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19/04/2004
FINAL PREVIEW from Yawar Abbas
With less than three weeks to go to the National League final, Yawar Abbas looks at the likely scenarios ...
National League Final 2004
Manchester-Pontefract v
Edgbaston Priory
2.00pm Sunday 9th May 2004, Abbeydale Sports Club, Sheffield
Probable line ups:
(Manchester Pontefract names first)
Lee Beachill (World no. 4)
v David Palmer (World no.6)
James Willstrop (World no.13) v
Adrian Grant (World no.17)
Nick Taylor (World no.25)
v Del Harris (England no.7)
Marcus Berrett (England no.11) v
Peter Barker (World no.38)
Madeline Perry (World no .16) v
Sarah Fitz-Gerald (Ex World Champion)
Preview from Yawar Abbas,
Manchester-Pontefract manager
Having completed the league season unbeaten and then winning both legs
of the semi final play off, it would seem that Manchester-Pontefract
would be favourites for the National League title this season. However,
a look down the probable line ups would show just how tight the final
is likely to be. Every match has an intriguing background to it and
every match is tough to call;
Madeline Perry v Sarah Fitz-Gerald
With World number 3, Vanessa Atkinson looking unlikely to play, Irish
Champion, Madeline Perry will probably step in to play the now retired
Sarah Fitz-Gerald. Sarah has won everything in the game during a
glittering career during which she dominated the women’s game. It will
be interesting to see how the improving Perry can fare, although
Edgbaston must start favourites in this tie.
Marcus Berrett v Peter Barker
Berrett has had a great season in both league and tournament play,
winning two BSPA events and claiming the BSPA Grand Prix overall – no
mean achievement for a player who is coaching full time! Having
suffered only one defeat all season he will face the young and
improving Peter Barker who himself has had a satisfying year, winning
his first PSA event and reaching the top 40 in the world. This one
should be a classic battle of experience and youth with Berrett’s
success in the PAR to 9 scoring perhaps giving him the edge.
Nick Taylor v Del Harris
The two senior players in their respective teams will play each other
once again following numerous meetings over the years. Del’s attacking
flair perfectly complements Nick’s superb mobility and their games are
often exciting and open encounters. With both men recently retired from
the PSA circuit, it will interesting to see who is in the better shape
and with a lot of pride at stake this one is just too close to call!
James Willstrop v Adrian Grant
The battle of the new kids on the block! Along with Nick Matthew, James
and Adrian have gatecrashed the world’s top twenty in the last 6
months, with all three achieving career high rankings. James’ shot
playing will be tested to the full by Adrian’s precision placements and
athletic retrieving – expect another close match!
Lee Beachill v David Palmer
Lee has made a real breakthrough this year, winning two major PSA
titles and really announcing himself as a contender. In contrast, David
has had a frustrating year with injuries hampering his progress.
However, a return to form in his ‘hometown’ Bermuda Open took him to
the final with wins over Peter Nicol and Jonathan Power. There he faced
tonight’s opponent Lee Beachill in what proved a game too far for the
Aussie. So if the match is still ‘alive’ - expect another close
encounter!
Contributor: Yawar Abbas
Club: Man/Pont
Link:
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