2021 NASH Cup – Day 1 Results

Tuesday Matches:

3pm Connor Turk [12] (CAN; 179) bt Rafi Khan (PAK; 539) – 11-8; 11-1; 11-5
3:45 Simon Herbert (ENG;319) bt [14] Lewis Doughty (ENG;261) – 11-4; 11-7; 11-8
3:45 [15] Hannah Blatt (CAN; 302) bt Laura Savage (CAN) – 11-7; 11-6; 11-6
4:30 Iman Shaheen (CAN) bt. [14] Arisha Khan (USA;223) – 11-7; 7-11; 11-1; 11-3
4:30 [11] Cameron Seth (CAN;135) bt. Jayden Shortt (CAN; 436) – 11-4; 11-5; 11-8
5:15 [16] Chris Fuller (ENG;292) bt. Adrian Ostbye (NOR;337) -14-12; 11-9; 11-9
6:30 [13] Cory McCartney (CAN ;205) bt Charles De La Riva (CAN; 449) – 11-4; 11-9; 11-8
6:30 Mary Fung-A-Fat (GUY; 186) bt. Marie Fernandez Rivera (MEX) 11-7; 11-4; 11-6
7:15 [16] Tang Ming Hong (HKG;266) bt. Elliott Hunt (CAN;269) –14-12; 11-6; 11-2
7:15 Amal Izhar (CAN; 376) bt. [13] Catherine Giachino (CAN;187) – 11-8; 11-6; 11-4
8:00 . [11] Laura Tovar (COL; 130) bt Holly Delavigne (CAN) – 11-4; 11-2; 11-4
8:00 James Wyatt (ENG;293) bt. [15] Darosham Khan (CAN;268) –12-10; 11-2; 11-3
8:45 [10] Timothy Brownell (USA; 117) bt. Stu Hadden (IRE;416) – 11-2; 11-6; 11-5

Match Notes:

Court 2 3pm Rafi Khan (PAK; 539) vs Connor Turk [12] (CAN; 179)

Despite being local Rafi Khan enters the court as a bit of an unknown quantity. The opening match players swapped blows running controlled shots up and down the wall until they get the other out of position. Connor Turk returns to London for the second time. The winner of this match will be in tough as they face Auguste Dussourd (top seed) tomorrow night.

As the first game progresses both players apply some physical court positioning. Connor jumps up to a 7-4 lead. London Ontario is hot today at 28 degrees (feels like 35) and the ball has become hot fast. Long rallies will be tough on both as training through covid has been somewhat less than ideal.

Rafi tightens things to 7-8 before taking a stroke. The back and forth continues to 8-9. Connor claims first blood with an 11-8 victory in the opener.

Connor figured something out between games and was able to control the 2nd powering to an 11-1 win. It will be interesting to see if Rafi adjusts his approach in game 3.

Rafi jumped to a 2-0 lead as he tried a different approach. So far fitness has not been an issue, but the rallies also seem to have shortened. 3 quick points puts Connor ahead. Rafi has strong court sense and making it 3-3, but then a missed drop shot leaves him behind again. Along rally with a brilliant closer puts Connor up 5-4.

Perhaps endurance is an issue. Rafi has found some very unique reasons to take a break. After being told he couldn’t go for a towel he used a wet grip as a reason followed by a loose shoe. Connor leads 6-5 and is having trouble getting the ball to sit. Rafi has the stronger drop shot, but is also making more errors. Connor gains an 8-5 lead and claims a stroke for 9-5. A beautiful drop ends it. 11-5.

Court 1 3:45 Simon Herbert (ENG;319) vs [14] Lewis Doughty (ENG;261)

Lewis Doughty and Simon Herbert are both in their first NASH Cup, both red heads; both from England and facing each other in PSA play for the first time. Hard cross court shots were the go to for both players in the first points as Simon jumps to a 2-0 lead. Simon was a last minute entry as the tournament worked its way into the reserve list following the failure of visa issuance.

