Vassar Class of 32


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Vassar Class of 32 2004
15-18 Jan, Poughkeepsie, New York, $21k 

18-Jan, Final:
Kawy comes of Age
Egypt's world junior champion Omneya Abdel Kawy came of age in the senior ranks in Poughkeepsie, beating Fiona Geaves 3/2 to claim the Vassar title ... full story

17-Jan, Semis:
Kawy & Geaves in Vassar Final
Two exhilirating semi-finals in Poughkeepsie saw Egypt's world junior champion Omneya Abdel Kawy and England's veteran Fiona Geaves book final places to set up a real 'clash of ages'...

16-Jan, Quarters:
Gruelling Quarters
The top four seeds will contest the semi-finals, but it was far from plain sailing for the top three seeds as Omneya Abdel Kawy prevented all-English semis.

15-Jan, Round One:
Success for the Seeds
The top eight seeds all won through to the quarter-finals as the main draw action got under way at Vassar College's Kenyon courts.

  • Draws & Results

  • Reports
     

  • Details from Vassar

  • 2003 & earlier events

Photos by :
Carlisle Stockton,
Stockton Photo, Inc.


The Presentation Party

Vassar Class of 32 2004
15-18 Jan, Poughkeepsie, New York, $21k 
1st Round
Thu 15th
Quarters
Fri 16th
Semis
Sat 17th
Final
Sun 18th
[1] Vicky Botwright (Eng)
9-1, 9-5, 9-5
Amelia Pittock (Aus)
Vicky Botwright
9/6, 10/8, 6/9, 10/9
Shelley Kitchen
Vicky Botwright

3-9, 10-8, 9-4, 10-8

Omneya Abdel Kawy

Omneya Abdel Kawy

1-9, 9-7, 7-9, 9-7, 9-6

Fiona Geaves

[7] Shelley Kitchen (Nzl)
6-9, 9-2, 9-4, 9-5
[Q] Eman El Amir (Egy)
[4] Omneya Abdel Kawy (Egy)
10-8, 9-1, 8-10, 9-0
Laura Lengthorn (Eng)
Omneya Abdel Kawy
 9/6, 9/7, 9/1
Jenny Tranfield
[5] Jenny Tranfield (Eng)
9-10, 9-2, 9-2, 9-0
[Q] Pamela Nimmo (Sco)
Dominique Lloyd-Walter (Eng)
9-4, 9-2, 5-9, 9-6
[8] Carla Khan (Pak)
Carla Khan
4/9, 10/8, 5/9, 9/1, 9/6
Jenny Duncalf
Jenny Duncalf

9-4, 4-9, 9-7, 9-6

Fiona Geaves

[Q] Becky Botwright (Eng)
7-9, 9-4, 9-3, 9-5
[3] Jenny Duncalf (Eng)
[Q] Annelize Naude (Ned)
9-7, 9-3, 9-6
[6] Rebecca Chiu (Hkg)
Rebecca Chiu
 9/2, 7/9, 9/6, 4/9, 9/3
Fiona Geaves
Alison Waters (Eng)
9-2, 9-3, 9-4
[2] Fiona Geaves (Eng)
 

Qualifying Finals:
Pamela Nimmo (Sco) bt Melissa Martin (Aus)  9/3, 9/0, 9/7
Becky Botwright (Eng) bt Heidi Mather (Aus)  9/4, 9/3, 9/0
Eman El Amir (Egy) bt Alana Miller (Can)  9/1, 2/9, 10/9, 9/6
Annelize Naude (Ned) bt Runa Reta (Can)  9/1, 3/9, 10/8, 10/8

Qualification Round 1:

