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Sutton Coldfield International 2015
16-21 Nov, England, $5k |
Jan wins marathon final
Chris Hall reports
A crowd of 100 people packed into the show court for this final with
the atmosphere building nicely in the lead up. As expected before
the match, the opening stages showed a slight contrast of styles.
Jan Van Den Herrewegen was looking to mix things up and was the more
likely to open up the front of the court whilst Chris Fuller was
keeping things more simple.
The first game was very tight and could have gone either way, Jan
managing to edge it 11-9. It looked in the second game that Fuller
was becoming slightly predictable and Jan started to become
comfortable, gaining control of the game and taking it 11-6. From
this point it looked like a long way back for Fuller and we
envisaged a 3-0 victory for Jan.
Fuller came out in the third game with much more attacking purpose,
starting to use the boast as an attacking weapon and threatening the
front court much more. Whilst Jan was still getting everything back
he started to become a bit more ragged with Fuller taking the third
game 11-6. The fourth followed a similar pattern with Fuller now
controlling the play and making Jan do a lot of work, another 11-6
game for Chris.
I feel the start of the fifth game was absolutely crucial, Fuller
continued his attacking intent and was well in control of the
opening points but managed to find the tin on what would have been
the winning shot. This gave Jan a 4-1 lead and looked to give him a
new confidence and that extra bit of energy as he extended his lead
to 7-1. Fuller does not give in easily and worked his way back to
7-8 before a couple of great points gave the Belgian 3 match balls.
The next three rallies were played with a brilliant intensity as
both fought for every ball, Fuller managing to save all 3 match
balls and draw level at 10-10. In a similar fashion to the start of
this game, Fuller seemed to be in control of another two great
rallies but just found the tin to hand Jan the victory and earn both
players a standing ovation.
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  Sutton
Coldfield 2015
16-21 Nov, England, $5k |
Round One
18 Nov |
Quarters
19 Nov |
Semis
20 Nov |
Final
21 Nov |
[1] Chris Fuller (Eng)
11-4, 11-1, 11-1 (34m)
[Q] Kevin Moran (Sco) |
[1] Chris Fuller
11-9, 11-6, 10-12, 11-13, 11-9 (83m)
[7] Mike Harris |
[1] Chris Fuller
11-7, 14-12, 11-8 (51m)
[4] Josh Masters |
[1] Chris Fuller
11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 6-11, 12-10 (98m)
[2] Jan Van Den Herrewegen
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[7] Mike Harris (Eng)
11-9, 11-9, 11-5 (28m)
Mark Broekman (Eng) |
[6] Ben Ford (Eng)
11-8, 11-13, 10-12, 11-2, 11-8 (65m)
Nick Mulvey (Eng) |
[6] Ben Ford
11-6, 11-5, 11-7 (28m)
[4] Josh Masters |
[4] Josh Masters (Eng)
11-5, 11-7, 11-8 (31m)
[wc] Miles Jenkins (Eng) |
Ismail Rauf (Pak)
11-8, 11-4, 11-7 (24m)
[3] Mark Fuller (Eng) |
[3] Mark Fuller
4-11,
12-10, 11-6, 4-11, 11-6 (65m)
[Q] Patrick Rooney |
[Q] Patrick Rooney
7-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-5 (53m)
[2] Jan Van Den
Herrewegen |
[Q] Patrick Rooney (Eng)
11-7, 9-11, 11-3, 11-2 (39m)
[5] Asim Khan (Pak) |
[Q] Tristan Eysele (Rsa)
11-8, 11-4, 11-4 (33m)
[8] Alex Noakes (Eng) |
[Q] Tristan Eysele
11-5, 11-9, 11-8 (42m)
[2] Jan Van Den Herrewegen |
[Q] Ondrej Uherka (Cze)
5-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11-8 (65m)
[2] Jan Van Den Herrewegen (Bel) |
Qualifying Finals:
Tristan Eyesle 3-1 Phil
Nightingale
11-7, 13-11, 11-5, 11-2
Ondrej Uherka 3-1 Jamie
Henderson
12-10, 11-2, 9-11, 11-0
Kevin Moran 3-2 Joeri Hapers
11-13, 11-8, 10-12, 11-2, 11-6
Patrick Rooney 3-1 Owain Taylor
7-11, 11-8, 11-1, 11-7
Qualifying Round One:
Phil Nightingale bt
Marcus Hayes 11-8, 12-10, 11-6 (36 mins)
Tristan Eyesle bt Guy Pearson 9-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-9
Jamie Henderson bt Sam Hodgkins 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 (33 mins)
Ondrej Uherka bt Bradley Masters 12-10, 11-9, 13-11 (42 mins)
Kevin Moran bt Barry Talbot - 11-2, 11-5, 11-5 (24 mins)
Joeri Hapers bt Luke Parker - 11-5,11-6,11-2 (26 mins)
Patrick Rooney bt Darren Lewis 11-7, 16-14, 6-11, 11-7 (52
mins)
Owain Taylor bt Steven London 8-11, 11-4, 8-11, 11-4, 12-10
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Semis
Chris Hall reports
Chris Fuller bt Josh Masters
Fuller took the initiative at the start of this match and definitely
looked to play at an increased compared to his previous matches. He
was attacking the front of the court in straight lines to prevent
Masters having the angles he loves to work with. Masters found a few
winners in this game but an equal number of tins, Fuller taking it
11-7.
