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Sun 21st, Final:
[1] Andy Whipp bt [5/8]
James Snell 8/11, 11/9, 11/8, 11/7
Welcome to the finals day at lee
on solent a fairly sombre Sunday morning at 9am, maybe the left
over effects of brandy and lavage from the previous evenings
comedy night.
Things now starting to warm up the graded finals are all
underway lets hope the heat is turned right up for the main
event. First we have Andy Whipp pro at Manchester
northern v James Snell fast improving pro from Exeter.
Both players promising to bring their A game to the party, both
of the back of good wins yesterday evening.
First James in to a early lead playing much tighter and taking
the pace off the ball dragging Andy forward, great rally Andy
volley straight kill 6-9 blood starting to flow around the veins
the game as both players start to move better, James just takes
it 11/8.
Second Andy stays on court during the break and goes on to a 5-0
lead, broken strings for James, pulls it back to 6-7, using the
height on the front wall, using it to great effect. Top rally at
8-8 ,two gift from James gives Andy game ball then a barrage of
attacking play from Andy to let him take the game 11/9.
Third game, 3 errors from the outset gives Andy a 6-3 lead in
next to no time, c’mon James head up 4-8. But Andy comes back
despite a dramatic dive from James on game ball to take 11/8 and
a 2-1 lead.
50minutes gone do we have a game on our hands?
Fourth game, nip and tuck game intensity rising 7-6, James after
10minutes. Great retrieving from both players at the front of
the court and back of the court, just favouring Whippy, who
turns out to be the eventual winner, taking the final game 11/7.
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Sat 20th, Quarters & Semis
Semis:
[5/8] James Snell bt [3/4] Eddie Charlton
11/8, 4/11, 7/11,
11/4, 11/7
[1] Andy Whipp bt [3/4] Ben Ford
6/11, 11/6,
11/9, 1/11, 3/11
Quarters:
[5/8] James Snell bt [2] Tim Vail
10/12, 11/7, 11/7, 10/12, 11/5
[3/4] Eddie Charlton bt Andrew Birks
11/3, 7/11, 11/6,
11/5
[3/4] Ben Ford bt [5/8] Chris Truswell
11/8, 8/11, 11/13,
11/6, 11/5
[1] Andy Whipp bt [5/8] Neil Hitchens
11/8, 11/4, 11/7
Hi and welcome to a very busy
Lee on the Solent graded tournament running alongside BSPA and
starting early doors at 9am.
First of the ¼ finals – Tim Vail v James Snell… this is a
tough one to call and a slow start from Tim. At 8-6 to James,
the game looks to be getting up to speed. I can’t believe James
played like this against J Kookal! Two errors from James lets
Tim back in for him to squeeze 11-9. Same sort of start to the
2nd with a cross-court drop from Tim (he will tell all it’s
skill).
James still persisting with a short game, leaving him 6-3 down.
But some unforced errors from Vail gives James game ball. 1-1, a
game that ebbed but no flow. The 3rd goes the same way but more
errors from Tim gives the game to James.
A really tight 4th, both players beginning to realise the
importance of this game, 10-10, James serving, a back-hand
volley kill, Tim game ball, great retrieving at the front from
both players, finishing with a back-hand cross-court drop from
Vail, game on! The crowd are gathered with anticipation – mostly
Lee support. (James Snell 10/12 11/7 11/7 10/12 11/5)
Second of the ¼ finals – Andrew Birks v Eddie Charlton…
on the other court, Eddie looks to be very comfortable against
Andrew to take the first. But Andrew had other ideas with great
controlled length using the front wall dimensions well to take
the 2nd.
Tight exchanges from both, they are very busy players with Eddie
just edging out the rallies, lucky nick, giving the game and
match ball to Eddie. (Eddie Charlton 11/3 7/11 11/6 11/5)
Third of the ¼ finals – Andy Whipp v Neil Hitchins…
strong play from the outset from Andy. Neil working hard and
staying with him until Andy pulls away a forehand drop and then
a strong perfect length drive – 11/8. Andy stays on court during
the break. He then starts well getting good height with lobs and
looking good but Neil hangs in there. Andy’s strength really
shines through though and finishes 11/4.
Both players are now using the height and looking for the loose
ball of the lob, 10/5. Match ball, double hit chance for Neil
7/10? Andy cross lob to take the match. (Andy Whipp 11/8 11/4
11/7)
Last of the ¼ finals – Ben Ford v Chris Truswell… on the
other court Ben takes a closely fought 1st game 11/8. In the
second game Ben is onto the short ball very early but a high
volley kill from Chris stops the ball.
