30-May, Finals:
Lauren Briggs bt Gaby Schmohl         11/7, 11/8, 11/5
Kristian Frost bt Julien Balbo   11/5, 4/11, 11/6, 11/1

Frost & Briggs capture Pilatus Cup titles
Mario Tschopp reports

Fourth seeded Lauren Briggs won in 45 minutes against top seeded Gaby Huber-Schmohl in the women's final of the Pilatus Cup in Kriens, today Lauren was just too good for Gaby.

"I came back from an knee injury so I'm glad to be back on tour," said Briggs. "I really like Lucerne, I've never been to this region of Switzerland before, but it is so lovely. Thanks to Mario and his staff for the great event. Also thanks to Gaby for the final."

"Today Lauren was just better than me," admitted Schmohl, "but it was great to play a tournament in my own country. My aim for next year is to get into the Top 30. So after next week I will make a summer break and then I will train hard to reach this aim.

!I really look forward to playing the Pilatus Cup in the next year.
I thank Mario and all his helpers for organising such an event and of course Lauren for the final. I hope there will be a possibility for a rematch soon."



In the men's final young Dane Kristian Frost made an other upset when he beat fourth seed Julien Balbo. After his tough match yesterday Kristian was running everywhere and picked up so many balls. For Julien it was so difficult to get points, due to the bouncy courts.

"Yesterday's match was tough but we are used to play many hard matches in a few days," said Balbo. "So I was not too tired but it was so difficult to get points against Kristian because he's such a good athlete. Congratulations to him.

"I hope the tournament takes place again next year and I'm looking forward to playing it again."

"I didn't expect to win the first round because my draw was really tough," admitted Frost.  "So I had to change my flight at least when I won in the semis. I'm really happy about this win and I like to thank Mario and all guys helped for the tournament."
 

Men's Draw
Women's Draw

11/5, 4/11, 11/6, 11/1

[4] Julien Balbo

26-May, Qualifying Finals:

Rasmus Nielsen (Den) bt Matias Tuomi (Fin)                11/1, 8/11, 11/5, 12/10
Andre Haschker (Ger) bt Patrick Miescher (Sui)                      11/6, 11/4, 11/3
Jonas Daehler (Sui) bt Andrea Bianchetti (Ita)                        11/9, 11/4, 11/3
Lucas Serme (Fra) bt Cedric Kuchen (Sui)                              11/6, 11/6, 11/9

25-May, Qualifying Round One

Rasmus Nielsen (Den) bt Pascal Bruhin (Sui)                            11/5, 12/10, 11/8
Matias Tuomi (Fin) bt Lukas Burkhart (Sui)                       12/10, 8/11, 11/9, 11/1
Patrick Miescher (Sui) bt Dominik Braunfels (Ger)                     11/9, 12/10, 11/5
Andre Haschker (Ger) bt Yannick Lindemann (Sui)                       11/2, 11/2, 11/5
Andrea Bianchetti (Ita) bt Manu Wanner (Sui)           6/11, 11/7, 12/10, 5/11, 11/5
Jonas Daehler (Sui) bt Dominik Penkov (Sui)                                11/5, 11/5, 11/5
Cedric Kuchen (Sui) bt Remo Handl (Sui)                                      11/2, 11/5, 11/6
Lucas Serme (Fra) bt Joan Lezaud (Fra)                       11/4, 11/9, 9/11, 2/11, 11/4

11/4, 11/3, 11/8

[3] Coline Aumard

11/7, 11/8, 11/5

[4] Lauren Briggs

11/6, 11/2, 11/9

[2] Olga Ertlova

29-May, Semi-Finals:

Kristian Frost bt Chris Simpson   12/10, 11/8, 7/11, 14/12
Julien Balbo bt Stéphane Galifi  11/6, 9/11, 11/8, 5/11, 11/2

Gaby Schmohl bt Coline Aumard  11/4, 11/3, 11/8
Lauren Briggs bt Olga Ertlova      11/6, 11/2, 11/9

28-May:
PSA - Quarters

Julien Balbo bt Rasmus Nielsen 11/9, 11/5, 12/10

Well I tried to play a really disciplined game cause I knew with this hot and bouncy court Rasmus is fit enough to play hours. At 4-9 in the third I said to myself things are getting harder but hopefully I hit three or four winners and caught it up... Lucky this time. Now I'm looking forward to the semis tomorrow.

