15-Sep, Finals: 

[2] Peter Barker (Eng) 3-1 [4] Tarek Momen (Egy)
                  11/5, 9/11, 11/5, 11/3 (70m)

[1] Nicol David (Mas) 3-0 [3] Raneem El Weleily (Egy)
                  11/8, 11/7, 11/6 (34m)

Nicol reclaims her crown

On her 11th consecutive appearance in the Malaysian Open final, Nicol David delighted the home crowds at the Curve shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur as she gained revenge last year's defeat at the hands of Raneem El Weleily to recapture the title, her 8th success in the event, a 67th career WSA title, and claiming her first world series title of 2013 in the process.

In the men's final Peter Barker, having completed his semi-final against Borja Golan in the early morning, beat defending champion Tarek Momen in four games to claim his 15th PSA title, just a couple of weeks after winning the Colombian Open title.

Andrew Cross reports

Earlier this morning the confirmation of the finalists was complete when Peter Barker defeated Borja Golan in 99 minutes to win in three games. Play resumed at 9am this morning with Barker one game up and leading the second 3/1.

It was a hot and humid match with the mall having not yet opened so the Air Con was not on. The second game alone lasted close to 50 minutes with Peter winning it 12/10, and then the third 11/2.

Peter finished at around 10.30am then he had a few hours' rest before he was due to play his final with Tarek Momen at 3pm.

Tarek, the defending champion, didn’t start as well as he would have liked always being a few points behind in the opening game, Barker winning 11.5.

In the second it was similar with Barker leading all the way but then when Barker got to 9 points he hit three unusual errors and Tarek took advantage to win the game 11.9, the first time Tarek had let at any point in the match.

The third was close up until the midpoint of the game when Barker broke clear to win 11.5.

In the fourth with Tarek now with his back against the wall could he respond? Unfortunately not as Barker ran out an easy winner 11.3 to win his first CIMB Malaysian Open title.

Peter “it was a good day for me to beat Borja and Tarek in the same day is just great, I will take a flight home tonight arriving back in London tomorrow where I will look forward to celebrating with my family.”

The Women’s final was a repeat of last year’s final between current World number one and World champion Dato Nicol David playing CIMB Malaysian Open defending champion Raneem El Weleily.

In last year’s final Raneem probably played the match of her life could she repeat that performance in this year’s final.

Nicol looked determined today and a very large vocal crowd had turned up to watch her play the final, it was the busiest I have seen the venue with lots of people wanting to get a glimpse of Nicol.

Nicol started better with Raneem almost playing catch up throughout the whole opening game. Raneem was hitting more tins than winners and that was the story throughout most of the match. Nicol won the opening two games 11.8 and 11.7.

In the third Nicol started well taking a lead to 8.3 then converting this to 10.3. Raneem wasn’t quite finished as she started to fight back but it wasn’t enough as Nicol won the game 11.5.

Nicol: “It’s great to win it this time around, finally got a good win in Malaysia after a year. It’s such a great feeling, this was one of the biggest crowds ever in the Malaysian Open, they were just roaring throughout the match.

“With Raneem having a big match yesterday I think she maybe just felt it a little bit today, I just had to take advantage of that and really come in firing, not letting anything get past me.

“I’m just happy to win it three-love!”

DRAWS & RESULTS

Photo Gallery
by M Roslan

11/4, 11/6, 3/11, 11/5 (56m)

 [6] Low Wee Wern

12/10, 11/7, 11/6 (42m)

[10] Camille Serme

11/8, 11/7, 11/6 (34m)

11/8, 9/11, 11/3, 11/9 (50m)

[16] Sarah-Jane Perry

4/11, 11/4, 11/8, 11/5 (39m)

[3] Raneem El Weleily

8/11, 11/9, 12/10, 10/12, 11/9 (78m)

[2] Laura Massaro

12/14, 11/9, 11/8, 8/11, 11/3 (69m)

[2] Laura Massaro

Quarter-finals onward at The Curve shopping mall

10-Sep, Qualifying:

Nicolette Fernandes (Guy) 3-1 Teh Min Jie (Mas)    11/9, 11/7, 7/11, 11/0 (34m)
Lisa Aitken (Eng) 3-0 Melody Francis (Aus)                     11/6, 11/6, 11/2 (22m)
Delia Arnold (Mas) 3-1 Liu Tsz Ling (Hkg)            11/6, 10/12, 11/5, 11/4 (42m)
Misaki Kobayashi (Jpn) 3-0 Nazihah Hanis (Mas)             11/2, 11/7, 11/3 (18m)
Heba El Torky (Egy) 3-1 Megan Craig (Nzl)          11/2, 12/10, 4/11, 11/7 (49m)
Emma Beddoes (Eng) 3-0 Tong Tsz-Wing (Hkg)              11/9, 11/7, 11/3 (35m)
Siyoli Waters (Rsa) 3-0 S Sivasangari (Mas)                   11/9, 11/4, 11/7 (26m)
Latasha Khan (Usa) 3-0 Zulhijah Binti Azan (Mas)           11/9, 11/2, 11/7 (25m)

