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Grinham Wins Historic
World Open Title

In an historic final of the Madrid Women's World Open in the Spanish capital, Rachael Grinham beat Natalie Grinham in straight games in the first ever world final between two sisters.

It was the final day of action on the open-air all-glass court set in the Jardines del Cabo Noval, adjacent to the Palacio Real - in the first sports event ever to be held alongside Madrid's historic Royal Palace.

Rachael Grinham, the older of the pair by 14 months, has enjoyed sensational recent form - her appearance in the Madrid climax being her fifth WISPA World Tour final in a row and the 44th of her career. Last month, the 30-year-old Queenslander netted her third British Open crown after her first defeat of Malaysia's world number one Nicol David for more than two years.

Natalie Grinham, boasting her 25th Tour final appearance, had earlier admitted that her record three gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in her home country last year had been her 'ultimate goal'. But with a runner-up finish in both the 2004 and 2006 World Open finals, it was clear that the 29-year-old second seed was hoping that it would be 'third time lucky'.

Grinham senior took the opening game for the loss of only four points - but Natalie came back to take a 4-1, then 6-3, lead in the second. However, demonstrating the same form which has seen her win four of her previous five finals, Rachael charged back to take the game, and then the third, to win 9-4, 10-8, 9-2 in 47 minutes and claim her first World Open title.

"30 years old, and I've finally won my first world championship!" said Rachael to the packed and exuberant crowd at the presentations.

"It's been an awesome couple of months - I've been world number one and now I'm world champion," said the third seed, who has now increased her WISPA Tour haul to 27 titles.

"I was having a bit of a spiral downwards and over the summer put in a lot more training - and things started to go well," explained the senior Grinham, who has only lost one match in 21 since August when she won the Alexandria Sporting Club Open title in her adopted home country Egypt.

"Winning the British Open last month obviously gave me some confidence - and this will too."

When asked what her feelings were when she was behind in the second game, Rachael replied: "I wasn't thinking I was going to lose the game, or the match - just that I wanted to make her work!

"We know each others games so well, that when we play each other we're often quite hesitant when we make shots - trying to counter the response we're expecting.

"She made a lot of mistakes tonight that she wouldn't normally do.

"I wanted to win quite badly - the fact I was playing my sister didn't really matter!

"This was a championship I really wanted to win. And I am thrilled to have done it at last!"

Asked if she felt any sympathy for her sister, Rachael was quick to respond: "No! After all, she's got three Commonwealth Games gold medals!"

Natalie Grinham conceded that she was "not too disappointed to have lost" - then revealed that she had considered pulling out of the event at the beginning of the week after sustaining a wrist injury on the eve of the tournament.

"It eased off as the tournament developed - but I am disappointed that I couldn't play better tonight. I felt I played much better last night," said the 29-year-old, now based in the Netherlands.

"She played her game and didn't let me play mine. She's very fast - and when she gets the ball she does something with it," added Natalie. "But if I've got to lose to somebody, I'd rather it be her.

"I made a few errors - against her your shots need to be perfect, and mine weren't!

"But I'm really happy to see Rachael playing well again - she's the only player on the current Tour who can trick me."

When asked how she felt about playing in the first ever world final between two sisters, Natalie replied: "It's fantastic. Both of us being in the final, rather than one of us winning it, is almost perfect. Perfect would have been if I'd won it!"

After receiving her trophy, Rachael thanked the organisers and wished Madrid 16 well in its bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

Natalie added: "I hope you win the bid - and I hope Squash will also be in the Games. I won't be playing then, but I'll certainly come and watch."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Madrid World Open Attracts Royal Interest

 

Amongst the distinguished guests attending the semi-finals of the Madrid Women's World Open Squash Championship in the Spanish capital was HRH Infanta Pilar de Borbon, sister of the King of Spain, HM Juan Carlos.

 

It was the second day of action on the open-air all-glass court set in the Jardines del Cabo Noval, adjacent to the Palacio Real - in the first sports event ever to be held alongside Madrid's historic Royal Palace.

 

Together with Her Royal Highness, watching the historic action which produced the first ever World Open final between two sisters, were three IOC Members - HRH Prince Imran, President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and Patron of the World Squash Federation (WSF); Juan Antonio Samaranch Jnr, son of the IOC President, Juan Antonio Samaranch; and Kai Holm, President of the Danish National Olympic Committee.


Results
. Draw
.
Qualifying

Reports
.
Qualifying
.
First Round
.
Second Round

. Quarter Finals
. Semi Finals
. Final

. Previews

. Event History
. 2006 Event Pages
 

Madrid World Open Attracts Royal Interest

Bailey's World Bid Ends In Madrid

Madrid Mayor Welcomes Women's World Open To Unique Royal Setting

Duncalf & Bailey Through To World Open Quarters In Madrid

Madrid 16 Welcomes World's Top Women To The Spanish Capital


Rachael (background) beats sister Natalie to win her first World title


Grinham sisters make it through to the World Open final
(Rachael above
Natalie below)



Tania Bailey beats Vanessa Atkinson to reach her first World Open semi-final


Shelley Kitchen beats reigning world champion and world no 1 Nicol David 3-2

Reigning champion, Nicol David, has a tough time in the first game against Isabelle Stoehr but in the end comes through easily 3-0

Broadband users, click on pictures to enlarge, hit backspace to return

IOC members (L to R) HRH Prince Imran, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jnr, and Kai Holm, flanked by Madrid 16 CEO Mercedes Coghen (far left) and WSF Emeritus President Susie Simcock (far right).
 



HRH Infanta Pilar de Borbon with HRH Prince Imran

 




WSF President Jahangir Khan with Kai Holm

 

Draw
Women's World Open 
Round ONE
23 Nov 
Palacio Royal
Round TWO
24 Nov 
Palacio Royal
Quarters
25 Nov
Palacio Royal
Semis
26 Nov
Palacio Royal
Final
27 Nov
 
Palacio Royal
[1] Nicol David (Mas)
9/7, 9/3, 9/0 (30m)
Isabelle Stoehr (Fra)
 Nicol David
9-0, 9-1, 2-9, 3-9, 9-6 (69m)
 Shelley Kitchen
Shelley Kitchen
9-2, 9-1, 9-0 (23m)
Natalie Grainger
Natalie Grainger
5-9, 9-6, 9-6, 9-3 (45m)
Rachael Grinham
Rachael Grinham
9-4, 10-8, 9-2 (47m)
Natalie Grinham
 
