Sept 23 Nash Cup 2014

Day 2–2014 NASH Cup

 PSA Final Round Qualifiers and WSA First Round

It was a busy night at the Nash Cup with 4 PSA final round qualifiers with some surprise results and 8 WSA first round matches taking place.

PSA – Final Round Qualifiers

Nick Sachvie (CAN; WR 218) beat [1] Joe Chapman (BVI; WR 111): 11-5, 7-11, 11-9, 12-14, 4-11 (77 mins)
Match reporting by Keith Sequeira

This was ‘a physical tussle’. The match between Joe and Nick was intense, high paced and at times a chippy battle. Both players fought hard for position on the court throughout this battle with long, punishing rallies which combined control of the tee with hard driving shots and superb touch that moved both players to the limits of their physical abilities. Joe controlled the pace and tee in the first game. Nick rebounded with power, finesse and speed to win the second. That is when the match became intense, with every point seeming vital for momentum. Joe had the third in hand at 10-6 when Nick ground out three points to 10-9. At that point, a close stroke call ended the third game, creating discussion among the spectators. Nick had to survive a match point in the fourth at 9-10 with grit and a hard fought point and rebounded to win that game 14-12. This is the fifth match point that he has survived in two matches over two days. The major trench battle in this match was in the 1st through 4th games. Ultimately, the fourth game was an epic battle that see-sawed over 23 minutes with Nick emerging the victor. The final game was a crisp game played by Nick but the fate of the match was determined in the fourth.

Nick: This was a physical battle. I am so pleased to have come out on top. Fortunately, I achieved my goal of qualifying for the main draw of the tournament. Now, I need to set new goals for tomorrow.

Joe: I had the match in my grasp with that match ball in the 4th and I am disappointed I didn’t take it. I’ll be returning to my base in Florida to prepare for my next tournament.

James Van Staveren (CAN; WR 407) beat [3] Mike McCue (CAN; WR 128): 11-8, 5-11, 11-4, 11-9 (53 mins)
Match reporting by Keith Sequeira
The match between James and Mike was a game of many ebbs and flows. It matched the hands and shot making abilities of James against the steely determination, endurance and consistency of Mike. In the first game, James got out to a fast 6-0 start and then needed to hold on. Mike roared back to take the lead in the match only to see it recaptured by James. At one point, James won a 58 shot rally that seemed to provide him with a huge momentum shift. In the second game, Mike was intent to play a tight, smart game and this punished James and seemed to have him tired by the end of the 11-4 game. James found a second wind for the third game, winning a few quick points, which seemed to energize him to a large lead and quick game. The fourth game was a great test of wills with chess like tactical play for both players. James held an 8-5 lead only to see it slip away to being down 8-9. At 9-9, Mike unfortunately tinned a couple of hard fought points to lose a great contest.

James: I have worked hard on my fitness all summer to try and be better in the 4th and 5th games of matches. Fortunately, it paid off tonight. Winning the first game and getting out early in the third game were huge for me and allowed me to play freely, which was huge.

Mike: James has great racket skills and is a very dangerous player. I am hugely disappointed to lose the match but he played exceptionally well and his fitness was much improved.

[7] George Parker (ENG; WR 197) beat [4] Sunil Seth (GUY; WR 149): 11-3, 11-8, 11-5 (23 mins)
Match reporting by Karlis Zauers

George, the 18 year old exciting young junior from England, took on his higher ranked opponent, Sunil from Guyana, in what proved to be an interesting mixture of styles. Both players exhibited excellent movement and speed in their 1st round qualifying matches but both won with quite differing styles of play. Sunil at times bludgeoned both the ball and his first round opponent, Kale Wilson, into submission. George on the other hand played with wonderful variation and deception.

The first game began with George taking an early lead. 3-1 quickly became 6-1 as he looked to take the ball in early with deft volley drops played with cut. He was maneuvering Sunil around as he had done to his first round opponent and capitalizing on loose shots. Never looking rushed or out of position George was in control. 6-1 became 7-2, then 8-3 and he ran out the winner 11-3.

