2022 NASH Cup – Day 4 Results

What an incredible night! Spectators often hope for one tight game to go to five….but to have three of four was amazing.
London Squash & Fitness had a full house, and they left this beautiful Friday night in London Ontario ready for the finals.

There is a lot that goes into a week like this, and we would like to put out a big thank you to Jeff Tudhope (club manager) and Chris Hanebury (club professional) for all the extra work they have done. A special shout out to Dr. Lorie Forwell s well. She has assisted with players throughout the NASH Cup history and as one can imagine there have been a number of injuries. It’s important to have someone ready to help and she’s done a great job (at last count she saw 3 players tonight…during the matches). The players really appreciate it.

Saturday’s fun starts at 5:30pm with the Challenge Matches. It’s been 4 years since this side show has taken place and local players Brad ‘Stingray’ Hanebury; Scott Mickalachki; and Calvin Ho will be joined by professionals Daniel Mekbib; Lucy Beecroft and Torrie Malik. We have over 60 challenges on the ready….let’s see who can complete them and still win the rally.

Friday’s Match Summary

5pm Zeina Zein (EGY; 89) bt Lucy Beecroft (ENG; 57)
3-2 – 11-8, 11-5, 6-11, 10-12, 11-7 (52m)
6pm Nathan Lake (ENG; 38) bt Edmon Lopez (ESP; 86)
3-2 – 10-12, 11-2, 7-11, 14-12, 11-2 (56m)
7pm Georgia Adderley (SCO; 59) bt Haley Mendez (USA; 54)
3-0 – 11-6, 11-7, 11-2 (26m)
8pm Curtis Malik (ENG; 75) bt Henry Leung (HKG; 58)
3-2 – 11-5, 11-13, 3-11, 15-13, 11-3 (70m)

Friday’s Matches:

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

The first semis of the night features the defending champ, Lucy Beecroft vs. the rising Egyptian star, Zeina Zein. Does Zein have another upset in her cards? My prediction is Beecroft in 5, but this is also my pick for match of the night. Zein has everything, but the experience to be a top 10 player, but Beecroft has a collegiate career and more PSA experience behind her. I also string Beecroft’s racquet this week, so that’s got to give her another slight edge. Let’s see how it plays out.

A dubious down call against Beecroft sees Zein out to an early 4-1 lead. The youngster doesn’t appear intimidated by the occasion or her opponent. I actually think an effective strategy for Beecroft would be to ask for lots of lets. Zein does get a bit agitated when she receives the wrong call. Is that an unethical tactic? Perhaps. Anyways, Zein is running off to a great start at 10-3 with a mixture of great gets and winning shots. Beecroft gets a few points back to 8-10 and applies a little pressure on the youngster, but she wraps up the first 11-8 with a ‘stroke’ decision.

Even though Beecroft lost that game she has quite a bit of momentum heading into game 2 winning 5 of the last 6 rallies. If Beecroft can get off to a solid start this game, I could see her take this second game. It’s a great explanation as to why you never give up on a game regardless of the score. Zein however has other plans and is off to another great start up 6-1. Beecroft has hit a few tins and left a few loose lengths. 8-3 and Beecroft really needs to win a few points here, but how? A three-wall body into a dead rollout nick for Beecroft was one of her few points this game, another game to Zein 11-5 in just 5 minutes. My prediction isn’t looking too good, hope Beecroft isn’t blaming her new strings.

Beecroft really needs to find her length and get on the volley. I don’t think attacking more early in the point is going to do it. Zein has proven that her defence is impeccable, so time to try and grind her down with some fundamentals. Zein hits 3 unforced errors early and goes down 3-1. Beecroft is making a match of this as she hits a few more winners and takes a commanding 6-1 lead. Zein doing the handout serve from the left box again and follows it up with a perfect nick to get back to 4-9. Even if Zein loses this game/ she needs to get some confidence and momentum at the back end of this game. Back to 6-9 and Zein seems back in control of the points again. Beecroft fires back with a couple of winners and takes the third 11-6 in 7 minutes. We got a match.

Even though Zein lost the game she finished strong. The starts of each game have proven to be crucial to the outcome so the start here could dictate the result. Zein gets a call she doesn’t like and then hits a tin and shows a little frustration. She’s only down 1-0 this game, but she has to maintain a positive mindset. She regroups and wins the next 3 rallies. Zein hits another tin a few rallies later and again doesn’t look happy. Beecroft then hits a frame winner off of a tight ball. Here’s some adversity for the first time for the young star. The players trade points and Beecroft takes a 6-5 lead. A great winning boast gives Zein an 8-7 lead. Can she close it out in 4? 10-9 and a first match point for Zein. Beecroft hits a winning drop return, and we have a tiebreaker. Beecroft squeezes a winning drop and now has a game all of her own. Another winning backcourt drop for Beecroft, and she takes the fourth 12-10 in 13 minutes.