[1] Pamela Nimmo (Sco) bt Carlin Wing (Usa)  9/0, 9/1, 9/2
[6] Melissa Martin (Aus) bt Margriet Huisman (Ned)  9/3, 9/0, 9/0
[3] Heidi Mather (Aus) bt Katie Patrick (Can)  9/4, 0/9, 10/8, 9/6
[5] Becky Botwright (Eng) bt Lauren Briggs (Eng)  0/9, 6/9, 9/4, 9/1, 9/1
Alana Miller (Can) bt [8] Kate Roe (Eng)  9/4, 9/7, 9/4
Eman El Amir (Egy) bt [4] Meredeth Quick (Usa)  9/7, 9/4, 9/7
Runa Reta (Can) bt [7] Line Hansen (Den)  9/0, 9/2, 9/3
[2] Annelize Naude (Ned) bt Suzie Pierrepont (Eng) 9/5, 9/5, 6/9, 9/2

Reports

18-Jan, Final:
[4] Omneya Abdel Kawy bt [2] Fiona Geaves  1-9, 9-7, 7-9, 9-7, 9-6

Kawy Comes of Age in Vassar
Ben Oliner and Jane Parker report from Vassar

In a riveting final between Fiona Geaves and Omneya Abdel Kawy, squash enthusiasts had a rare treat, watching two very talented women battle it out for the 2004 WISPA Class of 1932 title at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. The two players emerged as finalists after a string of challenging matches against the other talents at the tournament. 

In the quarterfinals, Kawy won in three straight games to defeat Jenny Tranfield. Geaves played a more demanding match against Rebecca Chiu where the two players endured five strenuous games. Sunday’s gripping 5 game final was won by the youngest player in this year’s tournament, Kawy, aged 18. Kawy put up a tough fight against Geaves, a relative veteran of the game. Geaves, winner of the 1995 British National Championships, exhibited great polish and technique in her match against less experienced Kawy, a true asset to the Egyptian national team and one of the most exciting young talents to burst onto the international scene for some years.

During the final, spectators were left guessing the eventual outcome as the two women played with great resilience, neither showing signs of giving in until the bitter end. The women were tied after the second game and both started to play more aggressively by the third. Fiona, despite her proficiency in the game, showed signs of fatigue by the fourth game giving Kawy an advantage. The younger player then started serving a lot faster between points, increasing the pressure on her opponent. Both players made full use of the court space, alternating between a series of lengths and quick and tricky drops.

Kawy made use of her unpredictable drops to keep Geaves guessing, while Geaves hit a number of drops that were just unreachable for Kawy. At many points during the match, it seemed as though Geaves would win, as Kawy hit several of her shots into the tin. However, the teenager made a prompt return, winning back her lost points and then some. While the two women were well-matched, Kawy had the upper hand in the latter half of the game with her agility and swiftness. Her patience and composure were a bonus. Geaves on the other hand, showed signs frustration, which may have interfered with her game. 

All in all, it was an exciting match from start to finish and an excellent ending to one of the best Class of 1932 tournaments to date.


17-Jan, Semi-finals:
[2] Fiona Geaves (Eng) bt [3] Jenny Duncalf (Eng)  9-4, 4-9, 9-7, 9-6
[4] Omneya Abdel Kawy (Egy) bt [1] Vicky Botwright (Eng)  3-9, 10-8, 9-4, 10-8

Kawy puts out top seed
Ben Oliner and Jane Parker report from Vassar


Vicky Botwright, #1 seed in this tournament was ousted from an exhilarating semifinal, where she faced world junior champion Omneya Abdel Kawy. Omneya, who won 3-1, put her opponent under pressure by her highly unpredictable shots. Her agility and swiftness disrupted Vicky’s rhythm, and kept her on her feet, both literally and otherwise, leading Omneya to victory. Vicky, despite her consistency and endurance, lost due to a more methodical approach, which was exhibited through her mechanical and predictable shots. While this match was certainly indicative of the talent and prowess that the two young players possessed, it also proved that quick- thinking and a bold approach to the game gives one the winning edge.