6/11, 11/7, 9/11, 11/9, 11/5 (69m)

[4] Tarek Momen

11/5, 9/11, 11/5, 11/3 (70m)

[2] Peter Barker

11/9, 12/10, 11/2 (99m)

[2] Peter Barker

Quarter-finals onward at The Curve shopping mall

11-Sep, Qualifying Finals:

Abdullah Al Mezayen (Kuw) 3-0 Ivan Yuen (Mas)               11/9, 11/9, 11/9 (44m)
Omar Abdel Meguid (Egy) 3-2 Max Lee (Hkg) 11/13, 6/11, 11/7, 14/12, 12/10 (99m)
Omar Abdel Aziz (Egy) 3-1 Muhd Asyraf Azan (Mas)   9/11, 11/4, 11/7, 11/9 (99m)
Mazen Hesham (Egy) 3-2 Alan Clyne (Sco)      9/11, 13/15, 11/8, 11/4, 11/6 (56m)

10-Sep, Qualifying Round One:

Abdullah Al Mezayen (Kuw) 3-0 Addeen Idrakie (Mas)      11/6, 11/4, 11/5 (30m)
Ivan Yuen (Mas) 3-2 Elvinn Keo (Mas)        11/9, 10/12, 8/11, 12/10, 11/6 (77m)
Omar Abdel Meguid (Egy) 3-2 H'pal Sandhu (Ind)  11/4,8/11,12/10,10/12,8/4 rtd? (95m)
Max Lee (Hkg) 3-0 Valentino Bong (Mas)                          11/6, 11/1, 11/5 (28m)
Omar Abdel Aziz (Egy) 3-1 Zahed Mohamed (Egy)     11/8, 3/11, 11/4, 11/5 (48m)
Muhd Asyraf Azan (Mas) 3-1 Sanjay Singh (Mas)      10/12, 11/9, 11/7, 11/9 (63m)
Mazen Hesham (Egy) 3-0 Hannan Tarmidi (Mas)                 11/4, 11/9, 11/5 (23m)
Alan Clyne (Sco) 3-0 Ammar Altamiimi (Kuw)                   11/8, 14/12, 11/7 (40m)

Semi-finals day at the Curve Shopping Mall in KL saw both defending champions squeeze out wins to return to the Malaysian Open final, victory for the home favourite still looking for her first World Series title of 2013, and a match that was completed on Sunday morning.

14-Sep, Semis:

[3] Raneem El Weleily (Egy) 3-2 [2] Laura Massaro (Eng)
             8/11, 11/9, 12/10, 10/12, 11/9 (78m)

[1] Nicol David (Mas) 3-0 [10] Camille Serme (Fra)
             12/10, 11/7, 11/6 (42m)

[2] Peter Barker (Eng) 3-0 [3] Borja Golan (Esp)
            11/9, 12/10, 11/2  (99m) completed on Sun morning

[4] Tarek Momen (Egy) 3-2 Chris Simpson (Eng)
               6/11, 11/7, 9/11, 11/9, 11/5 (69m)

Andrew Cross reports

The CIMB Malaysian Open 2013 at the Curve Damansara saw eight players competing for four places in the final of this event.

Raneem El Weleily and Laura Masssaro were first onto the court, this match being between the World number 3 and the World number 2.

Laura began better leading 3.0 before Raneem levelled up at 4.4, they were then level up to 8.8 but not at any stage did Raneem hold the advantage. At 8.8 a flick and two tins from Raneem gave Laura the opening game.

It was a similar story in the second again Laura leading before Raneem took her first lead at 6.5, then she moved to 8.5. Two good volleys from Laura and another error from Raneem had Laura level at 8.8 but it was Raneem who managed to win the game 11.9.
 
The third was now crucial for both players Laura boasting probably a bit more than she would have liked to but Raneem got the lead at 9.5 before Laura came back to win most of the next rallies and we were level at 10.10. Raneem did well though to win the next two points.
Laura was now looking to keep her tournament hopes alive and she did just by nicking the fourth 12.10.

The fifth is now crucial but this is great squash as both girls look for a chance to start their season in a great way.

It's point for point all the way but in the end its Raneem the defending champion that wins 11.9.

Laura “Raneem played really well, Obviously disappointed to lose but she is so talented and if you don’t play the right tactic you get punished.”

Raneem “That was really close but I wanted to give it everything to get the win. Yes I love it here in Malaysia.”

Dato Nicol David was next on court playing Camille Serme and this was another match of good quality. Camille used a good tactic of just lifting the ball nice and high playing at a slightly slower tempo and this really kept her in the match.

In the first she held game ball but then she hit three tins in a row to lose out 12.10.

In the second game Camille continued with her tactic and it was working for her just losing out 11.7. In the third the French woman now becoming a little bit physically tired was a bit off the pace losing 11.6.

Camille “Im happy with the way I played this week, obviously disappointed to lose but I felt a bit tired today.”

Nicol (after reaching the final for the 11th time in a row) “ Pleased to win in three games Camille is a fighter and is coming on strong so I needed to be sharp and alert. I’m pleased to be in the final and I’ll give it my best tomorrow.”