The second game was a much tighter affair as Masters matched the
pace and tightened up his own play, reducing the error count. He
held two game balls at 10-8 but Fuller hung on and took a vital
second game 14-12. It was evident in the third game that Masters was
beginning to get frustrated and looking to attack from the wrong
positions, making a few mistakes and opening up the court for Fuller
to counter.
Fuller led 10-5 and looked like he would close it out comfortably
but Masters buckled down and pulled back to 10-8 before Fuller took
the victory on his 4th match ball.
Jan Van Den Herrewegen bt Patrick Rooney
Rooney was off to a flyer in this one, volleying everything and
using some fantastic hold and wrist to send Jan all over the court.
Some great touch on the volley drop helped secure the first game
11-7.
It looked as though Jan had been given a talking to in between games
as he came out at a much higher pace and began to dictate a greater
number of rallies. Rooney was still playing well but with Jan
getting more balls back at an increased quality, Rooney began to
make a few more errors as he looked to go tighter and tighter with
his shots. Jan took the second 11-6 and the third followed a similar
pattern with some stunning rallies but Rooney was just making a few
too many errors due to the increased pressure on his game.
It definitely looked like the previous four matches were catching up
with Rooney as he slipped to a 6-0 deficit in the fourth, Jan
eventually taking it 11-5 and the match 3-1.
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Quarters
Chris Hall reports
Chris Fuller bt Michael Harris
Harris made an explosive start with a series of cross court nicks
and fantastic attacking play to lead 8-1. Fuller tightened up and
chipped away at his lead with Harris still going for his shots but
making a number of errors, an 8-1 lead soon turned into 9-9. Fuller
played the last two points well to take the game 11-9.
The second followed a similar pattern with Harris looking to attack
but at this point but he was being forced to do so from
uncomfortable positions, Fuller taking this game 11-6. The third saw
a noticeable change of tactics from Harris who seemed more content
to extend the rallies and wait for his opportunity. This paid
dividends as he took as he took a tight game 12-10 and also snuck
the fourth 13-11.
At 8-5 in the final game it looked like Harris might just complete
the turnaround, but Fuller found a number of winners amongst his
patient play to recover and take the match 11-9.
Josh Masters bt Ben Ford
It was clear that Ben was struggling from yesterday's five setter
and also seemed to pick up a niggle at the start of the match.
Whilst it lasted we were treated to an array of fantastic shot
making and countless rolling nicks.
Patrick Rooney bt Mark Fuller
Several big momentum swings in this excellent quarter final. Fuller
looked by far the sharper player to take the first 11-4 and we
wondered if Rooney's journey from qualifying had taken it out of
him. However he dug in impressively, and gave Fuller less
opportunities, taking the second 12-10. Rooney built a big lead in
the third and stayed strong to give himself a 2-1 advantage. Another
big shift saw Fuller take the fourth game 11-4 and it looked like
Rooney was spent. The fifth game was neck and neck to 5-5 before
Fuller made 2 or 3 uncharacteristic errors to give Rooney a lead
which he never relinquished.