Ben seems to be losing his concentration as Chris takes the game
11/8 and then the next 13/11. Ben however regroups to hold on to
games four and five to run out as the eventual winner. (Ben Ford
11/8 8/11 11/13 11/4 11/9)
Semi-Finals
Eddie Charlton v James Snell
Eddie took an early lead in the 2nd and both players are
looking to take the ball short at every opportunity. Eddie took
a 6-0 lead but James get it back to 4-8 but Eddie’s width is
slightly better not giving a chance to attack Eddie, taking the
game 11/4.
The 3rd game had great movement from Eddie and a really telling
drop takes him to a 5/1 lead. Referee Paul Wykes holds his own
with a few contested points, a miss-hit from James when all he
had to do was hit the front wall and a well contested point took
Eddie to 9/6. A great court cross drop leads to 10/8 and an
attempted back hand drop from James arrives in the tin to give
the game 11/8 to Eddie.
James flies into a 5/0 lead and Eddie seems happy to let this
game go. Gunho squash seems to be the order of the day and James
takes the game 11/4. In the 5th game, it was back to business
straightaway from both players sending lob and low kills which
they negate to James going to a 9/5 lead.
A great cross court drop gives him a forehand drive kill and
James takes the match 3/2.
Ben Ford v Andy Whipp
Andy looking strong from the outset and setting a high pace.
Maybe Ben could be feeling the effects of two hard five setters
as Andy takes the game 11/6.
In the second game Ben comes out hitting hard to Andy with a
back hand taking in a cross court volley but Andy claws his way
back with some precise lobs even though Ben takes the game 11/6.
On to the third game, with Ben taking the ball to the front of
the court at every opening. Andy was working hard at the front
of the court but no rallies and Ben takes the game 11/9. 2-1 Ben
is upset!
Into the fourth game, Ben doesn’t fancy anything longer than
four shots as Andy takes the game 11/1. Into the fifth game and
Ben tells us 34 minutes for four games – woo hoo! Great racket
skills from both players keeps the game.
THAT HURTS is the cry from Ben as Andy takes an 8/4 lead. 5/9 is
Ben’s last chance but Andy closes the game out 11/5.
Until tomorrow, good night from Lee-on-the-Solent… and now to
the LOST Comedy Store with the local compare – Keith
Barron!
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FRIDAY
IN SOLENT....
FIRST ROUND
Hi and welcome to the Lee on the Solent for the 1st in
the BSPA series and for those who have not gone to Australia for
the ashes test lets hope it proves to be just as exciting.
First up is Winchesters Kirby Sinclair vs Keith Timms (Broxbourne)
Sinclair played the shot maker in this match as he styled a
moustache on court which we hope is in aid of movember but we
are still not to sure what the hair is in aid of! Whilst Timms
kept him under pressure with good retrieving, and then started
to come in to his own in the second winning a tight game,
Sinclair then edging out a tight third game, and taking the
fourth to take the match. 11/6 9/11 11/6 11/7
On the opposite court was Andrew Birks Vs Dean Russell,
Birks takes control of the 1st,3rd and 4th, reaching the
first match ball of the match in the 4th and taking the match
11/6. Whilst Russell played well in the second to take that game
6/11. 11/7 6/11 11/3 11/6
Along the corridor from the glass back courts played Eddy
Charlton vs Neil Chambers, Charlton seemed to be taking
control of this match at 2-0 up, but chambers battled through to
keep Charlton on his toes and keeping the game scores tight.
