|
| |
|
|
| Daily
Results and Reports from Manchester |
|
Day THREE, Tue 8th Feb |
|
|
Men's first round:
Alex Gough bt Tim Vail 11/5, 11/7, 11/4 (47m)
Peter Barker bt Peter Billson 8/11, 11/9, 11/8, 11/7 (27m)
Jonathan Kemp bt Scott Handley 11/5, 3/2 (10m) rtd
Lee Beachill bt Alister Walker 11/8, 11/4, 11/5 (32m)
Adrian Grant bt Stacey Ross 11/3, 7/11, 11/5, 11/6 (60m)
Alex Stait bt Joey Barrington 7/11, 11/8, 11/8, 11/4 (59m)
Nick Matthew bt James Wright 11/5, 11/8, 11/3 (28m)
Stephen Meads bt Oliver Davidson
11/6, 11/3, 11/6 (27m)
John White bt Derek Ryan 11/7, 9/11, 14/12, 12/10 (56m)
Marcus Berrett bt Ben Garner 9/11, 11/7, 11/3, 11/8 (35m)
Laurence Delasaux bt Nick Douglas 11/5, 11/6, 11/9 (26m)
Bradley Ball bt Hadrian Stiff w/o
Simon Parke bt Daryl Selby 11/4, 11/7, 7/11, 11/8 (52m)
Phillip Barker bt Peter Genever 11/2, 11/13, 8/11, 12/10, 11/4 (75m)
James Willstrop bt Chris Simpson 11/9, 11/5, 11/8 (33m)
Nick Taylor bt Andy Whipp 7/11, 11/4, 5/11, 11/6, 11/6 (63m)
Women's Qualifying Finals:
Becky Botwright bt
Caroline Chaloner 9/5, 9/7, 9/5 (37m)
Sarah Kippax bt Emma Beddoes 10/8, 9/6, 9/5 (41m)
Laura Hill bt Suzie Pierrepont 9/4, 4/9, 9/10, 9/7, 9/7
(63m)
Amina Helal v Lauren Briggs 9/5, 9/5, 4/9, 9/5 (49m)
|
MEN'S DRAW
WOMEN'S DRAW
ALL DRAWS
|
|
Round ONE - Match Reports |
SUPERB MARCUS
 Impressed.
I was really impressed.
How many lobs, perfect lobs did Marcus Berrett play tonight? How many
tight, so tight drop shots? Again and again. And again.
I know that Ben Garner was dreading this match, and he was right to
be, although really he played as well as could be expected. He very rightly
took the first game in 11 minutes, 11/9, by attacking every shot that Marcus
was kind enough to open for him.
But Berrett soon realised his mistake, and tightened it all, preventing
Young Garner any angle of attack, and the next three games were a sort of
lesson in “how to combine as effectively as possible drop shots and lobs”, a
subject on which Berrett seems to know a great deal.
So, Ben, you didn’t do anything wrong, and Marcus, congratulations, your
game this evening was impressive…
Marcus Berrett bt Ben Garner
9/11, 11/7, 11/3, 11/8 (35m) |
 "He
just got into the rhythm, and when he does that he's extremely
dangerous. He plays so tight, drops and lobs, I just couldn't break
his rhythm up.
"He makes the court feel very long, because he plays very tight at the
front and at the back, so you've got to run all the way to the front,
then all the way to the back. And because he keeps it very tight you
don't have much room to play."
Ben Garner |
"Before I went on the game plan was
to stop him attacking, because he can be so dangerous. In the first I
was going short too early, so from then on I kept him at the back and
forced him to attack from difficult positions.
"That gave me confidence, which was what I needed."
Marcus Berrett |
|
"He started very slowly, again! And with a player as experienced as
Simon you can't afford to do that, he's been on the tour for so long and
is very experienced. But overall as Daryl has not been a professional
for long I think he played very well.
"Of course he'll be disappointed, but after a while he'll realise that
he played well when he had to, and it was a very clean match."
Paul Selby
(father) |
 "I
played him in the Yorkshire league, and today he played much better. I
played at a very fast pace in the first two games, and it took a lot out
of me. In the third I got too far behind, but in the fourth I pushed
again and as I got my second wind I was able to quicken the pace again.
"Sometimes when you have a bit of a rest you get too far down, so you
must wait for the next game. But I must say, he played a lot better, and
seemed a lot fitter as well."
