What an incredible opening night. Full crowds and matches that pushed the limits. The NASH Cup has been running for 15 years and it’s safe to say this was the most energetic opening night we’ve ever seen.

5 Western players (past and present) were among the 30 athletes competing. One is moving into the second round which begins tomorrow at 3pm. 

Tuesday Night Match Summary:

Match Commentary:

Court 1 – 3pm – Cory McCartney (CAN; 172) vs Daniel Mekbib (CZE; 96)

An exciting matchup in round 1 of the tournament with Daniel Mekbib facing Cory McCartney. Both have attended 3 NASH Cup’s. They have never faced off in PSA competition. Daniel is fresh off a defeat in the Lightning matches where he unsuccessfully attempted to defend his 2022 title.

It was evident that Daniel came prepared to take control winning all 3 games. His precise shot selection often put Cory in positions struggling for a successful return. Cory, who trailed in all 3 games, closed the gap near the end but ultimately it was Daniel’s game that prevailed.

Court 2 – 3pm – Hannah Guthrie (CAN; 228) vs Caroline Fouts (USA; 92)

As the matches are fast approaching and the nerves are building up, we are getting ready for the beginning of The Nash Cup 2023 with the first women’s match of the day! We have a great match up with Hannah Guthrie of Canada vs. Caroline Fouts of the United States. These ladies have never faced each other in competition before.

As the first game begins, Fouts starts with the first serve of Nash Cup 2023. She starts with a fast 4-0 lead in the first game, as Guthrie is trying to settle in and find her lines. She gets her first point on the board after 6 points played in the match making it 5-1 for Fouts. The American looking very strong out there and takes the first game 11-3.

As we continue into the second game, Fouts again finding her lines out there very fast and continues with a 4-0 lead once again. Guthrie still looking nervous out there in the 2nd game with Fouts taking the 2nd game 11-1.

Into the third game, Fouts looking very dominant with another strong lead of 6-0. Guthrie trying to enjoy the moment out as she’s fighting to stay in this match. Guthrie getting a few points on the board but just not enough to hold back Fouts as she takes the 3rd and final game 11-3. Caroline Fouts wins the match 3-0 (11-3, 11-1, 11-3).

Jayden Shortt

Court 2 – 3:45pm – Jeremias Azana (ARG; 97; now 85) vs Connor Turk (CAN; 140)

Azana is making his first Nash Cup appearance and faced Connor Turk in his 4th visit. These two met in 2022 with Azana coming out the victor.

After an absolute epic first game with both players hitting fantastic length and the shortest drops on the hot court, Azana pulled away and didn’t look back. He kept the pace high, attacks quick and short, and made the court very large for Turk, who could find his length consistently enough after the first.

Court 1 – 3:45pm – Nikki Todd (CAN;163) vs Amal Izhar (CAN; 237)

Nikki Tood maintains her perfect record returning for her 10th NASH Cup. Amal is in for her 3rd consecutive visit. They have faced off before with Nikki coming out the victor.

Izhar was looking up for the match and tried to capitalize on Todd’s first serve of the match going out. Was Todd nervous? But Todd wasn’t wavering on her precision play, and despite a few errors, her drops, lobs, and control of center court gave her a quick 3-0 win.

“I am thrilled to be through the first round of my 10th NASH Cup, thanks to Josh Kay for coaching me to victory!”

Written by Sam Cornett

Game 1

• Todd served out to start the match.
• Both girls refused to have l long rallies.
• Todd’s pace and lob length was creating chaos for Izhar.
• Todd won 11-3

Game 2

• Todd controlled the T.
• Izhar had to play from behind Todd. Great rally at 9-6.
• Todd wins the game 11-6

Game 3

• Tight first few points.
• I Izhar rolls out a nick at 3-1.
• Shot of the week so far.
• Izhar hits a back wall nick at 6-8.
• Todd is keeping Izhar behind her the whole match.
• Todd wins 11-3, 11-6, 11-6

Gary Sullivan

Court 1 – 4:30pm – Sanjay Jeeva (MAS; 117) vs Temwa Chileshe (NZL; 110)

Court 2 – 4:30pm – Holly Delavigne (CAN) vs Wen Li Lai (MAS; 108)

The third match of the first day brought Holly Delavigne, local player from Canada in her 7th NASH Cup, and Wen Li Lai of Malaysia together to meet for the very first time. The first game started off with multiple drives glued to the side wall, giving Lai a quick lead. Delavigne was able to fight back with some amazing retrievals and drops just above the tin. Despite the efforts of the local favourite, Lai was able to take the first game 11-6.

