Nash Cup 2015
14-19 Sep, London, Ontario, Canada, $15k+$5k
19-Sep, Men's Final:
Declan makes it three in a row
It’s been an incredible week at London Squash Club. The amateur
draws were played to a conclusion and everybody was ready for a
spectacular men’s final!
Both Players have been in top form this week and the club was packed
for the match. Jay Nash whipped up the crowd with his special
challenge 90mins match .
This includes top players in London playing with the tour pro’s
having to complete upto 50 crazy challenges during the rallies ..for
example drinking beer while playing the rally(and not spilling
any!), playing shots of the grip etc ….One highlight of the evening
,after the match and when the beerpong tournament was in full flow,
was Abdullah agreeing to let one of the pro ladies give him a
shave!! He came down for the tournament SMOOTH !!!!:))
Declan James 3-0 Abdulla Te Tamimi by Nicolaa Crich
At the start its quite surprising that Declan isn’t using his
immense reach to his advantage, by not looking for the volley at
every moment he allows Abdulla to gain control of the game at 9-7,
but suddenly Declan wakes up to this and storms through to take the
game 11-9.Will he remember this for the next???
Abdulla is making way to many errors, because of his shooting for
the nick at inopportune moments! The game is obvious, when Abdulla
can move Declan off the T he wins, when Declan volleys and holds the
T he wins!! We have a cat and mouse 2nd game, going point for point
until eventually Declan pulls out the game 13-11 on his 3rd game
ball.
At 2-0 its going to be a huge task for Abdulla to mount a comeback.
It has to be noted how efficient and smooth the movement is from
Abdulla. In the 3rd Declan is in control and is looking like a 3-0.
At 6-4 Abdulla dives and slides across his hand going for the ball
in vain .This results in a timely blood injury timeout. Who will it
favour? Declan!! He shoots to 10-4!
All credit to Abdulla he keeps fighting for every ball, back to 10-7
when Declan closes out his 2nd PSA victory in 10days! We have a new
champion. Was great to see athletes of this level and was n amazing
final!
Abdullah: It was great to be in the final. I was actually
pretty nervous, it’s my biggest Final of my career so far. Declan
played amazing, he volleyed so much and controlled the T. He
retrieved everything I threw at him – so all credit to him. It’s
been a great week, I’m going in the right direction and it’s a great
start to the season.
Declan:
Last week was my biggest win ever in a 10k, and 1 week later I
surpassed it! It’s been a great 2 weeks, the best in my career so
far! After two 90mins matches I was pretty tired this morning. But
my practice went great this afternoon, so I was ready to go.
My game plan was so important tonight, I had to volley and close out
his angles by keeping it very straight. If I gave Abdullah angles
then he is unbeatable for me! When I stuck to my plan I was winning,
when I didn’t then he was winning!!!! It’s been a perfect start to
the season and the last 2 weeks should help me rise into the mid
40’s world ranking and I can start to look to the top 30.
I really want to build on this momentum. I love the Nash Cup, have
played for a few years never progressing past the quarters; and now
I’m the winner. The club and members here are amazing and look after
us soooooo well. Great week and great tournament.
Wow, what a night. This small but vibrant club was packed to the
rafters and absolutely buzzing. The amateur draw also kicked in
tonight, so if you want to know what busy is, then you should have
been at London Squash & Fitness club tonight.
Jay Nash, the sponsor, was in his element tonight. He loves the
level, the squash, the social side, the marketing side of this
event. He loves the microphone, and rightly so!! The players and the
public respond with total enthusiasm.
I personally, heard that the matches were amazing, but never saw a
point! When a club is this busy and ooooing and awwwing it makes you
realise what a great “Olympic” game we all play and love!
Declan James 3-2 Richie Fallows
by Jasan Boparai
High quality 1st game by both players. RF got some good nicks and
was helped by a few unforced errors from DJ.. Summed the game up for
DJ as he broke his strings! In the 2nd DJ played a very effective
defensive game, the quality was so high that it caused RF to lose
the plot a little bit!. Both players displayed a high standard of
squash.
While Richie played with a lot of emotion, Declan persevered and won
with his cool, clinical precision. Many of the spectators are
learning the ins and outs of squash at this level. It’s like many
things an opinion doesn’t make you an expert! But these boys are
true athletes and is incredible to see them play squash at a
mind-blowing level.
Good luck to DJ tomorrow.
LADIES FINAL…. Maria Toorpakai Wazir 3-2 Millie Tomlinson
by Jeff
Tudhope
And it is down to this. Wazir (Pakistan) vs Tomlinson (England) for
all the marbles …at least for all the marbles available in the 2015
Nash Cup. Wazir is looking to avenge a 4 game loss to Tomlinson at
the Liberty Bell Open in January 2015. There will be magic (not
Egyptian) tonight!
Game 1 starts with a torrid pace and Tomlinson comes out ahead
early. Maria grows frustrated with her performance and is unable to
overcome mistakes. The first game goes to Tomlinson but it is close
and this match can still be won by either of these tenacious ladies.
