"I’m delighted to claim my first PSA title. I’ve been in three finals before and have been searching for my first win for a long time so I will always have great memories of Galway. It was an awesome tournament with great organisation and I would like to return in the future.

"The final was a great match and I was really pleased with the way I played, he made a couple of unforced errors that allowed me to move ahead. Even when I was 9-2 up in the third he never stopped fighting for every point, he came back to 9-7 in that game as he never gave up.

"A lot of thanks go to my coaches and my parents for their support over the years."



"I was happy with the way I played this tournament and it's great to get my game back on track. I wish I made less errors in the final but I'm looking forward to the rest of the season. Great credit to Simon for the way he played today and I felt it was a good match. I’m going to Dublin next week for the Irish open so I love Ireland!

"Thanks to the tournament director and to the rest of his team for another great event the club was very welcoming and hospitable toward all the players which was greatly appreciated by all the players. I’m looking forward to coming back next year and hopefully going one step further."

Overall the event was a resounding success, the weekend was thoroughly enjoyed by all players and supporters who help contribute to the exciting and lively atmosphere around the club. Galway Lawn Tennis Club was delighted to have such a high class event in the club with many people expressing their intention to return next year.

Huge credit must go to the events generous and longstanding sponsors ‘Garavan’s Bar’ who’s continued support of the tournament makes this enjoyable weekend possible year after year.

We are already looking forward to next year’s event which we plan to make even better and build on the success of the last three years.

Now on to the sponsor’s bar for the real main event…


  

Ryan & Rooney

Aisling Blake beats Tanya Owens to win women's event

11-7, 11-8, 11-5

[6] Clinton Leeuw

11-5 11-7 11-7 (37m)

[2] Gilly Lane

11-8, 11-5, 9-11, 11-4 (65m)

[2] Gilly Lane

Qualifying:

09-Apr, Qualifying finals:
Stuart Crawford (Sco) bt Johan Bouquet (Fra)    11/8, 12/10, 11/2
Andrew Birks (Eng) bt Rory Pennell (Eng)          11/2, 11/8, 11/5 (28m)
Rene Mijs (Ned) bt Jakob Dirnberger (Aut)         3/0
Neil Hitchens (Eng) bt Bart Ravelli (Ned)            11/6, 9/11, 11/4, 11/9 (53m)

08-Apr, Round One:

Johan Bouquet (Fra)   bye
Stuart Crawford (Sco) bt Ronan Tully (Irl)   11-3 11-1 11-9 (18m)
Andrew Birks (Eng) bt Nigel /Tierney (Irl)   11-3 11-3 11-8 (17m)
Rory Pennell (Eng) bt Phil Nightingale (Eng)  11-8 9-11 11-7 11-9 (42m)
Jakob Drinberger (Aut) bt Richard Birks (Eng)  11-5 11-4 11-9 (29m)
Rene Mijs (Ned) bt Conor O'Shea (Irl)   11-7 11-6 11-0 (22m)
Bart Ravelli (Ned) bt David Noone (Irl)   11-4 11-5 11-3 (20m(
Neil Hitchens (Eng)   bye

"First match of the tournament that I have won in three, it was important to keep my concentration, he was increasing the pace in each game and played some brilliant shots, especially from the front. The match was played at such a high pace that he also made a lot of mistakes.

"I have done a lot of work with my coaches-Wael and Wagdy el Batram which has helped me deal with the fast pace. I was happy to get through 3-0. I have played Gilly a number of times and feel confident for the final tomorrow and will hopefully get my hands on the trophy, this is my fourth final and I hope to claim my first victory."

The final match of the day was the second semi final between Gilly Lane and Irishman Arthur Gaskin. Again Gaskin drew a large crowd to the centre court in Galway and they were treated to a very competitively fought match. In the opening exchanges it became clear that both players were quiet evenly matched, both in terms of skill and in hunger to win.