Julien Balbo

Think I played okay in patches today. My head was a bit on and off and made to many easy mistakes. Balbo played well and steady and punished me when I open the court. Think I should have taking the third game but last focus and he was back in. Wanna thank the organisers for great event and hope to be back next year.

Rasmus Nielsen

Stephane Galifi bt André Haschker  9/11, 11/3, 13/11, 11/5

Mario, always these statements after the matches. But how to find words when there is no oxygen left? Well, 1-3: He was simply to good in the end, today. Thanks to Stephane Galifi for this very enjoyable match. Also thanks to Mario Tschopp for putting up this tournament in Switzerland and to the man in the background, Pascal Bruhin. Plus, to the youngsters, Remo Handl and Yannick Lindemann, for their enthusiastic support and help to the organiser. Hopefully there will be another one next year...

André Haschker

Happy to win today! It wasn't easy!!! André is improved a lot and I realy mind it! Take it like a advise from me... if you play this guy don't take it easy!!! The key of that match was the third game. Happy to win it 13-11. :)

Stephane Galifi

 Kristian Frost bt Lewis Walters     11/3, 11/6, 11/8

Pretty disappointed with my performance today. I made a lot of mistakes in the first couple of games. In the third I got in to it a bit more and got control, but it was a little bit to late. All credits to Kristian though he made it though from the start and didn't gave me anything.

Lewis Walters

Very happy... very pleased... reaching the semis is very pleasing. It's a very good nice people, good surrendering. Lewis played well today, but I managed to get in front of him, which made the difference. I'm looking forward to tomorrow where I'm playing Simpson!

Kristian Frost

Chris Simpson bt Steve Finitsis 11/5, 11/7, 2/11, 11/7

I couldn't find a rhythm in the first two games. Then was none aggressive in the third and couldn't keep it up in the fourth. All credit to Chris, he played well and good luck to him in the rest of the event

Steve Finitsis

WISPA - First Round

Olga Ertlova bt Victoria Bell     11/6, 11/8, 11/3

The first match is always a bit tricky, I was a bit nervous in the first game, but as soon as I calmed down I played well. Its always good to win in three. Now looking forward to the next one!

Olga Ertlova

Today was my first time playing Olga and it was very though. She played very well putting me under constant pressure. Overall I'm pleased with the way I played and have really enjoyed the tournament.

Victoria Bell

Célia Allamargot bt Melissa Meulenbelt 11/4,11/13,11/8,11/3

I'm pretty happy the way I played. It was a thought match and he the court was warm. She played well and I wish her good luck for the next round. I know where I have to work on.

Melissa Meulenbelt

Hard to play in the morning! I dindn't play my best squash but a win is a win!

Melissa played well and she surprised me with a lot of nice backhand drops. I'm glad to reach the quarterfinal, and I'm looking forward to play Olga tonight!

P.S. Kriens is much nicer when it's sunny :)

Celia Allamargot

 Lauren Briggs bt Julia Lecoq    11/6, 11/5, 11/3

I didn't have a good draw, I played Lauren Briggs, which is a good player, and she has got a lof of experience. She played well today and I didn't succed to play my best squash. These matches show me how much I need to improve. I hope I will play better next time!

Julia Lecoq

The club is set at the foot of a mountain so the views are spectacular. The journey here was a pleasant train ride from Zurich with some splendid scenery...for the hour or so I was on the train, I couldn't help but think why London trains can't be as quiet and efficient. However on to the squash, today is match day. Just played my first round against Julia Lecoq from France. The courts are quite warm and have been told they get warmer throughout the day. Will look forward to the heat when playing my next match tonight against another French girl - Maud.

Lauren Briggs

Maud Duplomb bt Bine Malund Lind   11/9, 11/6, 11/5

It's the second time I play Maud within the last month and this match was definitely the best one of the two. We had some good long rallies and especially in the first game. I played some good squash.

Bine Malund Lind

I have won 3:0 against Bine. I didn't play my best match but thanks to this match I feel better for my next round tonight. I'm gonna play for the fourth time in a row Lauren Briggs. And this time I hope I will win!

