2022 NASH Cup – Day 3 Results

The new live commentary with video streaming has quickly become popular. Thank you to Jeff Wong and DAGI for making this happen, and thank you to all those who are writing in with comments (and the odd critique). It’s great to know people are watching an listening. Please remember to use #nashcup or @nashcup when posting. The social media traffic has been great.

The Semi-Finals are done. We’re done to 8 professionals and two nights of matches. Thank you to Mackevica; Thomas; Gobbi and Melo for travelling to Chatham today for an exhibition at the wonderful Maple City Squash Club. Tomorrow players will be headed to the Sarnia Riding Club.

Tonight’s matches were exceptional. London Squash had a full crowd and just about everyone walked away happy. We hope you will enjoy the summaries.

Thursday Match Summary

3pm     Nathan Lake (ENG; 38) bt. Chris Gordon (USA; 73) 3-0 – 11-7, 11-4, 11-5 (35m)

4pm     Zeina Zein (EGY; 89) bt. Marta Dominguez Fernandez (ESP; 72) 3-0 – 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 (35m)

5pm     Edmon Lopez (ESP; 86) bt. Daniel Mekbib (CZE;89)  3-0 – 12-10, 11-2, 11-6 (32m)

6pm     Lucy Beecroft (ENG; 57) bt. Torrie Maiik (ENG; 86)  3=0 – 11-7; 11-5; 11-7 (29m)

7 pm    Curtis Malik (ENG; 75) bt.Andrew Douglas (USA; 84) 3-1 – 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 11-7 (49m)

8pm     Georgia Adderley (SCO; 59) bt. Marina Stefanoni (USA; 61) 3-1 – 11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 11-8 (51m)

9pm     Henry Leung (HKG; 58)  bt. Leandro Romiglio (ARG; 69) 3-2 – 11-8, 3-11, 12-10, 9-11, 12-10 (81m)

10pm   Haley Mendez (USA; 54)  bt. Ambre Allinchx (SUI; 95) 3-0 – 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 (31m)

Thursday Matches:

3pm     Nathan Lake (ENG; 38) vs. Chris Gordon (USA; 73)

These tall players step onto the court and start with an extremely long rally with mid level power. The work up and down the walls, mixing in some crosses. Neither willing to make an opening error. This provides time to tell you this is Nathan’s 6^th NASH Cup and Chris’s 1^st. Nathan was first here in 2010 and the NASH Cup was his first official PSA event. Nathan picks up the first 2 points and Chris realizes that the slow game isn’t going to work. A closer from Chris and an error brings us to 3-1 Lake. We’ve shifted to touch now and both players are skilled. A dead nick for Nathan and it’s 4-2. Precision shots from both but Chris is making more errors putting Nathan up 8-5. An extremely physical set of final points giving us of hint of what is to come. Nathan hits a solid over the head drop to end it 11-7.

Game two starts with an all Lake show as he jumps to a clean 5-0 lead. Chris takes a moment with the towels to regroup and try and find some magic. An out of court and we’re 6-0. Gordon is extremely physical tapping Nathan’s back during rallies and taking aggressive positioning. It works against him on a hard rail shot resulting in a stroke and we’re 7-0. There has been one donut this week….very rare to see an 11-0 result. That won’t be the case here as Chris picks up a point.

These two have faced off twice before in PSA competition. Chris won 3-2 in 2012; and Nathan 3-0 in 2019. The rubber match is going heavily in Lake’s favour. He giving the physical as much as he’s taking it, but he’s also winning the positioning battle. 11-4. Lake up 2-0.

Game three and the game is unchanged with Nathan moving to a 2-0 lead. Nathan’s game was a little flat on the opening night but he’s found his comfort zone. Chris has been denied on a number of let calls and my bet is he’ll be reviewing the YouTube video in the weeks ahead. The referees are doing a great job, the game is physical and difficult to call…but no player is happy when things don’t go in their favour. Lake up 4-1. A brilliant corner boast brings us to 5-1. Chris can’t get momentum and it all ends on a “no let” call. Nathan was in the way, but there was no chance of Chris getting there. 11-5.

