WWO 2002

WOMENS
WORLDS 2003
by SquashPlayer

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Sarah Fitz-Gerald achieved the last remaining major goal of a fine career - a record fifth World Open title - but had to endure a struggle full of twists and turns, and three agonizing delays, before she achieved it.

The Australian's victory over the U.S.-domiciled English woman Natalie Pohrer involved a dramatic mid-match swing of fortunes, repeated tumbles on a slippery floor, and a 15-minute time out while the air conditioning was switched on to remove condensation from the floor.

Fitz-Gerald eventually won 10-8,9-3,7-9,9-7 with 61 minutes showing on the clock, but it had actually been an hour and 27 minutes from the first moment to the last, during which time the outcome became increasingly in doubt.

Pohrer, who had come from two games down to upset the former world champion Carol Owens in the semi-finals, now came from two games down to lead 3-0 in the fourth game. Once again she showed herself to have the ability to think on her feet and to play a deceptive and destructive game in the front court.

In the end Fitz-Gerald resisted a worrying Pohrer recovery from 3-8 to 7-8 in the fourth game, thanks largely to patience in the ever-lengthening rallies and to her consistently greater weight of shot.

She was also fulsome in her tribute to her underdog opponent, who had been competing in her first major final.

"Natalie made this title very difficult to win and I am very proud of her," Fitz-Gerald said. "I think in future we will see her name on the trophy."

Pohrer said: "I felt I played well but I just couldn't quite make it. Sarah kept firing it in deep and kept me back. She's a great player - but I have about nine years on her!"

Fitz-Gerald, who will be 34 before the end of the year, claims that she is not certain of retiring. But she also says she will only play league matches and exhibitions for the foreseeable future, which means that her chances of making a comeback may not be high.

If so, the World Open has seen the end of one of the all-time greats, who not only conquered every opponent with whom she was presented but also extensive inner doubts which for a long time made it seem possible she would never fulfill her enormous potential.

POHRER CLOSE
TO GLORY
England's Natalie Pohrer was not far from producing her second major upset in two days when she went down to Australia's defending champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald in the World Open final.

"I've thought about this day for months," said Pohrer. "I thought I played well but I just couldn't do it. Sarah's a great player and kept firing it in deep."

Fitz-Gerald said: "Natalie's said she doesn't want me to retire until she beats me.  Well, she came very close today, so I might think about it sooner than you think."

9/5, 9/1, 9/6

Vanessa Atkinson

9/2, 1/9, 9/4, 9/3

Linda Charman

10/8, 9/3, 7/9, 9/7

Natalie Pohrer

2/9, 9/5, 9/4, 7/9, 9/1

Tania Bailey

6/9, 9/7, 9/5, 4/9, 10/8

Natalie Pohrer

Natalie Pohrer

5/9, 2/9, 9/4, 9/1, 10/8

Carol Owens

9/1, 9/0, 9/1

Carol Owens

Women's World Open 2003   by SquashPlayer

 www.squashplayer.co.uk/wwo