It’s anyone’s game now. Beecroft has the momentum and has definitely tightened up her length. We’re in for a great fifth game and as I suspected, this very well could be the match of the night. Beecroft is picking up the pace and has Zein under a little more pressure. A could of quality rallies and it’s 1-1. Some really long and physical points and Beecroft has a 3-2 lead. 5-5 now and as Joey would say there’s nothing between them. Beecroft finally misses a backcourt drop and hands Zein a 9-6 lead. 10-7 match point to Zein and sue hits the metal strip at the back of the court to make it through to the finals. High quality match, but a few tired shots at the end of that game. Looking forward to seeing if Zein can take the title tomorrow.

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

After a fantastic first match on the women’s side, the night is off to a good start. Lake and Lopez have only played once before, with Lake winning 3-0. However, that was in 2015, so it’s been a long time since their only matchup.

Lopez has upset both his previous opponents, but both suffered injuries during the match. Lake has won both his matches convincingly, and as the #1 seed he is certainly the favourite coming into the match tonight.

The second match has a much larger crowd, people are off work on a Friday and ready for a few drinks and some great squash. The volume is loud before the match has even started, if Lopez and Lake can put on a show, we could be on our way to a classic Friday night at the Nash Cup.

Game 1
First rally is a long one, both players covering all four corners. Lopez takes an early lead and looks ready to grind down his opponent. Lake meanwhile is flashing lots of volleys and soft touches, clearly looking to apply pressure quickly.

It must be said: Lake is wearing a shirt so bright it would be rejected as “too flamboyant” at most 80’s parties. It’s a miracle Lopez can even see out there.

Lake takes a 6-3 lead in the midgame, he is attacking well and controlling most of the rallies. The combination of touch and power, as well as taking the ball early, is tough for Lopez to counter. He will need to find a way to inject some longer rallies into the game, and make Lake react a bit more.

Lake continues the pressure, up 9-6. He is stepping in and taking the ball early, not letting anything get to the back wall. Both players are getting more physical, there have been quite a few lets that were argued fiercely. Lopez manages to close the gap, at 10-10 it looks to be a long match.

In extra points, Lopez shows off his speed to make some incredible gets and takes game one 12-10. It only took 12 minutes, but it felt like Lopez was really finding his rhythm at the end and might be able to lengthen rallies in future games. Lake played very well for the first half but let some of his shots get loose near the end, and he also was on the receiving end of a few tough calls and bad bounces.

Game 2
First rally is incredible, 40 shots at least. Lopez looks to be in control, but a few loose balls allow Lake to take an early 1-0 lead. After a few errors from Lopez, suddenly it’s 5-0. Lake continues to step in and apply pressure from everywhere, he is constantly attacking the ball, forcing Lopez into tough spots.

Lake is flashing all the shots and takes an 8-1 lead. Lopez isn’t playing poorly, but quickly finds himself almost out of the game completely. Just like that, Lake takes it 11-2 in only seven minutes.

Game 3
Game starts out with a flurry of lets, Lake asking for most. Lopez takes an early 3-1 lead, attacking the front of the court with a variety of soft drops. Might be a good way to stop Lake from volleying so successfully and keep him from controlling the rallies.

Lakes effectively starts to attack the front himself, hitting aggressive drops from the back of the court. By keeping Lopez reacting to his attacks, he takes a 5-4 lead.

A combination of strong rallies from Lopez and a few unforced errors from Lake takes Lopez to 10-7. He is playing confidently, keeping Lake off balance, and not allowing him to attack effectively. Lake also appears to be getting tired, and a slow lunge leads to an error that makes it 11-7. Lopez up 2-1, and has to be the favourite heading into game 4. He has successfully worn down all of his opponents to date, and history might repeat itself unless Lake finds a way to get back in his groove.

Game 4
An unbelievable set of rallies start off the game, with both players looking strong. 2-2 early on, and I would say Lake appears to be a bit slower than before. He is getting frustrated with the refs, losing a call to make it 3-2 Lopez that obviously upset him. Lopez playing through contact to keep rallies going, willing himself to wear Lake down.

Lake benefits from some poor errors from Lopez and takes a 7-5 lead. Local massage therapist Jessica Beintema wants me to comment that the players keep using the beer bucket, so here is it: both players are regularly visiting the beer bucket! To towel off of course, they wouldn’t drink beer mid-match. This isn’t Gary Sullivan and Charlie Stratton out there, these are professionals.

Lopez comes roaring back and takes a 9-7 lead, with several nicks and an incredible diving rally. Suddenly, he has game point at 10-9. A highly questionable stroke makes it 10-10 – Lake gets lucky. Two brutal rallies make it 11-11, and Lopez roars after tying it, feeling his advantage, as Lake looks exhausted. However, he immediately tins a forehand, losing his advantage. Lake takes it 11-13, retaking control with a blistering set of volleys.

Although Lake looks exhausted between rallies, he is moving well during the points, and still applying pressure wherever he can. It seems dead-even heading into the fifth.

