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Cincinnati Cup 2020
Women's Draw
20 - 24 Feb
Cincinnati, Ohio, $51.25k |
ROUND TWO
20 FEB |
QUARTERS
22 FEB |
SEMIS
23 FEB |
FINAL
24 FEB |
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[1] Amanda Sobhy (USA)
11-5, 12-10, 11-1 (23m)
Nicole Bunyan (CAN) |
Amanda Sobhy
11/5, 11/2, 11/3 (24m)
Nele Gilis |
Amanda Sobhy
v
Hania El Hammamy |
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[5] Nele Gilis (BEL)
11-6, 11-6, 11-0 (18m)
[9/16] Menna Nasser (EGY) |
[6] Rowan Elaraby (EGY)
11-6, 11-3, 9-11, 12-10 (40m)
[9/16] Nada Abbas (EGY) |
Rowan Elaraby
11/7, 11/5, 11/6 (31m)
Hania El Hammamy |
[3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY)
11-5, 11-8, 11-5 (31m)
[9/16] Emilia Soini (FIN) |
[4] Olivia Blatchford Clyne (USA)
11-7, 11-3, 11-7 (23m)
Nikki Todd (CAN) |
Olivia Blatchford Clyne
11/8/12/10, 11/6 (33m)
Tinne Gilis |
Olivia Blatchford Clyne
v
Sarah-Jane Perry |
[7] Tinne Gilis (BEL)
11-6, 11-5, 11-6 (34m)
[9/16] Enora Villard (FRA) |
[8] Low Wee Wern (MAS)
11-7, 11-5, 11-4 (31m)
[9/16] Sarah Cardwell (AUS) |
Low Wee Wern
9/11, 11/9, 9/11, 11/7, 11/5 (65m)
Sarah-Jane Perry |
[9/16] Mayar Hany (EGY)
11-5, 9-11, 11-4, 11-5 (37m)
[2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) |
[1] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bye
Nicole Bunyan (CAN) bt [9/16] Ineta Mackevica (LAT) 4-11, 11-8, 6-11,
11-7, 12-10 (47m)
[9/16] Menna Nasser (EGY) bt Jessica Turnbull (AUS) 15-13, 2-11, 11-9,
11-13, 11-8 (54m)
[5] Nele Gilis (BEL) bye
[6] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bye
[9/16] Nada Abbas (EGY) bt Sunayna Kuruvilla (IND) 8-11, 11-5, 11-6,
9-11, 11-6 (41m)
[9/16] Emilia Soini (FIN) bt [WC] Weenee Low (MAS) 11-3, 11-4, 11-2
(18m)
[3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bye
[4] Olivia Blatchford Clyne (USA) bye
Nikki Todd (CAN) bt [9/16] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) 12-10, 12-10, 8-11,
4-11, 11-6 (47m)
[9/16] Enora Villard (FRA) bt Cindy Merlo (SUI) 11-7, 11-9, 11-5 (27m)
[7] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bye
[8] Low Wee Wern (MAS) bye
[9/16] Sarah Cardwell (AUS) bt Tessa ter Sluis (NED) 11-6, 8-11, 11-8,
5-11, 11-9 (44m)
[9/16] Mayar Hany (EGY) bt Catalina Pelaez (COL) 12-10, 11-4, 11-6 (22m)
[2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bye |
Day three, quarter-finals
By Nathan Dugan |
Hania interview |
Hania and Rowan |
Olivia and Tinne |
It was a good night for the US players and SJ survived a stern test as
the final four were set at the Gaynor Cup in Cincinnati.
World number 7, Sarah-Jane Perry, had to dig deep into her reserves to
fend off the challenge laid down by former World number 5, Low Wee Wern,
in the last quarter final today. It took 65 minutes, in what is so far
the longest match of the tournament, for SJ to break down the tenacity
of the Malaysian. Wee Wern had plenty of support with the majority of
the crowd rooting her on through allegiance to her sister being a
teaching pro at the host venue. The support may have helped as she took
a 2-1 game lead with each game decided by the narrowest of margins. The
upset was not to occur though as The British National Champion refused
to give away any easy points and played with a precision that even the
speedy Wee Wern was unable to contend with.
Oliva Blatchford Clyne will be next up for SJ as the New Yorker played
with great attacking authority in her quarter final. With only four
places in the rankings separating Olivia from the younger of the two
Belgian sisters still in the draw, Tinne Gilis, a close game was
anticipated, but Olivia looked sharp and back to the form that almost
carried her into the worlds’ top ten.
The reigning US National Champions use of the four corners, with flicks
and holds to finish points, was too much for her opponent and she
progressed to the Semis in Cincinnati for the first time.
