GROUP A
Peter Nicol bt Dave Evans 2/1 (7/11, 11/7, 11/5)
John White bt Derek Ryan 2/0 (15/13, 11/9)

GROUP B
Jonathon Power bt David Palmer 2/0 (11/9 13/11)
Simon Parke bt Tim Garner 2/1 (11/3 3/11 11/7)

Power extracts a measure of revenge

In a repeat of last weeks St George’s Hill final, it was Jonathon Power on this occasion who stole the headlines as he reversed last weeks result and got the defense of his Aberdeen title off to a flyer.

Third on court tonight, playing in front of a raucous Aberdeen crowd, Power and Palmer put on display of squash worthy of any final. The now leaner looking Canadian has a formidable record in Aberdeen, unbeaten in fact following British Open ‘99 and Legends ’11 success, brought to the court his full artillery. A quick start from Power saw him race to 4/1 and 7/4 leads. The rallies were fast-paced, constructive and most of all entertaining.

Palmer worked hard and a combination of winning lengths and trademark volley drops saw him level up at 8/8. Power’s wand soon came back to life though and a winner in the front left corner that was so fast and complex that I can’t even begin to describe it, pulled him two clear at 10/8. An outrageous volley nick from Palmer took him within one point, however a precision forehand straight drop from mid-court from his opponent and it was first blood to the Canadian.

Game 2 formed a similar pattern but it was Palmer in the ascendancy this time as he drew clear from 2/2 to 6/2. A string of points however from Power saw him leap to an 8/6 lead, with the squash on display of the absolute highest standard. The referee was being called into action a lot more at this point, but in fairness to both players all was well above bored and despite some involvement from the crowd, few could argue with the decisions being made.

Palmer leveled to 8/8 and then grabbed a game ball at 10/9. Power hit one of the most sensational winners I’ve ever, an overhead behind the back backhand straight volley rolling drop. Sensational. It spurred him on to a few more inspirational rallies and the magician closed the match out 13/11 to end The Marines 100% legends record.

Nicol returns

Early in the evening the crowd welcomed first of all to the court Welshman Dave Evans and local hero Peter Nicol. Nicol endured a tough Aberdeen Legends debut last year finishing the tournament without a win, tough for any local to take but especially one with Nicol’s pride.

Things started badly too as Evans imposed himself around the court to open a 1 game lead courtesy of some beautiful squash. Whether it was the work Evans had put into winning the first game or Nicol loosening off, or perhaps a combination of the two, The Boss took control of the T, turned retrieving into attacking and 15 minutes late the match was his much to the delight (and relief) of the home crowd.

and so does White ...

The match that followed saw adopted Scotsman John White put on a real show against last year’s runner-up Derek Ryan. The Aberdeen crowd had gone 8 years without seeing White in action and based on the performance tonight they will be making the most of every minute he spends on court this weekend. It was however Ryan who started the brighter of the two, racing to a 5/1 lead.

White soon turned on the magic though and a serious of well directed slashes of the racket saw him surge ahead and eventually take the game 15/13. Despite all his efforts and fight Ryan simply could not stem the slow of winners coming from the racket of White and an 11/9 scoreline saw White close out the match 2/0.

Final match of the evening saw adopted local lad Simon Parke take on Aberdeen regular Tim Garner. Parke came out the blocks the faster of the two and despite some resistance from his opponent he took the game 11/3 in quick time. A complete reversal saw Garner dominate proceedings and again in quick time the game was over 11/3 and we were tied at 1/1.

A joint push from himself and his Aberdeen crowd saw Parke start the deciding game in better fashion. Now constructing the rallies with more purpose the Yorkshire player built and maintained a 3 point gap to close out the match 2/1.

A thoroughly enjoyable start to the event. All 8 players showcased some hugely impressive and entertaining squash and the Aberdeen crowd will come back in their masses tomorrow eagerly anticipating more of the same.
   

The second edition of Legends of Squash at Aberdeen will take place, under the new ownership of title sponsor Xodus Group.

Following a hugely successful event last year, 5 of the cast from last year will be joined by 3 others all looking to play the starring role. The event this year takes up Gold status following a substantial investment from oil giants Xodus Group from Aberdeen.

CEO Colin Manson is now a very keen player and the prospect of bringing back such legends to his Club was one he simply couldn't turn down, "Since coming back to playing this game only a couple of years ago I've enjoyed some great experiences. Last year the Club and sponsor (Mr Chips) put on a great show and I felt this burning desire to take it to the next level.

We've increased the number of Legends from 6 to 8 and so each of the four sessions will see all 8 in action. For the spectators, this is fantastic.

We are delighted also that the Legends will again be carrying out a series of clinics, especially with the juniors from the Club and surrounding area. This is a key focus for Xodus Group and I'm sure Peter and his team will make it a memorable experience for all."

The draw, announced only last week, is truly mouthwatering. In the first session on Friday evening, old rivalries will commence where they left off on Monday at St George's Hill with defending champion Jonathon Power looking to take revenge on David Palmer in a repeat of the 9Telecom final.

Hard hitting entertainer John White will make a return to Aberdeen after a 9 year absence, and will take on last years beaten finalist Derek Ryan. Also on Friday evening, former British Open champion Dave Evans will be thrown right in at the deep end in his Aberdeen debut against the one and only Peter Nicol.

The highlight of the Saturday afternoon session is undoubtedly adopted Aberdeen professional Simon Parke taking on Palmer. Parkey is a massive favourite with the Aberdeen crowd and will call on all their support in an attempt to break the undefeated reign of the younger Australian.

Another match the spectators will be looking forward to is a repeat of last years group match between Tim Garner and the aforementioned Canadian. Garner was unlucky not to sneak that match after putting in a stellar performance.

Saturday PM session is what everyone at the Club is talking about.

Looking boy and home favourite Peter Nicol, if going to plan, should have two wins in his back pocket and a match against Whitey will no doubt yield an abundance of nick hitting, retrieving and entertainment on the whole.

The winner of this is likely to make the final. "Fresh" from battle earlier in the day, Parkey will have it all to do again as he takes on the Canadian magician in what promises to be another fantastic match.

Club address: Aberdeen Squash & Racketball Club, Cranford Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7ND

GROUP A -
David Palmer, Jonathon Power, Simon Parke, Tim Garner
GROUP B -
Peter Nicol, John White, Derek Ryan, Dave Evans

Aberdeen Legends 2011