4pm     Zeina Zein (EGY; 89) vs. Marta Dominguez Fernandez (ESP; 72)

by Brad’s Brother

The first women’s quarterfinal of the day is the young Egyptian, Zeina Zein who is coming off of an impressive victory against the #1 seed Ineta Mackevica. Zein will take on #8 seed Marta Dominguez Fernandez of Spain. Marta beat Nadeen Kotb of Egypt in 4 yesterday. Fernandez and Zein are both great movers, but I give the edge to the young Egyptian star with her impressive shot making, but you can never underestimate the value of experience. Let’s see if this reporter can finally get a prediction right. 

Jay Nash is nearby for the start of this match, so I have a few stats for you this time. Zein is 17 and she is ranked #89 and Fernandez is 21 and ranked #72. This is their first meeting on the PSA tour. From what I’ve seen so far this week I’m confident that Zein is a future top 10 player because she possesses all of the qualities required. 

The pace starts high in the first game. Fernandez is a bit older and bigger in stature and seems like she wants to make this a physical match. It seems like her strategy might be working so far as she starts off with a 5-2 lead. Is Zein going to play at the high pace or try and mix it up more? A great forehand volley drop and Zein gets back to 4-5. Fernandez is clearly overhitting when under pressure, let’s see if she will adjust as the match goes on. When she has time, she’s been quite accurate with her drives, but she’s got to adapt to the pressure better. Zein now up to an 8-6 lead. A stroke now ties it up at 8. I get a feeling this first game is huge for the confidence and momentum of this match. A questionable ‘let’ call keeps things tired at 8. Interesting tactic as Zein chose to serve from the left box on a handout but it pays off and now has game all. A perfect forehand drive and Zein takes the first 11-8. 

If I was in their corner, I’d be recommending Fernandez varies the pace more, especially when she’s under pressure. Zein has done little wrong, and I suspect she will start to open up the court a little more this game. Fernandez is a great mover to the front so Zein will have to pick opportunities wisely. Let’s see if Fernandez can make the adjustment and win this pivotal second game. 

Proving that accuracy is more critical than power, Fernandez has 2 perfectly measured shots to get out to a quick 2-0 lead. Zein with a couple of errors as well and now trails 4-2. Zein does nearly the full splits and wins a long point to tie things back up at 4. A great forehand counter drop gives Fernandez a slight edge at 7-6. At 7-7 Zein has 4 or 5 ridiculous gets in a row to take back the lead at 8-7. A couple of questionable calls back-to-back adds to the tension of the backend of this game. Zein you overcomes the calls to get a game ball but then the game ends on a ‘no let’ questionable call, game 2 to Zein 11-9 in 12 minutes. I have a hunch this match is a long way from over, but both players appear unhappy with the officiating now. They have to keep their focus and play the ball whenever they can to keep the refs out of it. Let’s see how they regroup from the calls. 

Zein comes out with 2 quick winners. Fernandez is in trouble while Zein is looking really confident going up 4-0. A couple of winners and 2 errors from Zein and Fernandez is back in it tied up at 4. Fernandez isn’t going to let this one get away without a fight. Both women are getting almost everything back right now, but it appears Fernandez is slightly winded. 8-7 Zein, can she close it out in 3? 10-7 match point. Fernandez saves 1, then a second thanks to a generous ‘no let’ call, but she couldn’t save a third as Zein takes it 11-9. What a fantastic match. Zein is the first semi finalist and will play the winner of Torrie Malik and Lucy Beecroft. Either one will have their hands full with the unseeded rising star. 

 

 

5pm     Daniel Mekbib (CZE;89) vs Edmon Lopez (ESP; 86)

We’re lacking a write up on this one, but expect that there is one out there. We will add once it is sent in.

The match was a strong one, but momentum shifted as Daniel took an injury in the second game

This was the players second meeting in PSA and the record is now 1-1.