Maud Duplomb

Coline Aumard bt Agapi Kazamia    11/7, 11/4, 11/5

I'm glad to win my first round 3/0. It is good for the mentality.
Agapi is a good young player and I had to be focused the whole match to play my squash.

Coline Aumard

I am not very happy with my match. There were a few good rallies, but did a lot of unforced errors! I think Coline played well anld I was very undisciplined.

Agapi Kazamia

Carrie Ramsey bt Chloe Mesic   9/11, 11/7, 11/4, 11/1

I lost my match against Carrie 1-3. I'm disappointed...
I started well, with good length but I got tired quickly and then I was to passive. All credit to her, she played in a good pace and deserved to win.

Chloe Mesic

Chloe got off to a flying start, she was firing her shots in very consistantly! Once I started getting a better lenght I get into my stride and thoght I played well. :)

Carrie Ramsey

Cyrielle Peltier bt Belen Etchechoury 9/11, 11/5, 11/8, 11/3

I won 3:1 againgst Belen. I lost the first game 9-11 because I was playing so slowly. It was better the last games.
Tonight I play Gaby Schmohl and I want to play my best squash.

Cyrielle Peltier

It was a good match, Cyrielle played very well and she gets more good shots than me. The next time it will be mine. :)
Thanks for the organisation!!!

Belen Etchechoury
 

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Men's Draw
Women's Draw

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Men's Draw
Women's Draw

Chris Simpson bt Jonas Daehler   11-5, 11-3, 11-7

My match went well, he gave it his all in front of a home crowd and competed well. I started to find my length well in the 2nd. I look forward to tomorrows match.



It was a good match. He just showed me what the difference between a top player and me is. I wanted to play steady and stay in the rallies; which isn't my favourite game.

I tried to not get pressed behind him. But at the end, he was just better than me. Made less errors and had a couple f shots more on his side.

I'm satisfied with the tournament, but still a lot of work to do.

Stephane Galifi bt Kashif Shuja   11-7, 11-4, 11-3

He controlled the game and was too good for me. I wish him all the best for the rest of the tournament.



I love Agapi and Lucerne!

I'm very glad today, beating Kashif in three today. It's a very good result for me! Special in the first round! It was like a final for me. I went to think Kashif because I enjoyed play him and he's like a Bro for me...

Rasmus Nielsen bt Lucas Serme -   11-5, 7-11, 11-5, 11-3

I'm happy about my game today. My lengths, my drops, everything was better than driving my previous matches.

But despite all that, I didn't manage to keep the pressure on him throughout the whole match. I got tired often the two first games and he got the best of the rest of the match.

I really think I would have had a good chance if I had been fitter today. But it's still a good match bon experience anyways.



It thought it was a good match. Lucas played well and consistent so I have to dig in. Think I played well but still a few things I can optimise for tomorrow. So far it has been a really good tournament and I love being here.

Julien Balbo bt Dylan Bennett 11-8, 11-6, 4-11, 11-3

I'm glad to win the match tonight and pass through to the next round, you never know what to expend against Dylan. Considering the time I spent on court this past 2 weeks because of illness. I'm looking forward good feelings on court and it seems I will find what I'm looking for this weekend...

André Haschker  bt Tom Pashley  11-4, 11-7, 12-10

André played well and picked up a lot on the hot court. I'm struggling for confidence and wasn't attacking how I like too. Good luck to André tomorrow.



The good old diesel is still running. Also I could feel that Tom's movement wasn't smooth today so I tried to exploit it. To him all the best that he gets back to full strength soon. Tomorrow I play two-seeded Stephane Galifi. Stephane who? Never heard...

Joking apart - it's an honour for me to play such a big character in the quarterfinal. I will give all I have left in the tank.

Steve Finitsis bt Amr Swelim 11-4, 11-7, 6-11, 5-11, 11-8

That was certainly a tough first round match. I got off to a quick start and played well in the first two games. Then in the third and fourth I dropped of the pace and Amr played good steady squash.

When I was down 8-4 in the fifth. I thought it's now or never, he made a few errors and I had a few winners and managed to win the match. It's certainly warm on the courts but I'm looking forward to playing the first seed Chris Simpson tomorrow.



I thought I had it at the end just lost it for a second and it was all gone. He started very well and I had a bad start and that made a big difference.