Chambers then makes a break through taking the 3rd game, maybe
jetlag is creeping in for Charlton. But Charlton comes
back to take the match 3-1. 11/7 11/8 4/11 11/8
Next up is Steve Siveter vs local young pro Robert
Downer, good exchanges from the outset with Robert taking
the 1st game with some excellent front court play. Another tight
2nd game with Siveter sneaking it 11/9, good exchanges in the
3rd with Siveter working Downer very hard with precise length
and tight drops, taking the game 11/6, Siveter then won
the match edgily, taking it 13/11. 6/11 11/9 11/6 13/11
Whilst on court 6 ( the coaching court) was the clubs pro,
Tim Vail vs Richard Birks. Tim taking the 1st game with ease
11/4, but Birks fighting back to make the 2nd and third games
very tight, making it harder for Vail to close out the match
3-0. 11/4 16/14 11/9
Next on was number one seed Andy Whipp from Manchester vs
Dave Haley, Whipp was not looking to stay on court to
long winning 11/4 11/7 11/7
After a quick show from the number one seed, next on was the ¾
seed Ben Ford v Alex Phillips. The first two games 8/11
11/8 both tight, and both players making there mark with there
top racket skills. Midway through the 3rd, errors started to
creep in from both players, until Ben came through to
take the 3rd11/9, then making his seeding count to take the 4th
and the match 11/2. 7/11 11/8 11/9 11/2
On the court next to this was “The only way is Essex lad”
Rory Pennell v James Simpson, Penell seemed to cruise
through the 1st and 4th game, but his opponent made it harder
for him in the second with Simpson taking it 7/11, then battled
in the third to push Pennell to squeeze the 3rd 13/11. 11/4
11/7 11/13 11/2
The rest of the first session included Phil Nightingale v
Adam Giles, with Nightingale just squeezing it 3-2.
11/4 5/11 10/12 11/4 11/6
Adil Maqbool was to play Brandon Hanley , with
Maqbool taking the match 3-1, the last two games Hanley battles
through to keep the scores quite close, but Maqbool just
being able to edge the match. 4/11 11-5 11-7 11-9
Micheal Wood v Reuben Phillips another 3-1 victory in the
BSPA. With Wood beating the young Reuben Phillips 11/4
8/11 11/7 11/3.
Next on court was Robert Dadds v Mick Biggs, with Dadds
having a brutal match the night before against the 2nd coach at
the Lee-on-the-Solent Martyn Collins-Ballands! Biggs was
able to ease out a relatively easy 3-0 over the young Dadds.
11-8 11-1 11-4
Then James Snell v Clive London, Snell sneaked
this close match 11/13 11/1 11/4 5/11 11/6
Last on was Chris Truswell v Jamie Matthews, the world
deaf squash champion. Matthews finding it difficult against the
on form Truswell, with Truswell taking the match 3-0,
11-6 11-4 11-1.
SECOND ROUND
This afternoon's rest seems to of worked for Eddie Charlton,
as he moved very quickly on to the ball and not letting Kirby
settle to take the first game, 2nd game Kirby takes a early lead
floating the ball around, then following it up by taking the
ball in short . Eddie reels him in so they are level which
carries on nip and tuck until Kirby takes the game to make the
games level at 1-1. Eddie takes the third , Kirby puts in great
effort in the fourth but to no avail Eddie wins in four. 11/3
13/15 11/5 11/5
On court 5 Adil Maqbool v Andrew Birks. Can Andrew
nullify the shot maker, Adil top international junior. Errors
coming in to play from Adil in the third giving Andrew an easy
3rd game. A word from Ben Ford and Adil comes out putting more
drops in from the front of the court. Two lucky bounces in the
two back corners from Andrew, and he puts the match back
in his favour to eventually take the match 3-1. 12/10 5/11
1/11 8/11
Next on was Tim Vail v Steve Siveter. A cross court nick
off the serve sets the tone for the first game, no sapping
rollies from either player, and Tim running away with the first
game.
the 2nd starts for the better for Steve, precision straight
drops to take a 5-1 lead, Tim fights back and two volley boasts
in the tin to make the score 9-9. A top fore hand volley kill
from Tim 10-10, then a great fore hand drive dying in the back
corners from Steve for him to get his first game ball, and then
a forehand drop for him to take the game to make it 1-1. Game on?
Tim raises his game to take an almost flawless 3rd game, Steve
is now really battling to stay in this match and a great back
hand volley drop at 11/10 enables him to take the match to 2-2.
5th and final game, early exchanges for Tim to find good length
and good shots from the front, to give him a 5-1 lead, a cross
court drop from Steve lets him get back in to the game to reach
5-5.
Then hand out 6-5 Tim, 7-5, 8-5, handout 8-6, 8-7. Handout Tim
again 9-7,handout 9-8. Tim then reaches match ball, and plays a
good back drop to take the match.