Game 5
Lakes starts the game with a stroke, consistently getting it on the right side. Lopez’s forehand volleys are loose, giving Lake easy points when Lopez should be applying pressure. Lake is keeping the ball very tight on the walls, earning him a 4-0 lead.

Lake looks consistently exhausted but has managed to seize an 8-0 lead. He can barely recover, but he continues to put balls away whenever he has the chance. He finishes strong, taking the fifth 11-2.

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

Next up, our 2nd Women’s semi-final match of the night between the USAs Haley Mendez, and Scotland’s Georgina Adderley. Both players enter tonight’s tango having dropped only 1 game in previous rounds, so some fresh legs are expected, as the #2 seed faces the #4. They’ve never met before in PSA action – Adderley is 8 years her junior, and well, Mendez was the #1 ranked US junior during her time, so the match potential is there. By the time the warmup compels, the crowd has really filled out, and is excited for what is to come. Game 1 starts off trading points and feeling each out, but Adderley keeps the pressure applied, and surges ahead to close out the first game 11-6.

Game 2 sees Adderley jump out to a strong 5-2 lead in direct result of some just above the tin winners, and tight boasts that prove unreturnable for Mendez. Not to be outdone, Mendez replies with an airtight backhand boast to bring us to 6-3. Mendez was on a good path, and hit some incredible shots, including a feathered drop that was remarkably retrieved and returned by Adderley, seemingly deflating spirits and halting a comeback attempt. That frustration may have led to a few quick points from the young Scot, which really helped cement her lead in the 2nd. Mendez was not ready to quit however and pushed back to 8-6 before a final push from Adderley saw her push to 10-7, and ultimately take the 2nd game.

Game 3 simply kept moving in the direction that Adderley dictated; she was a ball of energy that seemed to cover the court with endless energy and sound retrieval. Jumping out to a quick 4-0 lead, which blessed to 6-1, and then 8-1, it seemed like the smaller and faster Adderley was moving her opponent well, retrieving with conviction and determination, forcing tough cross body movements, and dictating the pace. Simply put, she was well in control her both her shots, and opponent at this time. Ending the game with a few incredibly low winners, and a great taxi on the forehand side, Adderley made a wonderful case for why she deserved to reach the finals tomorrow night. It was a fast 3-0 in only 26 minutes, which can’t help but ensure a fresh and rested body for tomorrows final vs 17-year-old Egyptian Zeina Zein. The youth is alright, apparently, and we are set up pretty for a fantastic final on Saturday Night!

8pm Curtis Malik (ENG; 75) v Henry Leung (HKG; 58)
#Match write up Sep 16, 2022 #nash-cup

The match starts with Malik running away going up to a 9-1 lead. Malik is looking sharp, steady, and hungry. Leung starts a little flat.

Leung attempts a comeback and gets to 5 points, but Malik doesn’t seem fazed and takes the game without breaking much of a sweat.

Leung comes out on the second game looking like he woke up. Maybe he’s shaken out some of the fatigue from his match last night.

Leung continues the momentum and manages to garner a big lead. However, he starts to falter near the end and it gives Malik a boost of energy. Malik builds on this momentum and gets the game going. But Leung isn’t worried and after some very tough and contentious rallies he manages to win the game.

This match break brought to you by AutoVerify. That’s right, I’m doing some self promotion. You own a car dealership? Give me a call at [redacted].

The next game again sees Leung run away with the score. It’s a combination of some good winners by Leung and forced errors by Malik. What’s interesting is that Malik doesn’t look fatigued. He doesn’t need to be forcing out these shots and risking winners.

We end the game with Leung up 2-1.

The next game sees Malik and Leung exchange points back and forth the entire way through. Some of the rallies get a bit choppy as the players see the business end of the game. The refs are forced to make some critical calls which, as anyone that had ref’d a game knows, is a thankless chore. David Fishburn and Steve Flude had done a great job tonight in some very tight matches.

Eventually, Malik pulls ahead by one point in the tie break and despite the. Way efforts of Leung, he wins it to go to a fifth game.

The crowd goes wild and is loving the quality of squash and effort from both of these players.

This reporter is most impressed by Leung still having the stamina to push this hard. Having previously played many matches that I made difficult on myself, it’s fun to watch someone push through that pain and see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Malik wins the fourth game, and the crowd goes wild. Not in a sense of favouritism to one player, but simply in the joy of an extremely high caliber of squash.

The fifth game starts and Leung looks flat. He’s now visibly feeling the last few games, not to mention the last few matches. Malik, maybe sensing this, picks up the intensity and runs away with the points. Leung attempts to put in a last-minute effort but isn’t able to slow the momentum of Malik.

Malik wins the wins. Regardless of the outcome, both players should be proud of the quality of squash tonight. That’s a wrap for teletext stingray tonight. Check in tomorrow for more up to the minute news on the life of squash and beer.