Kristian Frost bt Gilly Lane 10-12, 12-10, 11-7, 6-11, 11-5

I am my pleased to get through to the quarterfinals. It was a very hard match with Gilly and I am just happy that I pulled through in the end after a terrible game.

Kristian Frost

Lewis Walters bt Reiko Peter   11-9, 10-12, 11-5, 15-13

I played well fought as hard as I could but it wasn't enough. My fitness is just not good enough to play at this pace big enough.

But all credit to him. I want to thank also my home crowd. They supported me very much and it gave me a little bit of a boost every time they shouted.



Reiko is a very big guy and likes to control the middle of the court. In the first game I managed to keep him corners, then I lost my length and confidence and it got very physical. In the end I managed to stay disciplined and tire him out although he's a lot fitter than the last few times we've played so it took a while!


 

by Mario Tschopp

Today some rain cooled the air down so it was a bit more agreeable on court, and the matches were all pretty clear.

Only Rasmus Nielsen lost a game against his opponent. But he didn't play his best squash so he is lucky to got through. Rasmus probably will have a very tough match tomorrow against Lucas Serme.

As expected Serme won his match easy. For his opponent Cedric Kuchen it was a great thing to play in the second round of the qualification of a Challenger 10 event. So he won't be too disappointed.

Jonas Daehler made a bit of a surprise when he defeated Andrea Bianchetti in three. For Jonas this is a very good win and so he gets in a PSA main draw for the first time this year. Jonas now has to play Chris Simpson in the first round.

Andre Haschker didn't have to fight too hard against Patrick Miescher and will face Tom Pashley tomorrow.

We are looking for tomorrow's matches. There will be some very close matches and good squash.

For the home crown it's nice to have two swiss guys in the main draw. Reiko Peter will face Lewis Walters and Jonas Daehler will play two seeded Chris Simpson.

Andre Haschker bt Patrick Miescher 11-6 11-4 11-3

The strategy from yesterday worked against a younger opponent again. But full credit to Patrick: He tried, he worked, he fought.

Personally, I reached my goal to qualify for a PSA Challenger 10. It's the first time for me in the main draw. I am looking forward to match the big boys tomorrow.



Today against Andre, I knew it would be tough. He is a very physical strong player, and played too fast a pace for me today. I think I hit the ball well, but have to work on my accuracy around the middle.

He is a good guy and deserved to win. I wish him all the best for his next matches. I would also like to thank Mario for organising such a great event like this.

Rasmus Nielsen - Matias Tuomi 11-1 8-11 11-5 12-10

Happy to get through. Didn't felt too good on court today, a bit heavy and had a hard time getting my head into it. All credit to Matias. He played well and punished my loose balls. So in all happy to got through.



After a poor first game I was well in the match. I was a bit unlucky in the fourth. But a fair game, I enjoyed it but gutted to lose.

After the summer I'll be back stronger.

Jonas Daehler - Andrea Bianchetti 11-9 11-4 11-3

YEEEES!!! I finally did it. I qualified the first time for a main draw this year. I had lost a bit my confidence after a few disappointments, but now I can say, I'm satisfied.

Andrea started on fire but I fought back and won a close game 11-9. Probably this broke his mind a bit and I started dominating the T. I tried to keep up the pace and don't make silly mistakes. So I won the second and third.

At this point, I like to thank Mario, the organizer for a great tournament and my coach Pascal.



I was leading the first game 8-5 but didn't close it and Jonas came back to 11-9. Not much to say about 2nd and 3rd game... My legs weren't moving anymore and my mind was already under the shower!

I would like to thank the organizer Mario Tschopp, who, at his first tournament, is doing such a good job and has been very kind with players.

 

Lucas Serme - Cedric Kuchen 11-6 11-6 11-9

Really happy to get into the main draw. My match today was easier than yesterday but I managed to be efficient on the court. It was still hot though and it was sometimes hard to finish the rallies, especially with him running everywhere as he always does.

Big thanks to my coach Hadrian Stiff, and the group-elite squash. Training is paying off.



It was a tough match today. In the first game I tried to get in front of him and take the ball early. Which is very difficult because he is very quick. In the second game I lost my length so he could get control over the T very easy.

The third game was very tough for me. I played much better length but he was just too strong for me. I wish him good luck for the main draw tomorrow. I like to thank to Mario Tschopp who gave me the chance to play in his tournament.

