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Final:
[1] Chris Ryder (Eng) 3-1 [2] Max Lee (Hkg)
8/11 11/6 11/2 11/8 (47m)
Ryder joins Aberdeen roll of honour
Alastair Gorrie reports
World No. 40 Chris Ryder today added his name to a distinguished
list of champions as he defeated the popular World No. 76 Max Lee in
four hard fought games. Ryder sees his name added to and honours
board including the likes of Peter Nicol, Lee Beachill, Alex Gough,
Azlan Iskander, and the late great John Dale.
Following 12 Scottish National Masters finals, a large crowd
gathered in anticipation following a series of excellent matches
throughout the weekend. A fast and furious start saw Lee pull away
from 7/7 with a combination of stunning winners and lung bursting
retrievals. Ryder saved one game ball but could do nothing with the
second as Lee crushed a forehand volley into the front right nick.
11/8 and first blood to Lee.
The second saw a more composed Ryder begin to stamp his authority on
the match. Some crisp and stubborn volleying saw Lee on the end of
the bulk of rallies and despite more astonishing gets Lee could do
nothing. Ryder was beginning to hold the ball a lot more, something
which Lee commented on after the match. "He brought in his hold in
the second. The constant starting and stopping left my legs feeling
like cement", Lee said. 11/6 to Ryder and we were all square.
The third started in similar fashion to that of the third. Ryder is
a clever player and he knew Lee was beginning to suffer as a result
of a marathon five set match with his compatriot Dick Lau from the
previous night. The holds became ever more frequent and somehow ever
more deceptive. Lee could do nothing but chase and even then he had
to give that up towards the end of game three. A few desperate, and
ultimately unsuccessful, nick attempts later and Ryder was 2-1
thanks to the 11/2 game three scoreline.
Realising something had to change Lee came out in game four and put
in a huge physical (and probably mental) push. Wrestling the 't' off
Ryder, Lee pushed ahead to a 5-2 lead. Ryder responded with a kick
of his own and the result was that we were never more than a point
apart right up until 7/7. Ryder sneaked ahead with a winning
straight drive and a Lee error. Ryder then dropped one in the tin
from mid court himself and we were at 8/9. A clinging backhand drive
from Ryder took him to match ball and then a deceptive forehand
drive that also never left the wall and it was all over. Ryder
punched the air with joy. Lee, despite being clearly exhausted and
disappointed turned to embrace the winner. The standing ovation from
the crowd which followed was duly deserved.
That's me done for the weekend. This years tournament was hard work
but great fun at the same time. Aberdeen Squash Racquets Club (who I
believe I have failed to mention so far are the current European
Club Champions!) was buzzing all weekend and the players are the
reason for that.
Well done to all, and see you next year.
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