On court five James Snell v Phil Nightingale. James is of
a great win against Jan Koukal last week, and seems to be
carrying the same sort of form in to this tournament winning
11/6 11/9 11/3
Andy Whipp showing what an experienced player he is
against a very quick and mobile Micheal Wood, but with
Andys shot selection and strong movement around the court he
takes the match 3-0 11/5 11/5 11/7
Neil Hitchen v Chris Tasker-Grindley
Neil Hitchens didn’t let the Essex side down, with a convincing
win over Chris Tasker- Grindley 11/6 11/6 11/7
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Quals |
22-Nov, Final:
BSPA Final
Azlan bt Wan Adnan 11/5, 11/8, 11/7
And so to the final on a blustery day in Lee between no.1
seed Azlan and No.3 Wan
A close 1st game with both players moving the ball around the
court with speed and accuracy, but Azlan closes the game with
some precision drops.
The 2nd start with some hard fought rallies and Azlan taking a
6-3 read; good exchanges down the backhand wall using height and
weight of shot, but with Azlan staying in control. Two fortunate
bounces and Wan comes back to 6-9. A B/h volley kill from Wan
and an error from Azlan makes it 8-8, but Azlan holds out to
take the 2nd 11/8.
The 3rd starts with Azlan becoming more dominant as the game
goes on. At 6-10 a delightful game of who can drop the ball the
lowest which Wan wins, but Azlan wins the next point to win 3-0.
21-Nov, Quarters & Semis:
BSPA Solent Classic 2009
Welcome to Lee on another bright sunny day. Well after a
frenetic morning of graded tournament squash inspired from
yesterday’s main event rounds.
To quote a boxing term – let’s get ready to rumble on the
Solent.
We are ready for the first of the quarter finals. On court five
we have Steve Siveter v Scott Handley and on court 6 we Azlan
Iskandar v Alex Phillips.
BSPA Solent Classic Quarter-Finals:
Azlan Iskandar bt Alex Phillips 11/4, 11/8, 11/4
On court 6 Azlan starts the match not in full flow with Alex
striking the ball well in his usual skilful manner but as he
ploughs through to take the first game 11/4.
Second game - this could be the third gear of the Lamborghini
from Malaysia moving on to the ball with speed and accuracy
taking the game to the front with no margin of error probably
the furthest Alex has been up the court, taking the game 11/8.
Azlan then up into fourth gear to take the third 11/4.
Scott Handley bt Steve Siveter 11/7, 11/6, 14/12
Just reading between the lines it looks like Steve and Scott’s
game could be well contested by both players. The first game
which Scott wins 11/7. He seems to have adjusted well to Steve’s
low game, getting Steve to retrieve a lot more rather than
making the play.
Steve starts to play a few two wall boasts which makes Scott
move to the front with more severity but he seems to handle it
and takes the second 11/6. Steve hanging in big time in the
third 11 all Scott hits the tin with a drop 12/11 to Steve but
Scott hangs in with a back hand drop shot and finally Scott runs
out winning 13/11 taking the match 3/0.
Wan Adnan bt James Huang 11/5, 18/16, 11/7
On court six we have unknown James Huang who came through late
last night against Ben Coleman. And Wan Adnan who is in his
designer t-shirt to show off his tan, looking to be favourite
James seems to be feeling the effects of last night’s match.
First game to Wan – 11/3.
James seems to have go the blood flowing in the second keeping
neck a neck with Wan but the game going to Wan 18/16.
Into the third game, Wan with some excellent retrieving and
counter drops going on to take the match 3/0.
Tim Vail bt Phil Nightingale 14/12, 11/7, 11/8
Next up on court five we have the long and the short – Phil
Nightingale and Tim Vail. Who must be taking this seriously as
he has never been seen to stretch before! Could this be a bit of
the number one seed rubbing off on him?
The first game starts to develop with Phil taking the ball into
the front and Tim hanging on to the game with some precision
lobs and forcing some loose shots from Phil – game to Tim 12/10.
Another tight game with Tim starting to hit those trademark
kills to take the second 11/7.
In the third game there was consistently good play from Phil but
he could not overcome the magic shots and racket technique that
Tim put forth. Tim goes through to the semis.
Semi-Finals
Azlan Iskandar bt Scott Handley 12/10, 11/4, 11/6
Down to the semi-finals, Azlan and Scott. I’ve been reminded by
some people in the crowd that Scott has beaten Azlan on numerous
occasions! Scott producing some of his best squash in the open
game staying with Azlan all the way, only for Azlan to take it
12/10.
Good opening rallies with Azlan taking the ball short across
Scott and taking two cheap points giving Azlan a 4/2 league.
Scott re-focuses, getting more height on the ball but some
beautiful straight shots from Azlan taking him 11/4 to win the
game.
