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US Open Squash Championships 2006.
11-16 November, Boston |
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Thu 16th,
Final:
[6] Gregory Gaultier
(Fra) bt [1] Amr Shabana (Egy) 11/5, 7/11, 11/4,
11/9 (61m)
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Gaultier Claims US
Open Title
Colleen Turner reports ...
A crowd of over 1,000 gathered to watch
the final match between world #1, Amr Shabana of Egypt, and
world # 5, Gregory Gaultier of France.
The first
game of the match started close, but a few surprising errors by
Shabana put Gaultier up 6-3. Winning back the serve, Shabana grabbed
a quick two, but mon dieu, Gaultier came back with a vengeance going
up 10-5, before putting Shabana out of his misery.
 The second game saw Gaultier up 6-3, before a stunning
shot gave Shabana the point and serve. Another couple of dazzlers
tied it up at 6-all, when Gaultier took control of the court and the
game, zipping ahead
to 9-6.
An aerobic volley earned Gaultier a point, but an out call
gave Shabana the point and his only game of the night, 11-7.
Even at 1-all, Shabana forced a couple of errors on Gaultier, but
the formidable Frenchman came back with two unanswered points to tie
it again at 3-all. A dubious let call had Gaultier just a bit peeved,
but it appeared
to be just the impetus he needed to grab a quick five points.
At
9-4, Gaultier refused to relinquish control of the T, working
Shabana like a punching bag to take the game 11-4 and a 2-1 lead in
the match.
 The Gods were smiling on Gaultier when he scooted up 5-3 in the
fourth game.
A down ball brought the score to 4-5 before Shabana did
that voodoo that he does to tighten the margin to 6-7.
At 8-6,
Gaultier was infuriated with a
call by the judges to bring it within one, 8-7.
A deadly shot by
Shabana brought the game to 8-all, before two sweet points took the
game to 10-8. Shabana squeezed out another point, before a tough
no-let call gave Gaultier
the win and match.
 |
 This
is my first Super Series win, so I’m really happy,
especially as it’s my first visit here. Tonight could have
gone either way, but I’m really glad it went my way today…
I tried to stay patient, and it paid off. Also, I kept on
playing high, as he likes to volley, so you’ve got to keep
it very low or very high. Also, I tried to control the
middle of the court, and tried and control his attacks.
I have a good record against Amr, I like playing against him,
I like playing against the attackers… I hope I’ll keep on
playing that way, and if I do, hopefully, I’ll have a shot
at number one, keep everything crossed!
This is a big boost for my confidence…..
I wanted to thank John and his team, they’ve run a superb
tournament. I’ll definitely be back next year, and try to
win it again! And thanks to Amr for a great final.
Ah, and thanks to the ref. I know it’s not easy to ref, and
I’m sorry for the talks, but I want to be funny for the
crowd, and sometimes, it’s not funny for the ref, but it can
be for the crowd…
Thanks all for coming, and I hope you’ll come back to
Boston….
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|
 It’s
hard to talk when you lose…
Thanks to John and to the sponsors that support him, this
has been a great event. I hope that next year they’ll get
behind him and triple, quadruple the prize money….!
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Wed 15th,
Semi-Finals:
[1] Amr Shabana (Egy) bt [11] Ramy Ashour (Egy) 10/12, 11/5, 11/8, 12/10 (56m)
[6] Gregory Gaultier (Fra) bt
[2] David Palmer (Aus) 12/10, 8/11,
11/9, 11/7 (68m)
 Semi-Finals in Back Bay
Two
enticing semi-finals, both repeats of recent major
finals.
First up the all-Egyptian
match-up between world number one Amr Shabana and world
junior champion Ramy Ashour. They met in the
Hong
Kong final, where Amr ended Ramy's sensational run. That
took the youngster into the top ten, and while performances here
have shown that it was no fluke, tonight the result was the same.
Back in August in Cairo the
World Open final was fought out
between David Palmer and Gregory Gaultier. Gaultier
looked to have the title in his hands, but a sensational comeback
saw Palmer claim his second world title. Tonight they met again, and
in this one revenge was taken ...
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Match Points from Back Bay...
Colleen Turner reports ...
Competition
in the Semifinals round of the 2006 U.S. Open Squash
Championships began today at the Back Bay Events Center, Boston.
Shabana stops Ramy
In the first game of the much-anticipated match between fellow
Egyptians Amr Shabana (#1) and Ramy Ashour (#9), both players were
well-matched through five-all, when Shabana went up a quick three.
A down ball at 8-6 gave Shabana the serve, but Ashour took control
back after a gruelling duel of cross-court shots. At 10-all, Shabana
won the serve and hoped to finish off his young compatriot, but
winning a stunning volley that had the crowd roaring with delight
and following up with a quick shot earned Ashour the first game of
the night, 12-10.
In the second, the energetic Ashour used every surface of the court to return
well-placed shots from Shabana. Tied at 5-all, several Ashour errors
afforded Shabana the chance to jump ahead 9-5. The volley for the
tenth point was another crowd pleaser, ultimately going to Shabana
and setting the tone for the final point and win for world #1.
Tied at one-all, match play in the third stayed very close due mainly
to uncharacteristic errors by both players. Tied at 7-all, a dubious
stroke to Shabana let him go ahead. With that, Ashour’s focus began
to falter, and although he did earn another point, the wily Shabana came
right back to tie it again at 8-all. A tough let put Shabana up at
9-8 and afforded him the chance to seal the game and win with two
more points.