[10] Shelley Kitchen (Nzl)
9/2, 9/4, 9/2 (35m)
[Q] Lauren Briggs (Eng)
[5] Natalie Grainger (Usa)
  9/6, 9/0, 9/3 (36m)
Samantha Teran (Mex)
 Natalie Grainger
9-2, 9-0, 9-0 (26m)
Engy Kheirallah
[13] Engy Kheirallah (Egy)
9/3, 9/4, 9/3 (34m)
[Q] Runa Reta (Can)
[3] Rachael Grinham (Aus)
 9/3, 10/8, 9/5 (34m)
[Q] Louise Crome (Nzl)
Rachael Grinham
4-9, 9-6, 9-4, 9-5 (71m)
Alison Waters
Rachael Grinham
9-3, 9-2, 9-1 (29m)
Jenny Duncalf
[12] Alison Waters (Eng)
9/0, 9/3, 9/3 (28m)
[Q] Suzie Pierrepont (Eng)
[6] Vicky Botwright (Eng)
9/2, 9/5, 9/2 (26m)
Sharon Wee (Mas)
Vicky Botwright
9-4, 9-6, 5-3 ret. (48m)
Jenny Duncalf
[9] Jenny Duncalf (Eng)
6/9, 9/3, 9/1, 9/0 (56m)
Latasha Khan (Usa)
[Q] Aisling Blake (Irl)
 9/2, 9/6, 9/2 (55m)
[15] Kasey Brown (Aus)
Kasey Brown
9-5, 9-0, 9-0 (35m)
Vanessa Atkinson
Vanessa Atkinson
20.00
9-0, 10-9, 7-9, 9-4 (49m)
Tania Bailey
Tania Bailey
9-2, 9-5, 9-7 (41m)
Natalie Grinham
 
Alicia Alvarez Riaza (Esp)
 9/0, 9/0, 9/1 (17m)
[8] Vanessa Atkinson (Ned)
[Q] Manuela Manetta
9/4, 9/3, 9/7 (45m)
[11] Laura L.-Massaro (Eng)
Laura L.-Massaro
8-10, 9-5, 10-9, 9-3 (75m)
Tania Bailey
Jalyn Hawkes (Nzl)
9/4, 9/1, 6/9, 10/9 (69m)
[4] Tania Bailey (Eng)
Raneem El Weleily (Egy)
9/3, 9/4, 7/9, 5/9, 9/3 (64m)
[16] Annelize Naude (Ned)
 Annelize Naude
4-9, 10-8, 9-5, 9-4 (59m)
Omneya Abdel Kawy
Omneya Abdel Kawy
20.45
4-9, 9-2, 9-0, 9-4 (44m)
Natalie Grinham
[Q] Orla Noom (Ned)
9/4, 9/2, 9/3 (27m)
[7] Omneya Abdel Kawy (Egy)
[Q] Line Hansen (Den)
9/5, 9/6, 9/2 (47m)
[14] Rebecca Chiu (Hkg)
Rebecca Chiu
9-5, 9-5, 9-4 (40m)Natalie Grinham
Dominique Lloyd-Walter (Eng)
9/3, 9/6, 9/5 (43m)
[2] Natalie Grinham Aus)

QUALIFYING

Qualifying finals line-up:

Suzie Pierrepont (ENG) bt Tricia Chuah (MAS) 9-1, 9-6, 9-6 (34m)

Orla Noom (NED) bt Sarah Kippax (ENG) 9-3, 9-6, 4-9, 1-9, 9-3 (61m)

Manuela Manetta (ITA) bt Laura Mylotte (IRL) 9-4, 9-6, 9-1 (34m)

Louise Crome (NZL) bt Laura Hill (ENG) 9-6, 6-9, 9-6, 3-9, 9-0 (88m)

Runa Reta (CAN) bt Elise Ng (HKG) 0-9, 9-4, 9-4, 9-3 (71m)

Line Hansen (DEN) bt Margriet Huisman (NED) 9-2, 9-7, 9-3 (56m)

Aisling Blake (IRL) bt Carolyn Russell (CAN) 9-0, 5-9, 7-9, 9-7, 9-2 (72m)

Lauren Briggs (ENG) bt Carla Khan (PAK) 7-9, 9-7, 9-3, 9-2 (55m)

 
1st qualifying round:
Tricia Chuah (Mas) 9/2, 9/2, 9/0 (25m) Laura Alonso Perez (Esp)
Suzie Pierrepont
(Eng) 9/0, 9/1, 9/0 (18m) Dagmar Vermeulen (Ned) 
Sarah Kippax (Eng) 9/0, 5/9, 9/1, 9/2 (27m) Celia Allamargot (Fra)
Orla Noom (Ned)
9-3, 9-6, 6-9, 9-5 (52m)  Georgina Stoker (Eng)
Manuela Manetta (Ita) 6/9, 9/0, 9/2, 9/3 (48m) Lucie Fialova (Cze)
Laura Mylotte (Irl)
9-5, 9-3, 9-3 (21m) Birgit Coufal (Aut)
Louise Crome (Nzl) 9/2, 9/5, 9/3 (27m) Karina Herrera Zuniga (Mex)
Laura Hill (Eng) 9/1, 9/0, 9/0 (22m) Anna-Carin Forstadius (Swe)
Elise Ng (Hkg) 3/9, 9/6, 9/0, 9/4 (53m) Frania Gillen-Buchert (Sco)
Runa Reta (Can) 9/0, 9/3, 6/9, 9/1 (44m) Camille Serme (Fra)
Margriet Huisman (Ned)
9-6, 9-0, 9-0 (28m)  Lauren Selby (Eng)
Line Hansen (Den)
9-2, 9-1, 9-0 (23m)  Kerri Shields (Irl)
Carolyn Russell (Can) 7/9, 9/1, 9/2, 9/0 (36m) Elisabet Sado (Esp)
Aisling Blake (Irl)
9-0, 9-4, 9-1 (22m)  Xisela Aranda Nunez (Esp)
Carla Khan (Pak)
9-5, 9-3, 9-0 (29m) Soraya Renai (Fra)
Lauren Briggs (Eng)
9-4, 9-2, 9-10, 9-1 (50m) Karen Kronemeyer (Ned)

Reports

Grinhams In Historic World Open Final

Australians Rachael Grinham and Natalie Grinham will meet for the 16th time on the WISPA World Tour in Saturday's final of the Madrid Women's World Open Squash Championship.  But the encounter on an all-glass court near the Royal Palace in the Spanish capital will not only be the pair's first clash in a major Tour final, but the first ever World Open final featuring two sisters.

 

It was the second day of action on the open-air all-glass court set in the Jardines del Cabo Noval, adjacent to the Palacio Real - in the first sports event ever to be held alongside Madrid's historic Royal Palace.

 

In the first semi-final, second seed Natalie Grinham faced England's Tania Bailey in the pair's fourth meeting in the semi-finals of a Tour event this year.  Grinham junior, the three-times Commonwealth Games gold medallist from Toowoomba in Queensland, was in devastating form - brushing aside the fourth seed from Lincolnshire 9-2, 9-5, 9-7 in 41 minutes.

 

"I was a bit nervous before going on - not because it was a semi-final, but because I wasn't so comfortable on the court yesterday," explained 29-year-old Natalie after reaching her third world final in four years.  "But once I got on, I was timing the ball better - I play a bit better when I'm nervous, I focus better.

 

"I haven't really thought about what's like to be in my third final - but it would be nice to win one!  Hopefully I'll play as well in the final as I did tonight."

 

When asked whether winning the World Open crown was her ultimate goal, the Netherlands-based Aussie responded:  "I've already got my ultimate goal - winning three gold medals in the Commonwealth Games.  I don't want to put too much pressure on myself - I don’t need to win every single title there is!"

