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| Daily
Results and Reports from Manchester |
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Day FOUR, Wed 9th Feb DIARIES
& MINI-PORTRAITS |
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Botwrights battle into Quarters
Howard
Harding |
Bottom Half:
John White bt Bradley Ball
10/12, 11/2, 11/6, 8/11, 11/7 (72m)
Marcus Berrett bt Laurence Delasaux
11/8, 11/3, 11/4 (25m)
Simon Parke bt Phillip Barker
11/5, 11/5, 11/9 (48m)
James Willstrop bt Nick Taylor
11/8, 11/13, 11/6, 11/5 (43m)
Top Half:
Alex Gough bt Peter Barker
11/8, 11/5, 12/10
Lee Beachill bt Jonathan Kemp
11/5, 11/5, 11/6 (32m)
Adrian Grant bt Alex Stait
11/7, 7/11, 11/2, 11/3 (44m)
Nick Matthew bt Stephen Meads
11/3, 11/6, 11/9 (47m)
MEN'S DRAW |
Bottom Half:
Vicky Botwright bt Steph Brind
9/6, 9/3, 4/9, 4/9, 9/7 (61m)
Alison Waters bt Tania Bailey
10/9, 6/9, 9/1, 3/9, 9/5 (83m)
Rebecca Macree v Amina Helal
10/9, 9/1, 9/1 (32m)
Becky Botwright bt Lauren Briggs
9/4, 9/8, 9/2 (33m)
Top Half:
Jenny Tranfield bt Sarah Kippax
9/3, 9/4, 9/1 (31m)
Jenny Duncalf bt Laura Lengthorn
9/5, 9/4, 9/1 (30m)
Linda Elriani bt Laura Hill
9/1, 9/1, 9/0 (24m)
Dominique L/Walter bt Fiona Geaves 10/8, 9/0, 9/6 (44m)
WOMEN'S DRAW |
Bottom Half:
WHITE TESTED BY BRADLEY
Steve Cubbins, from Framboise's notes
 John
White, the defending champion, moved into the quarter-finals, but barely.
Bradley Ball gave him a torrid time, in a five-game match that kept the
Sportcity audience riveted for well over the hour.
In the first game it was all pace, both hitting the ball as if the world
depended on it, then throwing in drop-shots to add a bit of variety. That
was the pattern of the first game, hard length or drop shot, as they matched
each other for shots, and in the score. 6-6, 8-8, 10-8 to John, but a tin
and two strokes let Bradley take the first in 17 minutes.
It was different in the second. White forged ahead, driving hard and
dropping at the right time. Bradley was retrieving amazingly, but John's
power was just too much. 11-2 and one-all.
A new tactic emerged in the third ... White found several nicks in the
corner of the front wall, much to the frustration of Ball. Allied to this,
White's reach and anticipation was amazing as he led 5-0 and 8-1, with no
errors from his opponent, but he was given no opportunity to attack either.
Bradley recovered to 6-8, but no further. 11/6 in 11 minutes and White was
ahead.
The fourth was balanced until 4-all, but then Bradley started to take the
initiative, to instigate the attacks, and he levels the
match, 11-8.
As White surged ahead, we thought "that's it", as he moved Bradley from the
left to the right, then finished him off with great drop shots. 7-3, 9-6,
10-6 match ball. The ball bursts. In the warm-up John's string breaks.
Bradley saves one match ball, forcing John to do a complete splits, but a
return of serve into the front wall nick that has been so kind to John all
match finishes it off.
 |
 "This
kind of match is good to get the heart pumping ... He can get
winners from anywhere. It's more tiring mentally than physically, as
if you give Bradley anything he's just going to go for it.
"These courts are different from anywhere else, it's so hard to get a
length, so you try to play it slowly and it just jumps out, it's a
very irregular bounce.
"The top guys are more relaxed on the glass court because we play
there all the time, whereas the qualifiers have more experience on
these type of courts, but I guess we're in the same boat.
"I'm now off to take my train and I won't be back before Friday, so I
can have a nice rest."