 

 

 

6pm     Torrie Maiik (ENG; 86) vs. Lucy Beecroft (ENG; 57)

This all-British matchup of a PSA veteran, Beecroft, and the up and coming 18-year-old Malik is a showcase of England’s talent at the Nash Cup. In their previous match up between these two competitors Beecroft secured a 3-0 victory and looks to repeat. The initial Rally started slowly with some good length until Malik froze Beecroft with a nice trickle boast. Malik with a larger stature has the power to match and has been winning her initial point using force. Beecroft is countering nicely using her experience and touch to win points in the front of the court. Beecroft has started to take the lead in game one as the score is now 8-4. Malik’s eagerness has lead to a few early tins and put Beecroft in a commanding position to take the first game. Although Malik began to come back into the game one, Beecroft’s experience and quality in the front of the court secured her the first game victory.

Malik appears to have altered her approach coming into game two as she is now using deception, instead of [power to win the initial three points. Beecroft has worked her way back to a 5-3 lead using quality shots in the front of the court. Beecroft using her signature back-hand drop shot has been able to stave off Malik, going on a run of points and taking a 9-5 lead.  With a couple of unforced errors by malik to finish the second game of the match, Beecroft is now up two games to none and looks poised to make championship run for the second year running.

Beecroft’s backhand drop is again the opening point of the third game. Seems she will continue to pursue this strategy until Malik shows she can counter it. Although Beecroft quickly jumped to a 5-0 lead and unforced tin has given Malik some life. A couple quality rallies in a row from Malik has brought her back into the game as the score is now 5-3 in favour of Beecroft. The score is now 9-7 as the two ladies trade blows coming down the stretch. The physicality of the game has increased with several lets and strokes given in the final few points. Beecroft was able to secure the victory, winning the third game 11-7, using her tried and true game plan of winning with quality shot into the front of the court.

 

7 pm    Andrew Douglas (USA; 84) vs. Curtis Malik (ENG; 75)

This match features two first time NASH Cup participants. Their ranks are close, and they have no history of matches with the PSA…so as we watch warm up it’s truly anyone’s game. Curtis is looking to avenge the loss his sister just took….and in the opening rallies it’s clear this is going to a game of patience. The rallies are long and there are few mistakes. Malik opens with an edge. He’s not making mistakes. Jumps to a 5-3 lead.

The crowd at London Squash is now full as will be clear to those watching the live feed. Some spectators have taken to listening to the commentary on their air pods, and I think it may have actually made this place a little quieter. London Squash is NOT a quiet crowd. Douglas has a patient and consistent shot and waits for his opportunities. He finds them and brings it back to 6-6.

London Squash is nearly 60 years old and an incredible bar / squash club. Members have begun to arrive and watch on the televisions with a beer in hand as standing room is getting tight. Not sure how worried they are about seeing as it was the beer they were after.

Douglas rarely goes short sticking to length. I’m not sure this is what Curtis expects and were 8-8. Regardless of the outcome there will be a strategy session with his sister. Malik drills two low winners and is up 10-8. Douglas hits a perfect drop and Malik looks for a tin call, but the crowd has a clear view and there is no question. 10-9 Malik. A great low cross court drive ends this one as it leaves nothing off the glass. Malik up 1-0.

I’m not sure either player will adjust much as we enter game two. Douglas jumps to a 3-0 lead. Malik has had two “no lets” against him as Douglas sticks to the long shots and goes up 6-1. Malik is getting some winners but a back and forth game will now favour Douglas and hit patience remains. 7-3….but then three quick winners and we’re 7-6. Malik has found his happy place and it crushing it an inch over the tin achieving dead nicks. Malik actually manages to hit Douglas off the front wall; very rare to see; and we’re 10-7 Malik. After 2 nights of very few 3-0 finishes it was a bit shocking to see the quarter finals start with 4 of them…..this may be another 2-0 Malik

The third match starts similar to the second as Douglas moves to a 2-0 lead with steady play and deep shots. Malik might be letting the ball heat up before he starts going for winners. These are long rallies, and it won’t take long. 4-0 Douglas. Douglas has started moving forward in the court and is hitting some driving winners. 6-3. Mailik is relentless but hits the red line to allow for 7-4. A few costly errors bring the game back to 7-7. This is familiar territory and Douglas needs to get his groove back. The rallies get longer and we’re 8-8. Curtis doesn’t want to make a mistake, and Douglas goes for few winners. Suddenly he finds one and it’s Douglas up 9-8 on a clean drop into the corner. Malik was trapped. A bad corner kick-out and Douglas draws a stroke going up 10-8. A 40+ shot rally and a kill from Malik, 10-9. These courts are true and it’s almost as if Douglas is looking for a flat bounce. He finally gets one, but a let is called. The next rally ends in drive with another let request, but not to be. We have a game 4.