An arduous first game seems to have taken nothing from these two
ladies as game 2 starts out with more fast paced action. Maria seems
to have fixed her mistakes and she controls the entire game and
evens the match at a game apiece. Wow, what a battle!
Game 3 is a bit closer. Tomlinson seems to have the better length
and movement. Millie is hitting it consistently to the back corners
and wins a close 3rd game to take the lead. The crowd is enthralled.
In game 4 Maria is firing back with an enthusiasm not yet seen in
the match. Millie is looking perplexed and can't overcome Maria's
pace, losing the 4th game. We are going to 5 folks!
Maria came out on fire in game 5 and stretched to an early 5-2 lead
but Millie isn't done and in a blink it's 5-4. A couple
controversial calls give Millie the 5-6 lead but Maria ain't havin'
dat and before we know it the game is 6 all. Many lets later it's
still 6 all. Finally a rally ends in a point and Maria takes a 9-7
but Millie closes it to 8-9 on a stroke. Now 9-all when maria tins
her serve return! And now a 10-9 match ball for Maria after a stoke.
Oddly this 5th game has become more about strokes and lets than
shots. Maria serves match ball and an out ball by Millie on the
serve return awards Maria the championship!
Maria: What a final, this is what the fine people of
London, Ontario, Canada pay for!
What can you say about the match tonight? It was a great match and she is a great player and a friend. On
court it looks like It is a battle but we are friends off court but
that is the way that sports should be.
What do you feel like tonight did for your overall mission as a
squash player? The main thing is to represent my country of Pakistan and
Waziristan and to show that even though we have terrorism and other
problems in our country there are good people out there who can play
sport and do well in other ways.
There can be problems between east and west and we all know about
them but we can fix these problems. I feel that Toronto and Canada
is a family and now I feel like Pakistan and Canada are my two
motherlands.
Abdullah Al Tamini 3-1 Kristian Frost by Jasan Boparai
After losing the first game, Abdulla opened up his bag of tricks;
frustrating Kristian and went on to win the next three games. Both
players played superb squash;varying the pace of the game from hard
hitting volleys, to well controlled drop shots.
Most of the rallies were a treat to watch and both players played a
very sprited fair match..
17-Sep:
Seeds scattered in men's quarters
While top seeds Maria Toorpakay and Millie Tomlinson
made it through to the women's final in Ontario, men's quarter-final
night was full of upsets as seeds #4, #6, #7 and #8 made it
through to the semi-finals ...
Jay Francis Reports
Quite unusual, but good idea, the
Nash Cup tries to make sure that the ladies also get all the
attention they deserve and not get lost between some of the men’s
matches.
So we have an afternoon session solely for the ladies semi’s
including a BBQ for guests helping to raise money for student squash
programs. It’s mid-september but the weather is gorgeous and
touching 30degrees! The ladies have a pretty much full house all for
themselves.
Maria Toorpakai 3-0
Cyrielle Peltier by Jay Francis
The first game Cyrielle looked pretty stiff on her taped hamstring,
after last nights marathon match. Maria shows no mercy and powers
through to an 11-? Victory..2nd game is close but Cyrielle is still
not moving great. It was close upto 7-7 due to Cyrielle’s tenacity.
Maria suddenly shifts up a gear and with some great attacks to the
front powers through to an 11-7 win in the 2nd. Amazing start from
Maria to the 3rd and plays a xcourt drop from behind her into the
nick – was very shabanaesque!!
But a great response from Cyrielle using great boasts to move Maria
around and opens up a 5-2 lead. Maria starts using her hard quick
f/h drop more and more and powers through to a 8-6 lead. The finish
is in sight at 10-6 with Cyrielle struggling. But Cyrielle lets
loose and closes to 9-10, a slightly lucky nick at the back has
Cryielle on her bottom and the match is over…
Maria “I felt confident that I’d win. Never played her before and
that helped me focus. My shots were going well and where I was
nervous yesterday, today was great. Really happy to win in 3 games
and be fresh for tomorrow”.
Millie Tomlinson 3-0 Victoria Temple-Murray by Melina Turk
A series of let balls along the backhand wall started the 1st game.
VTM hits 3 winners to lead 5-4. However,a couple of errors by VTM
and some solid length by MT gives the game to Millie . VTM was
playing aggressive squash,taking her opportunities; but MT using
deep length and good width to minimalise opportunities….
MT playing more aggressively at the start of the 2nd to jump to a
5-1 lead. VTM still taking her shots into the front, but MT is
retrieving well. MT hits 2 volley drop winners to take an 8-1 lead.
Overall, MT controlling the points and moving well..comfortable
11-2……VTM working hard to try and control the T in the 3rd; but MT’s
length is too good. MT jumps to a 6-2 lead. VTM hits a beauty b/h
drop from behind the service box to make it 5-7.
VTM pushing hard to get back into the match, but MT is way too
strong in the end taking it 11-7..Overall,MT used her length & speed
to control the T for a majority of the match – forcing VTM to make a
few too many errors…..so both ladies will be fresh for tomorrow.s
final!