Proving why he’s world #1, Shabana, up 2-1 in the match, took
advantage of a rare bout of clumsiness by Ashour, and quickly ran up
the score to 8-0 and then 10-1. Looking as if the “magnitude” of his run for the
US Open title might have compromised his concentration, Ashour stole
an astonishing nine match points from Shabana to bring the game to
extra points. An amazed crowd watched as the future of squash
finally succumbed to the world champ, but not before endearing
himself to a new legion of fans.
Gaultier gains his revenge
The
second semi-final started neck-and-neck at 7-all when David Palmer kicked up the pressure to go ahead, 10-7.
Gregory Gaultier, on the other hand, had other plans and not
only came back to tie it, but took the game in extra points, 12-10.
 Palmer was up 9-2 in the second game,
when Gaultier responded with six unanswered points. But this time it
was too little, too late, as Palmer wisely took himself in hand, as
well the game, 11-8.
Tied at 1-all, they were equally matched at 4-all, when
Gaultier zipped ahead to 9-4, looking to seal Palmer's fate, but the
affable Aussie persevered to make the game competitive, yet sadly
went down 9-11.
Up 2-1 in the match, game four saw Gaultier again up early at 4-1,
but always looking to stay competitive, Palmer edged in a few points
via several Gaultier errors and his own well-placed shots.
 Gaultier, conversely, was determined not to be trifled with and
responded in kind, going up 10-5. Palmer finessed two stunning shots
to bring the score to 7-10, before a funky series of lets ended with
Gaultier earning the win and a date with Amr Shabana in the US Open
Final.
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 "Well,
that’s squash for you… !
"From the first point on, you know you’ve got to give your 100%
because he is so good, and in the fourth, what happened is that, for
the first time in the match, I started believing that I’d made it,
and in squash, you are not supposed to do that! But as it’s never
too late to learn, tonight, I’m going to kick myself in the butt…
"I just do what I’ve got to do, I enjoy my squash, and so does Ramy,
he enjoys his shots, and we hope that the crowd enjoyed it as much
as we did…"
Hi Fram,
Just a few words about the semi.
It cannot be described as a great match, neither for quality or
intensity.
I didn’t seem to be able to move, but then again, neither did he
thank God! Not sure if it’s because I worked too hard in the
previous match…
Anyway, only one match to go, and as usual, going to give 200%.
Speak soon ...
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Tue 14th
Quarter-finals:
[1] Amr Shabana (Egy) bt [7] Nick Matthew (Eng)
12/14, 11/8, 11/8, 11/4 (59m)
[11] Ramy Ashour (Egy) bt [16] Graham Ryding (Can)
11/5, 11/8, 11/7 (31m)
[6] Gregory Gaultier (Fra) bt [3] Thierry Lincou (Fra)
11/5, 11/7, 11/7 (59m)
[2] David Palmer (Aus) bt [8] Lee Beachill (Eng)
5/11, 11/5, 11/6, 11/6 (60m) |
Tue 14th
Round Two:
Match Points from Back Bay ...
Colleen Turner reports ...
Competition
in the Quarterfinals round of the 2006 U.S. Open Squash
Championships began today at the Back Bay Events Center, Boston.
Gaultier wins French feud
Fellow Frenchmen Thierry Lincou and Gregory Gaultier
started off the evening’s quarterfinal action. The early rallies
were long and action-packed, more often than not resulting in a let.
A stroke called in Gaultier’s favour put him up 7-5, and his
continued fast and fancy footwork helped him capture the first game
11-5.
In game two Gaultier was quickly up 5-0 once again, but the
formidable Lincou fought back to tie the game at 5-all. Gaultier
finessed a few quick points and Lincou committed a few rare errors,
allowing the world #5 to creep ahead 9-6, and ultimately take the
game 11-7.
Up 2-0, a confident Gaultier came out strong, but Lincou kept the
game neck-and-neck to 7-all. A tough shot to the calf, that will
likely leave a mark on Lincou, put Gaultier ahead 8-7 and appeared
to be the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back.
Three quick points later and Gaultier was on his way to the
semi-finals.
Shabana moves on
Until the fourth game of the match, Nick Matthew's heart and soul
were in terrific form. The world #7 was neck-and-neck with world #1,
Amr Shabana in game one. Both players were sending shots deep and
digging even further to eke out each point. At 12-all, Matthew
earned a tough 13th point, before a down ball by Shabana gave him
his one and only win of the night.
In game two, Shabana crept up to a 10-8 lead before Matthew gave up
the game winning shot, allowing the top-ranked player to tie up the
match.
The third game started with Shabana ahead, but Matthew quickly
brought it to 4-all and stayed in the game, before Shabana matched
him at eight and never looked back.
Shabana took the fourth and final game, 11-4, in a mere six minutes,
offering this writer little opportunity for clever quips or
observations. Bottom line, world #1 moves one step closer to another
title.
No three-peat for Beachill
It was a replay of last year's US Open Finals match, but with a
slightly different outcome. It took a warm-up game with two-time US
Open Champ Lee Beachill winning 5-11, but then Australia's David
Palmer, world #2, promptly took matters in hand when he faced
England's world #8 in the third match of the US Open Quarterfinals.
Palmer gave up several points early in the second game, but quickly
came back to win, 11-5. Tied at 1-all going into the third game,
Beachill was not going to go down easily. He picked up a quick four
at the start, but a tight shot in the corner, just above the tin set
Palmer off on a tear - or a jag, depending how you look at it.
