kong battle followed with Vanessa Raj taking on Tong Tsz Wing these two having met twice already this year with Tong winning the first match and Vanessa winning the second one both in five games. The opening two games were shared and the third was crucial it looked to be going the way of the Malaysian when she led 10.6 but unfortunately she couldn’t hold on and it was Tong that came back to win the game after neither of them could finish when they had game ball. In the fourth game Tong got an early lead which she managed to sustain throughout the whole game winning 11.6.

Emily Whitlock from England was taking on another Malaysian in Zulhijjah Azan. The first game looked like Emily was going to win comfortably having being four points ahead most of the game but having reached game ball it was the Malaysian that came back and held a game ball of her own at 11.10. Emily quickly got back into gear to win two more points and from there it was all one way traffic.

Latasha Khan was next on against Teh Min Jie, Latasha the more experienced player never really allowed the young Malaysian to settle as she kept clipping the tin in the opening game. Latasha started the second well leading 6.0 before Min Jie got herself back into the game but not enough to get close enough to win. The third was much more competitive but Latasha had enough to win in three games.

An all Hong Kong battle followed next with Liu Tsz Ling taking on the other winner from this morning Lee Ka Yi. Ling was too strong though winning comfortably and will play Victoria Lust tomorrow. Victoria was in total control from start to finish against Eun Ahn Chan.
 

21-Oct, Women's Qualifying:
Andrew Cross reports

The Macau Open gets underway today with two rounds of women’s qualifying and one round of men’s qualifying.

After the withdrawal of World Junior Runner up Nouran Gohar at the last minute due to injury there were some changes to the Women’s qualifying draw.

Vanessa Chu now played Karmen Siu in the opening qualifying match with the younger player Vanessa being more aggressive and attacking with the ball. Vanessa lead throughout the first game holding a four point lead at 10-6 before winning it 11.7. In the second game Vanessa was never troubled winning 11.2. Karmen started more positively winning the opening two points but then found herself 7.4 behind and eventually the game ran away from her 11.6.

Second match of the morning was between Carmen Lee and Lee Ka Yi both players having come through the Hong Kong junior system together and having played each other many times before. The opening game saw both players working the ball around the court there was never more than a point in it and we were level at 8.8. At 8.8 more of a hack rather than a drive saw Ka Yi take the lead followed by a nice forehand drop gave her game ball.

At game ball she lifted the ball well from the front backhand which died at the back giving her the opening game 11.8. Carmen levelled up the match winning the second game which got quite scrappy with the amount of tins being hit. Carmen lead 8.6 but then served out and tinned two to give Ka Yi a 9.8 lead. Every time a player took the lead and then had a chance to win the game it seems they would hit the tin. Eventually Carmen put two better rallies together to win 15.13.

Ka Yi started the third leading 6.2 and then 8.3 but Carmen steadied herself to level at 8.8 before she missed two shots to the front backhand and Ka Yi hit a winning drop to give Ka Yi a 2.1 game lead.

Ka Yi again began better leading the same scores 6.2 and then 8.3 but this time she managed to hold it together to win 11.3.

Tarek Momen who has been in some good form the last few months reaching the semi-final in Malaysia as well as the semi-finals in Hong Kong is the favourite for the men’s event. Last year’s winner Omar Mossad will be back to defend his title and will not want to give it away easily to his countryman.

Tarek Momen will start against a qualifier and could potentially come up against Max Lee or Zahed Mohammed in the quarter finals. Max Lee played well to reach the final of the Malaysian Open this year before losing to World number two Mohammed El Shorbagy. Zahed Mohammed though is a good player having made the second round in Hong Kong losing to Daryl Selby. This should be an interesting first round match up, one which I expect will be very tight.

The talented Mazen Hesham will play Leo Au from Hong Kong in the opening round another match that is expected to be very tight. Winner of this match will play Asian Games runner up Saurav Ghosal or local wildcard Steven Liu.

In the lower half of the draw Marwan El Shorbagy at a career high ranking of 17 will start against Shaun Le Roux who cAused a few upsets in Hong Kong before losing to Tarek Momen in four close games. The winner of this match could play Malaysian Ong BEng Hee or a qualifier. Nafiizwan Adnan also from Malaysia will start his campaign against a qualifier as will Omar Mosaad. A win over the qualifiers would see them play each other in the quarter finals.

Qualifying will be tough with Asian Games Gold Medallist Abdullah Al Muzayen being the number one qualifier and having beaten a lot of main draw players on his way to that famous win I’m sure non of the main draw players will want to face him. Eddie Charlton, Rex Hedrick and Jamie Haycocks make up the top four players that will look to qualify for the main draw.