Simon Parke |
|
RELENTLESS PARKE
 It
was the first complete match of Daryl Selby's I had the chance to
see, and I think he played an excellent game against the experienced and
talented Simon Parke, who retrieves… everything. And as Daryl
attacks… everything, it was a pretty nice show we had tonight…
Daryl played at a very high standard indeed, playing boldly, with flair and
touch, and the few tins he made were only because he was under a lot of
pressure from Sir Simon, who relentlessly, retrieves all the shots that he
can put his racquet on, and waits until you are just a bit late on one of
his shots to kill you with a superb volley nick or a lethal cross court.
Goodness, if it’s the way he plays now, at past 30, I wish I could have seen
him play at his best, he must have been pretty impressive…
After taking the first two games, Parke had a bad game and an half, losing
the third in 11 minutes, and starting the fouth very poorly, down 5/1. But
it was like he found where the accelerator was in the car, and zoom he went,
putting the pressure again on young Selby, who stuck with it for a while,
5/5, 6/6, 8/8.
But Parke was just too strong, and Selby played a backhand drop shot in the
tin, that probably cost him the match, giving a decisive mental advantage to
Parke. And I’m telling you something, that’s called “experience”, and I’m
pretty sure that he will never make the same mistake again…
Two points later, Simon was in the second round, about to play Phil Barker…
Simon Parke bt Daryl Selby
11/4, 11/7, 7/11, 11/8 (52m)
|
|
TAYLOR/WHIPPY:
TAKE YOUR PICK… |
"I'll be quite honest, Whippy deserved to win that. But he made too many
mistakes at crucial times. At 2-1 down I tried to slow the game down. I felt
I didn't play well at all, so I'm just glad to get through.
"I think I'm playing James tomorrow ... it should be more relaxed. Playing
Whippy is a big game and I didn't want to lose. With me not training now,
experience came through and so I'm quite pleased."
Nick Taylor
 |
I heard rumours that Nick Taylor’s matches can be a bit… heated at
times. I never had the occasion to observe it, and tonight, we couldn’t have
had two more gentlemen on court, Nick and Andrew Whipp.
One could feel the great respect and probably affection that reigns between
the two players, and although they had a few light discussions with the
referee, it was never more than a question about a decision, and stayed
perfectly under control at all times…
It was a long match, Nick played superbly, I thought, and his drop shots
were as tight as Marcus Berrett’s today, and trust me, that is a pretty good
compliment… Andy retrieved amazingly tonight, varied well his shots, varied
the angles, found some good lengths, but seemed to make the mistake at the
wrong time…
Mentally, I think he lost the match in the fourth game, as Nick was boosted
by the equaliser, whereas he was probably slightly discouraged…
But the show was a good one, I loved it, the crowd loved it, the two players
I truly believe loved it… So, overall, a pretty good last match of the day
I’d say…
Nick Taylor bt Andy Whipp
7/11, 11/4, 5/11, 11/6, 11/6 (63m) |
"A good match, which was great for the crowd, although the majority were for
Nick, but it's great when they're really into the match. Nick said he didn't
play well, well perhaps he is a bit harsh on himself. But it's nice to hear
that he thought I should have won!
"I played well in the games that I won, but we both ran around like idiots
at times. This entertained the crowd. I wish I had taken the fourth, but it
wasn't to be."
Andy Whipp
 |
WHITE SEES OFF RYAN ... JUST
Linda Davie on 'the Entertainers'
Well, Derek Ryan did ask for the bottom half of the draw, but he
didn't ask for defending champion John White! But what a match.
White the entertainer became White & Ryan the entertainers ... yes, another
tune!
White started the better, leading 5-2, but Ryan caught back up to 7-9, but a
'no let' gave White game ball. A bit of confusion on the last point, as
Derek walked off court, saying to a puzzled John, "well, I'm walking off
court, that means game." The crowd, entertained all game, laughed.
The second game was terrific, both players just getting on playing their
squash. The crowd exploded when Ryan hit a winner from behind his back, and
were delighted when the Irishman took the game 11/9, guaranteeing more
thrills.
 The
third was filled with surprises. Ryan reaching for everything, both using
their tremendous reach - nothing is more than two steps away for these two -
to pick the ball out of the corners. The score stayed close, John muttering
to himself as Derek reached game ball with a fabulous drop. White held his
nerve to force the tie-break, saved another game ball and eventually forced
an error from the Irishman to take it 14-12.
White stayed ahead during the fourth, and Ryan deserved his chance to take
the match to five. He saved three match-balls at 7-10 to force another
tie-break, but it was White who again took the tie-break and the match.