Gilly seemed to settle the quicker of the two and quickly settled into a rhyme that enabled him to construct some brilliant rallies which allowed him to quickly establish a 2-0 lead. Gaskin regained his composure in the third game by moving further up the court and taking the ball earlier which left Lane constantly on the back foot. Gaskin took an early lead which he didn’t loose at all in the third game which he won 11-9.

He carried on with this strategy in the early parts of the 4th game going 4-3 up, Lane realised he had to change his approach and took the initiative of a Gaskin mishit and went on the offensive with all guns blazing for the next 9 points which he won consecutively to claim his place in the final against the number one seed Simon Rosner.

"Really happy to get to the final, I haven’t had many good results in the last month but I was able to get a good start and go 2-0 up, Arthur came back strong in the third and manage to take it, I had to dig deep, concentrate and fight for every rally, and I was delighted to win 3-1 not letting it go to a fifth.

"I am working a lot on my game with Tommy Berden, Lucas Buit and Floris Millaert and it’s really paying off."

Tomorrow's final between the top two seeds promises to be an evenly matched contest, with both players already expressing their desire to claim the coveted ‘Paddy Whack Walsh’ trophy.
  

Rooney at Rest ...

... while the kids work

Dirnberger a favourite

"Joe is a different calibre player then last nights opponent, I was more focused this morning, he played well at the start and I was nervous, after losing the first game I changed tactics which put Joe under pressure and he made mistakes, I just needed to keep focused. Joe is a good player but I got through with a few lucky bounces and calls."

Next up on the centre court was the number 1 seed Simon Rosner, his opponent was Rene Mijs, the Dutch qualifier. Rene has been impressive in his games so far, but seemed to meet his match in his higher ranked opponent. The first game started off close as did the second with the players trading points through out. Rosner lost focus in the middle of the third game and Mijs took the opportunity and capitalised on this, taking the game 11-5. Rosner re-grouped quickly for the fourth game and shut his opponent out easily taking the game 11-1.

"Outside of the third game I played alright when I let my opponent get a rhythm, which was the same as yesterday, I won the last game 11-1 which was a good confidence booster. I have played Clinton a few times, in league and PSA, and have won each time, but they are always tight, so I expect a hard match with him this evening."

A large crowd had gathered to watch the next match of the session, the eagerly anticipated match between Romain Tenant and Irishman Arthur Gaskin. In the first two games Gaskin looked the hungrier of the two, pouncing on each loose ball in his path. He served up a 2-0 lead in 30mins. Gaskin seemed to tire as the match progressed into the third set, with the French man, just returning from a lay off due to injury, playing with more resolve and winning on a score line of 11-8. Gaskin, the Irish number 4 was being expertly coached between games by his national team mates John Rooney and Derek Ryan. This seemed to steady Gaskin who played a more controlled game in the 4th, the advice paid off as the pressure increased on Gaskin who found himself defending a game point, but dug deep to take the closest of games on a scoreline of 13-11.

"A tough match, I started well but he got going in the middle of the second and I couldn’t read his forehand shots, I had an energy drop in the middle of the third and he played some good shots when I was loose. I tried to tighten up in the fourth, but it was anyone’s game. I’m happy to get through and I’m looking forward to the semi finals tonight."

Arthur Gaskin

The last quarter final was next up and contested by the American number 2 seed Gilly Lane and Spaniard David Vidal. A tough physical match was etched out a hot centre court, with both players needing to play very precise squash to finish the rallies.

"Long, hard game, courts are really bouncy and I got lucky in the 2nd game and went 2-0 up, I got tired in the third and David went ahead, I came back well and won it in the fourth. I am happy to get further in the tournament this year and am looking forward to the semi final against Arthur this evening."

Rooney at Rest ...

... while the kids work

Dirnberger a favourite

Joe Lee took on Neil Hitchens in the next match. Hitchens had a tough match this morning and needed to recover quickly if he was going to put it up to Lee. This is exactly what he did by making the best start slowing the pace down to allow himself time on the ball. Lee picked up the pace as the match progressed and a tired Hitchens couldn’t keep up and Lee ran out the 3/1 winner in 47min.