Borja Golan and Peter Barker were next onto court, with this being long demanding squash. The opening game was long and hard with Barker winning it 11.9.

At the beginning of the third with Barker leading 3.1 Borja swung and on the follow through caught Peter on the nose causing blood to flow and it seems Peter has fractured his nose.

They are supposed to play tomorrow morning at 9am.

So to the final match of the evening Chris Simpson taking on Tarek Momen. Chris began better getting onto the ball the same as last night and Tarek always going short with his favourite backhand drop but Chris was always in front of him.

Chris won the opening game 11.6 but Tarek changed it a little bit in the second finding better length and he won the second 11.7.

Again the third game becomes crucial but Chris manages to play better and restore his one game advantage 11.9. In the fourth Tarek took a big lead but Chris really dug in and began clawing away at it and soon he was level at 9.9 but he couldn’t quite convert.

In the fifth it was a good start by Tarek that he was never going to lose, to be fair to Chris though he never threw in the towel and won five points but lost of 11.5.

Tarek “He has improved a lot and he was very sharp and his drives were glued to the wall. Me and Raneem really scared everyone today so we will see what happens tomorrow.”

Chris “first competition of the season its a great start for me, would have loved to have made the final but need to take the positives from it. I got the tactics right for four games but then I got a bit tired and my mind went but credit to Tarek.

"I would like to thank the crowd for their fantastic support this week.”

DRAWS & RESULTS

Photo Gallery
by M Roslan

 KL in YOUR time

Borja Golan 3-1 Karim Abdel Gawad

Borja Golan the current World number 9 was first onto the glass court at the beautiful venue of the Curve shopping mall taking on World number 20 Karim Abdel Gawad. Borja started the opening part of the game better leading 3-1 but having taken a slip in the front backhand early on tried to make sure each step he made to the front he was secure on.

Gawad steadied up in the middle part of the game with the rallies becoming longer and longer, they were now level in the game, 7.7, 8.8 then Gawad got in front and managed to win the opening game with Borja hitting the top of the tin on a drop and honestly calling it down. In the second again its close and its long no one really wanting to give each other a few points advantage, this time its Borja that manages to win the second.

In the third Borja gets the better start again to 3.1 but it is soon level at 4.4 and soon behind at 6.5. A missed trickle boast from Gawad levels up the scores at 6.6 but Gawad now seems to have hurt his ankle requesting a three minute injury break. After this Borja was looking to seize the initiative and took a couple of points lead.

The match was now getting a little bit scrappy lots of lets now occurring especially down the backhand wall. Borja won the third on two strokes. In the fourth they were level to 5.5 then Borja broke clear to 10.5 before winning the game 11.5 to progress to the semis. A long match this at 104 minutes in warm conditions in the mid afternoon.

Laura Massaro 3-2 Joelle King

This is a tough quarter final between Laura the current World number 2 and Joelle the World number 5. Laura starts better leading 5.1 and then moving to 9.3, Joelle crunches some big cross courts to win two more points and a backhand drop to 6.9. In the next rally she holds then drives on the forehand side getting back to 7.9 then a cross court to the forehand and one to the backhand draws her level at 9.9.

Laura hits a winner back to 10.9 but then a drop shot by Joelle again draws her level at 10.10, Joelle steps forward onto the volley playing a delicate cross court drop for game ball, Laura responds with a backhand winning drop from mid court. In the next rally Laura seemed to have a certain stroke from my angle in the front forehand not given by the referees. Joelle hits another winner for another game ball but Laura saves it with another backhand drop.

Joelle now with another drop to reach game ball, this time she is able to convert with yet another backhand drop into the forehand side. With the heavy rain the temperature has dropped a lot and its now a lot cooler in here.

The second is close to 6.6 each player trading points at the front of the court, lots of holds and flicks moving each other around the court. Joelle just got her nose in front at 9.8 then we have a slight break for the court cleaning. Laura trying to get clarification on a few things but as usual talking to the referee is no point as they don’t have any useful answers. Laura squeezes one tight down the forehand wall to level up at 9.9, a couple more tight shots won her the game 11.9.

At the beginning of the third game it sees one big rally with Joelle on the floor then standing up to retrieve a couple more shots before Laura eventually finished it off. Laura now leading 6.3 and then 8.5 yells out a big come on, she plays a very nice backhand drop for 9.5. Joelle responds with a forehand volley boast and then a forehand drop to get back to within two points at 7.9. but then misses a backhand volley drop to give Laura game ball, another error from Joelle means its now two games to one to Laura.

At 3.2 to Joelle in the fourth we have a quick break for Joelle to change shoes and after the restart she starts the better winning the next two points. Laura responds by winning the next two points but then misses one to give Joelle the lead at 6.4, now 7.4. Joelle wins the next couple of points to get to 9.4, Laura puts three good points together but Joelle plays a forehand trickle boast and manages to squeeze an error in the backhand corner for two games all.

In the fifth its Laura that starts well keeping it tight playing more working shots than winning shots focusing on placement and she is in front of Joelle all the time and within a couple of minutes its 11.3 and the match to Laura.