John White |
 "It's
so hard to play him. He's so dynamic, and he hits the ball so hard. He
is John White.
"He gets more beautiful nicks and he plays much faster and much harder
than anybody else you will ever play. I found it difficult to cope
with his quickness and pace, and in the second I lost my length, but
I'm glad to say I turned it round and got back into the match in the
fourth and fifth, finding my length again.
"So overall it was a good performance, even if I'm still disappointed
I've lost."
Bradley Ball |
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SIR SIMON STILL STRONG
 Simon
Parke made it a bad day for the Barkers, putting Phillip out with
a stunning display of retrieving.
The younger Barker was playing well, putting Parke under all kinds of
pressure, but Parke's running was relentless, getting everything back, often
with interest.
He took the first two games, leading early and never headed, but come the
third it looked as though the pressure might be beginning to tell. Long,
long rallies, with Parke, as ever, chasing everything as if his life
depended on it. But Barker now led ... 5-1.
 Slowly,
slowly, Parke came back, 4-6, 7-8, but the effort it took. "This was some of
the best squash I've ever witnessed," said Framboise, "and I really thought
Simon was going to lose that game. But somehow he stayed there, kept going."
Now Parke took the lead, reached match ball at 10-8, was denied once but not
twice. 48 minutes of incredible effort and great squash.
Simon Parke
bt Phillip Barker
11/5, 11/5, 11/9 (48m)
JAMES TAMES TAYLOR
 Simon deserves his rest until Friday, that's for sure , when he meets
another youngster in James
Willstrop, who in the final match of the day beat Manchester favourite
Nick Taylor in four games.
There was a a packed crowd who normally throng these courts as James and
Nick are on the same side for Manchester/Pontefract in the National League.
Taylor has been runner-up twice in this event, but is now retired from the
circuit and spends most of his time coaching, but he put up a good fight
against Willstrop, who he also joins for exhibition events around the
country.
"I played better than I thought I would after yesterday's match, but I just
didn't have the confidence to keep up the pace of the game," Taylor told
Howard Harding.
"I wish I could have pushed a bit harder - especially as James wasn't
playing to his capacity."
James Willstrop
bt
Nick Taylor
11/8, 11/13, 11/6, 11/5 (43m)
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BERRETT BLASTS INTO QUARTERS
The all-Yorkshire match between Marcus Berrett and Laurence
Delasaux took just 25 minutes, as Berrett completed a 3/0 win,
setting up a quarter-final with White.
Marcus Berrett bt
Laurence Delasaux
11/8, 11/3, 11/4 (25m)
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Howard found James practicing on
the glass court straight after his match ...
"I didn't play that well, but did so in patches.
"I wanted to be really free on the other court, but it's so bouncy and
that made it difficult."
James Willstrop |
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Top Half:
LENGTH, DECEPTION AND VOLLEY DROP SHOTS…
What an interesting game that was…
Alex Gough, world number 26, 34 years old, was today meeting Peter
Barker, 21, world number 31.
 8
minutes into the match, and we were at 2/1 for Alex. “This is going to be a loooooooong day,” I thought to myself… Both players seemed to be
taking the measure of each other, just lengths, drives, cross courts, no
attacking at all.
Thank God Goughie decided to step up the pace at 3/2 for Barker, and even if
Peter went up 5/2, the pace was now much higher, drop shots were being
attempted, and the game became very interesting. 6/6. 8/8. Those two players
have mastered the art of drop shot and lob, and the rallies were
breathtaking of risk taking and retrieving…
Alex was taking his time between serves, catching his breath as any
experienced player does, imposing his pace, his rhythm, his game. Peter
tried to hit harder, but Gough was in perfect control, and took the 30
minute game 11/8.
 The
second was Gough’s all along, Peter seemed to have lost a bit of momentum,
and it was a quick game, 11/5 in 6 minutes.
Having found his second wind, Barker started very well the third game, but
seemed to be always a bit too late in his movement, even if his drop shots
and lobs were still impressive, along with his delayed shots that wrong
footed Alex more than once.