“I made a very slow start, he slowed the pace which didn’t suit me, he played very constructively and played better Squash than me but he didn’t have the legs! As the match went on I felt more confident and was happy with the win.”

Irish favourite Arthur Gaskin made a welcome return to Galway and set his sights on claiming a first West of Ireland open title. His opponent in the match was Englishman Lewis Walters. Lewis has played the West of Ireland each year since it became a PSA event. Gaskin seemed to struggle early on with the warm courts but settled down and controlled the pace. He didn’t let Walters find a rhythm and Walters struggled to keep up with Gaskins consistency and ran out a 3/0 convincing winner.

Chris Truswell the events number 8 seed took on the qualifier Rene Mijs. Mijs was looking to continue his fine form after coming through two rounds of qualifying. Rene continued this form continuing to cause upsets as he beat his higher ranked opponent 3-1.

“Happy to win again, it was a tough match I was 1-0 up and the 2nd game was very tough which Chris won. The third game was easier as he was physically more tired than I was. He struggled to keep up with the pace and I felt confident in the 4th, I was delighted it didn’t go to 5!”

David Vidal versus Aqeel Rehman was a close match which seemed to go on for a long time. Both players were trying hard to get used to the warm conditions and the long rallies. It was Vidal who seemed to control the match from the start. But it was no easy win for the Spanish number 5 seed.

“A tough first round match. Both of us struggled to get used to the court. We were trying to keep the ball low and hard, I tried to slow the pace on the backhand as it was his weak point. I kept getting the basics right and he made a number of errors at key points in the match.”

Next up was the tournament number 1 seed Simon Rosner who took to the court against Scottish qualifier Stuart Crawford. Crawford looked tired from his earlier matches and the fresher Rosner controlled the pace. It was a tight 1st and 2nd game which Rosner won; Crawford fought back in the 3rd and managed to win it. But Rosner upped the tempo and moved ahead winning comfortably 3/1 in the end.

Gilly Lane the number 2 seed took on Eddie Charlton. This was a close match from the off and neither player gave the other any cheap points. Eddie was tiring as the match progressed and after an injury break in the 2nd game he came back and lost the game to go 2-0 down. Charlton never returned to the court after the second and shook his opponents and conceded the match due to an injury.

“Happy to get through. Eddie was playing well and unfortunately he couldn’t finish the match. Looking forward to my match tomorrow. I’m happy to be back to Galway this year. I got to the quarters last year and I’d like to get further this year.”

 

“Just arrived so not the best preparation and was a bit tired! I was happy to get through in 4 games. He didn’t start well and made to many errors in the beginning. I tried to box him out of the game from then on”

“This was my first match in 6 months after an injury lay off. I was tense for the first 2 games until I relaxed and found a rhythm. I will play better tomorrow!”

“I am delighted to be back in Galway. I have only missed 2 West of Ireland’s since I was 14. It’s great to have it as a PSA event again and get to play on home soil. As for the match, the court was very warm so I tried my best not to make any mistakes; I’m looking forward to the rest of the event.”

“It was a tough first round match which is good as it allowed me to get prepared. It was a very close first and second. In the third it was 5-5 and I lost concentration and he took it. I came out fighting in the forth and I kept the pressure on and managed to win quite comfortably. Happy to get through and looking forward to my match tomorrow.”

"I didn’t play my best squash but my concentration was good and I managed to stick to my game plan which is rare for me these days. The 2nd game was crucial, he got to game ball first but I managed to stay focused and won the big points. Don’t mind who I get in the main draw but I would like to avoid Simon."

Next on the centre court was Andrew Birks and Rory Pennell. Pennell never looked to settle in this match and looked physically drained from his game last night. Birks kept the rallies going trying to grind his opponent working him hard and forced him to make lots of errors. In the third game Birks raced to a 10-3 lead as Pennell seemed to have nothing in reserve. Birks won the game 11/5 and was a 3/0 winner overall.