The semi-final between Fiona Geaves and Jenny Duncalf was a rare treat for squash enthusiasts, as Fiona, a veteran in the game, faced young blood, Jenny. Fiona, who emerged victorious after her 3-1 defeat over Jenny, proved that experience in the game is indeed valuable. Her excellent drops and steady lengths proved challenging for Jenny, who put up a tough fight. Jenny, brought to the game a different pace, as she exhibited great speed and motivation, while running after every shot, giving Fiona a few tense moments. This interesting pairing on court will be repeated in Sunday’s final, as the youngest and oldest in the tournament face each other, in what will be an intense match. Victory will mean different things to both the finalists as one embodies maturity and experience in the game, while the other represents youth and vigor.

In what will prove to be a gripping match, squash fans will have this great opportunity to witness who tastes the sweetness of success.


16-Jan, Quarter-Finals:

[1] Vicky Botwright (Eng)bt Shelly Kitchen (Nzl)  9/6, 10/8, 6/9, 10/9
[4] Omneya Abdel Kawy (Egy) bt Jenny Tranfield (Eng)  9/6, 9/7, 9/1
[3] Jenny Duncalf (Eng) bt Carla Khan (Pak)  4/9, 10/8, 5/9, 9/6, 9/6
[2] Fiona Geaves (Eng) bt Rebecca Chiu (Hkg)  9/2, 7/9, 9/6, 4/9, 9/3

Gruelling quarters
for the top seeds
Ben Oliner and Jane Parker report from Vassar

The top four seeds will contest the semi-finals, but it was far from plain sailing for the top three seeds as Omneya Abdel Kawy prevented all-English semis.

Top seed Vicky Botwroght endured a four game battle with the #7 seed Shelly Kitchen. Throughout the four games, the two women played even-handedly, taking each ball early, and hitting sharp, cutting length into the corners of the court. In the end, Botwright's consistency and unrelenting pressure led her towards victory. In the fourth game, the hard-hitting Kitchen rallied from behind to assume momentum and even the score at 9-9. At game ball, Kitchen relentlessly attacked the ball, pushing Botwright all around the court, and forcing Botwright to play a loose cross-court into the middle of the court. Kitchen then committed one of the few unforced errors of the match, drilling her put-away shot right into the tin. Botwright then played a consistent, patient rally down the side wall, before hitting a winning length to take the match and hand Kitchen a devastating defeat. Botwright now plays the #4 seed Omneya Abdel Kawy in Saturdays Semi-Final.

Abdel Kawy was the only straight game winner. In her match against the #5 seed Jenny Tranfield, Abdel Kawy played patiently and intensely, moving the English woman all around the court before going for winners. Throughout the match, Tranfield was on the defensive, struggling to stay in each rally. In the end, Abdel Kawy's deceptive wrist allowed her to hit winning shots from the front of the court. Against Botwright, Abdel-Kawy will have to continue her patient play.

The #2 Seed Fiona Geaves endured a nerve racking 5 games against the #6 seed Rebecca Chiu. In the first game, Geaves anticipated each of Chiu's shots and used her length to open up the court for winning volley drops. But Chiu soon changed the pace and rhythm of the match, bringing the rallies up to the front of the court and taking advantage of her soft drops, speed, and quickness. As a result, Chiu forced Geaves to try and hit her drops softer and closer to the front, and Geaves began making a surprising amount of unforced errors, losing the second game 9-7. But Geaves maintained her composure, and rallied back to win the third 9-6. In the fourth, Chiu regained momentum and won 9-4. Geaves appeared frustrated, and dejected. But in the fifth, Geaves used her resolve and experience to put together a consistent and winning performance. She now faces the #3 seed Jenny Duncalf in Saturday's semi-final.