 

The evening schedule may be about to fall behind for the first time. This two-minute break is just long enough for some (not all) to grab a beer and get back to their seats. Our photographer Rael Wienburg did a great job capturing the family meeting between games.

Curtis jumps out in front this time. It will be interesting to see what he can do with a lead. 3-1. Lob; drop; drive; cross; drop….Malik is mixing the winners with longer shots and it’s working. He gets the tight bounces and moves up to 6-3. Malik jumps to 9-3 and this match is finals quality. The crowd loves it. An error/tin allows Douglas a glimmer of hope as we move to 9-5. The shot was lazy and Malik knew it. Anther lost rally and a tin and were 9-7. Malik may have lost his mojo…but crushes the next serve down and then draws a stroke. Malik 11-7 in the 4^th.

8pm     Georgia Adderley (SCO; 59) vs. Marina Stefanoni (USA; 61)

The writer put in charge of this match left it a bit sparce. Less than 10 words to be exact and the match deserved so much more. I had the pleasure of doing the live commentary and it’s worth a watch on YouTube. Georgia and Marina were extremely well matched with the first 3 games going to 9-9. The first two went to Georgia with Marina winning 12-10 in the third.

Both players favoured the left wall and 20+ shots was not unusual. The rallies were long and the winners well deserved. Georgia has a blistering forehand drop and Marina can get to just about anything. Such a great game to watch.

Like the first three game four was tight with the lead going back and forth. Neither player showed significant fatigue, and both stuck to their game plans. In the end Georgia pulled out an 11-8 victory and advances to the Semi Finals.

9pm     Leandro Romiglio (ARG; 69) vs. Henry Leung (HKG; 58)

This matchup has all the ingredients of a classic – the defensive, stable Henry Leung against the flamboyant, mercurial Leandro Romiglio. Romiglio wins the warmup which almost always predicts the winner, we’ll see. You can tell this is their first meeting, with both players exploring every centimetre of the court for the first few rallies to look for weakness. Henry edges out front mid way through the first, as Leandro balances out his slick winners with even more errors. Nothing in it, really. Hearing lots of “I think this is going to go five” from the well-hydrated audience. After 18 electrifying minutes Henry takes the first 11-8.

The second game starts even faster than the first, with Leandro continuing to push the ridiculous pace and Henry trying to weather the storm with quick hands. This is fun to watch. But can they sustain this speed? Leandro is flying around the court hitting spectacular winners everywhere and gets out to a 7-1 lead. Henry seems a bit shell shocked; might be save your energy for the next game territory. And in a 7 minute blur, we’re at 1-1.

Early in the third there’s a lot of contact, with several close calls resulting in no lets off of tight length. Tough work for the refs when both players are so fast. Perhaps the lightning pace of the first 2 games having an effect here. The front left corner of the court gets a lot of action with some tight exchanges, we’re at 6-5 Henry. Again, there’s a confrontation in the front left corner with either player refusing to budge off their line, 6-6. As the game opens up Leandro uses more flicks and deception, but this is handled by the steadfast defence of Henry. TOWEL BREAK. It feels like there hasn’t been a separation of more than 2 points, and at 9-8 Henry, Leandro’s face grazes Henry’s follow through and he proceeds to juggle the ball to nullify his growing frustration. 12-10 Leung.