“Rory was tired from his match last night; I kept the ball deep and played accurate squash. I won the 1st convincingly but he fought back in the 2nd and I kept the pressure on and didn’t look back. I would like to avoid the top seed in the main draw but not pushed either way.”

Jakob Dirnberger and Rene Mijs took to the court next. Mijs was on top from the start and he never allowed Dirnberger to get any rhythm. Mijs continued his sharp and accurate squash from last night and forced the errors from Dirnberger.

"A comfortable 3-0 win, which I don’t get often. I played at a good level throughout which is pleasing. I have to play another match this evening. I hope not to get the top seed, but I hope to play well whoever I get. Happy to be in the main draw!"

The final match of the session was between Neil Hitchens and Bart Ravelli. This was the longest match of the afternoon. Neil started well in the first game where he controlled the pace. In the second Neil built up an 8-2 lead but made a number of unforced errors allowing Bart back into the game, he took the second and from then on it was a battle between the two. Hitchens managed to regain his composure and ran out the 3/1 winner.

"I started off playing well, but in the second I was 8-2 up and I don’t know how I lost that game. It was going to be tight from then on. I was disappointed not to win 3-0 but I will have to recover quickly for my match this evening."

"I felt fine in during the match, I lost concentration in the 3rd game where Ronan got that chance to hit a few nice nicks! I play Johan Bouquet tomorrow and I haven’t played or seen play before so I will try play my game and hopefully play well."

On the other court Dirnberger faced opposition from Englishman Birks. Dirnberger controlled the match from the off building up an early lead in every game which always left Birks on the back foot. Birks made a number of errors throughout which allowed Dirnberger win the match without much trouble.

Next up was the experienced Rene Mijs who played local junior Conor O’Shea who is in training for the European junior championships in Spain next month. Mijs never looked troubled during the match and kept the rally’s going. O’Shea fought the whole way through and was delighted to get the opportunity to play a pro.

"It was great to play such a keen junior who has a great never give up attitude. It is a great this type of attitude and I hope he keeps improving. As for myself it was a good match to start a tournament with, it allowed me to play my game and I was sharp this is a good sign. I am looking forward to tomorrow’s match with Jakob and I feel confident going into the match."

Richard Birks took on Nigel Tierney who recently joined the PSA. Birks was keen from the start not to give away any easy points and his pressure paid off as Tierney made several unforced errors. Birks lost his concentration in the 3rd game and allowed Tierney back into the game however Birks never looked in doubt as he ran out a 3-0 winner in 17 minutes.

Bart Ravelli took on the next local player David Noone. Ravelli kept the pace high from the start and never allowed Noone to settle. As a result he made a lot of errors throughout due to the pressure which was applied. Ravelli won comfortably in 20 minutes.

The final match of the evening saw Philip Nightingale take on fellow English man Rory Pennell. This was the longest and closest match of the evening which proved to be a very physically demanding encounter for both players. Pennell took an early lead by taking the first game but Nightingale fought back in the second to level the match. Pennell pulled away in the 3rd and never looked back in the 4th. Neither player looked to be playing their best squash; Pennell will have to up his game if he is to have any chance of qualifying for the main draw.

"Meh! Knackered!

"Scrappy and loose but managed to claw my way through."

"I am delighted with the win after a period of losses and a disappointing national championships this win gave me a great confidence for tomorrows match. I never played Richard before so I was unsure what to expect. I’m really happy with the win and looking forward to my match tomorrow morning."

"I’m happy to progress further in the tournament. The match tomorrow will be a lot tougher and I hope to qualify for the main draw."

"He made a lot of errors in the 1st and 2nd games and I lost concentration in the 3rd allowing him to get some easy points, I played reasonably well even though the match was too difficult and I am pleased with my draw overall."

2008 Event     2007 Event