Duncalf rallied from behind to beat the #8 seed Carla Khan in five games. In the fourth game, Khan led 2-1 in games, and 6-3. Khan was taking every ball at the top of the bounce, volleying early, and hitting hard. She showed incredible confidence in her skills and pushed Duncalf all around the court. But Duncalf steadily stayed in each rally, forcing Khan to change directions, and move from side to side. In the end, Duncalf's resilience won her the fourth, 9-6. In the fifth, Duncalf stormed to an 8-1 lead. But Khan's tournament was not yet over. Khan fought back, lunging for every ball, and hitting strong length to stay in the match. Soon, Duncalf's lead had dwindled to 8-5. To Duncalf's credit, she did not tense up. She continued to push Khan around the court, playing long, hard, consistent rallies. In the end, the two were too evenly paired for Khan to make up the point difference. At match ball, Duncalf pushed Khan from the front to the back repeatedly. Khan fought and reached every ball, using all of her heart to push up defensive boasts and stay in the rally. But Duncalf was relentless, and finally hit one that was too far out of Khan¹s reach.


15-Jan, Round One:
Success for the Seeds in Vassar
Ben Oliner and Jane Parker report from Vassar
 

Number 1-8 seeds Vicky Botwright, Fiona Geaves, Jenny Duncalf, Omneya Abdel Kawy, Jenny Tranfield, Rebecca Chiu, Shelly Kitchen, and Carla Khan all advanced to the quarterfinals.

Top seed Vicky Botwright successfully dispatched Australian Pittock in three steady games. Botwright controlled the middle, and consistently moved Pittock around the whole court. She now faces seventh seed Shelly Kitchen in Friday’s quarterfinal.

Kitchen used her physical strength and fitness to defeat the streaky Egyptian qualifier Eman El Amir in 4 games. In the first game El Amir used her sharp length to assume control. But Kitchen fought through, forcing El Amir to work for every point, and gradually wore down the young Egyptian who has struggled to maintain her focus and consistency throughout her 3 matches. In Botwright, Kitchen faces a more steady and disciplined opponent. But there are very few players on the WISPA tour with the speed, agility, and athleticism of Kitchen. In today’s match, Kitchen looked poised and prepared to play a lot more squash.

Number 2 seed Fiona Geaves marched through 19 year- old Alison Waters in 3 straight games. The 36 year-old used her signature volley drop shots to assume and maintain control. Throughout the match, Geaves looked disciplined, focused, and intent on winning every rally. She played a steady, and relentless style that simply wore out her young English opponent. Geaves now plays Rebecca Chiu in Friday’s quarterfinal.

Hong Kong’s Chiu endured a hard 3 games with qualifier Annelize Naude of the Netherlands. In a first game that lasted nearly 30 minutes, Chiu maintained her composure through a series of lets, strokes, and no lets. At the end of the game, both players looked like wounded warriors, exhausted and depleted. It was Chiu’s soft drops that eventually pushed the efficient Dutch woman to the brink of exhaustion. In the 2nd and 3rd games, Chiu showed that she was not going to give up her enthusiasm for the long rally, and cruised to victory quickly.

Third seed Jenny Duncalf ended qualifier Becky Botwright’s exciting run through her first two matches. In the 1st game, Botwright continued her ability to control the pace of each rally, and appeared poised for another victory. But Duncalf showed her resilience and jumped on every loose ball, assuming control of the match. In the end, Duncalf’s ability to put the ball away from the front of the court was too intense for Botwright’s defensive game. Duncalf now faces Carla Khan.

Khan defeated Dominique Lloyd-Walter in 4 games, using her pace and ability to take the ball early earn victory. She took every ball at the top of the bounce and hit it as hard as she could. In the end, Lloyd-Walter could not keep up with the intense pressure. Khan plays Duncalf in a war of speed and pace in Friday’s quarterfinal.

Fourth seed Omneya Abdel Kawy displayed magnificent deception and shot making ability in her 4 game victory over Laura Lengthorn. In the 3rd game, Lengthorn survived match ball to come back and win 10-8. But Abdel Kawy showed no signs of backing down and won the 4th game easily. She now faces #5 seed Jenny Tranfield.

#5 seed Tranfield defeated Scottish qualifier Pam Nimmo in 4 games. Like Botwright, Abdel Kawy, and Naude, Nimmo used her two previous victories as momentum and won the 1st game 10-9. But over the match, Tranfield gradually chipped away at Nimmo’s confidence and forced her to play long rallies. In the end, Nimmo grew increasingly frustrated hitting a number of unforced errors that led to her demise.