Lai started the second game right where she left off, tight lengths and shots just barely out of the reach of Delavigne. The rallies started to lengthen, moving both players around the court and farther into the four corners. The rallies were so long you’d think it would tire out the two players but they did not disappoint and managed to retrieve balls just when the crowd thought that shot would finish the rally. Lai’s shot selection and execution proved to be too much for Delavigne and took that game 11-1.

Game 3 brought Lai’s calm demeanor and Delavigne’s determination. These two players fought down to the very last point. The local player, worked hard in each rally, in turn giving her the ability to pull out some great drops to catch the Malaysian on her toes. In the end Lai was just too solid for Delavigne in, every shot was either so tight or so short in the front and was able to take that game 11-4 and a spot in the second round tomorrow.

Court 2 – 5:15pm – Edwin Clain (FRA; 87) vs Aqeel Rehman (AUT; 124)

Both playing in their first Nash Cup. Edwin has the PSA edge having won in their past 2 meetings.

Game 1 opened with a very lengthy hard-fought rally, won by a well place boast from Clain, setting the tone for what would prove to be a grueling match. Rehman went for some difficult drop shots, while Clain used the back hand high drop to win several points to take the lead. Reham with a few too many unforced errors allowed Clain to take game 1, 11-7 (10′)

Rehman came out strong in game 2, taking the first 5 points on well-placed drops on the backhand wall, putting immense pressure on Clain. Clain pushed back with a few great holds before driving the ball to the deep court, but Rehman was on a mission to tie up the match relentlessly firing back. The shorter rallies and targeted shots work. Rehman takes game 2, 11-8 (9′)

Game 3, the players began to force the referee to make calls, with 4 requests for let’s in the first 7 points, 3 resulting in strokes. Truly a back-and-forth affair with game 3 tied at 5-5, Clain made an unfortunate tin on back-to-back points. Rehman pulled away winning the game 11-6 (8′)

Game 4 opened with another long rally culminating in a beautiful back hand drop for Rehman that rolled out on the forehand side. Clain stormed back taking the next 6 points and a commanding lead only to have Rehman nick out another smash on the forehand side. Too many tins for Rehman and game 4 to Clain 11-5 (7′)

Game 5- with the crowd filling in for the final game, Clain slowed the pace down and punished Rehman on the backhand side, including an authoritative overhand smash, roll-out. Up 8-4 Clain continued to use the back hand wall to his advantage, winning 11-6 (9′). Our first 5 game match of the tournament. 3-2 for Clain (53′)

Jeff Wong, DAGI

A Second View of Clain (FRA) vs. Rehman (AUT) by Quinn McLean & Mark McLean

Game 1

As the match begins, the daughter/father reporting team are both hopeful of a great match. The old man is wondering how much of the match his daughter would actually watch compared to being on SnapChat with some boy name Finley.

The first rally of the match was a monster and maybe a sign of things to come. The early part of this game was a back and forth affair with it being knotted at 4-4. As soon as this reporter typed that, the Frenchman (Clain), jumped out to an 9-4 lead and took a commanding lead in the game. A quick couple of unforced errors and it is back to 9-7 with Rehman looking to claw back in the game. A great winner from Clain made it game ball, and an unforced error into the tin finished the game… 11-7 Clain.

Game 2

Currently in the SnapChat vs. squash battle. I do believe that squash is keeping the interest… for now. As this game starts, Rehman looks invigorated and jumped out to a 6-0 lead. Clain made a great drop that the younger reporter called ‘cheeky’. After a few back and forth points, Clain is looking to regain his earlier form and gets it to 8-5. A few back and forth points and it’s 10-8 with Rehman looking to finish the game. A desperate Rehman makes an incredible winner from the back of the court and promptly apologizes for the great shot… Rehman 11-8 to tie the match at 1-1.

Game 3

The 15 year old has now moved on to online beer pong, to which this old man is highly perplexed about. As the match moves into game 3, both players seem intent on taking a strangle hold on this match. At 3-2, Clain played another ‘cheeky’ shot to which Rehman quickly responded with a ‘double cheeky’ shot to get it to 4-3. As this match progresses, there is a lot of action in the front left and both players trying to take advantage from here. Two unforced errors has Rehman leading 7-5 and has the crowd wondering if he is tiring. After a great drop to the front left, followed by a drop to the front left, Rehman takes it 11-6.

