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Sutton Coldfield
International
2016
05-10 Dec, England, $5k |
Final
Chris Hall reports
Herrewegen comeback stops Harris
Belgium's Jan Van Den
Herrewegen staged a comeback from two-nil down to beat Mike
Harris in the final in Sutton Coldfield.
So we were down to the final two, our finalists both having
endeared themselves to the crowd this week. A full house were
packed into the show court tonight and a noticeable buzz of
anticipation during the build up to match time.
A fast pace from the first rally, both players looking to get in
front and inflict some damage. Mike ending some quality early
rallies with an early backhand cross court nick (he hasn't
missed many all week!) and a backhand winner down the middle to
fool his opponent. Another few even rallies went the way of the
8th seed, finding some more impressive finishes and taking
advantage of a stroke to lead 6-2. Jan hadn't been plating badly
to this point and got himself back in the game at 5-6 with some
well constructed points and some aggressive length hitting. Mike
found an inside out forehand volley winner which sent Jan the
wrong way to help him to 9-7. He would reach 10-8 and close out
the game on his first game ball, a simple looking backhand drop
into the tin from Jan.
Mike was ambitious even for him at the start of the second game,
two errors to start and another winning attempt that was
slightly off that Jan countered well to lead 3.1. Just as we
were thinking his radar was off he finds another two winners to
draw level before Jan finds the tin on a backhand volley drop
and concedes a stroke to fall behind 5.3. The backhand drop and
volley drop being an area that would let him down a few time
this evening with a number of errors from winning positions.
From here Jan started to really test and put Mike under pressure
who responded by lifting his way out of trouble, the first real
time he had been forced to slow the pace like that this week.
Some hard fought rallies including a lucky nick each to reach
9-9, before a nice rally from Mike and a backhand error going
short from Jan handing the underdog a commanding 2-0 lead.
Despite losing the game Jan was starting to respond better to
Mike's attacks, reading them better and Mike become just a
little bit more ragged in his play.
An close start to the third to 5-5, both players having their
moments. Mike tended to win his rallies with some beautiful
outright winners, whilst Jan constructed the rallies well before
working the opening. An impressive not up call on his own shot
from Jan edged things to 6-6 and this is where the tide started
to turn. Mike was going short too often and was lacking the
quality on his shots when he did, opening up the front of the
court against a dangerous Jan who countered well. Some of Jan's
play was really forcing Mike to defend and lift, giving the
Belgian a respite from the barrage of shots, able to enforce his
own game. 3 errors under pressure from Mike, and a inch perfect
lob brining the second seed back into the match at 2-1 down.
If there any question Mike would change his tactics he answered
with a backhand slammed into the nick on the return the very
first rally. Another three winners and a mistake in that
backhand front corner from Jan took Mike to 4-2. Jan finishing
the next rally with a lovely disguised crosscourt drop that had
Mike going the wrong way. However for all the Jan showed at the
front there were maybe too many errors to go with it, another
backhand volley drop into the tin to se Mike to 5-3. Jan again
looked to be controlling the rallies, forcing a high pace and
some dying lengths puttin Mike under pressure, scores even at
5-5. A highly competitive next 6 rallies including one rally
which Jan launched into a dive not once but twice. The
scoreboard level at 8-8 and you sensed if Mike was going to win
the match it had to be in this game as he was looking slightly
tired for th first time this week and Jan was coming on strong.
An error from the Devon man and a stroke conceded gave the
Birmingham based Belgian a chance to level up, which he did with
an outrageous forehand drop.
The momentum looked to be with Jan as he started the fifth game
very impressively, taking advantage of Mike's slowing movement
to quickly establish a 6-1 lead. Mike was still pushing hard and
found a few strong points but was still behind 9-4, Jan
eventually wrapping up the game 11-4 to round off a remarkable
final, the players receiving much deserved applause as they left
the court.
A huge thank you to all of the players who competed this year, I
can't remember a match that was even slightly controversial or
ill tempered. Thanks must also go to our title sponsor Aston and
Fincher without whom this event would not have been possible.