 

Tania Bailey, who was struck down by sinusitis on the eve of the event and had struggled with her breathing throughout the earlier rounds, conceded that she was not disappointed to lose:  "A week ago, I would have given anything to be in a world semi-final. 

 

"Natalie played really well, played the ball really tight - I couldn't maintain the way I played for the whole match because of the way she played.

 

"But I've learned a lot recently - I used to run around at 100mph all the time.  It makes me realise how valuable all the work I put in over the summer was," added the 28-year-old England number one from Stamford.

 

"I feel confident that I'm close to the top three in the world - even though I think they are another level ahead.  I'm still learning a lot and know the weaknesses in my game which I've got to work on.

 

"Natalie's got a great chance to win the title - she's probably the most consistent of the three.  But they are all capable of winning - and it's good for the game that that is the case!" concluded Bailey.

 

Later, former world number one Rachael Grinham took on fifth seed Natalie Grainger.  Third seed Grinham, aged 30 and based in Cairo, was looking for her second major title in a month after winning the British Open in September - and Grainger was hoping for her first win over the Queenslander in 10 clashes since the World Open in Qatar five years ago.

 

Grainger, the Pan American Games champion from Washington DC, darted to a first game lead - but Grinham took control of the match thereafter to wrap up a 5-9, 9-6, 9-6, 9-3 victory after 45 minutes.

 

"It was so nerve-wracking - it was obviously a great chance for Natalie and me to be in our first major Tour final together, and she had already won her semi," said Rachael, runner-up in 2005, afterwards.  "But even though I've won most of the recent matches against Natalie (Grainger), she's one of the best players - especially on that court.

 

"The match seemed so fast - I'm not used to games going that fast - I had to try and relax and slow it down a bit."

 

When asked her feelings about playing her sister in the historic world final, Rachael said:  "I'm sure we both want to win the title - which neither of us has done before - but, in a sense, the best thing is us both reaching the final.  At least it's going to be one of us that wins - and whichever of us loses, we won't be as disappointed as we would be losing to someone else!

 

"It's just like it was in the Commonwealth Games - the excitement was over once we'd both reached the final!"

 

Natalie Grinham agreed that it had been difficult watching the final stages of her sister's match:  "As it was getting towards the end, I was getting to g really nervous - just like at the Commonwealth Games, when I had already won my semi and had to wait for Rachael to get through hers."

 

Earlier, immediately after hugging Rachael as she came off court, Natalie was on the phone to their parents down under.

 

"I've just spoken to Mum and Dad at home," said Natalie later.  "Mum was watching the live scoreboard on a dial-up connection, and I woke Dad up.  He said, 'I thought that might be why you were ringing'!"

 

Official website: http://squash.sportec.com

Bailey's World Bid Ends In Madrid

The brave campaign of England's Tania Bailey in the Women's World Open Squash Championship came to an end in the semi-finals on Friday when she was beaten in straight games by Australia's No2 seed Natalie Grinham in Madrid.

 

Struck down by sinusitis on the eve of the championship, fourth seed Bailey struggled with her breathing throughout the week in the Spanish capital - but still managed to claim her maiden appearance in the semi-finals of the sport's premier women's event.

 

It was the second day of action on the open-air all-glass court set in the Jardines del Cabo Noval, adjacent to the Palacio Real - in the first sports event ever to be held alongside Madrid's historic Royal Palace.

 

Among the distinguished guests attending the semi-finals was HRH Infanta Pilar de Borbon, sister of the King of Spain, HM Juan Carlos.

 

The clash was Bailey and Grinham's fourth meeting in the semi-finals of a Tour event this year.  Grinham, the three-times Commonwealth Games gold medallist from Queensland, was in devastating form - brushing aside the England number one from Lincolnshire 9-2, 9-5, 9-7 in 41 minutes.

 

Bailey conceded that she was not disappointed to lose:  "A week ago, I would have given anything to be in a world semi-final. 

 

"Natalie played really well, played the ball really tight - I couldn't maintain the way I played for the whole match because of the way she played.

 

"But I've learned a lot recently - I used to run around at 100mph all the time.  It makes me realise how valuable all the work I put in over the summer was," added the 28-year-old from Stamford.

 

"I feel confident that I'm close to the top three in the world - even though I think they are another level ahead.  I'm still learning a lot and know the weaknesses in my game which I've got to work on.

 

"Natalie's got a great chance to win the title - she's probably the most consistent of the other semi-finalists.  But they are all capable of winning - and it's good for the game that that is the case!" concluded Bailey.

 

Bailey Battles Through To Maiden
World Open Semi-Final

Fighting both her opponent and sinusitis, England's Tania Bailey courageously battled through to the last four of the Women's World Open Squash Championship in the Spanish capital Madrid to claim her maiden appearance in the semi-finals of the sport's premier women's event.

 

After two rounds at the city's Club Palestra, action switched to an open-air all-glass court at the Jardines del Cabo Noval, adjacent to the Palacio Real.  The 2007 World Open Championship is the first sports event ever to be held alongside Madrid's historic Royal Palace.

 

The Lincolnshire lass continued her incredible run in the event with a 9-0, 10-9, 7-9, 9-4 defeat of former world champion Vanessa Atkinson, the No8 seed from the Netherlands.

 

Struck down by sinusitis on the eve of the championship, fourth seed Bailey struggled with her breathing in both victories leading to the quarter-finals.

 

"I couldn't quite believe it," said the 28-year-old from Stamford after claiming the first semi-final place of the day - and the first of her career in the event.

 

"I felt really relaxed tonight, whereas yesterday I felt a bit edgy - and Vanessa wasn't moving as well as normal.  I did feel a bit tired today, but I was desperate to play well, and I did.  Vanessa's won everything there is to win. 

 

"I've been training hard through the summer - and if I hadn't, I probably wouldn't have got through the first two rounds. 

 

"Two days ago, I didn't have any hopes of getting this far," conceded the England number one who now goes on to meet Australia's No2 seed Natalie Grinham, last year's runner-up.

 

There was disappointment later when Bailey's England team-mate Jenny Duncalf crashed out of the event, losing 9-3, 9-2, 9-1 to the older Grinham sister Rachael Grinham.

 

"She just outplayed me - I just couldn't get into it," said the said the 24-year-old ninth seed from Harrogate in Yorkshire.

 

"I hit too many loose shots."


Kitchen Sinks Nicol As World
Champion
Ends Her Reign In Spain

In one of the biggest upsets in the 28-year history of the event, Malaysia's world number one and top seed Nicol David crashed out of the Madrid Women's World Open Squash Championship when she was beaten in five games by New Zealand's Shelley Kitchen in a dramatic second round match in the sport's biggest-ever women's event at Club Palestra in the Spanish capital.

 

Kitchen romped to a two game lead after just 24 minutes - the two times world champion only managing to pick up a single point.  But the redoubtable David forced her way back into the match to draw level.