Game 4

There are several new SnapChap photos being sent out as the game begins. This match begins with a massive rally that takes both players to every corner in the court. Clain has got his back to the wall and is throwing lots of pace and length to Rehman. The Frenchman jumps out to a 6-1 lead and looks to have regained his confidence from Game 1. A handful of unforced errors in this match by Rehman and at 8-2, Cain is looking to level this match. Fatigue is definitely starting to set in for both players are digging deep. At 10-5, Clain finishes it off with a great winner to get it to 2-2.

Game 5

I know the younger reporter is tired watching, as she sips on some fancy mango-peach Kombucha concoction and sending out some Snaps to some ‘friend’ and is now annoyed at the ‘dissing’ by the old man. As we settle in for game 5, the crowd is wondering who has more left in the tank. An unforced error, a stroke call and a few winners gives Clain the early 5-0 lead. Gary (local celebrity) gives a loud ‘BONG’ call with the last winner. The SnapChatter thinks that the Frenchman is currently ‘slaying’ it (which i think is good). An epic rally to make it 7-1 for Clain and it is now or never for Rehman. Trading points is not enough for the Austrian, and at 8-3, needs to make it happen. After 3 straight points, at 8-6 it is a crucial point in the match. It goes to Clain to make it 9-6, and he follows with two quick winners to take the game 11-6 and to advance with a 3-2 win in 53 minutes.

Court 1 – 6:30pm – Liam Marrison (CAN; 145) vs Spencer Lovejoy (USA; 75)

Reporter Stingray Esq. back in action. What a year it’s been. Nothing much happened, but 12 months passed and we’re all now older but no wiser – as expected.

Game 1

The match begins with a meaty 50 shot first rally. Marrison wins it with a LondonLicious winner aka a back wall rollout nick.

The first half of the first game is neck and neck. The pace is at max and a few spectators have commentated that they haven’t seen this caliber of squash since the 2021 London Squash C club championship finals between Joe Longo and Jay Nash. They may have been over served.

As the game progresses, Marrison starts to break away and gets up to 10-6. He’s playing an extremely disciplined game and when taking it in short it’s Danny Divito’esque (very short).

Marrison wins the first game 11-6. The crowd is enthralled by the squash they’re seeing. 

Game 2

Second game sees Lovejoy get off to a good start. He tightens up his length and forces Marrison to try and force winning shots. He gets up to 8-3 before Marrison seems to know what happened. A few points later and Lovejoy is up 10-3 and then takes the game.

Marrison needs to regroup here and channel that energy he had in the first game. If not, Lovejoy looks ready to continue amping it up.

Game 3

Third game and the players are again neck and neck. Marrison found his base game again, but Lovejoy is standing strong. The spectators are in for an exciting game. The game is point for point to 6-6. Neither player is showing any signs of slowing down. This is a classic game of great squash.

Lovejoy eventually gets a lead to 9-7 and then in a massive point Marrison dives twice only to lose the point and go down game ball.

Game ball sees Marrison in control only for Lovejoy to hit a great cross court from the front left. Marrison attempts another dive but is unable to retrieve it. Lovejoy goes up 2-1.

Game 4

Fourth game starts and at 1-1 Marrison smashes a forehand cross court nick. Lovejoy is unphased but Marrison follows up that energy to go up to 5-1. Lovejoy responds with several good points, only for Marrison to respond tit for tat and start up 7-4.

At 8-7, Lovejoy hits a drop in the front right that finds an odd bounce back into the side wall. Despite Marrison standing there to hit, he had no shot. Next point Marrison takes it as they quickly come to a Gretzky (9-9 for our non-Canadian readers). Marrison, apparently not a hockey fan, wins the next point to get game ball. A contentious call on the next point and Lovejoy wins to get to 10-10. Marrison, maybe still thinking of the previous point hits a tin. Match ball for Lovejoy.

Lovejoy, also feeling bad, hits a tin. Then Marrison, being a proper polite Canadian, responds with tin. That’s some good ole Canadian hospitality! Again, another great point that ends with Lovejoy clipping the tin on a drop shot. 13-13. 

Eventually Lovejoy wins the match 15-13. What a great performance from both players. The crowed wanted a fifth game but Lovejoy is probably happy to stop at a fourth.

Court 2 – 6:30pm – Riya Navani (USA; 122) VS. Iman Shaheen (CAN; 213)

Youngest match of the night. Both U19, both with a bright future in squash. Navani jumps to a 2-0 lead but Iman is not deterred and picks up the next point. They battle back and forth but Iman slips to a 2-9 deficit. She claws back to 4-9 before losing the final two points.

The second game has a similar feel, but it’s in the third that things get interesting. Iman finds her stride and pushing Riya hard before eventually falling 7-11.

While these two have never met in PSA competition they have met in world championships. Iman felt her game get stronger in the 3rd and looks forward to her next chance against her American counterpart.