The second game was a very different affair. Sunil played much more attacking squash and went for ‘knicks’ at almost every opportunity. Opening the court up like this seemed like a risky strategy but it had the effect of preventing George from maintaining his rhythm. It’s difficult to play volley drops when the ball comes rolling out of a knick! Sunil now had George retrieving and he took an early lead 3-0. More frantic rallies, more attempted knicks into both front left and front right corners often in the same rally! It was frantic stuff with Sunil was winning as many points as he was losing with his attacking play. A strange kind of parity now existed. Sunil with his open aggressive play against George’s control and deception. 3-0 became 7-4 at which point George, perhaps figuring out a new strategy started playing straighter channels and hitting to the body off the serve thus reducing Sunil’s knicking out opportunities with paid George immediate benefit. Points started going his way and after drawing level at 7-7 he pushed ahead to take the second game 11-8. Order was restored.

Up to this point there were no obvious rallies where Sunil was taken in by George’s deception but I think George’s style of play finally took it’s toll on Sunil’s stamina. And despite two great knicks to start the third game George started maneuvering Sunil and stretching him more and more in the 3rd game. With George getting on the ball so quickly and showing Sunil the straight drop but playing the ball back the court time and time again it was taking it out of Sunil’s legs. Midway through the 3rd game George got Sunil moving from corner to corner with Sunil picking up some magnificent balls at the front of the court to keep the rally going but finally after showing Sunil yet another straight drop George with great skill played a straight drive from a position that seemed impossible and from a racket head position that also seemed impossible. Sunil was left stranded, the spectators were swaying in their seats and the referee and marker, Messrs Howard and Bowering, not normally known for getting directly involved in games, looking so hard for that straight drop from George literally disappeared over the balcony railing only to be pulled back to safety by safety aware spectators.

George: Sunil rolled a few returns of serve so I started serving into him more. I targeted his backhand and tried hard to maintain my focus and discipline.

Sunil: After the first game I decided to go for it but unfortunately it wasn’t enough against George. After 3 straight months of tournaments I’m starting to feel these games. Time for a rest!

Jan Van Den Herrewegen (BEL; WR 167) beat [2] Matthew Serediak (CAN; WR 119): 11-2, 9-11, 11-7, 12-10 (56 mins)
Match reporting by Rob Doherty and Peter Urkedal

In the first game you could see both players feeling each other out with solid lengths and crisp cross courts drives being hit by both players. Both were testing the movement of one another. Jan was hitting some nice mid court boasts to put Matt under pressure and move him from corner to corner. Matt was countering with some nice drop shots but a couple of tins turned the tide and Jan walk away with the first game.

In the second game Matt came out striking the ball with authority and taking it early. He had the lead at 6-4 and Jan threw in a beautiful deceptive mid-court backhand boast to be down by one. The game was tied 6-6 all and Matt kept the pressure on hitting some tight drops. Matt fought off a late charge by Jan to hold on and take the second game 11-9.

At the start of the third game both players came out firing. Some incredibly placed drop shots and insanely delicate tight mid-court boasts had the game at 9-7 Jan in no time. Jan went on to win 11-7 with an incredibly winner followed by a tin from Matt in the next rally.

The fourth game started with two quick errors from Matt. Down 2-0 he quickly regained his composure and tied the game at 3-3. This game took a different shape as both players attacked the front and countered dropped more often. There was some fantastic retrieving and exciting rallies with both players playing terrific squash. At 10 all the rallies only pick up in pace with neither player letting the ball die without a fight. Jan retrieved everything thrown at him and countered with precision to win 12-10 and advance to main draw.

Jan: The first 2 games really took it out of me as Matt was making me work harder than him. I started cramping in the 4th but found a way to get through in the end. Looking forward to the main draw match against Declan.

Matt: I’m disappointed I didn’t take that 4th game. I knew Jan was struggling but he did well to come back at me and take that 4th. Good luck to Jan in the rest of the tournament.
WSA

[5] Diana Garcia (MEX, WR 80) beat Laura Savage (local): 11-3, 11-4, 11-5 (17 mins)
Match reporting by Jessica Wilken

It was a difficult task for Laura to take on such a highly ranked opponent but she gamely made a valiant effort. Diana took the first game 11-3 with Laura finding it difficult to deal with Diana’s pace and accuracy of hitting. But in the second it was level pegging. 1-0 to Garcia, Laura then levels 1-1 and takes the next point to lead 2-1. Then 3 long rallies with Laura covering so much of the court. 4-2 to Diana. Laura fights back and wins the next two tumultuous rallies. Straight drives mixed with working boasts. Both players being moved corner to corner. The pace of the match and the hard work put in by Laura to stay with Diana early in the second finally took its toll. We’ve all been there, lung burning leg wobbling rallies. Despite Laura’s continued effort Diana took the next 7 points to win the second game 11-4. Diana always stayed ahead in the third game and her straight driving and working boasts were too much for the tired legs of Laura. Diana won the 3rd 11-5.