 

Order looked as if it was about to be restored when the 24-year-old Malaysian superstar - widely expected to reach her 18th successive final on the WISPA World Tour - took a 5-0 lead in the decider.  However, the 27-year-old from Auckland regained the upper hand - and, after drawing level to six-all in three hands, took the final three points in a single hand to earn a sensational 9-0, 9-1, 2-9, 3-9, 9-6 victory in 69 minutes.

 

"I can't really believe it," said the ecstatic Kiwi afterwards.  "It's great to get to the quarter-finals of the World Open - but to have done it by beating Nicol, who is such a great competitor and so good on court, is extra special."

 

When asked about her tactics for the match, the tenth seed replied:  "I just wanted to stop her volleying - I wanted to hit the ball hard and fast, and play my game.  She made a lot of mistakes in the first and second games.  At 5-3 in the fifth, I felt she was a bit tired and that the momentum just shifted slightly.

 

"She might have been a little nervous, with all the pressure - but I was quite relaxed," added Kitchen, a quarter-finalist for only the second time.  "I think I played well.  These courts definitely suit my game - I usually do well on courts like this."

 

Nicol David, who also suffered a shock defeat to the New Zealander in the bronze medal play-off in last year's Commonwealth Games, conceded that she was "very disappointed".

 

"Shelley's always a tough opponent and I knew she'd be tough from the start - she just went for it.  My focus was up and down.  At 5-0 in the fifth, she recomposed herself - but I was still trying to work the ball.

 

"It just wasn't my day, really," added the favourite who has now failed to reach a WISPA Tour quarter-final for the first time since April 2004 - 36 events ago!  "I must now refocus myself for Qatar and Hong Kong next month."

 

Kitchen will now meet Natalie Grainger for a place in the semi-finals.  The fifth seed from the USA, winner of the Pan American Games gold medal in July, despatched Egypt's 13th seed Engy Kheirallah 9-2, 9-0, 9-0 in just 26 minutes.

 

There was another upset earlier in the day when ninth seed Jenny Duncalf beat her England team-mate Vicky Botwright in 48 minutes after the No6 seed retired with a back injury with the score standing at 9-4, 9-6, 5-3.

 

"I felt a twinge on my right side when Jenny pushed me forward at the end of the second game," explained Botwright, the England No3 from Manchester.

 

"It was shortly after the British Open (in September) that I played a league match when I felt a similar twinge, and woke up the next morning with the left side of my body paralysed.  Tania Bailey was my saviour - luckily she was staying with me that night and helped me get dressed and took me to the EIS in Manchester.  It was two days before I regained feeling - and some time before I was back to normal.

 

"I guess I just haven't been put under that kind of pressure since the British Open - but I didn't want to risk anything like that again, so I had to retire.  If I have to lose to anybody like that, I'd rather it was to an English player!"

 

Duncalf seemed surprisingly downbeat following the win which takes her into her maiden World quarter-final:  "It's never nice to win like that - but I thought I played well and deserved to win," said the 24-year-old from Harrogate in Yorkshire.

 

"I had a game plan and stuck to it - I didn't make many errors and was hitting a good length.  I'm looking forward to playing on the glass court - though I hear the weather forecast suggests that it will be only one degree!  But I'm ecstatic really - it's good to be in my first world quarter-final!"

 

One of the bravest wins of the day was achieved by fourth seed Tania Bailey in the other all-English last sixteen clash.  Struggling for the second day with a recurrence of sinusitis, the England number one fought back from a game down to beat 11th seed Laura Lengthorn-Massaro 8-10, 9-5, 10-9, 9-3 in 75 minutes.

 

"I can't believe I managed to get through that," said the 28-year-old from Lincolnshire who was clearly again having serious difficulty with her breathing.  "I felt I needed to win the first game - and when I didn't, I didn't think I could win the match. 

 

"But I felt I then played thoughtful squash.  I was feeling light-headed and kept having to take deep breaths.  I never went into the match thinking I was going to win - Laura is such a tough player," added Bailey, who goes on to meet former world champion Vanessa Atkinson.

 

"I look forward to playing on the glass court - where conditions surely couldn't be more different from those here.  I've actually beaten Vanessa the last four times I've played her - but that followed about eight wins in a row by her.  But she's playing a lot better at the moment."

 

Atkinson, the eighth seed from the Netherlands competing in her 11th World Open, was the first player to reserve a place in the quarter-finals when she beat Australia's 15th seed Kasey Brown 9-5, 9-0, 9-0.

 

"Kasey was moving well in the first game, but then she began to struggle and I was getting more confident in my shots," said the 2004 champion.  "I feel my movement is back to what it was a few years ago - but my strength is better. 

 

"It's a huge difference being eighth seed, instead of the ninth seed I was - and getting through these first two rounds reasonably comfortably will probably make a big difference when we get onto the glass court. 

 

"I feel quite relaxed - and I put that down to Malcolm (Willstrop) my coach.  I used to be tense and a little highly strung - but he's knocked that out of me.  It's the club atmosphere at Pontefract - it's so relaxed.  And I love training.  In fact I actually enjoy training now, which is a new thing."

 

Australian sisters Rachael and Natalie Grinham secured their places in the last eight with relative ease - third seed Rachael Grinham fighting back from a game down to beat England's No12 seed Alison Waters 4-9, 9-6, 9-4, 9-5 in 71 minutes, and younger sister Natalie, the second seed, knocking out Hong Kong's Rebecca Chiu, the 14th seed, 9-5, 9-5, 9-4 in 40 minutes.

 

Tournament action now moves onto an all-glass court sited adjacent to the Royal Palace (the Palacio Real) in Madrid - the first time in the city's history that any sporting event has been staged by the Spanish capital's world-famous Palace.

 

Natalie Grinham will face Egypt's No7 seed Omneya Abdel Kawy, while Rachael will take on Jenny Duncalf.

 

The Queensland sisters agree that the setting will be quite different:  "We all prefer playing on the glass court - it'll be much fairer for everybody," said Natalie.  "Tomorrow will be quite different, it'll be a lot colder.  Omneya's very talented with the racquet and she had a tough match today."

 

Rachael added:  "The games (on the indoor club courts) take a lot out of you, both physically and mentally.  It makes for really limited opportunities - you can't really win at the front of the court. 

"It's a lot easier to go from any court in the world onto a glass court as they tend to be the same.  All I'll need tomorrow is about 15 minutes to get used to the court - yet sometimes it can take up to two days to get used to other courts."


Bailey Hounded By Hawkes
In Madrid World Open

England's fourth seed Tania Bailey looked close to providing the only upset on the opening day of main draw action in the Madrid Women's World Open Squash Championship when she squandered a 2/0 lead against unseeded Jaclyn Hawkes to face three game-balls which would have taken the match into a fifth game decider at Club Palestra in the Spanish capital.

 

It was clear that something was amiss with the 28-year-old England No1 in the third game after taking the first two for the loss of just five points.  Bailey, suffering with sinusitis, was struggling to respond to the Hawkes advance as the world No24 from New Zealand gained the upper hand in games three and four.

 

But the plucky Lincolnshire lass fought back in the fourth to save game-balls at 6-8, 8-9 and 9-9 before finally winning her second match-ball - converting it with the luckiest shot of the match!