Laura Said “Joelle played well today I thought throughout the whole five games, In the opening games I kept boasting and Joelle was punishing me. I was slow to change this tactic but in the fifth I played well. It’s hot and humid on there and at some stages you feel lethargic.”

Peter Barker 3-1 Nafiizwan Adnan

Peter Barker now the highest ranked player left in the event was taking on local favourite Nafiizwan Adnan for a place in the semi finals. Barker began strongly moving the ball around the court making Wan do a lot of work. Whereas Wan was able to capitalise on the loose balls yesterday today things just didn’t quite work for him.

The pressure that Barker was providing was intense and when Wan had a chance he couldn’t quite decide what shot to play. Sometimes he would hit the ball back at himself or the tin. In the third game though Wan played much better and began to take the chances he was missing this meant he was now in the match and winning this game. He managed to build up a lead and close out the game.

In the fourth Barker was back to it keeping the intensity high and the pressure on Wan building up a 9-0 lead before Wan got his first point much to the delight of the crowd and himself. He got another point but Barker had soon wrapped up the match.

Raneem El Weleily 3-1 Jenny Duncalf

Raneem El Weilely was next on court against Jenny Duncalf, these two players having played 8 times before with Jenny holding the advantage in wins 5-3. Jenny started off well getting onto the ball nice and early looking for volleys keeping Raneem behind her and this won her the opening game. In the second it was Raneem that came out stronger stepping up the court and Volleying winning 11.3.

Now the third was crucial but Jenny couldn’t seem to get Raneem off the T or get a drive through to the back wall, therefore Raneem was just on the volley more often keeping the pressure on Jenny. Jenny was still competitive though despite usually being a few points behind losing 11.8. In the fourth game it was Raneem that continued her run getting to 5.1 before Jenny put some more points on the board.

Jenny was unlucky with a decision in the front forehand where she should have been awarded a stroke but the referees gave her a let. From this point on Raneem ran away with the game and the match. The defending champion moves on to the semi finals to play Laura Massaro.

Tarek Momen 3-0 Mazen Hesham

The Men’s defending champion Tarek Momen was next on court playing fellow Egyptian Mazen Hesham Ga Sabry. Tarek was not going to allow his younger opponent into the match being ready to cover the front of the court when he needed to as well as looking to cut off the lengths to the back of the court.

Tarek won the first game 11.3, then had a big lead in the second before Mazen began to find his range on the glass court with his short game but he was behind too far to catch up losing out 11.9. The third was a similar story its almost as if Tarek knew where the ball was going before Mazen had actually hit it, the third game 11.6 and the match in just 20 minutes.

Camille Serme 3-1 Sarah-Jane Perry

The next match was a lot closer than the previous men’s Camille Serme the recently crowned European champion from Belgium last week up against Sarah Jane Perry who is currently enjoying a career high of World Number 17.

In the opening game Camille won the first game 11.8 using good variation and height again after a boast. In the second Sarah got the better start leading 5.2 but Camille was fighting back and led 8.6, again a momentum swing as Sarah won it 11.9 in 14 minutes. In the third it was Camille that got the better start at 5.1 and then she progressed to win the game 11.3.

In the fourth game Sarah started better this time leading 5.3 before Camille levelled at 5.5. Sarah got a couple more points but then made a few easy tins and it was Camille who moved into the semis.

Chris Simpson 3-1 Saurav Ghosal

Saurav Ghosal and Chris Simpson were next onto the all glass court at the Curve to provide a top quality game of squash. Saurav seemed to settle a bit quicker than Chris leading during the first game and then winning it 11.6.

In the second again it was Saurav that built up a lead and he reached game ball at 10.7 but he was unable to convert any of them. What had been working before was now finding the top of the tin and he hit three in a row as Chris got back to 10.10. Chris then hit two winners to even up the games at one all.

Chris began the third now with some momentum keeping it tight and then going short just catching Saurav a little bit. Chris opened up a four point lead at 7.3 playing really well now keeping the ball tight on the wall especially at the front. Chris hit his first error for a while to bring Saurav to 5.7, but the squeezes an error from Saurav down the backhand side wall.

Now a huge rally at 8.7 ends in a stroke to Chris but then he catches the tin in the next one followed by sending Saurav the wrong way, game ball to Chris. Saurav this time squeezes one tight down the backhand but Chris is not to be denied in the next rally taking a two games to one lead. Can he get his first win over Saurav? In the fourth Saurav began better leading 3.0 and then 7.4 but Chris hung in there and began digging away at the lead clawing it back one by one.

Soon we were level and Chris had this look that he wasn’t going to lose. He was moving well getting forward anticipating what Saurav was going to do all the time as Saurav hit a tin off a high volley at match ball allowing Chris to move into the semis.

Nicol David 3-1 Low Wee Wern

Last match of the night sees the Malaysian public getting a good luck at the two current superstars of Malaysian Squash. With the music blaring out and seating being free it’s great to see so many people here to watch this. Of course it’s Dato Nicol David taking on Low Wee Wern in the climax of the evening. Nicol started better getting off to a rather large lead in the opening game playing well not really allowing Wee Wern into the match.