In the Women’s Draw World Number one Nicol David will make her debut in this event beginning against Joshana Chinappa from India. Two commonwealth games Gold Medalists doing battle in the opening round, Nicol winner of the singles event and Joshana claiming India’s first ever squash Gold medal in the doubles with partner Dipika Pallikal. A win for Nicol or Joshana could see them playing Irish Veteran Madeline Perry in the quarter finals.

Emma Beddoes who has been in great form recently will look to build on that but will face a tough test against the exciting Nour El Sherbini. A win for either of these two players will see them taking on Jenny Duncalf or a qualifier for a place in the semi final.

Rachel Grinham will play Line Hanson in the opening round with the winner playing Annie Au or local wildcard Liu Kwai Chi. England’s Sarah Jane Perry will have a tough opening match against Joey Chan from Hong Kong and waiting in the second round will be Raneem El Welily or a qualifier. Raneem won the Malaysian Open in August and will look to add another title to her collection in Asia.

The qualifying matches as well as the first and quarter final matches will take place the Bowling Center located at Avenida da Nave Desportiva, with the semi finals and finals being at the magnificent venue Amizade Square

The event could never happen without the amazing contribution from the Macau Sports Development Board with supported by Coca-Cola Beverage Company Limited Macau and the assistance to run the event from the Macau Squash Association; we are in for an exciting week of squash that you will not want to miss out on.
 

25-Oct, Semi-Finals:

   [1] Nicol David (Mas) 3-0 [7] Jenny Duncalf (Eng)              11/8, 11/6, 11/6
   [2] Raneel El Welily (Egy) 3-0 [6] Rachael Grinham (Aus)   11/3, 11/4, 11/3

   [1] Tarek Momen (Egy) 3-0 [6] Mazen Hesham (Egy)          11/7, 11/8, 11/9
   [2] Omar Mosaad (Egy) 3-0 [7] Ong Beng Hee (Mas)         11/8, 12/10, 11/8

Top seeds through to finals in Macau
Andrew Cross reports

The Macau Open semi-finals moved to the all glass court in Macau set against the wonderful backdrop of the casinos and hotels that surround Macau. The day began with lots of activities for the younger kids of Macau as they look for the event to provide inspiration to a new group of players. A squash clinic, inflatable court and many more activities tried to encourage people to pick up a racket and play.

The first match of the day was between Nicol David and Jenny Duncalf with the World Number one looking to add to the US open title that she won last week.

Jenny looked to begin positively winning the opening couple of points but Nicol soon found her rhythm but there were signs that this was the best Jenny had played so far this week. Nicol won the opening game 11.8 but Jenny again came out of the blocks better in the second staying with Nicol till the midpoint but couldn’t quite keep it up for the rest of the game. It was Nicol that began the third better closing it out 11.6.

Nicol was “very happy to win in three games, it’s nice to be back in Macau after 12 years to see how much it has changed.”

Raneem El Welily the second seed and Rachel Grinham who was looking for her second upset in two days were next onto court.

Raneem pretty much dominated the match from start to finish never really allowing Rachel into the match.

Raneem was “happy to make the final and be here in Macau loving the venue as well as the glass court.”

Top seed Tarek Momen was up against Egyptian team mate Mazen Hesham both looking to see who had recovered better from their brutal five setters yesterday.

Tarek led the opening game 9.5 a stroke took him to 10.6 and a very nice forehand drop gave him the opening game. Mazen led this time in the second leading 8.7 but Tarek stormed back to win the next four points and take a two game advantage. Mazen held a bigger lead in game three leading 7.3 but it was Tarek that fought back to draw level at 7.7 and eventually convert the moment that he had into an 11.9 game win.

Tarek said: “it’s always a huge mental battle playing a fellow Egyptian even before we have got on court so I'm very happy to win, Yesterday was tough it was a mental roller coaster saving two match balls and then going through to the final I’m very happy.”

Last match of the evening saw Ong Beng Hee from Malaysia and Omar Mossad from Egypt, who have played each other numerous times in the last couple of years.

The exchanges and the rallies are hard Beng Hee creates a two point lead but just can’t quite get the extra couple of points that he needs, opening game to Omar 11.8. In the second Beng Hee again holds a two point lead creates a golden opportunity on the forehand but hits the side wall and Omar crunches one past him. In the next rally Beng Hee misses a drop and it evens up the score, a winner from Omar and a tin from Beng Hee give him the second game.

In the third Omar begins well leading 7.3 but Beng Hee isn’t done yet fighting back to lead 8.7. Omar wins the last four points though to progress to the final with a dying backhand drive at match ball.

Omar was  “happy to make the final after winning here last year, me and Beng Hee have played so many times recently that we know each other’s games very well and he is much more experienced than me.”