14 Jan
Qualifying Finals:
Ben Oliner and Jane Parker report from Vassar

Qualifying Finals:
Pamela Nimmo (Sco) bt Melissa Martin (Aus)  9/3, 9/0, 9/7
Becky Botwright (Eng) bt Heidi Mather (Aus)  9/4, 9/3, 9/0
Eman El Amir (Egy) bt Alana Miller (Can)  9/1, 2/9, 10/9, 9/6
Annelize Naude (Ned) bt Runa Reta (Can)  9/1, 3/9, 10/8, 10/8

Becky Botwright ... photo by Carlisle StocktonToday’s matches completed an intense two days of qualifying matches. Scotland’s Pam Nimmo #31, England’s Becky Botwright #39, Egypt’s Eman El Amir #54, and Holland’s Annelize Naude #28 have now earned a berth into the main draw.

Throughout the two days of qualifying matches, Pam Nimmo has looked poised and confident. She continued her march today with another straight games victory, this time over #45, Australian Melissa Martin. Nimmo now plays #5 seed, world #17 Jenny Tranfield of England in the 1st round on Thursday.

Rebecca Botwright also won in straight games. After her 5 game comeback victory on Tuesday, Botwright showed no signs of fatigue and defeated the higher ranked, world #33 Heidi Mather of Australia in 3 straight games. Botwright now draws #3 seed, world #15 Jenny Duncalf of England in the 1st round on Thursday.

Egyptian Eman El Amir showed signs of brilliance in her match against Canadian, world #88 Alana Miller. Throughout the two days, El Amir has displayed brilliant cutting length and precise volley drops. However, in her two matches she has struggled to maintain her composure and consistency during every rally. But today against Miller, she hit her winning shots when they mattered most. At match point, El Amir hit her volley drop just above the tin, and passionately pumped her fists in celebration of advancing to the main draw. El Amir now plays #7 seed, world # 18 Shelly Kitchen of New Zealand.

Annelize Naude showed her renowned resiliency and mental toughness in her two qualifying matches. Today Naude defeated world #51, Canadian, Runa Reta in 4 hard fought games. Naude’s precise length, consistency, fitness, and intensity resulted in a steady, focused, and measured march towards victory. The Dutchwoman ranked #28 in the world now plays #8 seed, world #19 Rebecca Chiu of Hong Kong.


13-Jan
Qualifying round one

Ben Oliner and Jane Parker report from Vassar

The first day of qualifiers produced a number of heated matches. Top ranked qualifier #28 Annelize Naude of the Netherlands won in 4 feisty games against 19 year- old Suzie Pierrepont of England. Naude will play #51, Runa Reta of Canada Wednesday night. Reta, a former All-American out of U. Penn, used her quickness and deceptiveness from the front of the court to upset #46 Line Hansen of Denmark.

#31 Pamela Nimmo of Scotland cruised to victory against American Carlin Wing. Nimmo displayed a full arsenal of shots, relentlessly pushing Wing all around the court, Nimmo plays #45 Melissa Martin of Australia on Wednesday night. Martin defeated Dutch #4 Margruit Huisman comfortably.

#33 Heidi Mather of Australia won her battle against #76, Canadian Katie Patrick. The match lasted well over an hour before Mather’s touch outlasted the strength, consistency, and fitness of Patrick’s game. Mather plays #39 Rebecca Botwright, of England, Wednesday night. The 21 year-old showed poise and resiliency in her match against #72 Lauren Briggs of England. Under the guidance of her sister, #1 seed, Vicky, Botwright came back from 0-2 to win in 5. She used her soft lobs and drop shots to slow Briggs down and control the tempo of the match.

#54 Eman El Amir of Egypt defeated #40, American Meredith Quick in 3 comfortable games. El Amir used her sharp lengths to seize the middle of the court and assume control of the match. She faces #88 Alana Miller of Canada Wednesday night. Miller upset #43 Kate Roe of England in 3 games.