Keeping Wee Wern behind her and hitting some nice winners. The second began in the same way with Nicol getting to 5.3 but then Wee Wern began to absorb much better and lengthening the rallies seemed to work in her favour and although she lost the game she seemed to have something of a way into the match. Its now Wee Wern who is in the ascendency and by lengthening out the rallies she moves to 6.2 and then to 8.3. A couple more errors from Nicol and it was 11.3 to Wee Wern.

In the fourth it looked as though Wee Wern was struggling when behind 4.2 but then she hit a winner and Nicol hit a simple tin to let Wee Wern back in. The pace is relentless now and Wee Wern looks to be struggling as Nicol gets back her tow point advantage at 6.4, another long rally ends in a stroke to Nicol and soon its 9.5. Nicol is now punishing Wee Wern moving her to all the corners of the court and its 10.5 with a low cross court, Wee Wern misses a drop that puts Nicol in the semis.
 

DRAWS & RESULTS

Photo Gallery
by M Roslan

The morning started with the continuation of last night’s match that was stopped. We continued from 12.11 to Omar in the fourth, one rally then we were level at two games all.

The fifth (or first) starts with Max leading 3.0 good clean squash then we get back into the blocking and direct movement into the line of the ball. Now every point is contested, again more referee interaction but
the referees are not really doing anything, yes there is warnings but nothing more than that.

I'm not sure how many time a referee should warn before further punishment I was under the impression it was just once but this was definitely more than that.

Now we were getting three different  decisions from all three referees, one stroke for deliberate blocking, one let thinking Max could get the ball and one no let because he probably couldn’t see what was happening.

We were level at 8.8 then Max got clear to 10.8, an unbelievable volley boast from Omar that looked to be going down rolled out of the nick then he hit a winner. Actually Omar played his better squash when he was behind and probably had it won at 11.10 and had he not have blocked it was tight if Max would have got it.

In the end because of the block Max was awarded a let but Omar won it on the next point to move on to play Peter Barker tonight.
 

DRAWS & RESULTS

Omar Abdel Meguid (Egy) 3-2 Max Lee (Hkg)
      11/13, 6/11, 11/7, 14/12, 12/10 (99m)

The morning started with the continuation of last night’s match that was stopped. We continued from 12.11 to Omar in the fourth, one rally then we were level at two games all.

The fifth (or first) starts with Max leading 3.0 good clean squash then we get back into the blocking and direct movement into the line of the ball. Now every point is contested, again more referee interaction but
the referees are not really doing anything, yes there is warnings but nothing more than that.

I'm not sure how many time a referee should warn before further punishment I was under the impression it was just once but this was definitely more than that.

Now we were getting three different  decisions from all three referees, one stroke for deliberate blocking, one let thinking Max could get the ball and one no let because he probably couldn’t see what was happening.

We were level at 8.8 then Max got clear to 10.8, an unbelievable volley boast from Omar that looked to be going down rolled out of the nick then he hit a winner. Actually Omar played his better squash when he was behind and probably had it won at 11.10 and had he not have blocked it was tight if Max would have got it.

In the end because of the block Max was awarded a let but Omar won it on the next point to move on to play Peter Barker tonight.

11-Sep:
Day TWO - women's round one
Chan and Fernandes upset the seedings
Andrew Cross reports from KL

Today at the National centre Bukit Jalil saw all the best female players in the World take to the court to look to win one of the biggest tournaments at stake the CIMB Malaysian Open 2013.

Four female matches began proceedings with a rematch from the CIMB KL Open occurring with Laura Massaro playing Latasha Khan. Laura who was in fine form at the back end of last season was looking to continue that form into this year and she did this time beating Latasha in three games. Laura will play Nicolette Fernandes after she defeated Donna Urquhart in three games.

Nicolette said “today I played three solid games, good to get back into it after at the start of the season. Last time I lost to Laura so this time I want to do better and we will see what happens tomorrow.”

Annie Au from Hong Kong defeated wildcard entrant Rachel Arnold to advance to the second round. Annie started each game better never really allowing the youngster into the match. Annie will play Joelle King a semi finalist from the CIMB KL Open earlier this year started off beating Siyoli Waters in three comfortable games.

Defending champion Raneem El Weleily began her campaign against Joshana Chinappa from India, Raneem began well looking for the ball as early as possible getting onto cross courts as often as possible on the volley. Raneem won through in three games.

Dipika Pallikal from India started off with a tough opening match against Aisling Blake from Ireland. In the opening game Dipikia held a few points advantage from the midpoint of the game and progressed through to win it 11.5. In the second Aisling seemed to run through it pretty quickly but the third was crucial for both. Aisling got to 10.9 game ball first but then put two in the tin to give game ball to Dipika, Aisling got one point back to level up before Dipkia drilled her in the middle of the court. Game ball to Dipika and she converted this time to take the game 12.10. In the fourth Dipika held a lead at 9.7 but then put two easier ones in the tin before Aisling missed a backhand volley. A nice backhand trickle boast sealed the match for Dipika and a place in the second round.