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Sutton Coldfield International
2016
05-10 Dec, England, $5k |
Round One
07 Dec |
Quarters
08 Dec |
Semis
09 Dec |
Final
10 Dec |
[1] Jaymie Haycocks (Eng)
11-3, 11-5, 11-8 (34m)
[Q] Darren Lewis (Eng) |
[1] Jaymie Haycocks
11-8, 11-4, 11-7 (30m)
[Q] Andrew Birks |
[1] Jaymie Haycocks 16/14, 11/8, 11/5 (35m)
[8] Michael Harris |
[8] Michael Harris
8/11, 9/11, 11/6, 11/8, 11/4 (71mP
[2] Jan Van Den Herrewegen |
[7] Elliot Selby (Eng)
11-4, 11-2, 11-4 (20m)
[Q] Andrew Birks (Eng) |
[8] Michael Harris (Eng)
6-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-6 (40m)
Bradley Masters (Eng) |
[8] Michael Harris
11-1, 11-7, 16-14 (45m)
[4] Mark Fuller |
[4] Mark Fuller (Eng)
1-11, 11-13, 11-7, 11-4 (50m)
[Q] David Haley (Wal) |
[wc] Miles Jenkins (Eng)
12-10, 16-14, 9-11, 11-5 (65m)
[3] Mohd Syafiq Kamal (Mas) |
[3] Mohd Syafiq Kamal
14-12, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7
[Q] Vini Rodriguez |
[3] Mohd Syafiq Kamal 11/5, 11/8, 11/9 (41m)
[2] Jan Van Den Herrewegen |
[Q] Vini Rodriguez (Bra)
11-13, 11-8, 11-4, 11-3 (32m)
[6] Ben Coates (Eng) |
Owain Taylor (Wal)
11-4, 11-5, 11-2 (28m)
[5] Ben Grindrod (Nzl) |
[5] Ben Grindrod
9-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-2, 11-6
[2] Jan Van Den Herrewegen |
Alex Noakes (Eng)
11-6, 11-6, 11-7 (42m)
[2] Jan Van Den Herrewegen (Bel) |
Qualifying:
Finals:
David Hayley 3-2 Scott Young 12-10, 11-6,
10-12, 10-12, 11-9 (79m)
Vini Rodrigues 3-1 Phil Nightingale
11-5, 8-11, 11-3, 11-2 (39m)
Darren Lewis 3-2 Chris Longman 12-14,
11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 11-7 (55m)
Andrew Birks 3-0 Dan Bergin
11-9, 11-5, 11-7 (32m)
Round One:
David Hayley bt Barry Talbot -
11-4, 11-7, 11-7 (23 mins)
Scott Young bt Josh Owen
- 14-12, 11-3, 11-2 (29 mins)
Vini Rodrigues bt Kieran Mullis
- 11-1, 11-6, 11-5 (21 mins)
Phil Nightingale bt Nigel Stephens
- 11-6, 11-2, 11-6 (25 mins)
Darren Lewis bt Roshan Bharos
- 11-7, 11-7, 11-9 (32 mins)
Chris Longman bt Stuart George - 6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-4 (57
mins)
Dan Bergin bt Andy Murray -
11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7 (34 mins)
Andy Birks bt Kashif Arif - Walkover
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Semi-Finals
Chris Hall reports
Mike Harris 3-0 Jaymie Haycocks
 A
big shock in the first match of the night, Mike showing that
yesterday's upset against Mark Fuller was no fluke and producing
another quality attacking performance.
We were anticipating a fast start from both players after if
their matches yesterday were anything to go by. Jaymie came out
of the blocks much the quicker, taking charge of the middle and
unleashing a variety of winners to quickly lead 5.0. Mike
managed to get himself involved in the rallies but Jaymie still
on top to reach 9-5 and leave the crowd certain the game was
done.
It appeared that he slightly took his foot off the gas and
started to chip the ball around rather than playing the
aggressive game that had got him to that point. Mike started to
take advantage of this, attacking whenever he got the chance and
finding 3 winners to help him draw level at 10-10. From here it
was either Mike winners or errors taking us to 14-14, Jaymie not
quite assertive enough to discourage him. Two winners from Mike
giving him an important first game.
The consensus amongst the audience was that the first was just a
blip for Jaymie and they were almost proved correct as he
rediscovered his attacking intent to lead 6-2. A similar pattern
to the first from here as Mike improved his game and Jaymie not
quite as forceful in the second half of the game. Five winners
from Mike and three very uncharacteristic errors from Jaymie,
giving the Devon man a 2-0 lead.