Diana: It was a good match on my part and I played with confidence after recently taking part in the Pan-Am games which were played at altitude. I feel strong and was very happy with my hitting today. I’m very happy to get through the first round and I’m looking forward to my next match.

Laura: Well that was quick! My coach, Paul Cocker, went off for a sauna and missed my game! Diana played exceptionally well and her straight hitting was too much for me. At 4-4 in the second I was gassed. Well done to her and I hope she does well in the rest of the tournament.

[8] Nayelly Hernandez (MEX, WR 101) beat Brooke Burrowes (local): 11-0, 11-3, 11-0 (12 mins)
Match reporting by Karlis Zauers

Nayelly started the first game with great length and had Brooke on the back foot right from the beginning. Brooke was rallying well but was always just that half-step away from being comfortable on the ball. She lost the first 11-0 but did well in the second to win 3 points during the course of the game. In the third the Nayelly’s pace of play had taken its toll and she ran out the game 11-0. Good experience for Brooke. This will stand to her I’m sure when she plays for Western this year.

Nayelly: I hadn’t played her before so I concentrated on playing length and getting used to these cold courts. [Being used to unheated courts on the very cold and damp island of Ireland it took some time for me to pick my jaw up off the floor but when I finally levered it back into place I enquired regarding our perishingly cold 30 degree Celsius conditions (at least to me), Nayelly explained that she too had just travelled from altitude after playing in the Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. I suggested she pop by for a visit in February!] I’m happy to be through to the next round.

Brooke: It was difficult to get used to the higher pace of game compared to what I’m used to but I enjoyed the experience.

[4] Hollie Naughton (CAN, WR 75) beat [10] Giselle Delgado (CHI, WR 129): 11-6, 11-8, 12-10 (25 mins)
Match reporting by Sandra Shaw

Former Western player, Giselle, now the Chilian No 2 got close but just came up short against Holly (WR 75) today. In the first game Giselle was volleying well and creating pressure for her opponent but some loose shots along with Holly’s ability to recover from pressured situations and control the ‘T’ gave her the opportunity to hit more winning shots. Holly won the first 11-6.

Holly kept the pressure on Giselle in the second game and kept taking advantage of any loose shots on Giselle’s part. It was close but Giselle just missed out losing it 11-8.

Giselle played much better in the third. She was thinking clearer and constructing her rallies in a much more concerted way. But some back hand errors cost her at the end. Holly was striking the ball very crisply especially on the backhand with excellent volleying reflexes. She took a close third 12-10 and the match 3-0.

Hollie: I was happy with my hitting today. I felt comfortable on court and I’m glad to have made it through in 3 games.

Giselle: I’m disappointed with my performance but I knew that I had to play my best today to stand a chance of winning. My shots were just that bit below par to trouble Hollie enough. I’ll be back next year!

[6] Antonella Falcione (ARG, WR 82) beat Arden McKillop (local): 11-5, 11-1, 11-4 (14 mins)

Match reporting by Karlis Zauers

Antonella the hard hitting Argentinian took on London’s young junior in what was a great experience for Arden. Antonella started better and got off to a 6-0 lead as Arden tried to get used to this higher paced game. But get used to it she did and she started scoring points hitting some will placed forehand low winning drives and great drops after taking the ball early. Alas, she lost the first 11-5. In the second it was all Antonella who found her rhythm and started striking the ball very crisply and with good accuracy. It was too much for the young Arden to deal with and Antonella took the second game 11-1. But Arden regrouped in the third and again hit some good winning shots when she was able to take the ball early. She lost the third 11-4 but overall I have to say se did exceptionally well against an opponent ranked 82 in the world!

Antonella: Playing Arden brought back memories of when I was her age! I had no alternative but to focus concentrate on the game. Having just participated in the Pan Am games it was important for me to control the game and my energy which I did well.