The third game turned out to be a classic, as the two players stayed stuck
to each other, 6/6, 8/8, but thanks to three tins in a row from his
opponent, Alex got match ball 10/8. Then another one 10/9. Another save by
Barker, and we were at 10/10.
Going for it, Barker tinned a drop shot from the back of the court, and with
a perfect length forehand drive, Alex Gough found himself in the last 16 of
the Nationals, yet again ... |
 "I
was not very happy with my start, but because I haven't played Peter
very often I wasn't sure of his style of play so I wanted to
study his game.
"But then as the rallies went on, and on, and on, I realised that I'd
better step it up, as even if I'm fit I'm not that fit ... So I upped
the pace and started to get my own rhythm back. I was moving quite
well, I think, except the times I was going completely the wrong way!
"Peter is excellent at delaying the shots if the ball is an inch away
from the wall, so I had to keep it tight. Considering it's my 16th
match in 13 days and that I'm 34, I actually feel pretty good ..."
Alex Gough |
Alex Gough bt Peter
Barker
11/8, 11/5, 12/10
 "I
pulled my glute in the first game at 3-2 and I was pretty annoyed with
my body. So I started lunging for everything on my right leg instead
of my left.
"My game plan to start with was simple. I wanted him to realise that I
was not going anywhere, that I was ready for the long haul, but at the
end of the day it probably played against me."
Peter Barker |
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TO CONCENTRATE OR NOT TO CONCENTRATE…
 Adrian
Grant, world 15 was meeting Alex Stait, world number 63, and on
paper, the meeting should have been an easy 3/0 victory for the Londoner
Grant.
But Stait played beautifully last night against Joey Barrington, his
confidence must have been high, and he didn’t come onto the court today to
admire the quality of the walls, I’ll tell you that.
The first game was pretty long, 11/7 in 15 minutes, and was quite balanced,
although I never had the feeling that Grant was really under pressure. Which
probably cost him the second game, as he seemed to relax and suddenly played
too casually, the urgency wasn’t there, and Alex’s drop shots, perfect lobs
and excellent court coverage allowed him to pick up the second game 11/7 in
10 minutes.
Grant regrouped, tightened his shots, found the perfect length and width to
send his opponent in the back, and assassinate him with a perfect drop shot.
11/2 in 5 minutes in the third.
In the fourth, even if the score is pretty sharp, Alex got right back in
there, again played some amazing rallies, going for his shots, placed some
remarkable drop shots and volley drops, but was under so much pressure from
Grant’s court coverage that he was forced to take more and more risks, and
made a few tins too many.
I personally enjoyed the match very much, as those two players have games
that complement each other’s very well, as Peter Barker and Alex Gough’s.
So, so far, a perfect day of squash… |
 I'm
very, very disappointed. At the start of the third I really thought I
had a chance, but went for it too soon. Adrian's movement is really
impressive, as he gets a lot of balls you don't expect him him to get.
Alex Stait |
Adrian Grant
bt Alex Stait
11/7, 7/11, 11/2, 11/3 (44m)
 In
the second I had my usual lapse of concentration, although I was
trying not to. But I find that when I'm feeling comfortable I seem to
always sit back. In the last game I was up 9/2, 9/3 and I told myself
not to do that again. No matter who I'm playing, no 1 or no 50 in the
world, it seems to be my recurring problem.
I feel that I'm gradually improving, after dropping out of Grantham
with flu. I feel better and better every day.
Between Nick and me it's always the same story. We always have a
battle, whether it's a league game, friendly or tournament. Same old
story ... it comes down to whoever can compose himself the longest in
the match and hold on to that momentum on the court.
Adrian Grant |
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 BEACHILL
MARCHES ON
Top seed Lee Beachill took just three games
to see off the challenge of Jonathan Kemp, to move into the quarter-finals
yet again.
Kemp played beautifully at times, displaying precise drops and excellent
lengths, but Beachill was relentless, retrieving everything and returning it
with interest.