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Lucas Serme bt Joan Lezaud
            11-4, 11-9, 9-11, 2-11, 11-4 (82m)

The courts are very hot and so it is difficult to finish the point. Today I needed to finish the rallies better to win.



I thought I played quite well in the first two games. I was in front of him most of the time and I was the one putting on the pressure. But in the third game he got in front and started playing much better. In the meantime I was getting tired from the heat and the very long and tough rallies we had.

But I'm happy I managed to get much stronger in the fifth game, and was able to put pressure on him. It was the first time I beat him so it makes it even better.

Patrick Miescher bt Dominik Braunfels
           11-9, 12-10, 11-5 (33m)

Yesterday at 6pm I got the information that I can play the qualification of the Pilatus-Cup. Today at 7am I flew to Zurich and took the train to Lucerne.

Unfortunately I lost 0-3. The first two games were very close but Patrick deserved the win. My balls to the front were too unprecise. I couldn't train a lot the last few weeks because I don't have many sparring partners.

Patrick took his chance and played pressureful to the front. But now I know that I need to train more if I want to win such matches.

Andrea Bianchetti bt Manuel Wanner
                6-11, 11-7, 12-10, 5-11, 11-5 (44m)

The match was my first PSA qualification match in my squash career. I didn't expected much from me, I just wanted to give everything and play my best.

I started good and played steady squash. After the first game I realised that I can win. In the third game where I was 10-4 up I could feel that he is very experienced in the way he came back to 10-10.

At the end of the day I can't be too disappointed with that match. It just showed me that I got a lot of work left and that I'm on the right way.



I actually didn't play my best match ever, I couldn't move on court in the right way,. and I couldn't find my usual kill shots.
However it was good to win in the fifth. Let's see if I can qualify tomorrow. That would be my best result on the PSA tour.

Andre Haschker bt Yannick Lindemann
               11-2, 11-5, 11-5 (22m)

It was a great experience to play Andre Haschker. It was my first PSA tournament and I played well. A few too many errors on this high pace but I am satisfied.



Today I played a young swiss player. The experience, the position in the rankings and the age was what made the difference. Tomorrow I am looking forward to play Patrick in the final qualification round.

Besides squash the weather is really hot and the venue, Lucerne with the mountains and the lake, very nice.

Rasmus Nielsen bt Pascal Bruhin
              11-5, 12-10, 11-8 (21m)

I'm happy with my match. Felt good on court and got my game ready for tomorrow. Had some good rallies with Pascal and it was a good atmosphere on the warm courts. Looking forward to tomorrow.



Just dropped in because of a few pull outs. Very nice match. He gave me the chance to play a bit and fell that I used the opportunity. Nice run, thanks to Rasmus and all the luck for the rest of the tournament.

Cedric Kuchen bt Remo Handl
               11-2, 11-5, 11-6 (21m)

It's great form me to have the chance to play the qualification in a PSA Challenger 10 event. I was lucky in the draw and took the chance to get into the final round of qualification. This event is certainly a very good start to my Squash career and I'm looking forward to my next match tomorrow, where I hopefully will learn a lot.



It was awesome for me to participate at a PSA tournament. It is a big chance to get first experiences at this level. Certainly I would have rather played against a foreign player. But this is the way it goes.

Jonas Daehler bt Dominik Penkov
                     11-5, 11-5, 11-5 (23m)

I'm happy to win the first round of qualification. I was a bit nervous in the beginning, playing at a big tournament like this at my home place. But I had a great start, getting a few points in front, then I just stayed focused on a simple game for the rest of the match.

I'm looking forward to my match tomorrow and will give my best.



Today was not my day. I had problems with the aggressive and powerful squash of Jonas from the beginning. I couldn't get in to the match till the end. Therefore I'm disappointed that I didn't take my chance.

Matias Tuomi bt Lukas Burkhart
            12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 11-1 (58m)

I had my chances in the first and third game. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it. It was a good opportunity to compete in a big tournament and like I said, I had my chances but didn't take them.

I would also like to thank Mario who made such an event possible in Kriens. HOPP SCHWIIZ :)



I'm happy that I won, it was a tough match. He was a little bit unlucky. But it is tough to play if it is so hot. Tomorrow is a new day and I am looking forward to it.

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