26-Aug:
Fathi wins marathon final in Nottingham
Josh Taylor reports

MANTIS Fantasy Squash Graded Final
Lewis Walters vs Raphael Kandra

To start proceedings tonight, and to build up to the grand final later on, was the final of the Graded event held earlier that day. This featured to top players, local boy Lewis Walters and he was up against the one seed for the PSA who unfortunately got knocked out in the quarters, Raphael Kandra.

This was an entertaining match played in a best of three format. In the first game it was a very tight contest, which Raphael just took with poor mistakes from Lewis at the crucial point in the match. Lewis then took the second back to set up the decider. In the third game with some great squash on show Raphael came out the victor.

Exhibition
Featuring; Lewis Walters, Oliver Holland, Declan James, and Chris Fuller

Next of the build up events featured a pure shootout. The four players where to play three, five minuet matches, and winner was the person with the most points in the time. To spice it up there was a prize of £50 to the winner.

This was an all out encounter with some fast and furious squash. All players going for winners from everywhere. After everyone had played each other it end a tie, between Lewis Walters and Chris Fuller. This meant one thing a straight one-point winner takes all contest. After a long rally with many attempts at outright winners, the ball burst. This resulted in a let, and they where made to play with the burst ball. With some amusing squash being played Lewis was the eventual winner, and £50 richer!

MANTIS Fantasy Squash PSA Final
Zahed Mohammed v Karim Ali Fathi

With both players in fine form heading into this encounter, showing some great squash in their previous encounters, we knew we would be in store for a thriller; and it was!

For an 1h44 the players battled it out, at some of the fastest tempo squash I have ever witness on court 10, here at one of the most prestigious squash clubs in the country.

The first they came flying out at a ridiculous tempo. This went towards Karim at 11-5; the squash on display was of the highest level. In the second Zahed looked to up his game and the score line reflected this, at 11/6 to Zahed. In the third game Zahed continued in great form winning 11/7.

Then in the fourth having started out well Zahed then suffered a serious cramp. This was where the match swung to Karim. Karim then took the forth 11/8. In the fifth they both came out showing no sine of wanting to give in. It was neck and neck all the way.

At 10-10 it was still looking like it could go on until one of them well and truly broke. In the end Karim nudged it 14/12. This was a great spectacle, that words can’t really describe a true treat for a packed out Nottingham crowd.

“That was brutal, absolutely brutal! He is a really tough player and I had to stick to my game plan to win. At a 1h40 it is the longest match I have ever played. All respects to him.

"Really happy with that win hopefully it will take my ranking up again. Hopefully this will be back bigger so I can come back and play again. After 1-1 I thought I had lost the match, but I fought and get back to win 3-2. Thanks to Mark and the organisers.”

Karim Ali Fathi

“In the first game I didn’t play well. Second game I had a lot of attention on that game and we played some really long rallies. Third game I pushed on hard. Fourth game I was leading and then I got cramp, so I didn’t feel great from that point and struggled to play with same energy.

"This was an unlucky day for me. Karim also did play very well today, and it wasn’t an easy match. I am looking to be top 50 now, my next tournament is in Brazil and then Jordan, which I hope I can win!”

Zahed Mohammed
  

11/8, 3/11, 11/6, 11/3

[3] Zahed Mohamed

11/5, 6/11, 7/11, 11/8, 14/12 (104m)

[2] Karim Ali Fathi

11/3, 11/3, 11/8

[2] Karim Ali Fathi

22-Aug, Qualifying Finals:

Richard Birks (Eng) 3-0 James Simpson (Eng)                     11/8, 11/7, 11/6
Douglas Kempsall (Sco) 3-0 Neil Rossin (Eng)                      11/3, 11/2, 11/6
Rory Pennell (Eng) 3-2 Mark Fuller (Eng)           10/12, 11/2, 11/8, 4/11, 11/9
Adam Murrills (Eng) 3-0 Jonathan Geekie (Sco)                    11/6, 11/6, 11/7

21-Aug, Qualifying Round One:

James Simpson (Eng) 3-0 Josh Taylor (Eng)                           11/6, 11/3, 11/8
Richard Birks (Eng) 3-0 Matthew Sidaway (Eng)                      11/8, 11/5, 11/5
Neil Rossin (Eng) 3-1 Dan Busby (Eng)                        11/6, 5/11, 11/5, 12/10
Dougie Kempsell (Sco) 3-1 Reuben Phillips (Eng)          12/10, 11/6, 9/11, 11/7
Rory Pennell (Eng) 3-0 George Parker (Eng)                        11/7, 11/8, 12/10
Mark Fuller (Eng) 3-1 Daniel Soar (Eng)                        11/9, 11/9, 7/11, 11/9
Jonathan Geekie (Sco) 3-0 Taminder Gata-Aura (Eng)            11/7, 11/7, 11/7
Adam Murrills (Eng) 3-1 Charlie Johnson (Eng)             12/10, 9/11, 11/6, 11/8

25-Aug:
Semi-finals in Nottingham

Josh Taylor reports

Zahed Mohammed 3-1 Tom Pashley

The Semi finals night was eagerly anticipated, with high hopes of some big matches to entertain a packed Nottingham crowd. First up for the crowd to cheer on was an Englishman who has been seen around the club quite a lot of late, in the form of Tom Pashley. He came into the encounter having dispatched in heroic fashion the number 1 seed Raphael Kandra. He was up against a young Egyptian on fine form, Zahed Mohammed.

The first game started well with some great squash coming from both players, and it was looking like Tom might push Zahed more than his previous opponents. In a close first game Zahed edged it 11/8. In the second game with more errors starting to creep from the racket of the Egyptian Tom took advantage taking a game back and leveling the match up at 1-1.

In the third game Zahed came back strong and less errors came from his part, leading to him winning the game 11/6. In the forth game Zahed showed some of the form he showed to progress this far playing some very strong winners to run away with it winning 11/3 and three games to one.

“This wasn’t an easy game. First game was very hard and I won that game. I didn’t play as well in the second game. He was mentally very strong in the second game.

In the forth game he was starting to look tired and I started to play more winners and that helped me finish it off.”

Zahed Mohammed

Karim Ali Fathi 3-0 Ben Coleman

This was looking like being more one side going on last nights results, however Ben is capable of upping his game to the level required to make this an interesting contest. From the off Karim looked very good hitting some great winners whilst maintaining a great length. This helped him run away with the first game and eventually winning 11/3.

In the second much was the same, winning again 11/3. In the third game we knew Ben would have to produce something special to pull this off. He came out looking a lot stronger and playing some better squash. However it wasn’t long before Karim built a lead.

This soon he converted with a bit of controversy at the finish and a stoppage due to a collision and sweat on the floor. This created a bit of suspense, but realistically only delayed the inevitable.

“Happy with the way I played today. Ben is a tough player and enjoyed playing him. I am looking forward to the final tomorrow. Last time we played it was tough game and went 3/2, looking forward to it and hopefully I can win it!”

Karim Ali Fathi

“Very frustrated, I felt like I had a lot more to show and he played well. I thought a few decision went against me but he was too good today, just to tight.”

Ben Coleman 

Tomorrow is looking like a showpiece final, and a showdown between two great Egyptian shot makers, this could be a great finish to what has been a great week of play. Who will be this year's champion though…
  

Quarter-Finals:

Raphael Kandra v Tom Pashley

From the start of the game it was looking like it could go more in the favour of Kandra given the difference in time spent on court last night by the two players. However this wasn’t going to be the case. After a great start from Raphael taking the first game 11/7, Pashley struck back to level it at 1 game apiece.

After a great start by Pashley in the third, taking a 5-1 lead, Kandra then pinned him back, however Pashley clung on for a 12/10 win in that game. The forth was also very tight, however Pashley came out on top winning three games to one.

“I am really happy with that result tonight. Especially pleased with the way I played after the first game where he had me under the cosh for most parts!