Court 2 – 7:15pm – Finnlay Withington (ENG; 98) vs Mitchell Kahnert (CAN; 256)

Court 1 – 7:15pm – Karina Tyma (POL; 106) vs Sara Khan (CAN; 219)

Court 1 – 8:00pm – Dillon Huang (UAS; 135) vs Lwamba Chileshe (NZL; 103)

Court 2 – 8:00pm – Niki Shemirani (CAN; 139) vs Sofia Mateos (ESP; 114)

Mateos from Spain is about to face off against our very own Shemirani from Canada. Both players warming up, while measuring up their competition. This is the first encounter for these two, the atmosphere in this place is buzzing!

Game 1, here. We. Go! Mateos strikes first blood but Canada quickly counters 1-1. However, the Spanish player is strong and quickly takes over the serve, 2-1 Mateos. Back and forth we go, both players are fighting strong and are still in it! 6-3 Spain, and Meteos is on top in the business end of this first match. However, Shemirani just won’t go away and has mounted a pretty strong comeback back and has taken over the lead 8-7. Ten minutes in and we are all tied up at 8. 10-10! Anybody’s game. Canada keeping the pressure up proves to be too much for the Spanish player and pulls off the win, 12-10 for a very exciting first game. 1-0 Canada going into the second. Again, the Spaniard strikes first! Both players battling for dominance on the “T” neither wanting to back down..resulting in some congestion in the middle of the court forcing some let calls to be handed out. With both players not wanting to give up their position on the “T” unfortunately Canada pays the price by giving up a strike call to the Spanish player 8-7, Spain. Both players continue to fight, Shemirani trying to increase her lead to two games to nothing with Spain is trying to even things up. In the end Spain proves victorious and walks away with the “W” 11-8 Spain.

Games are 1-1. In game 3, Canada jumps out to an early lead and is taking control of this third game 9-6. Shemirani 1 point away from wrapping this third game up and she does it 11-6. 2 – 1 Canada going into the fourth. We are about to start the fourth and possibly last game of this match. Game four starts off ferociously with both players jockeying for position; not backing down from attacking the ball; attempting to put up the first point of the game! Canada continuing to pour on the pressure, however Mateos just won’t go way and just like that Mateos quickly scores two and takes the lead. With a few drop exchanges in the front left corner, Mateos comes out of the exchange with a stroke being called against Shemirani. Canada quickly counters but Spain isn’t giving up and takes the fourth! 11-9. 2-2, going 5!! Mateos jumps to an early 4-1 lead, completely dominating this 5th game. Will Canada be able to come back, only time will tell. 5-2 Spain, Mateos is looking to seal deal here! 7-2 Spain, and it seems like Spain is running away with this one. 9-2 and we are stopping quickly so Canada can change rackets, broken string! Game point Spain and Mateos is making easy work with Canada in this fifth game. An unforced error from Shemirani gives the point, game and match to Spain! 11-3. Mateos victorious over Shemirani in this Canada vs Spain debut!

Mike McNeil

This was the first time Sofia and Niki have met in PSA competition. Niki was able to get a 1-0 and 2-1 lead in the match, but Sofia kept pushing back showing her experience and remaining calm to the end. A great match by both players.

Court 1 – 8:45pm – Tom Walsh (ENG; 85) vs Salah Eltorgman (CAN; 187)

Tom Walsh made his NASH Cup debut with a crowd that may have been the most vocal in NASH Cup history. To say Salah brought his own cheering section would be an understatement with the majority of the Western Men’s Squash Team in attendance. Never before has the NASH Cup experiences European Football style chanting from the crowds, and Salah ate it up.

The match was fierce and physical. Long rallies and incredible winning points. Salah fed on the crowd’s energy pushing harder and harder as the match progressed. He achieved a 2-0 lead but Tom fought back in the 3rd and looked to regain control of the match. Salah was too strong in the 4th and will progress into the second round. His rank has moved form 187 to 134 since entry to the NASH Cup closed on August 1st – this victory assures him a further climb in the days ahead. He moves on to face the #2 seed, Nick Wall, who is fresh of victory in Charlottesville.

Court 2 – 8:45pm – Alina Bushma (URK; 103) vs Catherine Giachino (CAN; 286)

Alina was a champion in last nights lightning matches and tonight she showed why. She had great patience on the court pushing the ball deep and forcing Catherine out of position. Catherine fought well, but she just couldn’t match the shot selection of her Ukrainian opponent.

Upcoming Match Schedule

[Show as slideshow]

1 2 ... 6 ►