Jenny Duncalf took the opening game against Line Hansen but then Line took the second 11.9 to even up at one game all. Jenny upset between the games began the third in an aggressive manor, although Line didn’t look comfortable with her leg. Jenny won the third 11.0 and then the fourth 11.4.

Sarah Kippax took the opening game against Rachel Grinham and held game balls in the second but Rachels famous backhand drop saved her and got her the second game on the tie break. The next two games were split and we were into a deciding fifth. Rachel began the fifth leading 6.2 but then Sarah levelled at 6.6. Rachel restored her lead getting to 9.6 then Sarah played a forehand drop to get back within two points. Rachel played an unbelievable volley looked like she was going to go back and take it then took it behind her and played it into the front forehand corner, at match point she played a forehand drop and that was the match to Rachel.

Joey Chan started off playing some of her best stuff against Madelline Perry, Joey took the opening game and then continued this in the second working the court using her boast effectively. In the third Madeline changed her game and this won her the third game but Joey came back to win the fourth for a place in the second round.

Joey said “played a bit more patient this time and at 2-0 up I relaxed a bit, but then I remembered what happened last time when I was 2-0 up against Alison in the CIMB KL open and lost 3-2. Usually I lost to Madeline in three games so this time its nice to win.”

Sarah Jane Perry played well to defeat Misaki Kobayashi in four games, a serve down in the second could be the only thing she did wrong. In the third Misaki got the ball away from Sarah’s racket and caused her some problems. Misaki won the third 11.4 and was close to four all in the fourth before Sarah put a string of points together to lead 9.5 and then won the fourth 11.6.

Alison Waters taking on Heba El Torky was taking place on court one, Alison began the better leading 7.2 converting this to 11.3. After this El Torky got her way back into the match just to lose out on the next two games by a couple of points.

Camille Serme playing Emma Beddoes was happening on court two, Emma began well winning the opening game but in the second I don’t think I counted a single error from Camille and with this she won the game 11.7. The third was close all the way but Camille got ahead 10.8 then Emma fluffed a return of serve into the tin to give Camille a 2.1 lead. In the fourth Camille got in front to lead 10.8 a long rally ended with Emma hitting a cross court volley nick followed by a Camille error levelled at 10.10.

Emma missed a backhand volley to give Camille a third match ball but this time Emma hit a lucky nick between front wall and sidewall leaving Camille on her knees. At this stage Emma’s legs looked like they were running on empty, but she just held on as Camille this time fluffed a return into the tin to leave us at two games all. In the fifth game Emma looked to have gone and she lost the fifth 11.5.

Low Wee Wern seemed to be building on her good form from the nationals by beating Emily Whitlock in the three games. Tomorrow she will play Kasey Brown after she defeated Delia Arnold in three games. Delia did have chances though to win every game and she started the second leading 5.1 but then saw this disappear losing out by just two points in every game.

The last two women’s matches saw Dato Nicol David set up yet another match with Omneya Abdel Kawy after Nicol defeated Lisa Aitken and Omneya beat Nour El Tayeb. Omneya was almost out having been match ball down to Nour but survived to come back and get through to the last 16.

Men's Qualifying Finals

Alan Clyne was the first onto court against Mazen Hesham with both of them having contrasting styles it would be interesting to see who would win. Mazen who loves to attack to the front of the court and Alan who loves to run every ball down, made for an interesting match. Also both came into the event in good form Alan having won last week in New Zealand with Mazen winning in India. Clyne won the opening game 11.9 and Mazen looked like he was going to level up at when leading 10.7 but he couldn’t quite do it seeming to get a bit casual and then lost it 15.13.

Mazen was not to be downhearted though as he began his fight back, the third was close but in the fourth Alan seemed to be tired. Mazen levelled up at two games all but Alan was fighting hard for every rally now up until 5.5 when Mazen won the next five points. Alan got one more point but Mazen finished it with a beautiful backhand drop into the front forehand nick, a nice way to end the match.

Asyraf Azan was hoping to be the third Malaysian into the men’s draw and having beaten Omar Abdel Aziz in this event last year seemed to stand a good chance. He won the first game before losing the second but then came back to win the third. Let’s just says it’s a scrappy match lots of referee interaction required and not the best advert for squash. In the fifth it cleaned up and suddenly some flowing squash Asyraf led 7.2 but Omar changed his game started hitting everything to the back of the court and came back to lead 9.7. It started getting a bit scrappy again but Omar eventually won 11.8 as Asyraf was awarded a no let.

The next match up in the Men’s match was interesting, Max Lee from Hong Kong against Omar Abdel Meguid from Egypt. Max had a very straight forward match compared to Omar who was on court three times longer than Max. Max was playing well in the first and reached game ball first but he then hit 3 tins in a row to give game ball to Omar, Max regained composure to win the game in the tie break. In the third game Omar was playing better and broke clear from 7.7 to 11.7.

In the fourth it all happened, point for point all the way to 10.10 Max having had a couple of match balls but unable to close it out. At game ball to Omar there is yet another collision and Max comes off worse with his nose bleeding stoppage of play for at least an hour. They will now continue their match tomorrow morning at 10am.

