Nash Cup
2015
London,
Ontario, Canada
16-19 Sep,
Men $15k - Women $5k
Declan James Hat Trick
in Nash Cup
Men's Event
England's Declan James produced a sublime performance to down Abdulla
Mohd Al Tamimi in straight games in the final of the Nash Cup, PSA M15
tournament to capture his third consecutive PSA World Tour title.
James had negotiated dramatic five game encounters in both his
quarter-final and semi-final matches, putting both Shawn Delierre and
Richie Fallows to the sword. Al Tamimi meanwhile blitzed past number
three seed Eddie Charlton before defeating Kristian Frost Olesen to book
his place in the showpiece event.
Al Tamimi started superbly in the first game, nullifying James's
physical advantage to build up an early lead. However, James changed up
his game and responded by unleashing a barrage of accurate volleys to
turn the tables and claim a one game advantage.
The pair traded blows in the second game with Al Tamimi trying to move
James off the 'T' while the rangy World No.51 tried to push his opponent
to the back of the court with some well-placed volleys. Some unforced
errors on Al Tamimi's part allowed James to edge ahead and double his
lead with victory in the second game.
Nottingham-born James shot into an early lead in the third and final
game before an injury to Al Tamimi resulted in a break in play. James
continued his dominance after the break and, despite a late comeback
from Al Tamimi, he held firm to seal an 11-9, 13-11, 11-7 victory –
lifting his 7th PSA World Tour title in the process.
“Last week [at the Champion Fiberglass Open] was my biggest ever PSA
World Tour title win and a week later I surpassed it,” said James.
“It’s been a great two weeks, the best in my career so far. After two 90
minute matches I was pretty tired this morning. My practice went great
this afternoon though so I was ready to go.
“My game plan was so important tonight. I had to volley and close out
his angles by keeping it very straight. If I gave Abdullah angles then
he would be unbeatable for me.
“When I stuck to my plan I was winning and when I didn’t then he was
winning. It’s been a perfect start to the season and the last two weeks
should help me rise into the mid 40’s in the World Rankings so I can
start to look to the top 30. I really want to build on this momentum.
“I love the Nash Cup and I have played for a few years here while never
progressing past the quarters. Now I’m the winner. The club and members
here are amazing and look after us so well.
“It's been a great week and a great tournament.”
Result – Final: Nash Cup 2015 [4] Declan James (ENG) bt [7] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) 3-0:
11-9, 13-11, 11-7 (55m)
Women's Event
Top seed Maria Toorpakai Wazir overturned a 2-1 deficit to defeat
England’s Millie Tomlinson in the final of the Nash Cup, PSA W5 event
and lift her second PSA World Tour title of 2015.
The Pakistani No.1 scored wins over Danielle Letourneau and Cyrielle
Peltier en-route to the final while Millie Tomlinson achieved her final
berth after defeating both Giselle Delgado and Victoria Temple-Murray in
the quarter-final and semi-final, respectively.
The first game went to Tomlinson who injected plenty of pace into
proceedings to draw out some unforced errors from Toorpakai. The World
No.51 battle back to ensure parity in the second game though after
ironing out the mistakes.
The closest game was the third which saw Tomlinson display superior
length, moving Toorpakai into all four corners of the court to restore
her one-game advantage courtesy of a tie-break. Game number four saw a
shift of momentum in Toorpakai’s favour as she fought back to put
Tomlinson under intense pressure, levelling the match in the process.
With the match drawing to a close, Toorpakai built up an early lead but
was pegged back by a tenacious Tomlinson. A multitude of lets and
strokes were awarded as the match neared its conclusion but Toorpakai
snuck ahead and benefitted from Tomlinson’s unforced error to complete
an 8-11, 11-8, 11-13, 11-8, 11-9 triumph.
“That was a great final,” said Toorpakai.
“It was a great match and she is a great player and a friend. On court
it looked like it was a battle but we are friends off court. That is the
way that sport should be.”
Result – Final: Nash Cup 2015 [1] Maria Toorpakai Wazir (PAK) bt [2] Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 3-2:
8-11, 11-8, 11-13, 11-8, 11-9 (68m)