The third game was Mike's turn to start quickly as he found two
forehand cross court nicks and a forehand kill. This was
followed by Jaymie hitting an error and conceded a stroke to put
the underdog 5-0 up and on the cusp of a big win. The top seed
was not giving in just yet and played some good stuff to recover
to 5-4, including two inch prefect boasts.
He was then well in charge of the following rally before a
defensive boast from Mike rolled out of the nick, not that Mike
needed the luck given the form he was in! A couple of no let's
for Jaymie, and a backhand winner from Mike taking us to 9-5 and
the verge of an upset. Two unforced errors from Jaymie giving
Mike a very well deserved victory.
Jaymie will no doubt quickly get over this loss and find the
form which has seen him record some impressive results lately.
Jan Van Den Herrewegen 3-0 Mohd Syafiq Kamal
 Jan
was looking noticeable sharper at the start for this game
compared to the first couple of games yesterday, winning the
first game with a controlled and dominant display. Mohammed
restricted to attacking from very difficult positions and
finding the tin regularly.
A much better start to the second for the in form Malaysian to
lead 3-1 but as was to becoming a pattern, two errors quickly
followed. He was showing some lovely form at the front of the
court and some quality play but perhaps needed to be a little
more patient at times.
Two soft backhand drop winners helping him to a 6-4 lead until
an error and reverse angle boast winner from Jan (perhaps a nod
to our own Marcus Hayes) drawing the players level at 6-6.
Another unnecessary error from Mohammed and a perfect length
from Jan giving the Birmingham student a small cushion at 8-6.
He managed to maintain this lead to hold game balls at 10-8,
another mistake from Mohammed sealing the game.
The third was a very evenly contested affair, Mohammed perhaps
realising he needed to cut out the risky shots and the players
treating us to some very good play. A very even start to get to
5-5, Mohammed getting his nose slightly in front to lead 6-5.
Jan noticeably picked up the intensity from this point looking
to close the show in straight games.
This seemed to pay off as despite leading again at 8-7, Mohammed
reverted to his high risk game, another two or three tins
handing Jan match balls at 10-8. The second seed forcing a
mistake on match ball to cap off the win.
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Quarter-Finals
Chris Hall reports
Jaymie Haycocks 3-0 Andy Birks
 Andy
had done well to qualify and upset the seeding in round 1, but
tonight was sure to be a different test against the home
favourite.
Like yesterday Jay was at it from the start, pushing up the
court and controlling the rallies to lead 4-1 and 5-2. Andy
started to get into the game and found some good width to
restrict the volleying opportunities for his opponent, pulling
level at 6-6. Jaymie moved ahead to 8-6 before we saw Andy's
trademark volley drop off the boast to help pull him back to
8-8. Like all top players do Jaymie just seemed to find
something extra at the end of the game to move to 10-8 before a
nick attempt into the tin from Andy handed him the game.
Jaymie started the second full of purpose, really hunting the
volley and using great angles at the front of the court to take
the game away from Andy. A nice volley boast that rolled to
finish the game.
It seemed like we were in for a quick fire third game as Jaymie
moved 6-2 up before Andy rediscovered some of the form he showed
in the first game. He was now matching his opponent shot for
shot and played some great stuff to draw level at 7-7. Just like
the first game Jaymie managed to find enough the end of the game
to see him through. Andy may not be playing full time, but he
certainly showed he could mix it at a high level.
Mike Harris 3-0 Mark Fuller
 Mike
was just on fire this match, by far the best I have seen him
play and his attacking quality was unbelievable. He totally took
Mark by Surprise in the first, firing in winners from absolutely
everywhere with Mark perhaps a bit passive.
Mark has never been the type to roll over easily and came out
looking much sharper in the second game, countering well and
playing much more positively to reach 4-4. It was starting to
look like Mike's attacking at all costs could backfire on him as
Mark was evening things up and getting into his stride. However
from 6-6 Mike found some more fantastic play to move ahead 10-7
and an error from Mark handed him the second game.
The third started in the same way as the second with things very
even to 4-4, Mike then hitting two consecutive nicks to lead 6-4
and a backhand drop shot to take him to 7-5. Mark showed his
exceptional mentality to dig in and after some great squash he
managed to pull things level at 9-9. Mike held match balls at
11-10 and 12-11 but some brave shots kept Mark in the game,
holding game balls of his own at 13-12 and 14-13. Mike summed up
his play by slamming the return of serve into the nick to save a
game ball, hitting another winner to lead 15-14. Mark went for
it on the serve return but found the tin, giving Mike a much
deserved win.