Back-to-back disagreements with the judges definitely riled him, but
he promptly channelled that anger, going on to an 11-6 win and a one
game lead in the match. Fourth game play action flip flopped until
3-all, when Beachill served up 3 unanswered points, but several
back-to-back rallies of outrageous proportions promptly put Palmer
back in the game at 6-all. With Beachill¹s concentration shattered,
Palmer mercifully finished the game and match in short order dashing
any hopes of a three-peat for the very likeable Brit.
Ramy Rolls On
News alert - Ramy Ashour is 'that' good. He plays with an ease and
smoothness not seen of late in even the best players. This, coupled
with his keen ability to exit gracefully and his deadly accurate
top-spun, cross-court drop shot ... well, you do the math.
So, it's no surprise that he made quick work of Canada's Graham
Ryding. Ryding, a veteran player of the Power-Nicol error didn't
look bad, in fact, he got off many sweet shots -just not enough to
best one of the fastest advancing players on the tour.
In game two, strategy worked in Ryding's favour, as he took control
of the T and ran Ashour ragged. Unfortunately, it is no easy task to
wear a 19-year-old down, and despite tying or holding onto a slim
lead throughout most of the game, Ashour dropped dazzler after
dazzler to still take it, 11-8, as well as a 2-0 lead in the match.
Ryding kept pace with Ashour in the third game, staying within one
point or two until 6-all, when Ashour turned the freak switch to 11
- literally.
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DRAW & RESULTS
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 "This
is one of my favourite tournaments, I always play well here...
"I had a bit of a slow start, I wasn't my sharpest tonight, but I
started to play better towards the end.
"Since the birth of my daughter Kayla, I'm not putting so much
pressure on myself anymore, I've got other centre of interests... I
just try and stay fit and healthy and do the best I can...
"Also, I'm glad that all the hard work I've put in this summer
during the three months I spent in Australia paid off...."
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 other,
so today, I tried and changed my preparation. I focused on the
Player I was about to play, and forgetting it was actually
Thierry, one of my best mates.
"I gave it 200%, I dug in in the rallies, and make sure that I
didn't give him any cheap points....
"Maybe he didn't play at his best today, but it was one of those
days..."
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Mon 13th, Round
Two:
[1] Amr Shabana (Egy) bt [14] Ong Beng Hee (Mas)
11/6, 7/11, 11/4, 11/9 (42m)
[7] Nick Matthew (Eng) bt [15] Olli Tuominen (Fin)
11/2, 11/4, 11/5 (28m)
[11] Ramy Ashour (Egy) bt [4] Anthony Ricketts (Aus)
7/11, 11/7, 11/9, 11/6 (53m)
[16] Graham Ryding (Can) bt [5] James Willstrop (Eng)
12/10, 11/3, 3/0 rtd (28m)
[6] Gregory Gaultier (Fra) bt [12] Wael El Hindi (Egy)
11/5, 11/5, 11/4 (40m)
[3] Thierry Lincou (Fra) bt [10] Stewart Boswell (Aus) 5/11, 11/3, 11/6, 11/6 (54m)
[8] Lee Beachill (Eng) bt [13] Adrian Grant (Eng)
6/11, 11/6, 11/6, 12/10 (68m)
[2] David Palmer (Aus) bt [9] John White (Sco)
11/3, 9/11, 11/6, 11/7 (48m) |
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Mon 13th,
Round Two:
Match Points from Back Bay ...
Australia’s Stewart Boswell, in general, is playing a tighter
game and began today’s second round in Boston
by putting a skip in Thierry Lincou’s rhythm. His strategy
succeeded in the first game, but world #3 Lincou, came back
strong, taking the second game in just seven minutes and following that
win up with two more.
Worth noting, Boswell got off some terrific
shots and hung on strong for numerous long volleys, but it was his
uncharacteristic errors and perhaps a lack of focus that cost him the
match in the end.
Canada’s Graham Ryding and England’s James Willstrop
were well matched in the first game, but an injury to Willstrop’s
hamstring cost him game two, and ultimately the match when
he withdrew from the competition.
Sporting his customary black togs, Finland’s Olli Tuominen played as
if a shadow of his normal self in his first game, quickly serving up
an easy win for England’s Nick Matthew. Matthew, in turn,
kept up the pressure in game two, snagging stunning boasts and
holding solid on the T. Tuominen worked hard, but no doubt felt from
the start he just couldn’t get by the graceful Matthew.
France’s Gregory Gaultier took control of the ball early and
often in game one of his
his match with Wael El Hindi,
and followed the same formula throughout. El Hindi played his usual
aggressive style of play, but on the whole was somewhat subdued.
Regardless, Gaultier stayed in control and took the match to move
forward to face fellow countryman, world #3, Thierry Lincou.
 Despite
an 83-minute first round match to even advance to today, Adrian
Grant came out looking strong, holding onto the lead throughout the
first game and ultimately besting Lee Beachill 11-6. Not to
be trifled with, Beachill came out swinging, quickly taking the
second game 11-6.
Third game play action see-sawed back and forth to 5-all, when a
couple of unforced errors allowed Beachill to scream ahead to 10-6,
before the hollow sound of tin sealed Grant's tomb.
Game four started at a low simmer, with both players fairly miffed
with assorted judge's calls. A good 12 minutes
in, the game was tied at 5-all, before the deceptive Grant plucked a
quick four points to go up 9-5. Beachill, always focused and
tenacious, fought back to tie it at 10-all, ultimately taking the
game and match, 3-1.