Simon controlled the remainder of the first game and opened strong inn the second. Te playing styles are similar, but Simon seems to be a step ahead. These rallies are really long with both players now shifting from length to drops on the rails. Simon up 6-4 and has no reason to change his approach. Lewis is trying to change things and makes it tight, but a couple of unforced errors followed by a lost shoe leaves him down 3. Second game 11-7 from Simon.

Some early errors from Simon put him down 2 at the start of Lewis as Lewis finds a window of opportunity. Simon really isn’t changing his plan and straights out the mistakes to regain a 5-3 lead. An absolutely insane rally at 6-6 leaves both players gassed and Simon up 7-6. There were at least a dozen exceptional drops. The ball is too hot to lay down. 9-8 Simon.

A blistering cross drop moves us to 10-8……Simon takes game 3.

Court 2 3:45 [15] Hannah Blatt (CAN; 302) vs Laura Savage (CAN)

Laura is a local member and reigning women’s club champ, so the crowd is rooting for a member to showcase the London talent. This is her 6th NASH Cup appearance….and she has suggested could be her last. Her training routine over the summer may have a bit suspect. Does beating Tudhope qualify as training?

The first game has both players trading some good length and mixing in some drops to move each other around and get a feel each others game. Back and forth point for point and then a long rally to tie the game at 5-5 seemed to tire Laura out more than Hannah and Hannah seem to take control to win the first 11-7.

Okay the second starts off with Laura slotting a nick to take a 1-0 lead. Hannah keeps steady throwing a precise drop and great length to take a 5-3 lead. Laura battles back with some great shot making and a stroke to take a 6-5 lead. Hannah really starts hitting some great length and amazingly soft precise drops to go on a run and take 2nd Game 11-6.

Game 3 Hannah is in full stride with great court movement and shot selection. She rushed to an early lead but Laura is a fighter and will battle to the end. Hannah is just playing to well and really moving the ball around the court tiring Laura. A good match for Hannah as she takes Laura 11- 6 in the 3rd Game.

Court 1 4:30 Iman Shaheen (CAN) vs. [14] Arisha Khan (USA;223)

Both first time NASH Cup participants
Amal’s first PSA tournament
Arisha joined PSA on October 2018 and has been ranked as high as 138th
Winner will face 6th seeded Marina Stefanoni. Arisha has faced her twice (0-2)
Match write up pending

Court 2 4:30 Jayden Shortt (CAN; 436) vs. [11] Cameron Seth (CAN;135)

Over the years watching Cameron play the Nash I have seen him become a better player every year. So, missing a year last year has everyone interested in seeing how Cameron has improved. Jayden is young player from London and we have seen him evolve from a junior to a young man with incredible talent and drive and we are excited to see where Jayden’s game is now.

The first game has both players finding their length and width. Cameron’s length in the first has been a little tighter and deeper than Jayden’s at this point coupled with a few tins on winners from Jayden has Cameron up to an 8-2 lead. Jayden came back with a couple more great points but Cameron remained steady and takes the first 11-4.

Cameron starts off the second the same way with some incredible length and width and takes an early lead 2-0. Jayden putting together some great shots and powerful forehand winners is battling back to tie it 5-5. The pace of the game is picking up and rallies are getting longer. Cameron keeps to his game plan and feathers in some lovely drops at the right times to take the second game 11-5.

A long first rally of the 3rd game had Jayden coming out fast and hard. Jayden is keeping up the intensity and putting pressure on Cameron by taking the ball earlier and with good length. Cameron does not want to give up this game, he is fighting off the charge by Jayden hitting some incredible winners from both sides of the court and takes the 3rd 11-8 to win the match.

Court 2 5:15 [16] Chris Fuller (ENG;292) vs. Adrian Ostbye (NOR;337)

The first game both players are playing at a high intensity right out of the gate. Adrian taking a more attacking approach and Chris taking it early applying pressure with volleys and length. Both strategies are working as they keep trading points and take the first game to extra points. Chris fought off a couple incredible backhand drops by Adrian and countered with one of his own to take the first game 13-11.