The talented Abdullah Al Mezayen beat local Ivan Yuen in three games, Abdullah is such a talent and when he has time on the ball he holds and has a variety of shots to use. Ivan is quick though and picked up a lot of shots to make it a close game.

DRAWS & RESULTS

Day ONE - qualifying
Andrew Cross reports from KL

Tuesday saw the start of the CIMB Malaysian Open at the National Centre Bukit Jalil, with some intriguing qualifying matches. The excitement that comes with the event and the buzz around the place makes the centre full of life.

Alan Clyne fresh from his win in New Zealand on Sunday began against last minute entrant Ammar Al Tamini from Kuwait. A last minute withdrawal from Ryan Cuskelly sees a slight change to the qualifying draw from the original. Alan keeps the intensity high and chases down the ball as much as he can and it was too much for the Kuwait player.

On the next court Mazen Hesham another player fresh from victory in India last week began against local Hannan Tarmidi. The Egyptian who just loves to pounce on to the ball at every opportunity kept the pace high which forced Hannan to hit tins. The Egyptian took the opening game 11.4 then led 10.5 in the second before Hannan caught up to 9.10. At this stage Mazen got his head back into gear and hit a cross court winner for the second game. In the third game Mazen continued to impress booking his place in the qualifying finals.

Next on was two big matches between Asyraf Azan and Sanjay Singh, two local players looking to advance to the last final stages of qualifying. In the opening game Asyraf led 9.6 but Sanjay fought back to win it in a tie break. In the second Asyraf was playing longer rallies and just took the second as well as the third. The fourth was again very close with Sanjay leading 9.8 before eventually losing out 11.9.
Omar Abdel Aziz was also playing fellow countryman Zahed Mohammed on the next court, Aziz is the higher ranked player and started better taking the opening game. In the second Zahed came back controlling the court looking for volleys as often as possible. In the third game Omar used his experience well keeping his younger compatriot off the middle and off the volley and this was effective for the next two games.

After this was Max Lee against Valentino Bong, Max is a good at making the court, finding the space with his shots. He made Valentino do a lot of work here covering all four corners of the court and eventually it was too much for Valentino to keep up and he seemed to be struggling with a leg injury.

Next to this match was Omar Abdel Meguid playing Harinder Pal Sandhu, Meguid another winner from last week this time in Tokyo. These two played in the semi finals of that event last week with Omar winning in three games. Today was completely different, Meguid won the first game by the same score as last week 11.4 but in the second Harinder changed his game got better width on cross courts and kept Meguid away from the middle and he was rewarded with the second game. The next two were scrappy to say the least with boy being won by either player 12.10. Lots of arguing with the referees now occurring, stoppages and players on the floor. At 8.4 in the fifth Harinder twisted his ankle and that was the end of that as he could no longer continue.

Onto the last two matches of the evening which saw three local players in action, Ivan Yuen playing Elvinn Keo and Addeen Idrakie playing last year’s quarter finalist Abdullah Al Muzayen. Abdullah who is so talented played well to beat Addeen in three rather comfortable games. The other match was much tougher both boys having arguments with the referees and to be fair they had a point. Not many decisions were correct and it led to a lot of frustrations from the players. At the end of the fourth Ivans ball looked down only two people saw it good and then Elvinn played a good drop which rolled out of the nick im pretty sure Ivan wouldn’t have got it but all three gave a let. In the fifth Elvinn cramped and Ivan won it 11.6.


In the Women’s event Siyoli Waters began rather sluggishly against local junior Sivasangari being behind for most of the game before she eventually got it right to win a tight opening game 11.9. The second was much more comfortable for her winning 11.4. Siyoli began the third in much better fashion leading 5.1 before Sivasangari put in a mini fight back to close the gap but it was not to be as Siyoli won 11.7. Siyoli will play Joelle King tomorrow for a chance in the last 16.

Latasha Khan also had a tight opening game against Zulhijah Azan just sneaking it 11.9, the same story as Siyolis match with the second game being very comfortable 11.2. The third was closer but Latasha never looked like losing, she will now play Laura Massaro in the main draw.

Heba El Torky started the first game the better winning it 11.2 just by getting onto the ball early and hitting some fast two wall boasts. In the second this continued up until 5.1 when Megan Craig then began to move forwards and clawed her way back into the match. From this point on it became a tight affair. Heba just won the second 11.9, but Megan won the third 11.4. The fourth was now crucial for both with lots of interference at the front, Heba just won it 11.8. I don’t think they will send each other a Christmas card.

Emma Beddoes played a consistent game to beat Hong Kong player Tong Tsz-wing in three games and is rewarded with Camille Serme tomorrow.

Misaki Kobayashi defeated another local junior Nazihah Hanis in three games to set up a match with Sarah Jane Perry tomorrow. Delia Arnold survived a slight wobble winning one love and having game balls in the second somehow lost. Delia did regroup to take the third and the fourth where she will play Kasey Brown tomorrow.

Lisa Aitken (billed as "England" for the first time) needed just three games to beat Melody Francis and her prize is to step on court with the current World Number one Nicol David tomorrow.