Lee Beachill
bt Jonathan Kemp 11/5, 11/6 (32m)
MATTHEW TAMES MEADSY
Nick Matthew maintained the Yorkshire challenge in the top half of the draw,
beating Steve Meads in a long three games. Matthew was a ball-boy when Meads
won this title ten years ago (see En Bref), and
this time it was the youngster who was in control.
Nick Matthew
bt Stephen Meads
11/3, 11/6, 11/9 (47m) |
 "Tomorrow
is going to be a tough match, it's always like that when I play Alex.
Alex is especially dangerous and always tough to beat when fresh, and
as he won 3/0 today he will be fresh tomorrow.
"I'm quite happy with the way I'm moving, I'm hitting the ball better
every day, and hopefully tomorrow I'll play even better.
"The court is quite warm, which makes a big difference."
Lee Beachill |
|
 "I
started slowly, but then my aims these days are just to still be playing and
being able to compete with some of the best players in the world.
"It was a
good game, I just found that I was playing everything at full stretch, and
when it got to the big points, he was able to squeeze it that bit more. But
then he's at the peak of his career, and I'm not sure where I am in mine!"
"I'll be 35 next year, but I think I'll still carry on playing just the main
event, have a good game or two and get home."
Steve Meads |
 "I
felt pretty comfortable all match, Steve got up to his old tricks, I've
never seen anybody play so many lobs to try to slow the ball, preventing me
from volleying. But I'm pleased with the outcome and to have gone through
without spending too much time on court. I'm pleased with my form at the
moment. and as far as I'm concerned it's a totally new tournament starting
from scratch now that we're moving onto the glass court.
"For my match against Adrian, we have been playing each other hundreds of
times since the age of twelve, we know each other's game inside out. Last
year we met at the same stage of the competition and he put me out, so this
year hopefully I'll get my revenge."
Nick Matthew |
Bottom Half:
BOTWRIGHT & WATERS IN THRILLERS
 The
first two women's matches of the evening session proved to be real
nail-biters, as Vicky Botwright and Alison Waters moved into a
glass-court quarter-final on Friday evening.
Botwright looked in control, taking the first two games against Stephanie
Brind, but the home crowd started fretting as the Kent girl fought her way
back into the match.
The turnaround was convincing, with Brind taking the third and fourth
both 9/4. She looked well in control, moving Botwright to all corners of the
court and picking off winners almost at will. Vicky was doing most of the
running, and was looking much the more tired of the two.
Brind started off the fifth in the same vein, and at 7-3 the home crowd were
encouraging, but not hopeful.
But Vicky's determination determination was still there, and a couple of
errors from Brind brought her back in touch, and some long rallies seemed to
drain the Kent girl.
To great relief all round, Vicky won through, 9/7, after 61 minutes.
Vicky Botwright bt Steph Brind 9/6, 9/3, 4/9, 4/9, 9/7 (61m)
WATERS BETTERS BAILEY
This was followed by an even longer match, between Tania Bailey and
Alison Waters. The crowd were expecting hard battle, and they
certainly got one. Waters took the first 10-9, and after that the games went
in turn, Waters taking and holding a lead in the fifth to reach her first
Nationals quarter-final after 83 minutes.
Botwright and Waters meet on Friday, and the last time the played, in
Greenwich, Waters won 3/0.
Alison Waters bt Tania Bailey 10/9, 6/9, 9/1, 3/9, 9/5 (83m)
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A BOTWRIGHT SEMI?
There are two Botwrights in the quarter-finals, after Becky, Vicky's
younger sister, swept past Lauren Briggs in three games.
"I felt quite comfortable there," said Becky. "I'm used to playing on these
courts, so that helps. But I'm looking forward to a match on the glass
court. I've got to win ... I want a Botwright semifinal!"
Standing in Becky's way will be second seed Rebecca Macree, who beat
Amina Helal, returned from a stint at University in the USA, in straight
games.
Rebecca Macree v Amina Helal 10/9, 9/1, 9/1 (32m)
Becky Botwright bt Lauren Briggs 9/4, 9/8, 9/2 (33m)
The Botwrights plot their path
to the semis ... |
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Top Half:
SO DEAD ON THERE
Steve Cubbins reports
 Yorkshire's
Jenny Tranfield isn't used to playing on the courts at the National
Squash Centre. Court five has a glass front wall, painted white.