The evening Session brings the men’s
quarters and the club is packed to the rafters with the pros who
lost last night sitting on the sofas after what was obviously a good
night out in London Ontario!!
Abdullah Al Tamini
3-0 Eddie Charlton by Micah Franklin
Strong performance from AMAT showing his flair and attacking
options. Keeping eddie moving and running diagonals. AMAT wins the
1st. 2nd game starts like the 1st ended, except for EC playing
better length and keeping AMAT impatient. Score close at 6-6. Great
intensity from both players. Tremendous displays of athleticism.
Abdullah kept the pace and tempo focused to manage and take the 2-0
lead. 3rd is the best game of squash so far this evening! Great
rallies from both players and great athleticism again. Abdullah wins
3-0 after easily one of the best rallies in the tournament…rightly
so there is a standing ovation from the packed London Squash Club.
Abdulla: I lost last week in 4 to him, so really happy to
win 3-0. I played really well, but still lots to improve. I still
make too many mistakes as I like to attack..Hoping the next match
will be a long one(and it was)…
Jay: How is it having a legend as Geoff Hunt in your corner?....Abdulla:
well I work with him for 8yrs now, and it’s incredible. He just
understands the game so well and everytime he is teaching me
something you, I can’t speak highly enough of him.
Declan James 3-2 Shawn Delierre by Jan vd Herrewegen
Great start SD, finding some great shots and retrieving some amazing
shots. DJ is not really at ease. But he starts volleying more in the
middle of the game, and is looking a lot better. Some great rallies
but a lead 8-3 lead is enough to close it out 11-3.. Better start
from DJ, playing a lot more freely. DJ finds some great winners to
get the 6 point cushion..11-2 Declan.
Tense start with both finding some good game. DJ gets the 3 point
cushion. Great volleying by DJ to edge away. DJ looks in control of
the T and the pace. He takes the game quite comfortably 11-3..Close
start to the 4th with lots of decisions for the refs…Both are
working hard but Shawn is showing some great physicality. Couple of
errors from Shawn so 5-6. Amazing drop from DJ to win a rally, wow!
End of the game and DJ got 3 or 4 bad calls against him to lose
12-10!
5th game and the refs finally start to take control! Forcing the
players to play through the interference. DJ leads 8-5 volleying
more and more and Shawn with a few errors gifts DJ the 5th 11-7!
Declan: Knew it would be difficult,so just tried to stay
focused and not get involved in the traffic issues. I was varying
well, but lost that in the 4th. Really happy with the 5th and how I
played and control of the T. Tomorrow against my great friend and
roommate so should be a fun clean great game for the packed house.
Kristian Frost 3-2 Diego Elias by Richie Fallows/Jay
Tentative start by Diego and making lots of mistakes. But he stays
in the game by hitting some outrageous winners! A fist pump from
Frost at 4-4 shows how much he’s up for it! Another one comes out to
take him to game ball and slots a xcourt nick to take the game. He
keeps the momentum up in the next game and wins it 11-7, with Diego
not moving well with a strapped lower right leg..it’s all over!!
3rd game the young guy shows how tough he is and turns the tide and
moves Frost around the court like a puppet…he takes the game 11-3
and Frost looks tired. Diego just carries on and moves Frost around
more and plays some beautiful shots to take it 11-7; Frost is really
tired..it must be all over!!
The 5th is a monster…they are diving, hitting nicks,50 shot
rallies..very free flowing squash..but diego is starting to falter
and moving poorly off his leg..Frost smells blood and goes for
it..he’s pumped and flying..taking the incredible game 11-8 with
Diego diving in vain to the back corner and smashing his
racket..Frost roars with delight..he’s done it!!
Kristian: One of my best victories ever, I don’t think
Diego was at his best, But he is class, so young and at that
level,wow! Last couple of years I’ve lost so many of these 5 set
matches and I wanted it soooo bad. Results like this can make
rankings and draws so much better. At some point you have to take
the chance when it’s there and tonight I did. I’ve been 10yrs on
tour and feel like I needed this. Great tournament, it’s so busy
it’s amazing. Looking forward to tomorrow.
Richie Fallows 3-2 Henrik Mustonen by various
Game 1+2 Amit/Sujai Shah…Great coverage by both players but errors
from RF gives Henrik 4-0 lead. Henrik is playing more attacking and
RF lots of length..RF back to 4-4. At 6-5 RF tries a shot between
the legs and hits the wrong ball!!! But he wipes his eyes and
recovers to take the game 11-7. Richie starts using the drop more
and HM uses the back to try to gain control of the T..Injury timeout
for RF..at 5-7 there’s another dust-up for room, but HM capitalizes
on the conflict to win 11-6…..
Game 3…Marcus Plowright…..RF defence shows up early. Fast point
exchanges and it’s quickly 5-5.8/9 unforced errors defines the game!
RF takes the lead for the 1st time at 8-7. But a couple of errors
gives 10-8 to Henrik. RF saves one but a great volley takes the game
for Henrik..