Oh that pesky Ramy Ashour. World #6 Anthony Ricketts no doubt
thought he'd squashed any confidence in his quick 11-7 take of the
first game, but Mr. Ashour had other plans. Game two saw the
charming young Egyptian going up a
fast 8-2. Ashour played smooth and solid, making tight shots, then
exiting quickly. Ricketts, conversely, visited corners of the court
he no doubt hasn't seen in some time, finally succumbing to Ashour,
11-7.
Tied at 1-all at the start of the third game, Ricketts began playing
more true to form, but Ashour refused to go down easily. Several
unfortunate down shots and a complete miss gave Ricketts a 7-4 lead,
but like gum on your shoe, Ashour refused to go away.
Five unanswered points had him up 9-7; Ricketts brought the score to
9-10, before need for a new racquet could have been a focus breaker,
but Ashour persevered for the win and a 2-1 lead in the match, Up
9-6 in the fourth, Ashour slowed his game down, as Ricketts was run
ragged and ultimately gave it up for the teenager, 11-6.
Ong Beng Hee (Malaysia, #15) started strong, matching world number
one Amr Shabana almost point-for-point in game one. At 6-all,
Shabana asserted his presence with
authority to earn the win, 11-6. Beng Hee executed a great game two,
placing his shots well and exiting smoothly. His win at 11-7 was
well earned.
The third game was Shabana's from the start with him easily winning
and taking a 2-1 lead in the match. Not to be denied, Beng Hee came
out fighting in the fourth, going up a quick 4-0. The game stayed
competitive, with Beng Hee up 7-5 at one point, but Shabana closed
the gap in record time, finishing the game 11-9 and taking the match
3-1.
World #2 David Palmer dominated Scotland's John White in game
one, easily taking it, 11-3. Always a strong player, Palmer dropped
amazing shots, dug deep for others and did it with ease and finesse.
White, in turn, didn't play poorly; he just appeared not to have his
A-game, missing shots he would ordinarily make.
The second game saw White start to hit his groove, matching Palmer
stroke for stroke, before snatching the game for himself, 11-9. Game
three was also competitive, but Palmer refused to relent, besting
White, 11-6. Not one to ever scream 'Uncle', White put up a valiant
effort, going up as high as 6-2 in the fourth, but Palmer came out
to win, taking the final game and match, 3-1.
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DRAW & RESULTS
Colleen Turner reports ...
Competition
in the second round of the 2006 U.S. Open Squash Championships began
today at the Back Bay Events Center, Boston.
 "Won
in four, played pretty well. Glad to get off in four and not go to
five like most of our matches. Kayla has no comments as she was
not there to watch, Daddy was playing too late!"
 "I
lost in four. Was 5-0 up then didn’t quite hold it together – same
old story by the Chinaman!"
 "Played
really well. Had a tough one with Olli last time so wanted to make
a good start. I wanted to reach the quarters fresh and I’ve done
that, so looking forward to the next challenge now, it’s going to
be a big one.
"Venue is really interesting with the theatre-like gallery, and
John Nimick is putting on a first class tournament as always. All
the players love Boston."
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Sun
12th,
Round One:
On to Back Bay ...
Colleen Turner reports ...
First Round action sees defending US Open Champ Lee Beachill one
step closer to a three-peat; three Egyptians advance; several Brits;
a Finn; two Frenchmen and others also continue on to the second
round at Boston's Back Bay Event Center ... |
MARK HANGS UP HIS
RACKET
 "I
have been toying with the idea of retirement for some while, but
it has not been the right time until now."
FULL STORY
"LJ has been threatening the top 10
for a while now, he had three or four good wins... we all know he
is going to be a top player, and when I saw the draw, I knew how
hard it was going to be, as it was probably the hardest draw of
them all, and unfortunately, I got him!
"It was hard, I just dug in again and again, as I was down 2/1 and
5/1...."
 "I
was 2/0 down, and dug it out.... Bit of a struggle, but a win is a
win...."
 "I
lost 3/0. I played well, but he was too sharp.
"I think he improved!"
 "I
won 3/1. It was a good game to start the tournament off, and I'm
looking forward to playing at the new venue tomorrow night."
 |
Key Game Notes:
Competition in the first round of the 2006 U.S. Open Squash
Championships began today at Harvard University’s Murr Center (two
earlier matches held at The University Club, Boston). Canada’s
Graham Ryding easily defeated qualifier Dylan Bennett. Ryding
shares, “I was a little rusty to start, but my timing was solid by
the third game.”
 With
both clearly understanding each other’s strength’s and weaknesses,
first round competition was not a cake-walk for world number three,
Thierry Lincou of France.
His fellow countryman, Jean-Michel Arcucci worked hard and fought
valiantly at the start, tying the match at one all, but seemed to
run out for steam for the last game, going down in just under an
hour.
Qualifier Aaron Frankcomb of Australia looked good against
16th-ranked Olli Tuominen, keeping the final game of the
match tied until a tough let call appeared to break his
concentration and allowed the Finn-in-black to finish and advance
easily.
England’s Nick Matthew barely broke a sweat in his win over
fellow patriot Tom Richards. Worth noting, young Mr. Richards hit
the ball well and got off several great shots, but some tough errors
in the third game were his ultimate undoing.