Jan Van Den Herrewegen bt Tristan Eysele
At 11-5 and 6-0 up Jan was playing some excellent squash and looked
like he would be cruising into the semi finals, Eysele looking
shattered from his run this far. Not for the first time this week he
knuckled down and just kept going, getting everything back and
started to mount attacks of his own. He recovered to lead 8-7, but
just like yesterday Jan played the big points very well, winning the
second 11-9.
The third saw some long rallies, both players covering a lot of
ground and was even to 7-7. It looked for a second as though
Eysele's hard work may pay off and that Jan may be beginning to
tire, but he again shored things up at the business end of the game
to complete a 3-0 win.
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Round One
Chris Hall reports
Chris Fuller bt Kevin Moran
Moran looked to be feeling the effects of yesterdays tough
qualifying final in this one. Fuller was too strong and accurate and
despite some excellent rallies, Moran found himself doing too much
work today.
Mike Harris bt Mark Broekman
The first two games of this one were tight with Harris seeming to
find an extra gear for the crucial points. He was always ahead in a
third game full of great shot making.
Josh Masters bt Miles Jenkins
Masters, fresh from him win in Bexley last week made a strong start
with some trademark hard hitting and nicks. It was the second game
before Jenkins found some rythm, starting to extend the rallies and
limit the opportunities for his opponent. Whilst always slightly
ahead in the third, Masters found himself under more pressure in the
third game with Jenkins starting to impose himself and take control
of more points. Some quality retrieval towards the end of the game
saw Masters through to the quarter finals.
Ben Ford bt Nick Mulvey
One of the matches of the tournament so far, this one had it all.
Long rallies, excellent attacking play and fantastic movement.
Mulvey took two out of three tight games before appearing to take
his foot off the gas in the fourth, with Ford taking it easily 11-2.
Mulvey found himself 6-4 up in the decider but some patient and
controlled play from Ford turned things in his favour to gain a 9-7
lead and eventually close out a superb match 11-8. The balcony was
packed for this one and the spectators showed their appreciation for
a great match.
Mark Fuller bt Ismail Rauf
This game was a total contrast of styles with Fuller playing
accurate and controlled squash while Rauf looked to open up the
court and finish the rallies quickly. It was evident partway through
the first game that Fuller was going to pick up too many balls for
Rauf's strategy to be effective.
Patrick Rooney bt Asim Khan
A strange match this one. Khan seemed to put up little fight in the
first game and lost it comfortably. He came out a totally different
player in the second looking focused and began to control the
rallies, making Rooney do more work. The third and fourth games were
similar to the first with Khan offering up little resistance, I am
not sure if he was carrying an injury. The crowds this week have
been appreciating Rooney's style of play and range of shots.
Jan Van Den Herrewegen bt Ondrej Uherka
One word for this match, brutal! Uherka continued his fine form from
qualifying to take the first and looked strong. The second game was
an important game which was point for point until the end, Jan just
edging it. By this point both players were giving their all and
pushing each other to the limit. The third and fourth games were
very competitive but Jan managed to keep ahead to take this one in
four long games. A very impressive match.
Tristan Eysele bt Alex Noakes
Having reached the semi finals in Bexley, This was Eyseles sixth
match in five days and to think he was two points away from going
out in the first round of qualifying here! Looking full of
confidence he was always in control here showing an impressive rage
of shots. Noakes worked hard today but looked slightly flat, perhaps
due to returning from a tour of the US only yesterday.
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Qualifying finals
Chris Hall reports
Kevin Moran 3-2 Joeri Haper
A match played at a ridiculous pace that didn't seem to let up
through the whole match! The first three games were very competitive
with both players getting on to the ball early and injecting pace
mixed in with some lovely touches at the front. The fourth game
perhaps saw Hapers begin to tire and Moran's hold and touch began to
pay dividends as he pulled away to take the last two games fairly
comfortably.
Ondrej Uherka 3-1 Jamie Henderson
 Henderson
started strongly and lead 9-6 in the first game and then held a game
ball at 10-9 before Uherka recovered to take it 12-10. Uherka's
court speed and strength, along with some lovely kills and volley
drops saw him take the second game 11-7 which he always led.
Henderson was not finished however and clawed back to take the third
game and open up the possibility of a comeback. A combination of
some great play from Uherka and some uncharacteristic errors from
Henderson saw a very unexpected 11-0 in the last game.