Game 4+5….Jeff Tudhope……quick 3-0 for RF, he looks determined..a
stroke for HM gets him on the board at 5-1!! A couple of errors and
winners from RF makes it 10-6. But HM fights back to 10-10.
Matchball Henrik, but saved by RF, then gameball..it’s tense upto
14-13..they are both desperate and both looking for an easy
stroke…but HM tins and it’s 2-2!!! Couple of tins start the 5th and
3 quick points make it 5-2 for Henrik. A stroke for RF then 2 quick
points make it 5-5! Couple of great drops and Richie leads 8-5.
Henrik is getting a bit aggressive and it’s 9-6 Richie.
A stroke and another drop winner and it’s match for Richie.
16-Sep:
Main draw mayhem in Ontario Jay Francis Reports
A long day and evening of matches with the feeling that this is
where the tournaments really start! Lots of great match-ups with a
packed club.
Three of the top four seeds made it through to the semi-finals,
while in the men's draw all eight of the seeded players advanced.
Cyrielle Peltier 3-2 Nikki Todd
by Allie Mahler (12yrs old)
Both very athletic,great clothing. Both very good squash players.
Its going to be a very good and tough match. Nikki is shooting some
tough and tricky shots. Its really tough for Cyrielle to get the
shots but if she keeps working hard she can beat Nikki. Nikki wins
the 1st game. They are both fantastic at running and hitting the
ball.
Nikki and Cyrielle both keep hitting it out of bounds a lot. Nikki
just took a beautiful shot of the right wall into the lower left
corner. Cyrielle is catching up to Nikki at this point in the 3rd
game. Cyrielle wins the 3rd. As well Cyrielle won the 2nd game.
Nikki somehow wins the 4th. And the 5th is really close all the way
with incredible rallies.
Cyrielle wins. What a great game and and also congrats to Nikki.
Victoria T-Murray 3-1 Hollie Naughton by Abbey Fayad
(13yrs old)
Both very physical with incredibly strong legs!. Long Rallies, Quite
a lot of missed shots with mistakes. Lots and lots of lengths, some
good winners but most points coming from errors.
Maria Toorpakai Wazir beats Danielle Letourneau 11-5,7-11,11-7,11-6
Both players playing at a good pace and both hitting the ball really
hard. I think both players would agree with too many unforced
errors. Some amazing rallies both looking to twist and turn the
other.
Maria Toorpakai 3-1 Danielle Letourneau
Both players playing at a good pace and both hitting the ball really
hard. I think both players would agree with too many unforced
errors. Some amazing rallies both looking to twist and turn the
other.
Millie Tomlinson3-1 Giselle Delgado by Jeff Tudhope
MT came out strong and powered her way to a commanding 1st game. GD
looked slightly put off by the pace of play – which was incredibly
high compared to what we have seen so far in the womens draw!. @nd
game MT reaches 4-1 and is fine form. Both ladies are cutting the
ball of well. MT is at 10-4 and a GD mistake gives her the game. GD
wa unable to handle the tight lengths, she was forced into loose
balls which MT capitalised. Game 3, GD down early.
MT questionably uses the philly serve but karma takes over and MT
loses the point. GD gains her first lead of a game 3-1. MT wins it
back with an awesome volley boast. 3rd game is closer. GD making
mistakes, costly as MT leads 8-4. GD gets the serve at 5-8 on a
great f/hand smash..but MT is back at 9-5, then match ball of a tin
for MT. great reverse boast by GD but MT closes it out 11-6…
Henrik Mustonen 3-1
Reiko Peter by Tim Kotileti
There is very little Henrik cant retrieve, incredible pace of play
with numerous extended rallies. It is a true testament to fitness
needed at this level. Both players are playing so clever to force
errors from the other as they cover the court so well. First 3 games
are close but Reiko is toasted for the 4th.
Eddie Charlton 3-0 Jan vd Herrewegen by Jay Francis
Long rallies, 90% to the back. EC controlling the pace of play but
JvdH hanging in. When JvdH started to vary the pace he scores a few
points on the run. 7-5 Jan, but strong play from EC takes him to 9-7
and takes the game on 2 winners. EC starts the 2nd strong and is too
quick for Jan 4-0! Some good boasts from Jan brings him to 4-6.
At 9-5 EC is smoothly in control, floating around the court. Jan ups
the pace and is back to 8-9, he’s volleying crisper and with more
intent…10-9 Jan. points go back and forth with Jan throwing in some
great working boasts 12-11..every rally is now a monster..14-13
Jan..great hold front right from EC..15-14 EC..awesome windmill and
flick sending EC the wrong way..15-15..couple of dodgy decisions
against JvdH and its 17-15 for EC. At 5-3 in the 3rd Jan is looking
a little tired.. (comment from one of the PSA ladies, “
Eddie’s leaps are worthy of the English figure skating team,
including the tight uniforms") anyway it’s really close at
9-8 both players pushing hard and EC runs out 11-9 winner.