 

"I felt fine in the first two games, but as soon as I soon as I started to run around in the third, the infection kicked in and I just couldn't breathe.  My legs and arms felt dead - you can't think straight when all you're trying to do is breathe!" said world No4 Bailey.

 

"I've had sinus problems all my life - I've had it all, including three operations and laser treatment, but I still can't shake it off.  I feel fine in everyday life, but you never know how you're going to feel on court.  I feel as if I'm as good as anyone, but this lets me down.  I'll have to take it easy tonight and hope that I'll be fine tomorrow."

 

Bailey was joined in the last sixteen by all four England team-mates - Vicky Botwright, the sixth seed; Jenny Duncalf, the ninth seed; Laura Lengthorn-Massaro, the 11th seed and 12th seed Alison Waters.  Indeed Bailey faces Lancashire's Lengthorn-Massaro for a place in the quarter-finals after the 23-year-old from Preston beat Italian qualifier Manuela Manetta 9-4, 9-3, 9-7.

 

Botwright and Duncalf will line up in another all-English second round encounter after Manchester-based Botwright despatched Malaysia's Sharon Wee 9-2, 9-5, 9-2 in 26 minutes and Duncalf, from Harrogate in Yorkshire, recovered from a game down to beat seven times US champion Latasha Khan 6-9, 9-3, 9-1, 9-0 in 56 minutes.

 

"I knew it would be tough - Latasha's a good player and if you give her time on the ball, she'll cut it away," said the 24-year-old British National champion.  "I felt comfortable towards the end, but I had to be patient.  We'd all rather play on the all-glass court - so I'm sure there'll be some gruelling matches here (at Club Palestra) tomorrow.

 

"The last time I played Vicky she beat me in the British Open - but I won the time before, so I'm sure it'll be a good match."

 

It only took former World Open champion Vanessa Atkinson 17 minutes to earn a place in the second round of the sport's biggest-ever women's event when she beat Spanish wild card player Alicia Alvarez Riaza 9-0, 9-0, 9-1.

 

"Because the courts are so bouncy, I was able to get a good run-around - which was ideal for a first round match really," said Atkinson, the No8 seed from the Netherlands who won the title in 2004.  "But it was amazing that we finished our match at the same time they finished the first game on the next court! 

 

"I'm feeling good - my training's going well and I'm injury-free.  And I'm happy with the way I'm playing.  Nowadays, because of my relationship with James (Willstrop), I'm spending more time in England, in Yorkshire - which is great for my game.  Whereas in Holland, I have to plan practice sessions with other players, there are so many players I can hit with at Pontefract - it may be girls like Kirsty McPhee or Lauren Siddall, or guys like Lee Beachill, Saurav Ghosal and of course James.  And the atmosphere at the club is fantastic."

 

Alicia Alvarez Riaza, a 21-year-old from Madrid, was making her maiden appearance in the world championship - and knew she was not expected to win:  "I felt very good - I know Vanessa is a very good player, and it's very difficult to play at that level.  Technically, she plays at a very high standard and she's very fit and physically well-prepared. 

 

"I didn't expect to win, but playing in my first World Championship was a fantastic experience.  I was determined not to let the pressure get to me - I wanted to make sure I enjoyed myself."

 

Only an hour after being reunited with the bag which contained her racquets, squash kit and make-up, fifth seed Natalie Grainger recorded a 9-6, 9-0, 9-3 win over Mexican number one Samantha Teran.  The bag had failed to materialise on her arrival at Madrid airport two days earlier from Luton in England.

 

"Thanks to Jenny Tranfield, whose colleague coaches the Managing Director of Luton Airport, the whole airport was searched today for my missing bag - and finally they assured me it was definitely in Madrid!  How could it have gone missing on a direct flight from Luton to Madrid? 

 

"I finally got the bag at about 5.00pm and was here at the club for my match at six.  I'd had to borrow a racquet for my practice session this morning - so when I got on court for the match with my own 'Harrow Natalie Grainger' racquet, it felt a bit heavy - and it took me at least the first game to get used to it! 

 

"I couldn't find my length in the first game and made lots of errors.  But I think I can relax now - I've been on edge since I arrived - but it's done now:  Onwards and upwards!"

 

Nicol David, the world number one from Malaysia who is seeded to win her third world title in a row, eased to a 9-7, 9-3, 9-0 win over France's Isabelle Stoehr in 39 minutes.

 

"I think these courts may be even faster than the ones at home - but I haven't played on courts like these for a while," said the 24-year-old defending champion from Penang who is expected to win her seventh WISPA World Tour title of the year. 

 

"It took me a game and a half to get used to the bounce.  Isabelle took the ball well and had a good start.  I had to really hang in there until she started making a few errors and I then took my chance.  Isabelle is a tough player to play - I'm glad I pulled it off. 

 

"Once I get the timing right, I can hit the ball hard - but perhaps these courts make it sound harder than it is.  It's great to have my parents here - and my sister and her boyfriend arrive later in the week, so it's going to be happy families!"


Tough Battles Resolve
World Open Qualifiers In Madrid

Players from seven nations - two from England and one from each of Netherlands, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, Denmark and Ireland - claimed places in the main draw of the Madrid Women's World Open Squash Championship after surviving testing qualifying finals today (Monday) at Club Palestra in the Spanish capital.

 

The lengthiest battle saw Louise Crome boost New Zealand interest in the sport's biggest-ever event by 50% when she outlasted English fire-fighter Laura Hill 9-6, 6-9, 9-6, 3-9, 9-0.

 

"I knew the match would be a long and hard one," said the delighted 29-year-old from Auckland afterwards.  "But I'm more happy about winning this because Laura is such a great player, so consistent - she doesn't make mistakes.  I'm just ecstatic about qualifying for the first time."

 

It took 72 minutes to resolve the clash between Ireland's world No39 Aisling Blake and Canadian Carolyn Russell, ranked just 11 places below.  Blake set off at a blistering pace, winning the opening game in a whitewash - but the 26-year-old from Sligo soon found herself 2/1 down going into the fourth game.  Blake regrouped and ultimately pulled off a 9-0, 5-9, 7-9, 9-7, 9-2 win to qualify for the first time.

 

England's Suzie Pierrepont claimed the first qualifying slot after a stunning upset over Malaysia's Tricia Chuah, the top-ranked player in the qualifiers.  It was a relieved and delighted 22-year-old from Sussex who came through - exactly a year after injuring her heel in the first round of the qualifiers in the 2006 World Open in Belfast, resulting in a layoff of some ten months!

 

"I'd never played Tricia before, but I knew on that court she would struggle.  I spent most of the summer training in New York with Damon Brown.  And I'm now waiting for my visa to come through so that I can go back and live there," Pierrepont explained. 

 

"Having the heel injury last year, and being out of action for so long, really affects your ranking.  I was 30 before I had the accident - and now I'm 45 - which makes such a difference in terms of qualifying for events like this.  I'm now aiming for the low 20s, just as I was a year ago. 

 

"But, having the long layoff has made me more aware of the work I need to do.  I'm still not 100% confident of my heel - but, I'm not a size zero, so I have to be careful," added Pierrepont, the lowest-ranked player to qualify.