The second is starting out at a different tempo. Chris jumps to an early lead with a couple of sick winners and has Adrian on his heels to start. Adrian is trying to find his rhythm and fight back to close the gap on Chris’s lead. Chris has different plans and won’t let Adrian in and continues to pull off some incredibly skilled winners. Chris keeps the pressure on to the end and takes the second game 11-

The third game is starting differently as Adrian jumps to a 3-1 lead taking the pace up and cracking it early. Chris is starting to use more height to get the ball deeper and give himself time to get back to the tee. This seems to be working as Chris has clawed his way back into the lead. Adrian won’t give up has strung together 3 points in a row to tie it up 9-9. A in by Adrian and a great counter drop by Chris sees him take the 3rd 11-9.

Court 1 6:30 Marie Fernandez Rivera (MEX) vs. Mary Fung-A-Fat (GUY; 186)

Meeting for the first time, Rivera from Mexico went up against Nash Cup veteran Fung-A-Fat from Guyana. Fung-A-Fat started out strong, hitting her targets early with great width, and in turn, countered Riveras length with deadly backcourt boats that gave Rivera trouble up front. There were moments of concise hitting from Rivera in the 1st, but it appeared frustration played a part in this first game, which Fung-A-Fat took 11-7. In the 2nd, Mary was retrieving very well under pressure, and kept a consistent focus, even after hitting into a couple strokes, Fung-A-Fat remained calm, and kept the shots tight, and intensity high. A tin from Rivera ended the game 11-4, and her racket hit the ground in frustration. The 3rd saw more effective boasts from the back and some great volley kills from Fung-A-Fat. These game also saw some long, hard fought rallies won by Rivera, which seemed to ignite her game, but the composure and focus of Fung-A-Fat proved too much for Rivera, as the game ended 11-6, and the match 3-0 in favour of Mary Fung-A-Fat

Court 2 6:30 Charles De La Riva (CAN; 449) vs. [13] Cory McCartney (CAN ;205)

In this All-Canadian match, Cory McCartney takes on Charles De La Riva. The excitement was palpable, even behind the masks, from the crowd anticipating a great match and knowing a Canadian will advance. In the early stages of the match, both players were trying to find their game making some unforced errors. After being tied 3-3, McCartney took command of the game with length and won the first game 11-4. Local legend, Gary Sullivan, described the first game as… “choppy”. This writer cannot wait for more squash insight from Gary.

The second game started as complete opposite to the first, with De La Riva taking early control and jumping out to a 7-4 lead. After exchanging points for a series of points, this writer noticed a few weak crosses from both players, which was comforting as it is his signature shot. As the game progressed, McCartney settled down, got back to good length, eliminated his errors and took the game 11-9.

The third game began with De La Riva quickly jumping out to a 3-1 lead and as almost a quick falling behind 5-3. Over the next few rallies displaying great length, deceptive boasts and some spirited play from both players, the game was tied at 7-7. As with the earlier games, McCartney took control in the latter stages and took the game 11-8, winning the match 3-0 in 26 minutes to advance to the next round.

Court 1 7:15 [16] Tang Ming Hong (HKG;266) vs. Elliott Hunt (CAN;269)

This was absolutely a match that had people buzzing around the club tonight – Elliott Hunt, the young captain of the powerhouse Western Mustangs team, was set to take on the 110th ranked in the world, from Hong Kong, Tang Ming Hong. This marks the 13th year a Western Player has stepped into the draw, and it was played in honour of the late, great Jack Fairs, the legendary Mustangs coach, who recently passed away 2 weeks ago, at the age of 98. The whole Stang squad was out in full force to see these 2 lefties battle it out. Right out the gate, Hunt impressed with great touch and incredible retrieving. This play was similarly matched by Hong, stylistically and made for great viewing. Hong settled into his game, and the players traded points so well the decided to play some extra, even. Hunt tied it up at 10 with an incredible winner that had his team shouting from above in support, and he look poised to take the first, however Hong didn’t seem shaken by their support and kept fighting back, ultimately winning the first 14-12. In the 2nd, Hong really seemed to find his focus, movement and accuracy, as his shorts were just a bit tighter, and his nicks a bit more plentiful. This game he started to move Hunt well around the court and patiently capitalize when he saw his moments. The Mustangs remained loud and steady, as to be expected, but Hong took the 2nd a bit easier, 11-6. In the 3rd, Hunt came out firing, which showcased some quality retrievals from Hong, who in return kept Hunt moving all over. Hong seemed to have a bit more time on some of his shots and used that time to deploy some hard to read holds for winners, and using some great combinations set up by going short in the front, in order to push it deep to the back. Hunt and the Mustangs once again made London proud with a great showing of squash and support, but ultimately Hong came on too strong and took the match 3-0.