Kristian Frost 3-0 Leandro Romiglio by Ben (14yrs old)
KFO starts of strong with a great xcourt. It looks like a close game
to me, with 2 amazingly skilled players. KFO has a further reach to
use to his advantage,; but its not stopping LR from staying with
him. They seem to be playing most of the shots to the back. I think
the rallies are that good that they will never end! LR is playing
great and stands out that he is quicker and more fleet of foot. KFO
catches him out a lot with great deep shots. With the score at 7-5
they suddenly use the front corners and LR wins the point.
They are running each other around and looks like its going to be a
fun game, placing the ball and keep running no matter how tired they
are. KFO takes the game in the tiebreak! KFO starts strongly and
didn’t really realise it was possible, but he ups his game and picks
up points by forcing LR into mistakes. But LR starts to hit great
xcourts and the comeback starts. LR is on fire, and seems to me some
bad decisions from the ref, making both players unhappy! But KFO
takes the monster game and is 2-0 up. KFO is looking stronger at 6-4
in 3rd, the question is can lightening LR flash his way back into
the match? He does we are at 10-10!!!! But KFO closes it out. What a
3-0!
Shawn Delierre 3-1 Lyell Fuller
Delierre lack of clearing is frustrating Lyell. But 2 solid players,
both need to volley more and vary the pace. Delierre is just a bit
too experienced and is reading Lyell well to take a pretty tough
match.
Diego Elias 3-1 Cameron Stafford by Diego Franco
Not a great start from DE with some unforced errors. Some also from
CS but he starts finding the nick. Not too many long rallies as both
players favour a fast pace with attacking shots! CS is dominating
the game! And he wins it 11-9!!
Upset? (it must be noted that DE has his right ankle strapped and is
making some strange movements of the ball!). 2nd game better start
from DE. Great nick from CS. Again errors from DE, but its 5-3 for
Diego and he’s starting to read Cameron. CS tries to comeback with
great drops..but Diego is at 8-5 and carries through to win 11-5.
3rd game and CS leads 2-1 but DE responds to go 5-3.
Its like a demo match with amazing kill shots from both players. 7-5
for DE, DE controls the game with a great mix of length and
kills…11-6. 3 amazing drops to start the 4th 2-1 CS. But 2 errors
give DE a 4-3 lead. DE at 6-4 but CS is staying in the game with
some amazing kills..but DE closes out the game and match 11-5.
Declan James 3-1 Nick Sachvie by Brad Hanebury
Match starts with several long rallies. James doing his best to be
dominant on the T, but Nick is looking sexy despite playing through
the qualies. At the business end of the game, Sachvie finds himself
down several points due to errors, A loose shot at the front gives
James 3 game balls. NS fights of 1, only to tin in the next..11-8
James.
Here’s Joey and P.J. with the post game commentary…Joey: good game…P.J…I
agree!!....
Well that was a bit of a let down, back to the game. NS comes out
looking like a man on a mission – but DJ as well! Which is really
confusing to the audience. We prefer our plots to be one dimensional
over here in Canada. Regardless, DJ’s mission was apparently of
greater severity, as after the midgame he orchestrated a string of
well executed rallies to win 11-7.
Joey: good game…Chris:Well Joey, the fervent pace of the rallies was
astronomically fantabulous!!!......Uhhhh okay..
Well anyways, game 3 starts with both players opting for new
missions. NS goes all in with a strong push that takes him to 7-3!
James responds with a calm steadiness that takes him back to 8-8. NS
responds to his response with a strong response, which James was
unable to respond to! Response NS wins 12-10. Let’s hear what our
mid-game commentators have to say….
Joey: Good game…Looks like Joey is the only one left. Commentary is
a tough biz!....
Game 4 starts with James taking an early lead. NS ,looking dapper in
his shirt change , awakens after 0-3 and rockets(not literally of
course) to a 7-4 lead. Joining the arms race, James hops on his
rocket, propelling him(clever, eh?) to a 10-9 match ball. Backing
off the rocket analogies for a bit..NS ties it up at 10-10. James
pulls away to 11-10 and after several great shots manages to close
it out 12-10….CUBS win!!!!
Abdulla Al Tamini 3-1 Dane Sharp by Maria Wazir
Both players are trying to keep the ball deep. AT trying to play low
and hard while going volley xcourts. Dane is playing high above the
service line whilst trying to slow it down a little. Great low
xcourt by DS for a lovely point. Dane trying to stay in rhythm but
what a great all 4 corner game by Abdulla.
Abdulla wins the 1st with a great hold and flick to the back. Dane
seems more in control with a 4-0 lead. Abdulla is a little slow and
impatient. But he gains back the control of the T – forcing Dane
into lots of unforced errors. Great deep game by Abdulla while going
for his kills but Dane is constantly trying to irritate Abdulla with
his lobs.
Dan gets the result and wins the game with consistently the better
focus of the 2 players. Abdulla is back with his hard hitting
strategy to the back, backing it up with his volley holds to get
Dane out of his comfort zone slow movement. Both seem pretty good in
control of their game styles. Dane plays a nice straight drop to win
a point. But in the next 2 points Abdulla pushes Dane to his
physical limits.