Tristan Eysele 3-1 Phil Nightingale
After a fine run in Bexley last week and a late night five setter
last night it was going to be interesting to see how much Eysele had
left in the tank. He started the match well using angles and in
particular the boast to twist and turn Nightingale effectively.
Nightingale tightened up and lengthened the rallies and used the
straight drop well in the second game to take it 13-11. It seemed
the effects of Eyseles attacking play got the better of Nightingale
in the third and fourth games as he seemed to be slightly off the
pace.
 Patrick
Rooney 3-1 Owain Taylor
This was a quality and fair match between two players who strike the
ball very well. Taylor had a long five set match last night and
after a strong start seemed to tire ever so slightly. Rooney's
quality into the front of the court began to get more reward and he
always seemed that bit in control for the remainder of the match. |
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Qualifying round one
Chris Hall reports
Kevin Moran 3-0 Barry Talbot
Sutton first team player Talbot was first up on the show court
tonight and was in for a tough nights work against Scottish
international Kevin Moran. The match was played at a high pace and
despite Talbot playing some great stuff, Moran's quality and speed
of play was just too much today.
Joeri Hapers 3-0 Luke Parker
This match was filled with some great rallies, it was Hapers short
game that proved the difference.
Jamie Henderson 3-0 Sam Hodgkins
Having helped Sutton to the Warwickshire league title last season,
Hodgkins was keen to do well in front of a supportive crowd. This
was another game played a cracking pace and the first two games saw
the players level until 6-6 before Henderson managed to pull away.
The hard work Hodgkins had to put in seemed to show in the third
game and Henderson was always in control.
Ondrej Uherka 3-0 Bradley Masters
Whilst I didn't get to watch much of this match, each game was
incredibly tight and could easily have gone either way. With some
quality squash and gruelling rallies, the crowd built Steadily for
this match throughout.
Phil Nightingale 3-0 Marcus Hayes
Sutton's last home player took on Phil Nightingale in front of a
loyal crowd. Hayes led 8-6 in the first game with some trademark
angles that left Nightingale floundering. Nightingale tightened up
and hit back to take it 11-8. The second saw Nightingale open up a
5-1 lead with well constructed rallies and then taking advantage of
the loose ball with clinical drops. Hayes rallied and mixed things
up well to take the game to 10-10 but Nightingale managed to close
it out. Nightingale was always slightly ahead in the third and
secure a 3-0 victory.
Tristan Eyesle 3-2 Guy Pearson
What a match! Whilst Pearson is unknown to the tour he is an
talented player and having improved his fitness recently has been
scoring some upsets over professional players in league. The first
game was tight all the way with Pearson looking to work the ball
around and attack whilst Eyesle used his speed and fitness to extend
the rallies. Pearson snuck the game 11-9 and was always a couple of
points ahead in the second to take it 11-7. The third saw a total
change of momentum with Eysele taking a 9-2 lead and winning it
11-4. Pearson seemed to get a second wind in the fourth and we were
treated to some fantastic shot making matched equally by Eysele's
speed and determination. Eyesele took the game 11-8 and we were in
for the first 5 setter of the evening. They were all even in the 5th
to 5 all where Eysele pushed on to take a 10-6 lead, Pearson was not
finished however and worked his opponent around the court patiently
to claw back to 9-10. This was as close as he got as Eysele
completed a remarkable comeback to win 3-2.
Patrick Rooney 3-1 Darren Lewis
Having taken a 1 game lead Rooney quickly found himself 10-3 down in
the second game with Lewis producing some fantastic play to build a
big lead .Looking to finish the game quickly, Lewis' lead began to
disappear and Rooney played more patiently to extend the rallies.
From 10 all both players had game ball opportunities before Rooney
took an important second game 16-14. The audience could have been
forgiven for thinking that Lewis would not recover from the second
game but he kept the quality high to take the 3rd game 11-6. The
fourth was even to 6 all until Rooney pulled away to take win it
11-7 and take the match 3-1.
Owain Taylor 3-1 Steven London
A match with so many changes of momentum it was hard to keep track.
The first four games were filled with one of the players finding
form whilst the other looked slightly short. This changed however in
a titanic fifth game battle where both players gave there all in
some long rallies. Saving a match ball Taylor edged it 12-10 to seal
his place in the qualifying finals.
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