Into the third, “this is top-ten stuff” is the cry from Scott –
think he could be right as Azlan runs out a 3/0 winner. A quote
from Scott “I think I bottled it, I felt I could have pushed
through a bit more. But his counter-stuff made a big difference.
I’m a bit disappointed but he is 13th in the world and he showed
why. Well played Azlan”. I think we could look out for a
rekindled Scott in the future.
Wan Adnan bt Tim Vail 11/8, 11/9, 1/11, 11/5
Down to the last semi-final, Wan v Tim. This could be
interesting. Tim into an early lead only for Wan to drag it back
11/8. The same in the second, Tim in the lead 7/6. A great
back-hand straight kill from Wan to take it to 7/7 and then a
very disputed point to Wan to take an 8/7 lead. A great top spin
drop from Tim 8/8 and then a fiercely contested stroke - 10/9.
For-hand kill, game to Wan 11/9. Could this be it?! Tim takes
the third 11/1 – wow! Wan then comes out firing in the fourth to
take a 6/1 advantage and puts in some super drops 11/5. Match
3/1.
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BSPA Solent Classic
Round 2
Azlan Iskandar v Kirby Sinclair 11/2 11/1 11/2 (18mins)
Lamborghini like showing why he’s no.1 seed and 13 in the world
against Kirby Sinclair who was showing the effects of a 5 setter
earlier in the day and losing easily 3-0.
Alex Phillips v Chris Rand 11/7 11/8 11/8 (24mins)
Now to the local derby. Alex takes the 1st after being 5-0 down
with Chris finding the tin on numerous occasions. The 2nd goes
the same way, “c’mon Chris” shout goes out from the Lee Mafia
hoping to see their player rise up but Alex has different ideas
and shuts the door to win 3-0
Steve Siveter v Mick Biggs 11/3 9/11 11/5 11/5 (35mins)
Steve was really quick out of the blocks tonight not letting
Mick settle keeping the ball low and tight to the front and back
taking the 1st game 11-3. A better 2nd game for Mick 9-9, Steve
returns into the tin and Mick wins the game with a low f/h
boast. A few errors creep into Mick’s game and Steve is still
very steady and takes the 3rd and the same pattern follows in
the 4th for Steve to win 3-1.
Scott Handley v Brandon Hanley 8/11 11/3 11/4 11/6
Brandon takes advantage of a slow starting Scott to take the
1st. Scott comes back to win the 2nd game 11-3 really easily,
Scott then shows why he has a been a top ranked player for so
long moving Brandon all over the court and tiring him to take a
comfortable 3-1 win. Not a good day to for Brandon to leave his
inhaler at home as he said to me afterwards.
Wan Adnam v Jason Pike 11/3 11/5 11/6 (17mins)
Wan looking untroubled in the 1st game playing with accuracy and
strong movement not letting Jason settle into his hard hitting
game. Wan strolls to a 3-0 win
Ben Coleman v James Chang 8/11 4/11 12/10 11/5 11/9
(59mins)
And so to the last match of the day Ben’s british junior karate
years shining through his combative approach never say die
attitude takes the 1st 11-8. Ben races to a 7-1 lead in the 2nd
and then some well contested rallies from both but Ben wins
11-4. James fighting for his life goes 3-0 up playing with much
more conviction unlike the previous 2 games. They get through to
10-10 but James sneaks it 12-10. Good opening exchanges early
doors of the 4th game but James pulls away to take it 11-5 with
some uncharacteristic errors from Ben. So to the 5th and final
game now the crowd are getting divided as both players are
making their mark with fantastic exchanges at the front. Why
does the game of the day always have to be the last, james gets
through 11-9, well played to both players with an hour of great
squash.
Phil Nightingale v Richard Birks 11/8 11/4 8/11 12/10
(27mins)
Apologies to Phil as only got to see the last game. He got home
12-10 in the 4th
Tim Vail v Jamie Matthews 11/3 11/7 11/1 (16mins)
Lee’s very own head coach and sussex and hants top player vs
Jamie Matthews World Deaf Squash Champion. C’mon guv’nor is the
cry from his assistant coach high in the crowd. The Vole
straight into the stride and not letting Jamie get a sniff of
the ball, nicks coming in form all angles, it mut be something
in the sea air 11-2. Jamie starts to get into the 2nd game
managing to get past Tim but it didn’t last too long as it
quickly went away from Jamie as did the 3rd. |
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mick
biggs v ryan jewer , it was back to business mick biggs
today looking in good form controlling his opening match against
ryan and taking the match 3-0.