 

At the end of the day, the former European Junior champion was joined from the qualifiers by compatriot Lauren Briggs after the 28-year-old from Essex beat Pakistan's sole hope Carla Khan 7-9, 9-7, 9-3, 9-2.  Briggs, ranked 24 in the world, will face New Zealand's tenth seed Shelley Kitchen in the first round, while Pierrepont will take on compatriot and close friend Alison Waters, the No12 seed.

 

Manuela Manetta became the first Italian ever to qualify for the Women's World Open when she beat Ireland's Laura Mylotte 9-4, 9-6, 9-1.

 

"I'd never played her before - but I knew it wasn't going to be easy.  I really prepared myself well, though I was a bit nervous at the beginning.  But once I started to play well I knew I could relax," said the 24-year-old from Parma.

 

"I am so very happy.  I thought I played well - I've been working hard for the past three or four months with my coach Marcus Berrett in Milan (about an hour away from where I live) and I'm so glad it has all come together so well."

 

Dutch player Orla Noom, ranked 40 in the world, celebrated her first success in the qualifiers at her third attempt after upsetting England's Sarah Kippax, ranked nine places higher.  Kippax fought back from 2/0 down to level the match, but Noom - despite winning the Leinster Open in Dublin only 48 hours before - had enough in reserve to pull off a notable 9-3, 9-6, 4-9, 1-9, 9-3 victory in 61 minutes.

 

"When I got the first match-ball, I felt I should play safe - and the rally seemed to go on for ages.  At 3-8 down, I decided to be more adventurous and got a wonderful nick - so it was disappointing that I actually then won the match-ball on a stroke," explained the delighted 21-year-old from Hoofddorp.

 

"One of my goals this year was to qualify for the Worlds.  But when the Leinster Open came up, I set my sights on winning that.  So when I got here, I just decided to take it one match at a time - so I'm really happy to have qualified."

 

Spaniards Halted, But Uplifted,
In World Open Qualifiers

Local hopes in the qualifying event of the Madrid Women's World Open Squash Championship were extinguished in today's (Sunday) first round at Club Palestra in Madrid when three players ranked outside the world's top 200 failed to dislodge their higher-ranked opponents.  But all three were delighted that the sport's biggest-ever event was being staged in the Spanish capital.

 

Barcelona's Elisabet Sado Garriga, who has represented Spain in 13 successive European Team Championships since 1995, thrilled the Madrid crowd when she took the opening game against Canada's Carolyn Russell.  But the experienced world No50 from Vancouver regained the initiative to storm through to a 7-9, 9-1, 9-2, 9-0 win in 36 minutes.

 

"I felt comfortable in the first game, but then my lack of match fitness began to show," said Sado, the 26-year-old five times Spanish national champion playing in the World Open for only the second time since 1996.   "She has a real hard style to play against - and she's really fit.

 

"It's great to have the World Open in Spain - and it would be really good if it inspired more people to play squash," added Sado.

 

Laura Alonso Perez, playing in only her second WISPA tournament since making her Tour debut last week in London, offered stiff resistance to Malaysia's Tricia Chuah - the top seed in the qualifiers - before going down 9-2, 9-2, 9-0 in 25 minutes.

 

"It's so important for squash in Spain to have the World Open here - not only to make more people aware of the sport in our country, but also to attract more girls to play the game," said the 31-year-old from Tenerife. 

 

"I only started playing squash five years ago, and have won the Canary Island championship six times.   But Tricia was just too strong for me today, she's so consistent and plays such a straight game. 

 

"I am so happy to be part of WISPA and am so grateful for the support of the Spanish Federation.  This has been a fantastic experience and I will take it back to Tenerife with me - and pass it on to the group of kids who I coach there."

 

Chuah conceded that her opponent made her work hard as she was "better than I expected her to be."

 

"I felt uncomfortable to start with as the court was so warm and the ball so bouncy.  But I'm glad to start the competition with a win," acknowledged the world No26 from Kuala Lumpur.

 

The youngest Spanish hope was Xisela Aranda Nunez, who extended Ireland's Aisling Blake for 22 minutes before going down 9-0, 9-4, 9-1.

 

"I am so happy to be here - I only started playing squash four years ago after giving up tennis," said the 21-year-old from Vigo, in north west Spain.  "I have been training hard for the past month with Elisabet Sado - but playing in this event has been incredible.

 

"Having the World Open in Madrid has been good for people not only to see the top Spanish players, but also the best women in the world.

 

"Even though I lost today, being part of the event has been amazing - I will remember this as an unbelievable experience in my life," added Aranda Nunez.

 

Orla Noom, the world No40 from the Netherlands who arrived in Madrid today direct from winning the Leinster Open title in Dublin yesterday, felt as if she was carrying on playing in the same event.

 

"I must say that I'm beginning to feel a bit tired now - but I'm definitely happy to get through," said the 21-year-old from Hoofddorp after beating England's Georgina Stoker 9-3, 9-6, 6-9, 9-5.

 

"The last time I played Georgina, she was injured, so I was expecting a tough game today.  The court was really bouncy - but, because I'm quite tall, that suits me."

 

Four English players battled through to Monday's qualifying finals.  Exactly a year after injuring her heel in the first round of the qualifiers in the 2006 World Open in Belfast - and being out of action for ten months - Sussex's Suzie Pierrepont had a comfortable 9-0, 9-1, 9-0 first round win over Dutch player Dagmar Vermeulen in just 18 minutes.

 

"When you're out for so long, it not only messes up your fitness, but it also really ruins your confidence - so it's great to be back in action here and winning.  And after all that, it would be so good to qualify," said the 22-year-old who now lives in Oxfordshire.

 

Cheshire's Sarah Kippax beat France's Celia Allamargot 9-0, 5-9, 9-1, 9-2 - but was surprised to drop the second game:  "I played Celia in last week's London Open, so I knew what to expect.  But after I won the first game easily, she really took me by surprise in the second - she really played some good shots.  But I got back in control in the third.

 

"I've never qualified for the Worlds before so it would be really good to do that here," added the 24-year-old world No31.

 

Derbyshire fire-fighter Laura Hill took just 22 minutes to beat Sweden's Anna-Carin Forstadius 9-1, 9-0, 9-0.  "I'm really enjoying playing the circuit while also working fulltime.  In fact, I've taken a week off work, and am here in Madrid with my boyfriend Kevin.  I find it really good doing things like sight-seeing in places like this - it works for me and takes the pressure off, helping me to feel fresher when I get on court," said Hill.


Madrid Mayor Welcomes Women's World Open To Unique Royal Setting

At a special reception to celebrate the staging of the Women's World Open Squash Championship adjacent to the Palacio Real in the Spanish capital Madrid, the city's Mayor, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon, addressed a distinguished group of guests, proposing that "this combination of sport and beautiful scenery will amaze both the spectators and the players".