Court 2 7:15 [13] Catherine Giachino (CAN;187) vs. Amal Izhar (CAN; 376)

Another all-Canadian matchup featuring local favourite, Western player, Catherine Giachino. The first half of the first game was a back and forth affair till 8-8. Both players have been trying to find their footing and find their game. In the last few points of the game, Izhar, found some great length and a few shots with great width and snuck out an 11-8 win.

As the second game started, Izhar continued her solid play and jumped out to a 5-0 lead. Giachino tried to settle the game with some solid playmaking and retrievals. After a controversial no-let call for Izhar, Gianchino tried to capitalize on the momentum, getting the game back to 8-5. After that, Izhar settled down and finished off the game with a 11-6 win.

Giachino began the third game with 4 unforced errors, to trail 1-5 quickly. After a few points trying to settle, slow down and getting back to 4-5 for Giachino, Izhar took control again and with some great width and length, won the next six points to win the match 11-4 to win 3-0 and to advance to the next round.

Court 1 8:00 Holly Delavigne (CAN) vs. [11] Laura Tovar (COL; 130)

Delavigne, representing Sarnia, and the Western Women’s team (Coach) was slotted to face the Columbian #1, Laura Tovar. Holly started off strong, getting up 3-1 and hitting some applause worthy winners. Tovar bounced back and showcased some great dying length on the forehand side which jammed things up for Delavigne in the first. The 2nd game moved fast due to the precise strings of Tovar who put great touch on each shot to leave a troublesome return for Holly. 11-2 was how the second game ended. The 3rd saw moments of fight and vigor from Holly, who game Tovar a lot to handle, but handle it, she did. Again her touch was impressive, putting away anything and everything within her reach. Her holds kept us all guessing, and ultimately cheering for a match well played, Tover took the 3rd 11-6, and the match 3-0.

Court 2 8:00 James Wyatt (ENG;293) vs. [15] Darosham Khan (CAN;268)

Darosham fought hard in the first game and things looked even, but after a 12-10 defeat there didn’t seem to be much left in the tank. His game is there, but like so many Canadian players time on court over the last 18 months has been limited. Great that he made the draw and could gain the ranking points. James moves into round 2.

The final match of the night and it should be interesting. These two faced off in 2017 with Tim coming out the victor, but Stu was a different player back then. That said, Stu did suggest that Tim was “the one to watch” in the draw…..

Stu won the draw, but hit himself on the 6th shot to go down 1-0. The crowd is ready for a show and rather enjoying these rallies. Tim jumps to a 5-2 lead and seems to have the angles on Stu. Stu has the shots, but needs to find a way to use them as Tim pulls away 8-2. The squash gods are shining on Tim and Stu doesn’t like it pitching an exaggerated ball return to Tim down 9-2…..game to Tim 11-2.

Brownell has come in unseeded, and one would think Stu did well with this draw, but Tim has been competing in the US college system and his ranking is not reflective of his ability. In game two Stu is starting to show some fatigue and is trying to find a way to shorten the rallies. Tim seems very aware that his goal should be to keep them going. Down 1 Stu knows he needs to make a mark and change the momentum now, but Tim is just too strong and the match goes 11-6.

The crowd is really enjoying this run. It’s always great to watch top level squash with players who clearly have respect for each other and the game. Stu is able to claim points, but the momentum remains with Tim as he claims game 3 11-5 and sends Stu back to the Detroit Athletic Centre (DAC). Many London Squash members are counting on the border being open in the months ahead so that they can visit Stu for February’s DAC Classic tournament.