 
Runa Reta and Annelize Naude progress
Photos bt Carlisle Stockton

2004 VASSAR COLLEGE
CLASS OF 32 PREVIEW
Ben Oliner and Jane Parker look at the prospects ...

This year marks the 4th annual Vassar College Class of 1932 WISPA women’s squash tournament. The $20,000 tournament features 28 players from 10 different countries including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Great Britain. The tournament is sectioned into two draws beginning Tuesday January 13, 2004. Firstly, 16 players compete in the Qualifying Draw for four places into the Main event. The main event presents 16 players with preliminary matches starting Thursday January 15, 2004. The finals takes place 2:30 PM on Sunday January 19, 2004. All matches take place at the Kenyon Hall Squash Courts at Vassar College.

The WISPA tour is an organized professional circuit of tournaments for women’s squash. The tour takes place all around the world, and much like tennis, establishes world rankings based on the tournament results of each individual player. The Vassar College Class of 1932 event presents 12 of the top 30 players in the world. Most of these women have just competed in the $24,000 Marsh McLennan tournament that took place last week in Rye, NY. Following this event, many of the players will head directly onwards to Kuwait for the $42,500 Sheikha Al Saad Kuwait Open that begins January 25.

FAVORITES
This year’s favorite for the Vassar College event is #1 seeded Englishwoman, Vicky Botwright. The 26 year old Manchester native is currently ranked # 11 in the world, and has competed in 68 WISPA events since 1998. Over that time, Botwright has been runner-up 4 times and has reached the semi-final 11 times. This event could be her break out victory. This year is Botwright’s third appearance at the Vassar College Class of 1932 event. In 2001, Botwright reached the semi-final before falling to her fellow British country- woman, Suzanne Horner, who has now retired from the tour. Botwright returned to Vassar in 2003, and reached the final, before falling to current world #4 Rachel Grinham of Australia. In that event, Botwright defeated the 2004 Vassar College #2 seed, Fiona Geaves, 3-0 in the quarterfinal. Botwright’s younger sister, Rebecca is currently ranked #39 and is also competing in this years qualifying event. Vicky plays her first match against Australian, Amelia Pitcock, who is currently ranked #30. Their match begins at 6:15 PM on Thursday January 15.

The #2 seed, Fiona Geaves is a veteran of the WISPA tour. The 36 year- old has played professionally for 14 years, since 1990, and has competed in a staggering 152 events. She is currently ranked #9 in the world. Over her career, Geaves has 5 titles, 5 finalist appearances, and 20 semi-final appearances and has reached a ranking as high as #5. This year is Geaves’ 2nd trip to the Vassar College Class of 32 event. Last year, she defeated Vicky Botwright just before the Vassar Class of 32 event in a five game battle in Rye, NY. Then, at Vassar, Botwright got her revenge and defeated Fiona in 3 games. Geaves is one of the most respected and revered players on the tour. While many of her rivals have now retired, Geaves has remained healthy and remained consistently among the top WISPA players. Geaves hopes to use her experience and wisdom to take her to victory. She plays her first match against the up and coming 19 year- old Englishwoman Alison Waters who is currently ranked #24. Last year, Geaves coached Waters in a British National Training Session. Their match kicks off the main draw of the Vassar Class of 32, starting at 4 PM on Thursday January 15.

This year’s #3 seed is 21 year-old Englishwoman Jenny Duncalf. She is currently ranked # 15 and has been on the tour since 1999, having competed in 27 events. Over that time, Duncalf has already attained 2 titles, 1 runner-up appearance, and 4 semi-final appearances. This year is Duncalf’s 3rd appearance at Vassar College. Last year, she reached the quarterfinal before falling to eventual winner, Rachel Grinham. In 2002, Duncalf lost in the 1st round to Jenny Tranfield, a fellow Englishwoman who is also competing in this year’s event. Duncalf is one of the most promising players to win the Vassar College event. Just recently at the Atlanta Masters in October, she defeated Vicky Botwright in five games to win the event. Duncalf’s first match is against one of the 12 qualifiers that advance to the main draw. She is slated to start at 4:45 PM on Thursday January 15.