 

Guests included His Royal Highness Prince Imran, President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and Patron of the World Squash Federation (WSF); Jahangir Khan, President of the WSF; Susie Simcock, Emeritus President of the WSF; Manuel Cobo, Deputy Mayor of Madrid; Mercedes Coghen, CEO of Madrid 16; Rogelio Chantada, President of the Spanish Squash Federation; and Malaysia's world number one Nicol David.

 

After two rounds at the city's Club Palestra, action has switched to an open-air all-glass court at the Jardines del Cabo Noval, adjacent to the Palacio Real.  The 2007 World Open Championship is the first sports event ever to be held alongside Madrid's historic Royal Palace.

 

"This is a unique location in the City of Madrid because it is surrounded by the Royal Palace and the Royal Theatre, as well as amazing views over the Sabatini Gardens, the "Campo del Moro" Gardens, the Manzanares River and the Casa de Campo Park," said Mayor Ruiz-Gallardon.

 

"The fact that Madrid is hosting this event proves that all Spanish institutions support every sport event that is held in our city.  Especially, I want to thank the backing of HRH Queen Sofia of Spain, who is the President of the Honour Committee of the tournament.

 

"The success of this important championship, as well as the other sport events that have been held recently in our city - including the Tennis Master Series and the European Basketball Championships -  represent the best possible promotion for the Madrid 16 Olympic bid.

 

"Madrid has a well-proven experience in the organisation of sport competitions and it projects the image of a city committed to sport," concluded the Mayor.

 

Jahangir Khan, a former six times winner of the men's World Open title, presented a special plaque to the Mayor in appreciation of the city's generous sponsorship of the 2007 Women's World Open Championship.


Previews

WSF Secure Live Streaming From Women's World Open
Live webstreaming of this week's Women's World Open Squash Championship in Madrid will be available free to fans worldwide via the World Squash Federation (WSF) website www.worldsquash.org from the quarter-finals on Thursday through to the final on Saturday.

 

The 2007 Madrid Women's World Open - the sport's biggest-ever women's event - will be staged on an all-glass adjacent to the Royal Palace (the Palacio Real) in the Spanish capital, from 25-27 October.

 

In addition to access to the live streaming, fans will also be able to view all the matches later for a further period of one month.

 

"The world's top women players will be in action in Madrid - and, in a major breakthrough for the championships, can be seen from quarter-finals onwards by a worldwide audience via the internet streaming," explained WSF Chief Executive Christian Leighton.

 

Fans are encouraged to log on to the coverage via www.worldsquash.org, from Thursday.

Madrid Unveils Women's
World Open Championship Website

Organisers of the Women's World Open Squash Championship, the sport's biggest-ever event which will be staged in Madrid from 23-27 October, have unveiled the new event website http://squash.sportec.com

In addition to history of the event, background information about the World Squash Federation (WSF) and ranking details of the players, the site will also feature information about the Spanish capital, a virtual magazine, and links to other official websites of Madrid.

The new site has been developed by specialist Spanish company Sportec.

"On the dynamic side, we will be constantly updating news about the championship and the results," explained Sportec's Rosa Pena.  "There are links to the competition schedule, the general programme and the entry list by event. 

"When the competition begins, we will update all the matches and the results table.  At the end of competition, we’ll show the final standings with its medallists," added Pena.

The 2007 Madrid Women's World Open will be staged adjacent to the Royal Palace (the Palacio Real) in the Spanish capital, from 23-27 October, following qualifying at the city's Pallestra Squash Club from 21-22 October.

Official website:
http://squash.sportec.com

 

Duncalf & Bailey Through To World Open Quarters In Madrid

England team-mates Jenny Duncalf and Tania Bailey battled through to the quarter-finals of the Women's World Open Squash Championship in Madrid after victories over compatriots in the second round of the sport's biggest-ever women's event in the Spanish capital.

 

Duncalf, the ninth seed from Yorkshire, upset Vicky Botwright in 48 minutes after the No6 seed from Manchester retired with a back injury with the score standing at 9-4, 9-6, 5-3.

 

"I felt a twinge on my right side when Jenny pushed me forward at the end of the second game," explained Botwright, the England No3.

 

"It was shortly after the British Open (in September) that I played a league match when I felt a similar twinge, and woke up the next morning with the left side of my body paralysed.  Tania Bailey was my saviour - luckily she was staying with me that night and helped me get dressed and took me to the EIS in Manchester.  It was two days before I regained feeling - and some time before I was back to normal.

 

"I guess I just haven't been put under that kind of pressure since the British Open - but I didn't want to risk anything like that again, so I had to retire.  If I have to lose to anybody like that, I'd rather it was to an English player!"

 

Duncalf seemed surprisingly downbeat following the win which takes her into her maiden World quarter-final:  "It's never nice to win like that - but I thought I played well and deserved to win," said the 24-year-old.

 

"I had a game plan and stuck to it - I didn't make many errors and was hitting a good length.  I'm looking forward to playing on the glass court - though I hear the weather forecast suggests that it will be only one degree!  But I'm ecstatic really - it's good to be in my first world quarter-final!"

 

One of the bravest wins of the day was achieved by fourth seed Tania Bailey in the other all-English last sixteen clash.  Struggling for the second day with a recurrence of sinusitis, the England number one from Lincolnshire fought back from a game down to beat 11th seed Laura Lengthorn-Massaro, from Preston, 8-10, 9-5, 10-9, 9-3 in 75 minutes.

 

"I can't believe I managed to get through that," said the 28-year-old from Stamford who was clearly again having serious difficulty with her breathing.  "I felt I needed to win the first game - and when I didn't, I didn't think I could win the match. 

 

"But I felt I then played thoughtful squash.  I was feeling light-headed and kept having to take deep breaths.  I never went into the match thinking I was going to win - Laura is such a tough player," added Bailey, who goes on to meet former world champion Vanessa Atkinson.

 

"I look forward to playing on the glass court - where conditions surely couldn't be more different from those here.  I've actually beaten Vanessa the last four times I've played her - but that followed about eight wins in a row by her.  But she's playing a lot better at the moment."

 

Alison Waters, the 12th seed from London, put up a brave fight against Rachael Grinham - taking the first game against the third seed from Australia before going down 4-9, 9-6, 9-4, 9-5 in 71 minutes.

 

Madrid 16 Welcomes World's Top Women

To The Spanish Capital

At a special Opening Ceremony in Madrid, hosted by Madrid 16 in honour of the staging of the 2007 Women's World Open Squash Championship in the Spanish capital, CEO Mercedes Coghen welcomed the world's top players to the city and thanked the World Squash Federation (WSF) and the Women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA) for choosing Madrid to host the sport's biggest event.

 

"We wish all the best to squash in its bid to become part of the Olympic programme - and we urge you to think of Madrid as the capital city for sport," Ms Coghen told the distinguished audience.

 

Angus Kirkland, the WSF Technical Director addressed the gathering on behalf of the Federation's celebrated President Jahangir Khan, the former six times World Champion. 

 

"This event is the most important competition in Women’s Squash.  Only the best 32 from some 21 nations have qualified - and I am convinced they will delight you all with their skill, athleticism, determination and friendliness," said Kirkland for the WSF President.