Egypt’s Wael El Hindi not only advanced, but broke the spirit
of qualifier Daryl Selby. It was a contentious match from the start
and Selby’s withdrawal after 67 minutes likely avoided a potential
national incident.
Adrian Grant and Alister Walker played an amazing match,
saving the best shots and volleys for the final game. Up 10-5, Grant
allowed the feisty Walker to grind out a quick three, bringing the
score to 10-8, but the solid playing Grant held onto the game,
taking the match with a stunning drop shot.
 The
very hot Ramy Ashour of Egypt made quick work of Canada’s
Shawn Delierre to advance to the next round and his older brother,
Hisham, made John White’s advancement into the second
round anything but easy.
The elder Ashour took the first two games in the match and
Scotland’s White answered in kind with two for himself. The fifth
and final match, though, was a tight one, but White’s trademark shot
making skills ultimately earned him the win and spot in Monday’s
competition.
35th ranked Mark Chaloner of England made world number four,
Anthony Ricketts, earn his advancement. Chaloner played strong
and long, close to one hour, but it was the strapping Ricketts
taking the match as
Chaloner headed off into retirement
...
And finishing out the day’s matches, world numbers one (Amr
Shabana) and two (David Palmer) easily moved ahead. Worth
noting, Galvez played well, but the unflappable Palmer was not to be
denied. There’s a reason he is world number two…he’s that good.
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First Round results -
check out the draw |
"I won 3-0. First game was close,
11/9, but I played better in the next two to win easy in the end,
11/5 11/3.
"Now the Big Man tomorrow, so I am sure it will be tough like most
of our matches are."
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Sat 11th,
Qualifying Finals:
Final Qualifiers named
Colleen Turner reports ...
Final
qualifying for the 2006 US Open concluded at the University Club,
Boston Rackets Center and Harvard's Murr Center with eight players
from six nationalities booking their places in the main draw of the
newly-upgraded Super Series event.
Englishmen Alister Walker, Tom Richards and Daryl
Selby all eased through with straight-games wins, Selby beating
the hosts' last chance, US champion Julian Illingworth.
Eric Galvez and Shawn Delierre both sneaked through
3/2 to earn matches against hot properties David Palmer and Ramy
Ashour, while back-from-retirement Omar Elborolossy beat
India's Siddarth Suchde to set up a match against his brother-in-law
and manager, top seed Amr Shabana.
Main draw play commences at Boston's Back Bay Events Center noon
Sunday.
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Sat 11th, Qualifying Finals:
Alister Walker (Eng) 3/0
Ahmed Hamza (Egy) plays Grant
Eric Galvez (Mex) 3/2
Mark Krajcsak (Hun) plays Palmer
Shawn Delierre (Can) 3/2
Raj Nanda (Aus) plays Ashour
Tom Richards (Eng) 3/0
Basit Ashfaq (Pak) plays Matthew
Omar Elborolossy (Egy) 3/1
Siddarth Suchde (Ind) plays Shabana
Dylan Bennett (Ned) bt
Tony James (Aus) 3/0 plays Ryding
Aaron Franckomb (Aus) 3/1
Wade Johnstone (Aus)
plays Tuominen
Daryl Selby (Eng) 3/0
Julian Illingworth (Usa) plays El Hindi
thanks to Tom Richards & Omar Elborolossy for the results |
Egypt’s
Amr Shabana, World #1, Tops Field for U.S. Open
Colleen Turner reports ...BOSTON – 26-Oct:
 The 2006
U.S. Open Squash Championships has lured world number one, Amr
Shabana of Egypt, to compete in this November 13-16 competition
held in Boston’s Back Bay Events Center.
As Australia’s world #2 ranked David Palmer, whose recent win
at the World Open has put him within striking distance of the very
hot Shabana, closes in on reclaiming the number one spot, a great
tournament is ensured with the remaining top seven players: Thierry
Lincou (#3, France); Anthony Ricketts (#4, Australia); James
Willstrop (#5, England); Gregory Gaultier (#7, France); Nick Matthew
(#8, England); Lee Beachill (#9, England); and John White (#10,
Scotland).
Nine of the top-10 players in the world are confirmed for the 2006
U.S. Open in Boston (#6 Peter Nicol of England has retired).
 Further
bolstering the excitement will be the participation of Shabana’s
fellow countrymen Ramy Ashour (#13) and Wael El Hindi (#14), as well
as Malaysia’s Ong Beng Hee (#16); Finland’s Olli Tuominen (#18);
Canada’s Graham Ryding (#21); and the always competitive Mark Chaloner (England,
#35), among others.
MEN ONLY FOR 2006:
There is no women's
event this year, so a few days before the Weymuller in New York it
was announced that the Carol Weymuller
Open would double up as the US Open for 2006. |
DRAW & RESULTS
 "First
Super Series status and now the addition of the world’s number
one player to the competition.
"Truly, the draw for this
year's U.S. Open is beyond our expectations."
Event Promoter |
Back Bay Schedule
Mon 13th,
noon - 10:00
Second Round
(2 sessions, noon & 6:00)
Tue 14th.