Mohd Syafiq Kamal 3-1 Vini Rodrigues
A very good game this one and two extremely fair players. Some
great play from both in the first with Mohammed taking the ball
in short regularly, which also gave Vini the chance to counter.
Mohammed found his range to go 9-5 ahead before a number of
winners from Vini saw the players level at 9-9. Both would hold
game balls with Mohammed eventually finding a cross court nick
to lead 13-12 before an error from Vini sealed the game.
Mohammed was perhaps looking to attack too often in the second
making a few errors and opening up the court for Vini who took
advantage to lead 7-4. Mohammed tightened up and won 3 good
rallies to even up at 7-7 before a number of errors handed Vini
game balls at 10-7. A forehand slammed into the nick from the
Brazilian taking us to one game apiece.
Whist the third and fourth games were still very competitive it
was clear Mohammed was playing a more sensible brand of squash,
working the opening before dispatching his winners. Vini was
still playing well but always seemed slightly behind as the
young Malaysian took the match 3-1.
Jan Van Den Herrewegen 3-2 Ben Grindrod
 A
great match to finish the night, Ben pushing last year's
champion very close indeed. After an impressive performance last
night the Kiwi made started impressively to lead 6-2 aided by a
couple of uncharacteristic errors from Jan. The number 2 seed
fought back to 8-8 but Ben found a couple of crosscourt angles
to take an unexpected lead.
Ben was countering extremely well again in the second game,
anything slightly loose at the front from Jan was being
punished. A very even game with Jan trying to move up the court
and do more with the ball, eventually finding some better
quality at the front to take a tight game 12-10.
The Belgian began the third a little passive as he was in the
first, Ben racing to a 4-0 lead. Jan noticeably steps up the
court and looks to do more with the ball, hitting a number of
quick winners to lead 7-4. Ben proving to be stubborn and works
his way back into contention at 9-9 and two unforced errors from
Jan leaving him one game away from exiting the competition.
Jan really came out with intent in the fourth game, pushing the
pace and working his opponent, with one particularly brutal
rally at around 3-1 to Jan. That rally was a huge turning point,
noticeably hurting Ben who couldn't recover for the rest of the
game.
Ben was looking tired in the fifth and was soon 8-2 down but put
in a really gutsy effort to catch up slightly to 9-6. Jan was
not to be denied as two errors from Ben gave him the victory and
still in with a chance of defending his title.
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Round One
Chris Hall reports
Jaymie Haycocks 3-0 Darren Lewis
Jaymie started quickly, mixing excellent length with great
variety at the front of the court, punishing anything loose from
Darren to take the first two games reasonably comfortably. Like
yesterday Darren looked sluggish to start the match and perhaps
opened up the court too much against someone of Jaymie's
quality.
However he was a totally different player in the third game,
moving well and playing a more sensible but positive game. The
rallies were a mixture of fast and frantic play and good use of
height, giving us a great quality third game. Jaymie played the
big points well and managed to take a much more competitive
third game.
Andy Birks 3-0 Elliot Selby
Andy looked really up for this match and was on fire throughout,
finding great length and lovely touch at the front. Elliot on
the other hand looked noticeably flat and perhaps didn't play
the squash we know he is capable of.
Mark Fuller 3-1 David Haley
Mark went off like a train playing incredibly tight squash and
anything he put short was glued to the walls, David not really
finding his feet and being forced into errors.
A much more even start to the second, David playing some much
better squash and finding some lovely soft drops at the front to
get to 5-5. However a number of mistakes and some strong rallies
from Mark saw the Nottingham man hold 3 game balls at 10-7.
David played well to recover to 10-10 and then 11-11 before
firing in a two wall boast winner and stunning forehand drop to
level proceedings.
A high standard from both players in the third game, each
judging their length well and numerous winners being played into
the front corners. Mark managed to edge ahead to 8-5 when a no
let decision seemed to upset David who quickly fired into the
tin in the next rally. Mark going on to take an important third
game.
It seemed that losing the third perhaps took the edge from
David's game in the fourth, Mark always in control to wrap
things up.
Vini Rodrigues 3-1 Ben Coates
A very even first game with some good stuff, Ben in particular
hitting some sublime winners. The second followed a similar
pattern with Vini perhaps tightening up and giving Ben less to
attack, drawing level.