The #4 seed is 18 year old Egyptian Omneya Abdel Kawy. Abdel Kawy is currently ranked #16 in the world, and like Duncalf, has been on tour since 1999, when she started ranked #109. Over that time, Abdel Kawy has competed in 48 events, and has won 3 titles, reached 4 finals, and 3 semi-finals. This year is Abdel Kawy’s 2nd appearance at Vassar College. Last year, Omneya lost in the quarterfinal to current world #5, Vanessa Atkinson. Abdel Kawy is considered one of the most promising players on the WISPA tour. Since the age of 11, Omneya has competed on the international scene. In that year, she represented Egypt at the World Junior Championships in Rio de Janeiro. Omneya’s first match puts her up against #26 Englishwoman Laura Lengthorn.

CONTENDERS
The #5-8 seeds for the Vassar College event are: current #17 Jenny Tranfield from England, #19 Rebecca Chiu from Hong Kong, # 18 Shelly Kitchen from New Zealand, and #23 Carla Khan of Pakistan.

Tranfield has competed at Vassar twice, and reached the semi-final last year. In 2002, she reached the quarterfinal, defeating #3 seed Jenny Duncalf in the first round. The 28 year- old has a PHD in sport psychology focusing on coping with performance anxiety. She has been on the tour since 1996, and holds the most titles of any player in the Vassar College field, with 9. She also has 2 runner up appearances, and 8 semi-final appearances in 77 career events. Jenny is scheduled to play a qualifier on Thursday the 15th at 5:30 PM.

Rebecca Chiu has competed at Vassar twice as well. Last year, she lost to #2 seed Fiona Geaves in the first round. In 2001, she lost to #1 seed Vicky Botwright in the first round. The 25 year- old has been on tour since 1993 and holds 4 career titles, 1 runner-up appearance, and 5 semi-final appearances in 56 total events. Chiu opens her tournament against a qualifier on Thursday the 15th at 4 PM.

This year is Shelly Kitchen’s 3rd appearance at Vassar. In both 2002, and 2001, Kitchen reached the quarterfinal. The 23 year-old Kiwi has been on tour since 1998 and in that time, competed in 58 events. She has 2 career titles, 4 runner-up appearances, and 6 semi-final appearances. Kitchen opens her tournament against a qualifier on Thursday the 15th at 6:15 PM.

This year is Carla Khan’s 1st appearance at Vassar. The 22 year-old has played professionally since 1999 and has competed in 37 events. She holds 2 titles, and 4 semi-final appearances. The Pakistani opens her tournament against #29 Dominique Lloyd-Walter of England on Thursday the 15th at 4:45 PM.

LOCAL PLAYERS
There are 2 Americans competing in this year’s class of 1932 event. New York native Carlin Wing (currently ranked #77), who competed at Harvard University and currently lives in Amsterdam plays in the qualifying event on Tuesday the 13th. Denver, Colorado native Meredith Quick (currently ranked #40) also plays in the qualifying event on Tuesday the 13th. Quick was a member of Princeton’s championship collegiate team and is currently working as a squash pro in Brooklyn, NY.

Runa Reta (currently ranked #51) of Canada is the only other graduate of American Universities in the playing field. Reta graduated from Penn this last May after a celebrated collegiate career. She reached the final of last year’s collegiate individual tournament. She too kicks off her tournament on Tuesday the 13th in the qualifying event.
Previous Vassar Finals:
2003: [1] Rachael Grinham (AUS) bt [6] Vicky Botwright (ENG)  9-0, 9-5, 9-4
2002:
[2] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) bt [3] Rebecca Macree (ENG)  9-1, 9-4, 2-9, 9-5
2001:
[1] Suzanne Horner (ENG) bt [2] Rebecca Macree (ENG)  9-4 9-1 9-4