6:00 – 10:00 Quarterfinals
Wed 15th
6:00 – 10:00 Semifinals
Thu 16th
7:00 – 10:00
Final
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US Open 2006 |
Round
One
Nov 12 |
Round Two
13 Nov |
Quarters
14 Nov |
Semis
15 Nov |
Final
16 Nov |
[1] Amr Shabana (Egy)
11/6, 11/7, 11/6 (29m)
[Q] Omar Elborolossy (Egy) |
Amr Shabana
11/6, 7/11, 11/4, 11/9 (42m)
Ong Beng Hee |
Amr
Shabana12/14, 11/8, 11/8, 11/4
(59m)
Nick
Matthew |
Amr
Shabana
10/12, 11/5, 11/8, 12/10
Ramy
Ashour |
Amr
Shabana
11/5, 7/11, 11/4, 11/9 (61m)
Gregory
Gaultier |
[14] Ong Beng Hee (Mas)
11/9, 11/4, 11/7 (38m)
Cameron Pilley (Aus) |
[7] Nick Matthew (Eng)
11/6, 11/5, 11/7 (32m)
[Q] Tom Richards (Eng) |
Nick Matthew
11/2, 11/4, 11/5 (28m)
Olli Tuominen |
[15] Olli Tuominen (Fin)
11/4, 11/6, 11/6 (36m)
[Q] Aaron Franckomb (Aus) |
[4] Anthony Ricketts (Aus)
11/9, 11/9, 8/11, 11/8 (58m)
Mark Chaloner (Eng) |
Anthony Ricketts
7/11, 11/7, 11/9, 11/6 (53m0
Ramy Ashour |
Ramy
Ashour11/5, 11/8, 11/7 (31m)
Graham Ryding |
[11] Ramy Ashour (Egy)
11/9, 11/4, 11/6 (36m)
[Q] Shawn DeLierre (Can) |
[5] James Willstrop (Eng)
9/11, 13/11, 6/11, 11/9, 11/7 (78m)
Laurens Jan Anjema (Ned) |
James Willstrop
12/10, 11/3, 3/0 rtd (28m)
Graham Ryding |
[16] Graham Ryding (Can)
11/4, 11/9, 11/5 (29m)
[Q] Dylan Bennett (Ned) |
[Q] Daryl Selby (Eng)
11/7, 12/10, 7/11, 7/3 rtd (67m)
[12] Wael El Hindi (Egy) |
Wael El Hindi
11/5, 11/5, 11/4 (40m)
Gregory Gaultier |
Gregory
Gaultier 11/5, 11/7, 11/7
(59m)
Thierry Lincou |
Gregory
Gaultier
12/10, 8/11,
11/9, 11/7 (68m)
David
Palmer |
Liam Kenny (Irl)
11/5, 11/4, 11/3 (38m)
[6] Gregory Gaultier (Fra) |
Mark Heather (Eng)
11/4, 11/1, 11/5 (26m)
[10] Stewart Boswell (Aus) |
Stewart Boswell
5/11, 11/3, 11/6, 11/6 (54m)
Thierry Lincou |
Jean-Michel Arcucci (Fra)
11/4, 12/14, 11/9, 11/5 (56m)
[3] Thierry Lincou (Fra) |
[Q] Alister Walker (Eng)
11/8, 11/9, 7/11, 11/8 (83m)
[13] Adrian Grant (Eng) |
Adrian Grant
6/11, 11/6, 11/6, 12/10 (68m)
Lee Beachill |
Lee
Beachill
5/11, 11/5, 11/6, 11/6 (60m)
David
Palmer |
Rafael Alarcon (Bra)
11/4, 14/12, 11/8 (37m)
[8] Lee Beachill (Eng) |
Hisham Ashour (Egy)
9/11, 7/11, 11/4, 11/4, 11/8 (48m)
[9] John White (Sco) |
John White
11/3, 9/11, 11/6, 11/7 (48m)
David Palmer |
[Q] Eric Galvez (Mex)
11/9, 11/5, 11/3 (31m)
[2] David Palmer (Aus) |
Qualifying (10/11 Nov):
Second round, Sat 11th:
Alister Walker (Eng) bt Ahmed Hamza (Egy)
11/9, 11/10(2-0), 11/9
Eric Galvez (Mex) bt
Mark Krajcsak (Hun)
4/11, 11/4, 11/9, 3/11, 11/4
Shawn Delierre (Can) bt
Raj Nanda (Aus) 6/11, 10/11(0-2),
11/10(2-0), 11/7, 11/6
Tom Richards (Eng) bt
Basit Ashfaq (Pak)
11/8, 11/6, 11/4
Omar Elborolossy (Egy) bt
Siddarth Suchde (Ind) 11/3,
11/9, 8/11, 11/7
Dylan Bennett (Ned) bt
Tony James (Aus)
11/8, 11/5, 11/6
Aaron Franckomb (Aus) bt
Wade Johnstone (Aus) 11/8, 11/5,
9/11, 11/7
Daryl Selby (Eng)
bt
Julian Illingworth (Usa)
11/9, 11/9, 11/6
First Round, Fri 10th:
Alister Walker (Eng) bye
Ahmed Hamza (Egy) bt Alex Ingham (Eng)
11/4, 6/11, 11/8 ,11/5
Mark Krajcsak (Hun) bt Reghart Schonborn (Rsa)
10/11(2-4), 11/7, 11/7, 11/7
Shawn DeLierre (Can) bye
Raj Nanda (Aus) bt Taiwa Kuti (Ngr) 11/7, 11/10(2-0), 11/3
Tom Richards (Eng) bt Pat Malloy (Usa) 11/3, 11/7, 11/4
Basit Ashfaq (Pak) bt Preston Quick (Usa) 8/11, 11/5, 11/8, 11/10(2-0)
Omar Elborolossy (Egy) bt Badr Abdel Aziz (Swe) 11/5, 11/7,
11/7
Siddarth Suchde (Ind) bt Bernardo Samper (Col) 11/3, 10/11(0-2), 11/4, 5/11, 11/8
Tony James (Aus) bt Lefike Ragontse (Bot)
11/7, 11/9, 11/5
Dylan Bennett (Ned) bye
Wade Johnstone
(Aus) bt
Ben Oliner (Usa)
11/2, 11/8, 11/8
Eric Galvez (Mex) bye
Aaron Franckomb (Aus) bt John Fulham (Usa)
11/3, 11/3, 11/6
Julian Illingworth (Usa) bt Ben Howell (Eng)
11/5, 11/5, 11/3
Daryl Selby (Eng) bye
Harvard - Murr Center BRC - Boston
Rackets Club UC - University Club
Thanks
to Tom Richards and Omar El Borolossy for the
early results....