These 2 points break Dane and Abdulla wins the game. Seems like
Abdulla is feeling lots of shin pains in his right leg…Abdulla
starts volleying everything. Dane is lifting the ball, corner to
corner keeping the ball out of Abdulla’s reach. Dane throws his
racket after losing a tough rally.
Dane is tiring but still trying hard to keep up with Abdulla’s fast
pace..all in vain as Abdulla closes out the match.
15-Sep:
Men's Qualifying Finals, Women's Round One Jay Francis Reports
Well London Squash club is even busier than last night and the club
is jumping. Also worthy to note, this week we have THE legend that
is Geoff Hunt in the building. It is the 50th anniversary year for
London Squash & Fitness club, and there are numerous functions and
parties planned; photos etc are being gathered, so am sure a few
photos with THE legend could be added.
Having personally spent the day chatting with THE man, he just
exudes class and knowledge of this wonderful game , it will be an
added bonus having this maker of the sport in the building. I heard
some comments today that he looked technically better on court than
most of the players practicing :-))
So anyway to the busy evening of squash:
Cameron Stafford 3-0 Matthew Serediak
Joe Smirt reports
Matt is moving like a cat out there, but Cameron is the big puppy
killing Matthew the crazy cat!! Mat has a nice strut, Cam sniping
drops from the back, Matt has nice hair(no name for the reporter but
must be a woman!!), and Nick Sachvie is losing his cool as the match
is so intense!! Strange commentary but 3-0 for the smiling assassin
that is Cameron Stafford!!
Lyell Fuller 3-0 David Baillargeon
Bryan Hill reports
1st game: David’s effort in the match is what kept him close. He
wouldn’t give up on rallies that he was dominated in! Lyell’s skill
overcame David’s energy and takes the game.. 2nd game…David ramped
up the pace and energy in this game. He was like an animal on court,
was on to every ball early; hitting the ball with a ton of pace and
went for lots of winners. This non stop pressure caused Lyell
issues, but his patience and skill paid off in the end..surviving a
game ball at 10-11 he sneaks it 13-11..3rd game..David was going for
too many risky winning shots, in positions that he didn’t have a
right to go for – result lots of errors! Lyell easily had a grip of
this final game.
Nick Sachvie 3-1 Sunny Seth 'the ghost' reports
Both players working the length, mixing power & finesse up front.
Massive rally at 6-4 which Nick wins after a 40 shot rally! This
breaks Sunny…11-5 Nick. Nick starts the 2nd aggressively, but Sunny
ups the pace in his movement and shots to take it 11-4!! Game 3 and
Nick starts to work the tight length, added with power causing
mishits from Sunny…which Nick finishes with aplomb! Nick starts the
4th the same and adds in many amazing drops to finish the match.
Jan vd Herrewegen 3-0 Micah Franklin
Jay Francis reports
A former squash veteran started off reporting on the match, but was
so excited from the level of atheliticism he had to stop!!! JvdH was
a little passive in the 1st but squeaked the game 11-9. Jan was more
aggressive in the 2nd, even with his basic hitting..it was 5-5 but
the tempo was too much for Micah as Jan ran out 11-5 with 6 winners!
Jan carries on in the 3rd and is volleying everything with s6, he
starts holding the ball and Micah has no answers!
Nikki Todd 3-0
Paula Jenkins
Nikki off to a quick start against the veteran from London squash.
Paula fought back quickly with her excellent short game. Nikki
started using the front court more and wins a quick 1st game. There
is great sportsmanship in the game, but Nikki is too quick and takes
the ball in short every rally to take the 2nd.. The wily fox comes
out strong in the 3rd to a 3-1 lead, she unbelievably holds this to
a 6-4 lead!!! Pretty impressive from a lady twice the age of
Nikki!!. A great game to watch, with plenty of skills on show. Both
players never stopped smiling as Nikki ran out to a 11-7 win!
Hollie Naughton 3-0 Laura Savage Rory Bradd reports
Quick start for Holly, and the left-handed stranger takes the
“savage” 11-2 in the 1st game…”naughty squash” from Naughton. 2nd
game Naughton is placing the ball well, but blocking like a champ!
She’s going for the bagel!!, but savage plays a dirty drop for a
point, but Naughton is boasting and playing crafty squash! The 3rd
game Laura, looking great by the way, tried her best but Hollie was
just too strong!
Giselle Delgado 3-0 Melina Turk
Gary Delavigne reports
First real upset of the night, in what was the expected cracker of
the night in the ladies draw! Both players started slowly, feeling
each others game. Turk broke the pattern with some mid court
boasts,catching Delgado flat footed and she jumped to a 5 point
lead! Delgado dug in, retrieving well from the front forcing errors
from Turk and levels at 10-10!! Turk went for a couple of drop
winners that clipped the tin and Delgado wins 13-11! Delgado starts
the 2nd sharper and quicker to lead 5-2. She kept Turk on the
defensive with deep effective crosses, pushing Turk deep into the
corners. Delgado wins the game comfortably.. Turk regrouped and and
came into game 3 with a determined start to lead 4-0!Delgado
tightened up to get to 3-4. They trade points upto 10-8 for Turk.