55 minutes of fabulous squash and the players richly deserved the
appreciative applause of the crowd.
 |
Defending
Champion
happy to be through !
"I was more relaxed and had zero
pressure on me - and that court doesn't suit John, so it was a bit of a
leveller all round."
Derek Ryan
to Howard Harding |
John White
bt Derek Ryan
11/7, 9/11, 14/12, 12/10 (56m)
 "The ball became a bit spongy, so
it was a matter of focussing from the start. Derek used to be a top player,
he's got those tricky topspin drops and he knows how to slow it down. His
drops are amazing and he'll always have the ability to play remarkable
shots.
"It's so different from the glass court, difficult to find a good length, it
just takes some getting used to. I still felt a little ill since last week,
so I'm just glad to get through at all.
"Now for tomorrow. When you play Bradley you need to keep on your toes
constantly, but I'm looking forward to playing him."
John White |
|
|
Round ONE - Session One Reports |
GOUGH: STILL THERE…
 That
Welshman is still amazing, let me tell you. What precision, what a tight
game, good length, feathered drop shots coming from nowhere and everywhere
for that matter.
Tim Vail played a good game, took control of the rallies in the first
part of the match, but the variety of Alex Gough’s game finished by
taking its toll, and Vail got more and more problems finding his natural
attacking game.
Gough made the Chichester Pro work hard, and the rallies went on, and on.
Just look at the length of the match, 47 minutes for three games in 5, 7 and
4! That tells it all.
So Goughie now plays Peter Barker, and that match, I will not miss…
|
 "I
started all right, but I felt that we were trading point for point, I
couldn’t get into any rhythm really. Also, I struggled to find my
range in my short game, but Alex didn’t."
Tim Vail |
[8] Alex Gough bt
[Q] Tim Vail
11/5, 11/7, 11/4 (47m)
|
 "I’m
just not well. Since Grantham, I’ve been in bed with the flu. Yesterday,
I took the decision to come here, as I was feeling much better, but I
just had nothing in me today…"
Scott Handley |
Jonathan Kemp bt Scott Handley
11/5, 3/2 (10m) rtd
 |
SCOTT: NOT FEELING WELL
Well, I was sad for Scott Handley,
as he had to retire during his encounter with Jonathan Kemp, as he
had some great results this season (including a fair and square victory over
Peter Nicol), and deserved a shot at the Nationals. But I guess that the
arrival of new baby Thomas has got a lot to do with it as well…
Kemp faces now England's most prestigious player, the redoubtable Lee
Beachill…
I’m
happy to play Beachill, as I haven’t played him since the last time I lost
against him 3/0 in the Nationals four or five years ago. And I’m not going
to tell you my game plan, just in case it would work…! I’ll tell you about
it tomorrow…"
Jonathan Kemp |
|
SURVIVAL OF THE COOLEST
 Adrian
Grant and Stacey Ross are two of the most relaxed men on the
circuit. Yes, I’m sure they get angry, and upset, but they very very rarely
show it. Stacey will have the “killer look”, and Adrian will have a nice
smile and a few words with a quiet voice. I’ve seen Grant in some awful
situations, and I never ever saw him raise his voice…
Today was an encounter that could have easily become a classic, as those two
have played each other a lot, and Ross had actually beaten Grant in their
last encounter in the Surrey League (I told you, it’s THE place to be…). But
Adrian was not going to lose in the first round of the Nationals today.
 His
lengths and angles were Beachill Perfect, forcing Stacey to stay at the back
and preventing him from play his lethal drop shots. Except for the second
game, Grant was in control, and made his opponent tour the court a few
times. Ross stuck to his task, retrieved beautifully, but seemed to have two
problems: one, returning Adrian’s serve (his returns were or not tight
enough, or some cross court shot in the middle of the court), two, under
pressure, was playing too many cross courts that Adrian was able to
intercept with not too much problem.
Nevertheless, Ross succeeded to take the second game 11/7 in 15 minutes,
equalising one-all, but couldn’t find any suitable answer to the Word number
15's precision, and finally lost in 60 minutes, allowing Grant to move on
play Joey Barrington killer Alex Stait. |
 "I
have been ill over Christmas, I went to Dayton, I’m not sure why really,
as I was still ill.
"Last week I had to pull out from Grantham, as I was still feeling very
weak. But today, I actually feel much better, I just need a few more
matches. I don’t feel like I’ve lost my fitness in any way, and I didn’t
feel tired at all.