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Stellar Draw
confirmed for US Open
in Boston ...
Super Series status lures eight of Top-9 players,
Colleen Turner reports ... |
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 BOSTON
– October 11, 2006 – Squash season is upon us as the 2006 U.S.
Open draws top stars of the men’s pro tour to its new home at the Back
Bay Events Center in Boston. Draw matches run from November
13-16.
Australia’s world #2 ranked David Palmer, whose recent win at
the World Open has put him within striking distance of the very hot
Amr Shabana, is top seed in the men’s division. Joining him are #3
Thierry Lincou of France and fellow Aussie, #4 Anthony
Ricketts to lead the $80,000 Super Series PSA men's division at
this year’s U.S. Open Squash Championships.
Eight of the top nine players in the world are confirmed for the
2006 U.S. Open in Boston (#6 Peter Nicol of England has retired).
While world #1 Amr Shabana from Egypt is absent from the
competition, the U.S. Open draw does feature the hottest player in
the game, recently installed as world ranked #13 (up eight spots
since September) and a former two-time World Junior Champion,
19-year-old Ramy Ashour from Egypt.
Further bolstering the excitement will be the participation of
Boston favourites Nick Matthew (#8, England), Lee Beachill
(#9, England, champion in 2004 and 2005) and John White (#10,
Scotland).
Rounding out the global line-up are Malaysia’s Ong Beng Hee
(#16); Finland’s Olli Tuominen (#18); Canada’s Graham
Ryding and Shahier Razik (#21 and #22, respectively); and
the always competitive Mark Chaloner (England, #35), among
others.
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"The
draw for this year's U.S. Open is beyond our expectations.
"We are going to see the very best in squash, which is fast
becoming one of the ‘hot’ sports on the international scene.
"Elite squash players are a marvel of fitness, agility and
coordination. To watch eight of the world's top nine in action
on the stage of the John Hancock Hall will be a treat for
squash fans and sports fans alike."
Event Promoter |
Back Bay Schedule
Mon 13th, noon - 10:00
Second Round
(2 sessions, noon & 6:00)
Tue 14th. 6:00 – 10:00 Quarterfinals
Wed 15th 6:00 – 10:00 Semifinals
Thu 16th 7:00 – 10:00
FinalThe United
States Open Squash Championship title is owned by the United
States Squash Racquets Association and licensed to Event
Engine, Inc. |
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US Open goes
Super Series
Boston-based Event Engine completes trifecta as only
promoter to host three separate Super Series squash tournaments in
world ... |
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Colleen
Turner reports from Boston
BOSTON September 28, 2006:
Boston-based Event Engine, Inc., the driving force behind three of
North America's most prestigious squash events the U.S. Open, PACE
Canadian Classic and Bear Stearns Tournament of Champions has
completed the trifecta in terms of raising the bar for quality
squash competition.
The
promotion company's three key squash competitions have all achieved
Super Series status on the PSA World Tour, the U.S. Open the latest
to join the fold.
Often considered a niche sport, squash in the United States has a
loyal and growing support base. Upwards of 400,000 players and
spectators are among a motivated group who seek out world-class
squash competition, often considered one of the most physically
demanding sports in the world.
One of the sport's true pioneers, Nimick has hosted tournaments in
some very impressive locations, from the hallowed halls of Harvard
and the iconic confines of world-renowned Boston Symphony Hall, to
the hustle and bustle of New York's Grand Central Terminal.
And this year is no exception. The prestigious U.S. Open tournament
will move to the Back Bay Events Center and onto the stage of the
comfortable, 1100-seat John Hancock Hall. The new venue, coupled
with its PSA-sanctioned Super Series level designation, ensures this
year's U.S. Open will enjoy participation by a stellar field of
competitors.
Nimick, inducted into the United States Squash Racquets Association
Hall of Fame in March of this year for his unwavering promotion of
the sport through first-class competitions and his own impressive
squash playing history, notes the professional draw will offer
upwards of $80,000 in prize money, close to 30% more than the
previous year. Rounding out the grand-slam-like event, U.S. Open
qualifying and first rounds, as well as Junior tournament
competition, will continue at Harvard's world-class Murr Center
squash facility. Reserved tickets are now available by calling
877.524.5685
The top male squash players from around the globe are expected to
compete for the coveted U.S. Open Championship title, including 2004
and 2005 U.S. Open champ, Lee Beachill (England, 9) and his
compatriot, James Willstrop, world number four; from down
under, David Palmer and Anthony Ricketts (Australia, 2
& 5, respectively); and Scotland's shot maker, John White
(11), who started the year off strong and appears to have his groove
back, pushing out world #1, Amr Shabana in the first round of the
recent British Open. American junior stand-outs Chris Gordon
and Julian Illingworth are also expected to compete in the
Qualifying rounds, as will up to six more American players.