Arden: It was fun! I had to try my best to keep up with the pace of the game. It was hard but I’m happy with how I played.

[3] Thaisa Serafini (BRA, WR 71) beat [9] Micaala Seth (CAN, WR 114): 11-8, 11-6, 9-11, 13-11 (35 mins)
Match reporting by Brad Hanebury

Micaala is well known to us here at London Squash and I expected this to be a close game. Thaisa has an excellent boast which she used to great effect against Micaala. The first two games went to Thaisa but they were close. Thaisa played the important point a bit better I think. But Micaala did very well in the third winning it 11-9 and she maintained a lead throughout the whole game. The fourth was another close game with Thaisa winning it 13-11. It could have been anyone’s match it was that close!

Micaala: Congratulations to Thaisa, she played well today. Wish I could have taken it to a 5th!

Thaisa: It was a close match with Micaala today and I was glad to win the 4th after being game ball down.

[7] Nikki Todd (CAN, WR 84) beat [WC] Melina Turk (CAN, WR 211): 11-2, 11-3, 11-6 (16 mins)
Match reporting by Srinivas Krishnamoorthy via on-line streaming

The match featured two charming young Canadian ladies who are sure to be popular with the local crowd. Nikki, who is the more experienced of the two, played textbook squash to dominate the first two games. Mixing up accurate drives and volleys to the back of the court with touch shots that were invariably winners, she gave a demonstration of patient yet positive squash – something that recreational players (including yours truly!) would do well to incorporate into their games. Melina, to her credit, expressed herself more in the third game, striking some lovely winners with her backhand to take a 5-3 lead. Nikki, however, has been in these situations plenty of times, and sure enough she steadied her game to go on a run of points to close out the match. Melina need not feel discouraged. She will take this as a learning experience for future battles. Nikki, meanwhile, will surely feel pleased with her play, and look forward with confidence to her next match in the quarters. Go Nikki!

Nikki: I miss Srini! Wish he was here! I enjoyed the match which was played in good spirits since I’ve been friends with Melina for so long.

Melina: Nikki played well today. It was nice playing against her again!

Cecelia Cortes (USA, 70) beat Holly Delavigne (local): 11-9, 11-2, 11-3 (20 mins)
Match reporting by Laura Savage and Al Fayed

The first game see-sawed back and forth with Holly taking an early 3-0 lead before Cece replied with 6 unanswered points. Cece made excellent use of her hold to catch Holly flat footed. Holly then won the next 4 points to take a 7-6 lead. The end of the game was very tight with both Holly and Cece playing with similar styles. Despite Holly’s great retrieving Cece took the first with a crisp backhand volley drop to take it 11-9.

In the second game Cece took advantage of the visibly tiring Holly being slow to front and with a few tins aiding Cece she took a 9-0 lead. Holly hit a good winner and after an error from Cece, Holly reduced the arrears to 9-2. But after another winner at the front Cece took the game 11-2.

The third game followed a similar pattern to the second with Cece taking the ball in short at every opportunity. Cece won the 3rd 11-3!

Cece: She took it to me in that first game. She hits hard, runs well and played aggressively. Got into my rhythm in the second and started playing more aggressively and she let me have the second and third.

Holly: Wow! I’m tired! The first game wore me out and didn’t have much left for the second and third.

[1] Kanzy Emad El-Defrawy (EGY, WR 68) vs. Nicola Crich (local): 11-0, 11-2, 11-1 (13 mins)

Match reporting by Jeff Tudhope & Srinivas Krishnamoorthy

The locals were eager to watch the top seed Kanzy play. And she did not disappoint. Nicola, a member of the junior program at London Squash, was always going to find it difficult against Kanzy who has a world ranking of 68! Kanzy’s shots were a bit too much for the youngster. The rallies were short but the crowd gamely cheered the local player for trying her best. After all, it is not often that Nicola gets to face world class competition like she did tonight. Kanzy will move on feeling happy that she has not expended much energy in the first round. Kanzy will face sterner tests in the coming games if she is to confirm her top billing! She won in 3 games, 11-2, 11-3, 11-6.

Kanzy: It was good to start the tournament with an easy match having had such a long trip to make it to this tournament. It’s my first time here and I’m delighted to meet such friendly hosts and play in such a well organized tournament.

Nicola: It was a fun experience and I’m glad to have had it. Tired now!

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