Two very much in form players will be deciding who reaches the final
from the top half of the draw after two dominant performances against
tricky opposition in their respective quarter finals. Nele Gilis could
have been forgiven for thinking she stood a pretty good chance against
Top seed, Amanda Sobhy in the first match of the day, given the American
number ones’ poor January results by her standards. Amanda had obviously
eradicated that from her memory banks though as she played flawless
squash and couldn’t miss as she reeled off non-returnable winners. If it
wasn’t a winner it was a deadly hold and dying length that gave the
Belgian, who celebrated her 24th Birthday with us this week, no chance
of gaining control in the match.
The defending champion, Hania El Hammamy, lies in wait tomorrow for
Amanda after the World number 10 dispatched of compatriot Rowan Elaraby
in three straight forward games. This was the most eagerly anticipated
match up of the round so it was a surprise that the match was dominated
in such fashion. The two Egyptian 19 year olds, who are surly tipped to
be the top two players in the World in years to come, have already
shared some massive occasions. Twice Rowan beat Hania in the final to
win a World Junior Championship, in fact it had been over two years
since Hania had recorded a victory against her lower ranked opponent.
But tonight, wow, she was on! With the effortless court coverage and
accuracy to the front of the court, Amanda could have her hands full
tomorrow.
Whatever the outcome of their semi it will not be one to miss…and you
don’t have to because the match will be streamed live on YouTube. Search
PSA Gaynor Cup and enjoy it with us!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16iYNabDAws&t=3533s |
Day two, the last 16
By Nathan Dugan
Upset free Friday in Cincinnati…
While the first round of the Gaynor Cup in Cincinnati was filled with
drama and unpredictability, the second day of the event emphasized a
touch of class from the seeded players as last night’s winners were all
sent home with their tails between their legs.
With the exception of the teenage dual between Rowan Elaraby and Nada
Abbas, all the matchups had at least a 30 place differential on the PSA
world rankings. This gap was evident as the higher ranked player
overcame their challenger with relative ease. Amanda Sobhy opened up
proceedings by silencing the normally chatty Nicole Bunyan. Nicole
actually played very well, making only five errors in the entire match,
but the pace at which Amanda played was too much for the Princeton grad,
making it Harvard 1, Princeton 0.
Menna Nasser who had obviously been struggling last night with an ankle
problem was even more hampered today as Nele Gilis looked almost
uncomfortable taking advantage of her opponents’ misfortune. To her
credit Menna did finish the match but the lightness of movement from
Nele would clearly have given Menna problems even on her best of days.
French number 4, Enora Villard put up a much more physical test for the
second Gilis in the draw, Tinne. However physicality didn’t seem to
bother Tinne as every extended rally seemed to benefit the Belgian as
she beat her opponent into submission.
 Defending
champion, Hania El Hammamy, looked very comfortable on the Cincinnati
court she won the title on twelve months ago, getting off to a flying
start in her attempt to retain her crown. Finnish National Champion,
Emilia Soini, was no match for the agility and shot making of her
nineteen year old opponent despite extending the match past the half an
hour mark.
Fourth seed and American hopeful to lift the title, Olivia Blatchford
Clyne, also looked to be enjoying her time on court. Showing a renewed
vigor and pep in her step from last year’s quarter final exit, the
charismatic New Yorker made light work of doubles specialist Nikki Todd
with some excellent racquet work to the front of the court.
Second seed, Sarah-Jane Perry had a slight stutter in the second game of
her first round encounter with Mayar Hany. The two had never played on
the PSA tour before tonight at it looked like it was going to be another
smooth sailing round for the British national Champion before Mayar
threw in a number of attacking boast that enabled her to win the second
game. The effort it took to sneak a game though was evident as Mayar
didn’t seem to have the legs to sustain her challenge.
 Low
Wee Wern played her entire last 16 match with a cheeky grin on her face
against Sarah Cardwell. After being out of the sport for three years
following three major knee surgeries, Wee Wern acknowledged in the
post-match interview how she used to take playing tournaments and
travelling for granted. Now, with a second chance on the tour, she
looked to be having fun as she looked to be keeping Sarah on the endo of
a yoyo at times as she took the Aussies legs from beneath her.
The most anticipated match was a rematch of the Gaynor Cup 2017 Quarter
final between Rowan Elaraby and Nada Abbas. Both 16 in 2017, it was Nada
that progressed to the quarter finals. Tonight though, it was Rowan’s
turn to take revenge as she toppled her friend and Egyptian team mate in
four fiercely contested games. With piercing cry’s emulating after each
point from both players, the crowd had no option but to get involved in
the latest chapter in the two’s rivalry. At 2-0 down Nada looked out of
it but she hung in to win a close third before squandering an 8-3 lead
in the 4th and exiting the tournament.
Sarah-Jane Perry closed proceedings with a comfortable win over a
dangerous opponent in Mayar Hany. Mayar made life uncomfortable for the
World number 7 in the first two games, throwing in some very attacking
shots when SJ missed her back targets. The pressure in which SJ was
applying to the pace of every rally was taking its toll though as she
looked completely in control of games three and four.