From this pint Ben seemed to lose his sharpness and started
finding the tin with shots that were winners in the first couple
of games. Vini appeared well in control in the third and fourth
games, playing very well.
Mohd Syafiq Kamal 3-1 Miles Jenkins
The best quality squash of the night. MIles started well,
attacking on the forehand side with some nice kills and good
length. Mohd gradually cut the errors out and mixed the pace
nicely. Miles perhaps forced things too much at the end of the
game, combined with some excellent movement and flicks and 2
cross court nicks by Mohd to take the first.
The second followed a similar pattern, with Miles leading early
through good rally construction and a few errors. In the mid
stages Mohd cut out the errors and produced some great counter
attacks to level things. Miles narrowly clipped the tin on game
ball and Mohd eventually took the game in style. Both of these
games could've gone either way.
Miles battled back well in the third, managing to cut out the
crucial forehand errors. Both players mixed the pace well, with
early full stretched volleys and displays of touch. It was nip
and tuck stuff but Miles pushes hard to take the third.
Mohd, totally unflustered, started well in the fourth,
dominating the T and hitting great length mixed with tough
working drops and boasts. Miles' earlier efforts seem to show as
he makes several unforced errors, allowing Mohd to run away with
the game. Great squash and entertainment, much appreciated by
the crowd. Mohd winning a few fans tonight with his cool
demeanour and exciting play.
Jan Van Den Herrewegen 3-0 Alex Noakes
Inaugural champion and adopted Belgian legend, Jan VDHW, got his
2016 campaign off to a solid start. The first game started at a
good pace, both players hitting hard to the back, with Jan
looking to take the ball early. The scores were close until 7
all, at which point Jan stepped up the court to cut in some nice
winners to take the lead.
Alex battled well throughout, retrieving well and playing some
nice kills. Jan raised his game again at the midpoint in the
second, being more aggressive to the front of the court and also
surprising his opponent with some nice counter attacks.
The third was just as competitive in the early stages, with Alex
digging in and Jan making a couple of errors. Jan clearly wanted
to get off in 3 though and improved his length and front court
game to take the match 3-0.
Ben Grindrod 3-0 Owain Taylor
Ben looked extremely sharp in this match and was taking the ball
in to the front regularly and to great effect, using his speed
to cover any counter attacks. Whilst not necessarily doing much
wrong, Owain certainly seemed to lack the zip we are accustomed
to seeing and struggled to get himself going.
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Qualifying Complete
Chris Hall reports
David Hayley 3-2 Scott Young
 A
mammoth encounter to start the night and a huge effort from both
players. The first game saw some long and drawn out rallies
which all seemed to end in unforced errors, seeing us to 6-6
without a winning shot being played. David moved ahead to 9-6
before Scott regrouped to hold a game ball at 10-9, finding the
tin with a silly mistake. Two winners from David closed out the
game 12-10.
The second began with some better quality squash, both players
finding their targets and hitting some quality at the front. A
number of nicks from David took him to 9-6 and Scott conceded
two stroked to hand his opponent the game 11-6. Scott looked
noticeably more positive with his game in the third and raced to
a 7-2 lead with some excellent volleying and attacking intent.
He then made four cheap errors to help Dave recover to 8-9,
before finding 3 strong rallies to steal a game back 12-10.
The fourth can be summed up in one word, errors. Oh, and
strokes! I am not sure either player actually won a rally in
this game, Scott drawing level with a 12-10 win. Luckily both
players found some form in the decider which was even throughout
with each giving it all they had in some brutal rallies. An
ambitious return of serve error from Scott handing Dave the
final game 11-9.
Vini Rodrigues 3-1 Phil Nightingale
From the outset it was clear Vini's plan was to take the ball in
short and often with volley drops and boats to twist and turn
Phil, who was responding with some nice height to recover.
However Vini's attacking game was too strong and he closed out
the first comfortably. The second saw a similar pattern but Phil
was reacting better and playing some lovely counter drops and
winners, Vini perhaps exposing the front of the court too much.
The Brazilian found the right balance in the third and fourth
games, showing some lovely touches to take a 3-1 win.
Darren Lewis 3-2 Chris Longman
 Chris
set off brightly taking the ball in well whilst Darren was
looking slightly sluggish compared to his performance yesterday.
From 8-1 down Darren recovered slightly to 6-10 and played some
much better stuff to save five games balls before Chris
eventually took it 14-12. An even start to the second before
Darren really found his form firing in trademark winners from
all angles to run away with it 11-4.