Nicolette Fernandes was playing Teh Min Jie in the last of the women’s qualifying match, this was a good game of squash lots of variation of pace and shots. Nicolette won the opening game just 11.9 and then from 7 all in the second broke clear to go two games up. In the third game it was Min Jie who held it together slightly better to take it 11.6 and hopefully a chance in the match. In the fourth game Nicolette stepped up the pace cut out all her errors and won it 11.0.


 

DRAWS & RESULTS

Malaysian Open Preview
Andrew Cross reports from KL

Nicol aims for first 2013 World Series win

The CIMB Malaysian Open will kick start the new season for a lot of the World’s finest players descending on Malaysia. Dato Nicol David will be looking for her first title on the WSA tour this year but having won the World Games in Cali and the recently concluded Malaysian Nationals this tournament could come at the right time for the Queen of squash.

Her biggest rival at the moment Laura Massaro who was in some fine form at the back end of last season will look to continue her winning run against Nicol. Laura has successfully defeated Nicol in the CIMB KL Open semi finals and the British Open final to win both titles.

Nicol and Laura will both begin against Qualifiers in the first round. Last year’s CIMB Malaysian Open champion Raneem El Weleily will start against Joshana Chinappa from India. Raneem who was so impressive against Nicol in last year’s final will be looking to repeat that performance.

The draw looks very even with lots of good players in the top and bottom of the draw, should Nicol pass the first round she will come up against one of two Egyptian players Omneya Abdel Kawy or Nour El Tayeb. There is a possibility of a quarter final with Malaysian team mate Low Wee Wern if she can defeat Emily Whitlock in the first round and then Kasey Brown or a qualifier in the round of 16.

Low Wee Wern will be looking to build on her good performances in the Malaysian Nationals as well as having made the semi finals in this event last year.

In the next segment of the draw fourth seed Alison Waters will be the favourite to progress to the semi finals of the draw. Alison starts against a qualifier then will play French number one and European Champion Camille Serme or a qualifier. Also in that section are Madeline Perry and Joey Chan.

In the lower half of the draw the third quarter is full of players having made the draw and merit and there are no qualifying slots within this part of the draw. England’s Jenny Duncalf a runner up here on a few occasions will start against Denmark’s Line Hansen. The winner of this match will play Rachel Grinham or Sarah Kippax.

Aisling Blake who has improved a lot in the last couple of years and almost beat Omneya here earlier in the year will play rising Indian star Dipika Pallikal in the first round.

The last part of the draw seems pretty tough - Joelle King who made the semis in the CIMB KL open will play a qualifier first and then more than likely Annie Au. Annie starts against wildcard entrant Rachel Arnold and she will be hoping to make the most of the experience. Second seed Laura Massaro will play a qualifier first and will play Donna Urquhart or a qualifier in the second round.

Darwish hoping for KL repeat

In the Men’s event we are extremely pleased to have four of the top ten men playing in this event and it is extremely difficult again to pick a winner.

Top seed Karim Darwish will be looking for back to back wins in Malaysia after winning the CIMB KL open in March earlier this year. In the first round he will take on Chris Simpson from England.

Chris who is enjoying his highest ever World Ranking of 25 will be hoping to spring a surprise in the opening round. The winner of this match will take on Indian number one Saurav Ghosal or a qualifier in the second round. Olli Tuominen will start against a qualifier and the Finn will be looking to match or improve his quarter final performance from last year.

A huge first round match will occur between Cameron Pilley and fourth seed Tarek Momen. Tarek Ranked 10 in the World and Cameron 13 should have a very tight first round match but in their last meeting in the Kuwait cup earlier this year it was Tarek who won in three games.

There will be another very tough opening match between Borja Golan and Omar Mosaad, these two players are separated by just two positions in the rankings. Borja who currently enjoying his highest world ranking is slightly higher at World Number 9 will have it hard against Omar at World number 11. The winner could potentially face Karim Abdel Gawad or a qualifier in the quarter finals.

An all Malaysian clash between the current top two players in the country and a repeat of the TC Nationals final from a couple of days ago will see Ong Beng Hee playing Nafiizwan Adnan in the first round. This will be a keenly contested match with Beng Hee having emerged the winner in the nationals.

The winner of this match will take on second seed Peter Barker or a qualifier in the quarter finals. Peter who having won a big PSA event in Columbia a couple of weeks ago defeating Omar Mossad in the final will be looking to add to his trophy cabinet this week.

Qualifying will by no means be easy for anyone with a few dark horses in there who could spring some surprises in the first rounds. Alan Clyne made a semi final a couple of years ago in this event before losing to eventual winner Gregory Gaultier. Abdullah Al Mezayen made the quarter finals here last year before losing to Nicholas Mueller in five games.

Top seed in qualifying Ryan Cuskelly is the favourite to progress into the main draw and he will look to progress past the first round of this event for the first time. He is currently enjoying his highest world ranking at number 27. Omar Abdel Meguid won in Japan last week will be looking to make impressions in this bigger event along with fellow Egyptian Mazen Hesham.

The Malaysian press started its coverage of the event early, along with the build up to the Olympic decision by getting squash full pages of coverage in the papers. We would like to thank them for their continued support and fantastic coverage that they give us.


 

DRAWS & RESULTS