Tournament sponsors to date include Banc of America Securities,
Beacon Capital Partners Management, Boston Racquet Club, Brown
Brothers Harriman, Canaccord Adams, Chubb Insurance, Diageo, Dover
Rug Company, Dunlop, Grand Circle Travel, IXIS Asset Management
Advisors Group, Kansas City Life Insurance, McCall & Almy, Putnam
Investments, Rubin and Rudman, Shipyard Brewery and WBUR.
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"Aside
from the obvious monetary benefit to the players, the
elevation to Super Series level most benefits the growing base
of squash fans who want to see the world's best players.
"This improved ranking is the direct result of North America's
growing respect and appreciation for the sport.
"As a promoter, this is very good news. The facilities at the
Back Bay Events Center are outstanding.
"We anticipate offering fans a top quality entertainment
experience unlike anything they have ever encountered in
Boston."
Event Promoter and president of of Event Engine |
US Open
Tournament of Champions
Canadian Classic |
U.S. Open Squash
Expands in Boston
Squash takes centre stage as 2006 U.S. Squash Hall of Fame Inductee,
John Nimick, and his firm Event Engine, Inc. present world class
men’s and women’s competition in Boston’s historic John Hancock
Hall November 10 – 16.
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Colleen
Turner reports from Boston
BOSTON – June 21, 2006 – From the hallowed halls of Harvard
to the iconic confines of world-renowned Boston Symphony Hall, U.S.
Open Squash has had some very impressive homes. And this year is no
exception.
The prestigious tournament will move to the Back Bay Events
Centre and onto the stage of the comfortable, 1100-seat John
Hancock Hall. Plans are also underway to increase the PSA-sanctioned
men’s division of the Open to Super Series level, thereby ensuring a
stellar field of competitors and “Top Ten” status on the men’s World
Tour.
Qualifying and first rounds, as well as Junior tournament
competition, will continue at Harvard’s world-class Murr Centre
squash facility.
Another Step Up
Tournament Director and Chairman John Nimick, who was inducted into
the United States Squash Racquets Association Hall of Fame in March
of this year for his unwavering promotion of the sport through
first-class competitions and his own impressive squash playing
history, announced that the combined professional draws will offer
upwards of $100,000 in prize money, close to 30% more than the
previous year.
 "It
was a pleasure working with John Nimick (a long time friend
and a colleague) in hosting the U.S. Open at the Murr Centre
last year and I am pleased that the major part of the 2006
event will still take place here. Furthermore, it is rewarding
to know that Harvard was able to play a considerable role in
growing the overall stature of the US Open.
"The addition of the women and the junior events has provided
a whole new dimension to the already successful men's Open. I
am delighted that we at Harvard can continue to provide the
state-of-the-art squash facilities necessary to showcase
squash of all levels to the community and wish John continued
success with the new and improved format."
Head coach at Harvard University |
World's Best Expected
The top 24 male squash players from around the globe are expected to
compete for the prestigious U.S. Open Squash Championship title,
including the world-ranked top-ten. American junior stand-out
Chris Gordon is expected to compete in the Qualifying rounds, as
will up to seven more American players.
The women’s division will feature squash players ranked in the
world’s top 30 including world #3 Natalie Grainger and
potentially American stars Latasha and Shabana Khan, as well
as up-and-comers Lilly Lorentzen, Meredith Quick and
Louisa Hall.
 "We
are really pleased with the new set up for this tournament.
John's drive to continually innovate and explore venues to
present squash as showcase serve the sport well. We are
determined to increase the stature of the US Open Squash title
and this shift is a major step in that direction."
USSRA CEO |
A 'Grand Slam' Event
The New England Junior Squash Open is expected to attract
more than 250 players under the age of 19 competing in 10
categories. The New England Junior Open is sanctioned by the United
States Squash Racquets Association (USSRA) and managed by the
Massachusetts Squash Racquets Association Junior Committee in
partnership with Event Engine, Inc.
More about John Hancock Hall |
John Hancock Hall
"The
new venue opens up opportunities for the event. Boston is the
fourth largest squash market in the USA and we can always
count on tremendous popular support.
"By moving the championship rounds of the Open to the Back Bay
Events Centre we anticipate having the best of both worlds;
great attendance and excellent corporate sponsorship and
hospitality opportunities.
"The facilities at the Back Bay Events Centre are outstanding.
We can expand our seating dramatically and the social and
hospitality areas are superb. Moving the portable court onto
the stage of the Hancock Hall gives us tremendous
entertainment options.
"We anticipate offering fans a top quality audio visual
experience unlike anything they have ever experienced in
Boston and wrapping the entire event in a host of musical and
special experiences.
"Thanks to Harvard’s court capacity and the Murr Centre’s
ability to host numerous qualifying and junior rounds, we are
able to continue our grand-slam-like event, while giving the
quarter, semi and final rounds a more theatrical feel at the
Back Bay Events Centre."
Event Promoter |
US Open 2005
The United States Open Squash
Championship title is owned by the USSRA and licensed to Event
Engine, Inc., which also produces the Tournament of Champions and
Canadian Squash Classic.
Squash in the USA
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Boston
is great! I'm staying at the cortes crib with Tom Richards, Greg Gaultier
and other top pros.