"It's so dead on there," said Tranfield after a fairly comfortable 3/0 win
over Kippax. "You bash it as hard as you can, and it just doesn't seem to go
anywhere. You really have to lift it to get a decent length."
Tranfield took the first two games 9/3, 9/4. "Sarah was playing well then,
she caught me out with a few boasts. But by the time the third came I though
I was well on top."
The third went 9/1, with some delicate drops and lobs from both players, and
some lengthy rallies. But it was always Tranfield who hit the winner, of
Kippax whjo made the error.
 |
 "I
tried to play lengths to start with, but realised there's no point on
this court, you're better off just attacking it and going for the
drops and boasts.
"The next match will be on the glass court, which will suit me much better."
Jenny Tranfield |
Jenny Tranfield bt Sarah Kippax
9/3, 9/4, 9/1 (31m)
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TWO BETTER THAN LAST TIME!
Steve Cubbins reports
Women's top seed Linda Elriani eased
into the quarter-finals with a solid 3/0 win over Derbyshire's Laura Hill
- the second consecutive time the pair had met in the first round.
Elriani dominated the rallies, and despite the scoreline there were plenty
of them, it was just that Hill was doing most of the running and ended up
losing most of them.
9/1, 9/1, 9/0 in a long, for the score, 24 minutes.
"Two points better than last time," said Laura as they came off court. "No,
you must have got one last time?" asked Elriani. The shake of the head from
Hill (and a look at last year's draw) told the truth.
"I think the draw must be fixed," joked Hill. "Not only is that the second
time on the trot I've played Linda, I met the same player [Suzie Pierrepont]
in the qualifying finals both times!"
 |
 "I
can't afford to let up against Laura. She works well and if you put it
loose you're in trouble.
"It's so warm on there, you have to work the positions."
Linda Elriani |
Linda Elriani bt
Laura Hill
9/1, 9/1, 9/0 (24m) |
 |
 "I was a
bit edgy to start with, but I've played on these courts lots of times
with National Squads and the like, so I quickly settled down. I'm
pleased to get through with a 3/0 win.
"Last time I played Jenny was last May in Las Vegas. I lost 3/1 but
I'm looking forward to playing her, and I'm looking forward to playing
on the glass court."
Jenny Duncalf |
Jenny Duncalf bt Laura Lengthorn
9/5, 9/4, 9/1 (30m)
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LLOYD WALTER GUARANTEES NEW CHAMPION
 Dominique
Lloyd-Walter ensured that a new name will be etched on the women's
trophy when she beat Fiona Geaves today. Geaves, the British Open and
Nationals O35 Champion, was the only former winner in this year's draw.
"Last time I played her, in the World Open two years ago, I lost 27-0,"
admitted Lloyd-Walter.
"But I put that out of my mind, got my head straight and felt pretty good
going into the match."
Everything went according to plan, until the finish line approached.
"I got nervous at match ball, and bang to panic as I missed one after the
other."
Eventually the seventh match ball was taken and Lloyd-Walter was on her way
to the quarters.
"I've only played on a glass court a couple of times," she admitted. "So I'm
looking forward to it. I'm playing the number one seed, so I've got nothing
to lose."
Dominique Lloyd-Walter bt
Fiona Geaves 10/8, 9/0, 9/6 (44m) |
Andy Nickeas collects the details
for
tomorrow's big intro ...
"I just wasn't able to prepare well. I
only flew back from a WISPA event in the USA on Monday and arrived in
Manchester yesterday - and, at my age, I just can't do that anymore. I
didn't feel 100%, I wasn't coordinated and I was lethargic - and that's all
down to the travelling.
"I am really disappointed because I know that just wasn't me out
there. But she played really well."
Fiona Geaves |
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"I
felt quite comfortable in the first two games, playing well and in
control.
"Last
year I only got two points against Fiona in the first round here, so I
felt I needed to do something. 
