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19/09/2015
Nash Cup 2015

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)