But Giselle battled back in front of many old friends to snatch the
game 12-10!!
Millie Tomlinson 3-0 Holly Delavigne
Millie was totally focused and showing no mercy to local favourite
Holly. Both players showing amazing athleticism, but Millie always
winning the rallies. It was very entertaining but Holly just
couldn’t win points! Millie making no errors powered through to
victory.
Victoria Temple-Murray 3-0 Arden Mckillop
Jay Francis reports
This was the 15yr old jnr who is working hard and enjoying her
squash against the incredibly athletic and powerful young pro! What
a difference 5/6 yrs can make physically in a young woman. Victoria
is a pure physical amazon of a woman and this showed in her control
of the T. Very strong cutting the ball off to deny the young
pretender any chance in the 1st! Arden started the 2nd great, the
new outfit was causing problems – but she smiles when she has to
work hard!!! In the rallies but Victoria is moving amazing and in
control…this woman is strong! Arden goes for it in the 3rd, but she
cant move the amazon of the tee, resulting in a comfortable win. It
was great to see a 15 yr old annoyed after her loss to such a
seasoned pro…let’s see what next year brings!!
Cyrielle Peltier 3-1 Micaala Seth Jeff Tudhope reports
Game 1: Its a steep task for Seth vs a top 60 player. Perrier out to
a quick 3-0 lead and to 5-0 before Seth got in the board. Seth
battles back to 4-6 but Peltier regains serve on a back wall nick
and cruises to an 11-4 win on a couple errors by Seth and some
quality length winners.
Game 2 : Seth takes lead 1-0 on a stroke. And climbs to a 4-1 lead.
Peltier evens it but Seth takes back the lead 5-4. Then again at
7-6. Seth stretched her lead to 9-6 before Peltier regained serve at
7-9 and gained a game ball but Seth levelled at 10-all and forced an
out ball to earn a game ball. Another out ball by Peltier and Seth
wins game 2 12-10 to level the match.
Game 3: Peltier looks determined and hitting the ball with ferocity
early. Quickly to a 5-1 lead. She is eager to serve and continue the
rally after each point and the game is at 8-1 in a blink. Peltier
hits tin and Seth serves 2-8, then tins and Peltier serves 9-2. But
Seth isn't finished and forces 3 straight tins from Peltier to bring
it to 5-9. Peltier gets a 10-6 game ball on a well held length to
the backhand and wins the next point to end the game 11-6 and take a
2-1 match lead.
Game 4: Peltier again comes out with pace and gets up 6-1 before
Seth hits a cross court Peltier can't handle to win the serve. A
crowd pleasing backhand volley drop makes it 3-6 and a Peltier tin
makes it 4-6. Seth hits it out and Peltier gets the serve at 7-5.
Seth wins 2 points to even it at 7! But 2 quick point for Peltier
and its 9-7, but Peltier grounds two in a row and its 9-9! 10-9
match ball for Peltier and after 2 lets an intense rally ends with a
Seth tin and an 11-9 game and 3-1 match for Peltier.
14-Sep, Men's Qualifying Begins Jay Francis Reports
It’s the 8th annual Nash Cup. With Jay Nash the driving force behind
this great event. For myself,(Jay Francis), its my first event here
in lovely London,Ontario as the new Squash Director – having arrived
here just a couple of months ago. You wouldn’t believe how many
members get involved to make this a great run event and do
everything to make the men and women pro’s feel welcome.
I Am sure
some of them are loving staying with lovely people in great houses,
( I believe some of them have started swimming as their training at
some of the great billets), the members lend them cars and do
everything to make it a lovely week for them.
In my humble opinion, if every club had members like London Squash &
Fitness Club, then the world tour would be even better! It’s a
Monday evening, first round qualification and the club is busy and
buzzing!!!
Lyell
Fuller 3-0 Elliot Selby by Jeff Tudhope
Lyell off to a great start and comfortable on the tee. 5-1 lead
resulting in a easy 11-6. Lyell starts the 2nd game attacking with a
lot of precision. 6-2 lead and he is hurting Elliot at the front
with a lot of volley drops and attacking boasts enroute to an 11-5
win. Game 3 is up and down 2-0 elliot, 6-2 Lyell, Elliot gives one
big push to get back to 5-7. But it cost Elliot too much and Lyell
stormed away to an 11-6 victory with plenty of punishing hard deep
lengths as Elliot tired.
Jan VD Herrewegen 3-0 Cameron Seth
by Jeff Tudhope
JVDH came out dominating the match, looking like Cameron needed to
adjust to the pace, all in all a comfortable 11-4. Cameron shoots to
a 3-0 lead catching Jan napping. At 5-2 for Cameron, JVDH made an
attempted dive/fall but wasn’t quite the same as a certain
Columbian, so resulting in a stroke – but fortunately Jan wasn’t
injured. Cameron is attacking and finding some good winners to lead
7-5. But the high risk strategy causes errors, and Jan tightens up
and storms through to 11-7.