"I’ve done a lot of racquet work, I just need some matches … As Stacey
and I know each other’s game quite well, it was always going to be
close. But overall, I was happy with the way I played, even if I lost my
concentration on a few points, like in the second game for example.
"I'm just happy to be through to the next round really…"
Adrian Grant |
[6] Adrian Grant bt
Stacey Ross
11/3, 7/11, 11/5, 11/6 (60m) |
Barrington v Stait
by Linda Davie
 A
few unforced errors saw Alex Stait go 5-2 down at the start of his match
against Joey Barrington. He clawed his way back to 7-8 in what was
developing into a very, very, long game. "Boring!", shouted Alex as he
tinned at 7-8 down. The crowd, I believe, agreed. After 15 minutes Joey took
the game 11/7.
A change of pace and change of tactics saw Alex start the second game
better. From 6-4 he started stepping into his shots, taking everything
early. It paid dividends, as he levelled the match, 11/8 in 18 minutes.
"There are no excuses. The best man on the day won. Looking forward to
playing him again…"
Jonah Barrington
on Joey's defeat |
Some clever cross-courts, perfectly weighted lobs and drops at the start of
the third took Stait to an early advantage. He looked well on top, but
Barrington made him work, and Alex only won the game 11/8 after 10 minutes
of quality work.
With his confidence up an upset looked on the cards as Alex raced to a 5-1
lead in the fourth. Determination showed in Stait's face and his attitude
and he looked the likely winner. 11/4 in 7 minutes to Stait and Barrington
was the first seed to fall.
 "I
played really well. In the first game, long rallies but nobody took
control. In the second game I stepped up the pace and I believe I took
control. That court's difficult for a volleyer, due to the slow pace of
the front wall.
"I’m pleased with my overall performance, and just on a personal note, I
just love your site…"
Alex Stait |
|
Beachill v Walker
by Linda Davie
Having met Lee with his son Ben earlier in the day, the Kate Bush song "the
man with the child in his eyes" was stuck in my brain during this match.
Lee looked so contented, and when I watched the match ... what can I say ...
he looked so contented!
At 10-4 in the first he relaxed a little and allowed Walker to make the
score look respectable, 11/8 in 12 minutes.
In the second Beachill cruised to an 11/4 win, and he was in cruise control
in the third, the crowd giving deserved applause for one fantastic rally
which Beachill finished off with a beautiful double drop.
But the world number two and top seed here was never troubled as he took the
game 11/5 and the match in just 32 minutes.
"It’s a perfect first round for me. I
didn’t win easily, but I played well and found my rhythm. I’m looking
forward to my next match."
Lee Beachill |
|
It’s lovely to be in the next round. I felt very lethargic today, but I
was pleased to get through especially with my knee bleeding, thanks to
the EIS
physio, who helped me sorting it out - thanks mate!
"It's Great to see all the familiar faces and the regular who make this such a
good event."
Peter Barker |
|
Barker v
Billson
by Linda Davie
This
match started off on so slowly, and, to be honest, never really got out of
second gear.
Both players were going for safe, steady squash, taking no chances, plain
and simple.
Barker grazed his knee with Billson serving 3-5 in the first, and a
seven-minute break was needed to stem the bleeding.
The break seemed to benefit Billson as he took the opportunity to establish
a lead, and a 'no let' to Barker gave the local man game ball. After 18
minutes (including the break), Billson took it 11/8.
The second game followed a similar, safety-first pattern, with neither
player finding that extra touch. The score was close, Barker gaining a game
ball at 10-8 which Billson saved with a sweet drop, but he couldn't save the
next one.
The third and fourth games went with Barker as he ran out a 3/1 winner.
Peter Barker bt Peter Billson
8/11, 11/9, 11/8, 11/7 (27m)
|
"I
sometimes make a lot of mistakes because I play my drop shot with very
little margin for error. And today, I’m quite pleased with the way I
played, especially in the beginning, I kept the tins to a very strict
minimum.
"But he did eventually put a lot of pressure, which forced me to be less
precise. His volleys across the middle in particular, are extremely
dangerous, especially if you play any loose ball…"
Peter Billson |
|
 “I
felt queezy yesterday, and I thought, “hold on, you’ve been there before”, I
remember that I did play when not feeling well, and regretting it bitterly
later on.
“But I’m really really disappointed, as I felt great after my victory in
Dayton, and was hoping to do very well here. But I didn’t sleep at all last
night, and it made me realise that I took the right decision…”
Peter Nicol
to
Howard Harding |
|