The third was much of the same, Darren playing some sublime
squash whilst Chris was looking noticeably tired from his five
game battle yesterday. The sensible money would have been for
Darren to run away with the fourth but Chris had other ideas.
The Nottingham player finding a second wind to reach 4-4 before
Darren totally lost focus, making six unforced errors. Some
excellent squash at the start of the fifth with Darren
noticeably looking to push the pace and each player doing a lot
of work. Darren produced some great squash at the end of the
game to take it 11-7. A fantastic match played in great spirit
and thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd.
Andrew Birks 3-0 Dan Bergin
 A
good start from the Welshman saw him take a 9-6 lead with a
number of winners from mid court whenever Andy left the ball
loose. Andy found his length from here and aided by a couple of
mistakes from Dan snuck a tight first game 11-9. Andy really
found his stride in the second, suffocating his opponent with
dying lengths and forcing a number of impatient replies from
Dan.
The third game was closer but Andy was always slightly ahead
showing some fantastic touch at the front of the court, summed
up with two volley drop winners off his opponents boasts. A
competitive match throughout and Dan should not be displeased
with his performance.
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Qualifying under way
Chris Hall reports
David Hayley 3-0 Barry Talbot
Welsh international David Haley looked solid throughout this
opening match, working the Sutton first team stalwart hard and
into all four corners. Barry will be please with his efforts and
certainly made his opponent work for the 3-0 win. The second
game in particular saw some lung busting rallies and nice varied
play.
Scott Young 3-0 Josh Owen
Both players had been showing some good form lately and treated
us to an excellent quality first game, each looking to push
forward and control the T. Scott managed to sneak it and from
then on seemed to be in charge, making his opponent work hard
with some excellent volleying.
Josh seeming to tire after his efforts in the first but is
certainly a name to look out for in the future. Scott, the
former Birmingham University student, looked on top form and
much improved over the last few months.
Vini Rodrigues 3-0 Kieran Mullis
Sutton junior Kieran Mullis was always going to be up against it
to challenge the hard hitting and skilful Brazilian. However he
worked his socks off and managed to play some good stuff in the
second and third games, in amongst Vini's hard hitting and
numerous nicks. Kieran left straight away to play a Warwickshire
league match for the second team, an impressive commitment!
Phil Nightingale 3-0 Nigel Stephens
Experienced professional Phil Nightingale was taken by surprise
in the initial stages of the match. Sutton first team marathon
man, Nigel Stephens, rattled off the first five points without
reply. From here, Phil started to find his length and introduced
his two wall boast to great effect, getting back to parity and
marching ahead to one love.
Phil continued to control the rallies well in the second and
third games, using his height and reach to control the T. For
Nigel it was a rare Monday night 3 game match, but as usual, he
left nothing out there.
Darren Lewis 3-0 Roshan Bharos
British Open O35 champion and former world number 107 Darren
Lewis was always going to provide a stern test and so it proved
with an accomplished performance against Roshan Bharos. Darren
used his full range of shots to constantly keep Roshan off
balance and finished the rallies with some great shots at the
front of the court.
The third game proved the closest but Lewis finished proceedings
with two cross court nicks. Despite a competitive match Bharos
could not quite influence the game enough to make an impact.
Chris Longman 3-1 Stuart George
After getting into the event at the last minute and a mad dash
from Scotland, Stuart George started strongly the first game,
aided by a number of errors from Nottingham University student
Chris Longman. The next two games were much more even with some
patient and well constructed rallies from both rallies providing
great entertainment for the crowd.
It seemed that Stuart made errors at the crucial part of each
game whilst Chris kept his quality up. After a strong start to
the fourth, Chris raced away to win an impressive match.
Dan Bergin 3-1 Andy Murray
Dan started well, putting the ball in short and testing Sutton
legend Andy Murray's new knee! Andy flashed in some customary
winners and gradually found his length as the first progressed.
By the second Andy was in full flow, taking the ball early and
cutting in some nice drops and volley drops.
At one game all and six all the Sutton faithful sensed a
potential upset, but Dan found the back corners and got in front
to take the game. Andy started brightly in the fourth but like
the previous game, Dan closed the court down and stepped up the
pace to take the match 3-1. A great effort by Andy, after so
many injuries it is great to see him back on the show court.
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