Tomorrow we have 4 intriguing matches starting with our top seed Amanda
Sobhy taking on Belgian Champion Nele Gilis. Play will be from 3-6pm and
can be seen on YouTube.
For live streaming of all the matches search YouTube: PSA Gaynor cup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16iYNabDAws&t=3533s |
Day one, first round
The Gaynor Cup PSA Bronze Tour Event from Cincinnati, Ohio. USA
By Nathan Dugan
A rollercoaster first day in Cincinnati leaves mental scars as players
clutch defeat from the jaws of victory…
It was a strange yet enthralling day of squash in Cincinnati, Ohio, as
the first round got under way for the fourth annual Gaynor Cup. Elevated
to a Bronze stature PSA event for the first time, the level of the
players in the first round demonstrated just how the depth of the
women’s professional game has escalated in the past ten years. Anyone
could beat anyone as five of the eight matches went the distance. In
each of those five gamers, the victor who progressed may well wake up
wondering how they are still in the draw, and those that lost may exit
their flights back home with bruised shins as they kick themselves
repeatedly for the missed opportunities.
Ineta Mackevica looked to be on course for a second consecutive
appearance in the last 16 at the Gaynor Cup. A convincing first and
third game was marred by some loose hitting in the second and fourth
games which allowed the talkative Princeton Alum, Nicole Bunyan, back
into the match. At 10-8 in the fifth, it looked like the tall Latvian
had survived an inconsistent performance but four straight points sent
Ineta crashing out…somewhat literally as she took a big tumble / dive to
a non-returnable shot at match ball.
In the longest match of the day Jessica Turnbull missed the chance to
upset her higher ranked opponent. At 8-6 down in the fifth game, the
visibly hampered Egyptian looked like she may throw in the towel, but
Menna’s competitive spirit stayed strong as she pulled off some accurate
drop shots to win five straight points.
Indian number 2, Sunayna Kuruvilla was the next underdog to blow her
chance in the spotlight. Ranked 40 places below her fellow teenage
opponent, Sunayna let out shrieks so loud after winning the first and
fourth game of this afternoons encounter that paramedics may have been
called in if she had won the fifth game! At 6-6 in the deciding game it
looked like a distinct possibility as her attacking play was causing
Nada all sorts of problems, not allowing the Egyptian to get into any
rhythm. At the crucial stage of the match though Sunayna became a little
tentative and handed Nada a few glorious opportunities off lose balls
which she gladly accepted, winning the last five points with no return.
The reward for Nada is a rematch of the 2017 quarter final of the Gaynor
Cup with Rowan Elaraby and on that occasion she was the victor.
Canadian, Nikki Todd, produce only the second upset of the seeding in a
match sandwiched in-between two straight forward 3-0 victories. Local
teaching pro and former world junior championship finalist, Weenee Low,
had trouble dealing with the elevation of the Finnish Champion.
 Emilia’s
lobs were coming down with snow on the ball and mixed with tight drops
it was a deadly concoction. Enora Villard took full advantage of a half
fit Cindy Merlo. Cindy battled all the way to the finish line but was
clearly restricted by a knee problem sustained in Cleveland earlier in
the month also succumbing 3-0. Nikki’s match though in contrast was
anything but predictable as each player did their best, often with
success, to give the initiative back to their opponent. Nikki won a
close first, but then inexplicably reeled off eight points in a row from
10-4 down to take a 2-0 lead. The favor was returned to Jasmine though
as seemingly down and out at 4-8 in the third, she was given a lifeline,
as Nikki did exactly what coach for the match, Amanda Sobhy (right),
told her not to do. The momentum shift took us rapidly to a decider in
which wisdom prevailed somehow over youth and Nikki progressed to a
clash tomorrow with Olivia Blatchford Clyne.
Sarah Cardwell was two points shy of making it three appearances in
Cincinnati and not a single winning handshake when 9-6 down in the fifth
against last minute call up Tessa ter Sluis. Tessa looked like she had
taken full advantage of Salma Hany being forced to withdraw from the
event on Monday due to injury, but with the ribbon in sight the legs
began to wobble and the Aussies tenacity proved the difference as she
claimed her first victory at an event where she has given so much off
the court in activities with kids in the community.
In the final match of the night crowd favorite, especially with a number
of Trinity Alums watching, Catalina Pelaez, was in great form in the
first game taking a 10-8 lead with shot making and racquet work
unmatched during the days play. That was where creativity was trumped
though by discipline as Mayar Hany produced a solid display of
consistent deep hitting which stifled the attack and suffocated the
Columbians legs, setting up a last 16 encounter with Sarah Jane Perry.
For live streaming of all the matches search YouTube: PSA Gaynor cup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16iYNabDAws&t=3533s
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