"After that I picked up my accuracy and started to control the game more and this allowed me to use my short game to real effect. Overall really happy to get across the line.”

Tom Pashley

Karim Ali Fathi v Sebastiaan Weeknink

Fathi started well in first, with some great shots coming from both players. The game was played throughout at a high pace. However Sebastiaan matched this in the second game as Karim lost some structure to his game.

In the third there was a bit of contention between the players, but Karim came out on top, and used this to his advantage to take the next two games. Winning the match, 11/8 9/11 11/8 11/5.

“Karim played well in the first, then lost his length in the second then had to battle hard to get it back together, beginning to get it back together in the end of the third.

"There was a bit of a altercation at the end of the third which disturbed Sebastiaan, and his concentration levels seemed to drop and he was still think about it in the forth game, and Karim ran away with it relatively comfortably.”

Phil Whitlock

23-Aug:
Round One in Nottingham

Josh Taylor reports

It was a mixed day for the Nottingham boys in the first round of the Mantis Open, where the four seeded players all made it through to the quarters.

Nottingham's Ollie Holland came from 2/1 down to beat Michael Harris in five, but Declan James fell just short as he lost out 3/1 to Sebastiaan Weenink in the longest match of the day.

Raphael Kandra v Steve London

Steve started off well in the first game with some great shots, while Kandra was still sizing up his opponent. In the second game Kandra started to show some dominance in the match showing his strength and ability to read the game.

This only continued and seemed to be one-way traffic that Steve was up against. Despite this Steve still showed in patches some great squash, none of which that could really mount up to anything though.

“I didn’t feel that comfortable in first bit of the match, it took me some while to get in and play the way I can. I felt he played really well today and was getting me out of position. I felt better as it went on in the match. Hopefully I will now be ready to progress further in the competition.”

Raphael Kandra

Tom Pashley v Adam Murrills

Meanwhile over on court 8 a bit more of a battle was in full flow. Adam took the lead with some great attacking and fast fire squash.

The rallies being produced in this match were of the highest quality throughout. Coming back on in the third game Pashley looked to hit a better length and this saw him crawl it back to 2-2 before finishing the match off in style 11/4 in the 5th.

“Tough match today against Adam, I found myself 2-0 down, then I changed my game looking to apply more pressure to the back corners and I got rewards for this. I am pleased with the way I competed and I am looking forward to tomorrow!”

Tom Pashley

Zahed Mohamed v Rory Pennell

Some fabulous shot making was on show in this game, every time I seem to go back another rolling nick seemed to come from one of the players rackets, usually Zahed’s though it must be said. The young Egyptian won convincingly overall 11/3 11/4 11/5.

“Just flat as a pancake”

Rory Pennell

Ben Coleman v Douglas Kempsall

This match saw young qualifier Douglas Kempsall up against Ben Coleman. With some very long rallies being displayed this look a good test for Coleman.

However, he managed to pull through unscathed and through to a next round meet against Richard Birks.

“Tough first match this, he was much better than I had thought he was going to be. He was very strong a quick around court and made it hard to end rallies. I felt at times I rushed it and went short to early.

"First tournament back this, bit nervous but that went as I got into it. I am enjoying my squash at the moment so hopefully I can go well here!”

Ben Coleman

22-Aug:
Qualifying finals in Nottingham
Josh Taylor reports

Three Englishmen and one Scot won through to the main draw on Day Two of the Mantis Open at The Park ...


Richard Birks 3-0 James Simpson

After a great start to the tournament yesterday, first up was James Simpson and Richard Birks, in front of the fine Nottingham Crowd.

From tight exchanges in the early part of the first game, at 6-6 Richard made his break to take the end of the first clinically.

A similar pattern occurred in the second game, giving Richard a 2-0 lead. In the third Richard took advantage from the off, and finished the tall Simpson off three games to love.

Douglas Kempsall 3-0 Neil Rossin

This was a more one sided with the very steady and Kempsall looking very convincing. With very little errors coming from Kempsall’s racket, making it very hard work for the local hero of yesterday night.