JVDH starts strong but with a couple of errors it stays close at
3-2. Jan is in complete control at 7-3 but through a combi of him
switching off and Cameron just going for broke its back to 7-7! A
couple of awesome drops takes Cameron to 10-8!! Jan fights back to
10-10 then Seth has him in all kinds of trouble and tins an easy
drop with JVDH taking a taxi to the other corner! Jan sees the
finish and converts with a beauty of a nick to take it 12-10
David Baillargeon 3-0 Jay Francis by Amit/Sujai(10 yrs old) Shah
Second qualifier of the evening saw local favourite and London Squash
Director Jay Francis against 19 yr old David. Jay got 5 days notice
to get fit and didn’t help at the intro as it was mentioned “ He
could be Davids Dad at 43!!:)). Jays intense stare and stark black
headband indicated he was here to play. You could see the
experienced wise pro dissecting David's technique during the warm-up
to hopefully gain some insights to save some running!
Jay came out
firing with some amazing boasts and David was clearly having to do
way more work than Jay, Jay had him all over the place but training
full time and 19 David was up for it and some costly errors cost Jay
the game 11-7.game 2 started out the same, Jay in real control and
reading the young guy and trying to wear him out, at 5-2 the
comeback was on. But all credit to David he was really working, but
upped his pace and movement and played some great squash and winners
to charge through to 11-5.
You could see a pattern developing, Jay in control but not enough
preparation time in fitness to really tire the 19 yr old David out
enough. Game 3 was very high quality from David, one loose ball from
either of them was producing winners, Jay was really having to read
David now to stay in the high pace rallies, a few wrong decisions
and its 6-3 then 10-4 for David. Now the old warrior starts to fight
back, really working hard to get back to 10-7, but David closes it
out after a monster rally. Crowd enjoyed it, Jay enjoyed it, and
good luck to David tomorrow.
Cameron Stafford 3-0 Strachen Jarvis
by Laura Savage
All smiles 1st game early on, as the pace increased, the smiles
turned into bigger smiles…what do they put in the Caymans Island
water? Tight all the way through with Cameron sneaking it 11-9. 2nd
game and Cameron picks up the pace, yet is still smiling! Tight
until midway through and then Cameron pulled away to 9-4 with a
string of aggressive winners from the big guy! Strachen battled back
to 7-9 but Cameron held him off with 2 fantastic winners to take it
11-7.
Cameron jumped to a 3-1 lead at the start of the 3rd, but his smile
faltered when the Canadian played 2 surgical rallies to tie it
up.(just kidding, he was still smiling!). Cameron responded with
some fantastic winners to take a 7-4 lead. Jovial Jarvis battled
back to 7-8, only to miss a critical volley! Cameron just smiled,
but was probably unrelated to to the missed chance! Despite his
best(ish)efforts Jarvis succumbed to the smiling Stafford 11-8. It
has to mentioned that Strachen said he had trained really hard for
this, and was thoroughly looking forward to the famous “Beerpong”
event later in the week!!:)
Micah Franklin 3-0 Kale Wilson
by Derek Moore
Kale started out hitting a lot of tins while Micah just kept the
rallies going. Kale found his length and then in the middle of the
game Micah attempted to mix up his shots but had difficulty
controlling his heights. A lot of errors from both players and a lot
of nervous energy and Micah sneaks it 11-8. Micah controlled most of
the 2nd game, with Kale making some unforced errors.
Micah’s back
court attacking was continuously rewarded with winners as Kale
struggled to read his shots…11-4 for Micah. Kale came out strong in
the 3rd taking a 3 point lead. Micah’s T position and quick movement
onto the ball turned the game in his favour. Kale battled back near
the end, but Micah’s consistent length couldn’t be overcome. 11-6
Micah.
Nicholas Sachvie 3-2 Albert Shoihet
by Jay Francis/Jan vd Herrewegen
The 2 young Canadians new it would be a tough one,but offering a
great chance to proceed to the next round. Quite simply Albert came
out in the 1st and just smashed the ball as hard as he could, and to
great effect romped away to 11-3!! In the 2nd Nicholas adjusted to
the pace well, and played very steady and finished the ball well to
return the favour 11-3. In the 3rd Albert used the boast well and
forced Nicholas into many errors, having to stretch too much. 11-8
Albert.
Good attacking 1st half of the 4th with Albert getting himself out
of trouble a lot by blasting the ball down the middle at Nicholas.
Albert sneaked a 7-5 lead. The rallies are long but intense, with
very few up and down the wall shots. A monster rally ends with Nick
hitting a x court nick, 7-6 then Albert slots the return of serve to
the delight of the crowd. But the monster rally we had works in
Nick's favour and runs out an 11-7 winner with Albert looking tired.
The 5th is just a free for all, with crazy rallies at a ridiculous
pace….there are crowd pleasing winners and tired mistakes. It’s 7-4
for Nick as Albert gives it one last push to mount a comeback.
Nick
increases the pace!! And moves into the next round with an 11-8 5th
game win.. They’ll both feel that tomorrow.