There’s a commotion behind the bleachers between the 3^rd and 4^th games, either food has arrived or DVM is here. Nothing different at the start of the 4^th , Leandro makes a few errors going for drop winners while Henry is content to counter and move the ball around. At 4-1 Henry, Leandro gets activated and employs a winning pattern – front left corner drop, wait for the counter, then smash it hard and low down the left wall. Excited by his own success Leandro ties it at 4-4. There’s few short balls coming in the middle of the 4^th with the rallies settling into high pace accurate length. Average rally length is about 30 shots – do less, boys. Henry steels himself to finish this strong before his serve at 8-7, and the rally ends in a controversial but key stroke call bringing us to 9-7. A similar situation followed with the roles reversed and Leandro only gets a let – this is getting contentious! Leandro somehow strings together a series of outrageous winners to bring us to the first 5 game match of the Nash Cup.

This is the match of the tournament so far for sure. The Argentinian looks more tired but he’s proven his ability to unsettle the Hong Kong-er? The conditioning of both players results in the first few rallies looking identical to the last few games. Whoever plays the winner is feeling pretty good right now. Unexpectedly, Leung looks more shaky at the beginning making some uncharacteristic errors, Leandro takes a quick 4-1 lead. “It’s over!”, says Dave Coate confidently. This is how Henry planned it though, almost equalizing at 4-5. TOWEL BREAK. 6-6 after another no-let call against Leandro. There are not many outright winners at this point, most points are being won on calls and errors. 9-8 Leung, but a monster rally brings out an error from him, 9-9! Another error from the Leung racquet brings us to the first match ball for Leandro. Squandered with a tin! Headed to a tiebreak folks. Second match ball, for Leung this time 11-10. He eventually converts in an EPIC match that had everything. 12-10 Leung. 82 Minutes!!

10pm   Ambre Allinchx (SUI; 95) vs. Haley Mendez (USA; 54)

 Haley Mendez returns for her 3^rd NASH Cup and is now the draws top seed. Ambre is here for the first time and has taken out higher ranked opponents to reach the quarter finals The styles are similar, but Mendez’s experience may be the end. Mendez jumps to a 3-0 lead before putting one out. Ambre forces the next two and we’re 3-3.

Despite best efforts this match is starting late and these ladies have been very patient. A half hour isn’t a huge deal, but a 10:30pm start is unusual on tour. We had 8 matches to get in and wanted all on the main court. The process of running on the hour has worked for a number of years, but the pre-tournament thoughts of PSA’s Elliott Selby have come back to roost (he suggested we might want to run a match on court 1.

Things go back and forth, but Mendez has an edge and jumps to 10-6. Quick games may favour Mendez and a perfect drop cleans up the first at 11-7. 9 minutes for the opener as these players attempt to get us back on schedule. I’m not sure why as they are the final match.

Ambre picks up the opener in game two, but this really is a back and forth game with each player searching for control. 3-3 happens fast and Mendez then gains a lead. An error by Ambre and Mendez is up 5-3. A tin from Mendez and it’s 5-4. Mendez takes a towel break and then serves one out. 6-5 Mendez. This is a longer game than the first as both players have decided that the left wall is a “safe place” for shots. Three straight drives down the left. Ambre gets two, but clearly expects a cross and it’s 9-5 Mendez. As we reach game ball Ambre has a great drop to pick up a sixth point, but Haley has patience and points to work with. Ambre picks up a 7^th. Mendez still patient. Ambre goes to 8 on a strong cross. Finally a weak center shot and Hayley capitalizes with great length. 2-0 Mendez.

Clearly one opening point in the second game wasn’t enough, so this time Ambre starts with a 3-0 lead. The ladies are hitting great length and it comes down to something loose presenting itself. Mendez gets back to 3-2. Like the first game Mendez slowly builds a lead and finds herself with an 11-8 win. The third continues in the same way. Ambre is strong, but can’t battle for the additional points  Mendez in three with an 11-5 win.

 

Friday’s Matches

5pm     Zeina Zein (EGY; 89 v Lucy Beecroft (ENG; 57)

6pm     Nathan Lake (ENG; 38) v Edmon Lopez (ESP; 86)

7pm     Georgia Adderley (SCO; 59) v Haley Mendez (USA; 54) 

8pm     Curtis Malik (ENG; 75) v Henry Leung (HKG; 58)