 

"I would like to thank the city of Madrid for hosting this World Championship. You have shown us your generosity and vision, your passion for sport and your organisational capabilities by embracing the event with open arms.  Your efforts will leave us all with unforgettable moments and pictures that we will treasure forever.  In particular, my sincerest gratitude to the Mayor of the City of Madrid, Mr. Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon, to Mr. Miguel de la Villa at the Sports Department, and to the Community of Madrid's Councillor of Sport Mr Alberto Lopez-Viego.

 

"I am also very grateful to Madrid 16.  We would not be here today without the leadership and drive of Mercedes Coghen and her team.  You have done so much for this event to become the success it will be.  Thank you Mercedes.  Thank you Ramona.  Thank you Carmen.  Thank you Madrid 16.

 

"In a final round of thanks, I would like to acknowledge the Real Federacion Espanola de Squash for accepting and participating in the organisation of this event.  I know this marks a historic moment in Spanish Squash and I trust our Federation will seize on the development opportunity that has been presented to them.

 

"I would like to wish Madrid best of luck in its initiative to bring the Olympic Games to the city in 2016.  Squash is trying to achieve inclusion in the sports programme and the next opportunity is also in 2016.  I sincerely hope that our collective dreams and efforts come to fruition in Copenhagen in 2009."

 

Malaysia's title-holder Nicol David addressed the gathering on behalf of the players:  "When we first heard that this year's World Open was going to be in Madrid, we were all so pleased to be coming to this great city.  It's going to be a spectacular setting for the final stages, on the all-glass court by the Royal Palace.

 

"Hopefully squash and Madrid 16 will both fulfil our dreams for 2016 - and that I will still be playing in order to compete in the sport's first appearance in the Olympic Games!"

 

Rogelio Chantada, President of the Spanish Squash Federation, added his thanks to the assembled crowd:  "We thank the WSF and WISPA - but particularly Madrid 16, without whose help the city would not have been able to stage this event."

 

In accepting the WSF flag from Angus Kirkland, Madrid City Council's General Director of Sport Miguel de la Villa said:  "It is a pleasure to have the world championships for squash in our city - the best of luck to you all, and we hope to see you again in 2016 - here in Madrid!"

 
 

Event History 1979-2006

DATE LOCATION WINNER RUNNER-UP FINAL SCORE
         
Nov 2006 Belfast, Ireland Nicol David (MAS) Natalie Grinham (AUS) 1-9, 9-7, 3-9, 9-5, 9-2 (95m) 
Dec 2005  Hong Kong Nicol David (MAS)  Rachael Grinham (AUS) 8-10, 9-2, 9-6, 9-7 (53m) 
Dec 2004  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Vanessa Atkinson (NED) Natalie Grinham (AUS) 9-1, 9-1, 9-5 (33m) 
Dec 2003  Hong Kong Carol Owens (NZL) Cassie Jackman (ENG) 3-9, 9-2, 9-7, 9-3 (53m) 
Nov 2002 Doha, Qatar Sarah Fitz-Gerald (AUS) Natalie Grainger (ENG) 10-8, 9-3, 7-9, 9-7 (86m) 
Oct 2001 Melbourne, Australia Sarah Fitz-Gerald (AUS) Leilani Joyce (NZL) 9-0, 9-3, 9-2 (44m) 
Nov 2000 Edinburgh, Scotland Carol Owens (AUS) Leilani Joyce (NZL) 7-9, 3-9, 10-8, 9-6, 9-1 
Oct 1999 Seattle, USA Cassie Jackman (ENG) Michelle Martin (AUS) 9-6, 9-7, 9-7 
Nov 1998 Stuttgart, Germany Sarah Fitz-Gerald (AUS) Michelle Martin (AUS) 10-8, 9-7, 2-9, 3-9, 10-9 (82m) 
Oct 1997 Sydney, Australia Sarah Fitz-Gerald (AUS) Michelle Martin (AUS) 9-5, 5-9, 6-9, 9-2, 9-3 
Oct 1996 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Sarah Fitz-Gerald (AUS) Cassie Jackman (ENG) 9-0, 9-3, 9-4 
Jul 1995 Hong Kong Michelle Martin (AUS) Sarah Fitz-Gerald (AUS) 8-10, 9-2, 9-6, 9-3 
Oct 1994 Guernsey, England Michelle Martin (AUS) Cassie Jackman (ENG) 9-1, 9-0, 9-6 
Sep 1993 Johannesburg, South Africa Michelle Martin (AUS) Liz Irving (AUS) 9-2, 9-2, 9-1 
Oct 1992 Vancouver, Canada Susan Devoy (NZL) Michelle Martin (AUS)  9-4, 9-6, 9-4 
Oct 1990 Sydney, Australia Susan Devoy (NZL) Martine le Moignan (ENG) 9-4, 9-4, 9-4 
Oct 1989 Warmond, Netherlands Martine le Moignan (ENG) Susan Devoy (NZL) 4-9, 9-4, 10-8, 10-8 
Oct 1987 Auckland, New Zealand Susan Devoy (NZL) Lisa Opie (ENG) 9-3, 10-8, 9-2 
Oct 1985 Dublin, Ireland Susan Devoy (NZL) Lisa Opie (ENG) 9-4, 9-5, 10-8 
Oct 1983 Perth, Australia Vicki Cardwell (AUS) Rhonda Thorne (AUS) 9-1, 9-3, 9-4 
Oct 1981 Toronto, Canada Rhonda Thorne (AUS) Vicki Cardwell (AUS) 8-10, 9-4, 9-5, 7-9, 9-7 (118m) 
Oct 1979 Sheffield, England Heather McKay (AUS)  Sue Cogswell (ENG) 6-9, 9-3, 9-1, 9-4

Australia 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2002 2004 2006
Austria 1998 2002 2004 2006
Belgium 1989 1998 2004
Brazil 1992 1994 1996 2000
Canada 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1990 1992 1994 1996 1888 2000 2002 2004 2006
Cayman Islands 1992
Colombia 1998
Denmark 1989 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004
Egypt 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006
England * 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006
Finland 1985 1989 1990 1992 1994 1996
France 1987 1989 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006
Germany (a) 1981 1985 1987 1989 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006
Great Britain* 1979
Hong Kong 1985 1990 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006
India 2002
Ireland 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006
Israel 1994
Italy 1996 2000
Japan 1987 1992 1994 1996 2000 2002 2004 2006
Kenya 1981
Malaysia 1990 1992 1994 1996 2000 2002 2004 2006
Netherlands 1981 1985 1987 1989 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006
New Zealand 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006
Nigeria 1981 1998
Norway 1987
Papua New Guinea 1990
Scotland * 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004
Singapore 1990 1992 1994
South Africa 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006
Spain 1989 1990 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2006
Sweden 1979 1981 1983 1985 1989 1990 1992 1998
Switzerland 1990 1994 1998 2000 2004
USA 1979 1981 1983 1987 1989 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006
Wales * 1981 1983 1985 1987 1994 2000
Zimbabwe 1981 1985

* In 1979 Great Britain comprised England, Wales and Scotland combined
(a) Was West Germany until 1990
 

   

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