Two big upsets in the first qualifying finals as Greg
Lobban gets his first-ever win over fellow Scot Alan Clyne,
and Egypt's Mazen Hesham beats former world top ten
Mathieu Castagnet in straight games.
Top qualifying seed Omar Mosaad recovered from a game down to beat
Greg Marche, and Germany's Raphael Kandra recorded a
second upset win as he ousted Adrian Waller in five. Watch replays below
[7] Greg Lobban (Sco) 3-2 [4] Alan Clyne (Sco)
In what was at times like a training match between the two
Scottish players - who'll be teaming up in pursuit of a doubles
gold medal at next months Commonwealth Games - it was Greg Loban
who prevailed in a feisty affair.
The first two went the way of the younger Scot, coming through a
tense opener before doubling the lead courtesy of some fortunate
decisions, and bounces, in the second to leave Clyne cutting a
frustrated figure.
It only served to fire up the man from Inverness though as he
came out strong in the third, hitting with increased purpose and
bite behind the ball. And after getting back on the scoreboard
he stormed the fourth for the loss of just three points.
But the final game went the way of Lobban as he returned to the
patient, disciplined play that earned him a 2-0 game lead to see
out the win and earn a maiden main draw berth.
"It’s my first time beating Alan, I’ve come close a few times
but he has always seemed to get over the finish line against me
in the past.
I’m happy to qualify for the first time here at the Grasshopper
Cup and I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at
the main venue either tomorrow or Thursday!"
The Black Falcon may be back. With a dominant 3-0 win over
Castagnet, the Egyptian showcased all the skills that have
marked him out as an outstanding talent since he burst onto the
scene a few years ago.
A lack of discipline and focus on court, combined with a string
on injuries, has been his downfall and prevented him from
reaching the highs he's capable of - but if he can replicate the
kind of squash he produced today he'll be a threat to everyone
in the main draw.
Hesham unleashed his full arsenal from the start - hitting
crosscourt winners from deftly struck flicks, powerful slams and
deceptive touches from all four corners of the court to storm
the first two games and leave Castagnet visibly frustrated and
angry at being unable to get into the action.
In the third the Frenchman looked to have turned the corner,
opening up a 6-2 led. But Hesham unleashed a barrage of winners
to perplex Castagnet and the crowd and turn the momentum around
to take the game and the match in style.
"To be honest that result was better than expected. I felt
like I played a good basic length game and kept the errors low.
And it's always a good sign when you can get a good result
against a top player like Mathieu."
The hard-hitting Hammer of Thor recovered from a slow start to
prevail against Marche and inflict more misery on French squash
fans.
In the opener the Frenchman wasted no time, opening up an 8-0
lead over a sluggish looking Mosaad but the affable giant Mosaad
found his range and looked like a different player as he stepped
up in the court for the second, assuming the role of aggressor
and taking Marche's speed away from him. And it proved a
profitable tactic as he levelled up.
Marche, under pressure from Mosaad and being stretched through
all exchanges, began to allow unforced errors to slip into his
game in the third and from then on it was a downward spiral as
he fell apart while Mosaad went from strength to strength to
complete the win.