In the end Kempsall came out convincing winner 11/2 11/3 11/6.

“Felt quite good to start with, but my grinding style was nullified by the error less Douglas Kempsall.” Neil Rossin

Rory Pennell 3-2 Mark Fuller

This was the match that produced the most drama of the night. In the first game Fuller took a 10-3 lead, this soon diminished back to 10-10, at which point the home crowd where on the edge of their seats. Luckily fuller held on for a 12-10 win.

In the second game Fuller seemed to not show up at all as Rory took the game convincingly 11-3. Normal service was resumed in the third with a tight game going in Fullers favor. However much like the second game a more one sided affair in the four going to Rory.

However Fuller never one to give up hope came out all guns blazing in the fifth game, taking a 5-3 lead and giving him a two point cushion. However the game then swung in the favor of Rory and he went to 10-7 up, giving him 3 match balls.

Then Fuller struck back with an uncharacteristic crosscourt nick off the serve in an Amr Shabana fashion. At 9-10 Rory finished it off with a long rally to finish the match 3-2.

Adam Murrills 3-0 Jon Geekie

This match allowed the crowd to come down a bit after the nerves of the previous match. Adam look comfortable throughout and won fairly straight forwardly three games to love. This sees him and the rest of the boys through to tomorrow's play.

Overall though another great night of squash on display! Bring on 1st Rounds!
 

21-Aug:
Qualifying round one in Nottingham
Josh Taylor reports

Plenty of locals in action for the Nottingham crowd to get behind on day one of the Mantis Open at The Park ...

James Simpson 3-0 Josh Taylor

First on court to start proceedings here at Nottingham was young local player Josh Taylor up against James Simpson. Despite playing some good squash in patches Josh wasn't consistent enough to pose a serious threat throughout, losing 3-0.

Richard Birks 3-0 Matt Sidaway

Meanwhile on court 7 Richard Birks showed a consistent and accurate performance that pulled through against Matt Sidaway, who just made too many mistakes a crucial points, thus losing 3-0.

Neil Rossin 3-1 Dan Busby

Next on court 10 was another local in the form Neil Rossin, this time facing Dan Busby fresh back from Australia.

In the first Dan hit a showcase of crosscourt tins, these however dried up in the 2nd to level it. In the third the tins returned giving Neil the chance of a heroic win, at 5-0 up things where looking more promising.

However Dan fought back and at 10-9 lots of let's ensued, with Rossin coming out the other side 3-1 victor.

"Very pleased with how I played and looking forward to a rematch against Douglas Kempsell," said Neil. "The support from the home crowd help pulled me through!"

Douglas Kempsall 3-1 Reuben Phillips

Over on court 7 another tight game between Reuben Phillips and Douglas Kempsell. Douglas played well to go 2-0 up then Reuben came back into it to take it to 2-1. Then following some tight exchanges Douglas finally took the game and match 3-1.

"Tough game, long rallies and steady squash, especially the first," said Kempsall. "I had to keep the tempo high. Slight loss of concentration in the third and drop to his tempo."

Mark Fuller 3-1 Dan Soar

Local hero and tournament organiser Mark Fuller was the next man up to face Dan Soar. After winning the first two 11-9, Dan came back to take the 3rd, for Mark to then come back and win the next 11-9 again to take the match 3-1.

Rory Pennell 3-0 George Parker

This was another tight affair. Experience brought Rory through against the young Leicester lad who just struggled to finish it off at the end of each game losing 3-0.

Jon Geekie 3-0 Taminda Gatu Aura

Jon Geekie against Taminda was a similar affair with the younger opponent just struggling to finish it off when it mattered. Overall though it was a scrappy game, with a lot of mistakes being shown with Jon winning 3-0.

Adam Murrills 3-1 Charlie Johnson

Last on, on day one was a tough match between Adam Murrills and Charlie Johnson. This was a tough contest with some high quality squash coming from both competitors. Murrills ended as 3-1 victor.

Overall it was a great start to proceedings here at Nottingham, with what looks like some great squash to be on show tomorrow.