Nicol
David & Nick Matthew Celebrate Historic Commonwealth Games Double
Top seeds Nicol David and Nick Matthew
marked an historic Commonwealth Games double today when both
successfully retained their Squash singles titles at the
Glasgow 2014 Games.
David - the world No1 from Malaysia who is competing
in her fifth successive Games since her maiden home soil appearance
in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur, aged 15 - beat England's world champion
Laura Massaro in the women's final, whilst world No2 Matthew
survived a five-game battle with fellow Englishman James
Willstrop in a repeat of the 2010 men's final in Delhi.
The matches brought to a close an exhilarating
five-day festival of squash staged on a spectacular all-glass
showcourt at Scotstoun Sports Campus in Scotland's largest
city, watched by unprecedented crowds in excess of 2,000 each day.
Massaro, the only player who has beaten David five
times, established leads of 8-4 and 9-7 in the opening game before
reaching game-ball at 10-9.
But the 30-year-old Malaysian, who has topped the
world rankings unopposed since August 2006, played the shot of the
match - a forehand boast which just cleared the tin - to draw level
before clinching the game 12-10.
David went on to take the next two games 11-2, 11-5
to claiming the gold medal for the second time in a row, after 44
minutes.
"Winning the first game was crucial - it was really
tough out there, I had to put the pressure on," said the beaming
champion. "I've been working on that shot (to save game-ball at
9-10) for a long time!
"Laura is the most competitive player on the Tour -
she's so determined, she just doesn't let go.
"It's only just hit me that I am the Commonwealth
Games champion for the second time - it really is remarkable.
"Today is the Malaysian festival of Hari Raya (the
Muslim 'Eid Mubarak' celebration to mark the end of Ramadan) - which
makes it even more special for me.
"I really wanted this gold."
Massaro, a Commonwealth Games medallist for the first
time, said: "Before the event, my goal was to get a medal. I was
desperate for gold and when you spend the whole time aiming for
that, this is a bit disappointing.
"I know when Nicol gets in front and gets the first
game, it settles her down. She played really well - but I felt I was
playing really well too," added the world No2 from Preston.
On David's crucial shot in the opening game, Massaro
said: "She tends to pull out an awesome shot on game-ball down!"
The men's final also featured the top two seeds -
with the Yorkshire pair marking their 53rd meeting and Matthew
boasting a 41-11 lead.
Both players arrived in Glasgow following injury
scares - Matthew underwent knee surgery six weeks ago and Willstrop
suffered a mystery ailment which hampered his preparation.
Defending champion Matthew took the opening game
after 25 minutes - but Willstrop recovered from an early Matthew
lead in the second to draw level.
Willstrop seemed tired in the third as Matthew
regained his lead - but the Harrogate-based underdog dug deep to win
the fourth to set up a decider.
Matthew led throughout the fifth before raising his
arms in joy after securing his 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-5 title
triumph in exactly 100 minutes.
"Considering what we've both been through, this match
is a testament to both of us - we were both winners out there and
both deserve to stand at the top of the podium," Matthew told the
media afterwards.
"I was on a hospital bed six weeks ago and he was
told he might never play again.
"And Chris (Robertson) reminded me of that when I
came off court at two-all - 'you're a winner whatever happens' said
my coach.
"I probably played some of my best squash in the
fourth game, which I lost," added the Sheffield star.
"I'm very proud to win a second gold medal - and it's
thanks to the people who have helped to get me to this stage."
It was an unexpectedly upbeat Willstrop who explained
his thoughts after his defeat. "I'm disappointed to lose, of course,
but I am really proud of my performance. I just enjoyed every second
of it - I just loved being on that court. I've come off having lost,
but I'm happy.
"I have great respect for what Nick has achieved.
It's miraculous what he's done to get back after his surgery.
"When I got the results of the second scan (after a
first had suggested a serious condition), it was like getting a new
lease of life.
"I did hit a wall in the third - but I got second
wind in the fourth. I haven't had a match like that for ages, but
neither has he.
"This is not a loss - I've won a silver medal.
Playing on an occasion like this doesn't get any better."
The men's bronze medal play-off resulted in a 1-2-3
for England when third seed Peter Barker beat Indian
semi-final first-timer Saurav Ghosal, the No4 seed, 11-5,
6-11, 11-5, 11-6. The women's bronze went to Joelle King
after the New Zealander beat England's Alison Waters 11-7,
11-7, 11-5.
After winning his second successive singles bronze,
Barker said: "I was really gutted after yesterday - but to have come
away today without a medal would have been even worse. It's been a
long and tough week. I wanted a medal and badly wanted to improve on
my bronze in Delhi.
"It's the first England medal - and that's why we are
here. Medals is what the England team have all worked so hard for.
"Saurav played well - it was a really hard match and
for him to have backed up his earlier matches in this way shows how
far he has come. He has had some great PSA wins.
"I hope it's a great final - I wish I was in it. I
know Nick has worked really hard over the past few weeks and the
reaction on James's face last night when he won shows how good he
feels about making the final.
"This crowd has been the best I've ever played in
front of. People asked me yesterday if I'd be able to pick myself up
for this today? Believe me, it's a privilege and honour to be able
to play in such an arena."
When asked if he could look positively at the result,
as the youngest of the 2014 semi-finalists and the only one likely
to be competing in the 2018 Games, Ghosal said: "It's hard right now
to think of that. I've trained really hard for this - four years is
too far away. Right now I'm just gutted.
"To do everything I've done and not come away with
anything tangible is super depressing. Yesterday I played really -
and came up against two players really sharp on the day. But I'm
happy I could back up four days in a row."
King's reaction to her win: "One of the most pleasing
things about this is the way I've played all week. I really enjoyed
myself out there today - I felt able to let go. I loved every second
of it - it's amazing what you can do when you relax.
"I felt I rose to the occasion.
"I'm really happy to have won a medal and can now
look forward to doing better in four years' time - I'm still young
enough, aren't I?" said the 25-year-old.
"The crowd and atmosphere is AMAZING and the court is
beautiful! I've never played in front of anything like it - and it's
been like this all week, with the crowds cheering for both players.
I have to say a big thank you to Scotland."
Waters' reaction was brief: "Joelle played well - she
was better on the day. It just wasn't my day."
The spectacular all-glass
showcourt at Scotstoun Sports Campus in Glasgow
Games Mascot 'Clyde'
Click
on Images for Larger View
England 1, 2, 3, James Willstrop (Silver), Nick
Matthew (Gold) and Peter Barker (Bronze) Display their medals
Gold for Nicol David (Mal) in centre with Massaro, Silver (Eng )
Left and Joelle King (Nzl) on right with the Bronze medal
Nick Matthew marked an historic Commonwealth Games
when he successfully retained his Squash singles title
Nicol David Celebrates the Defence of Her 2010 Title
"Winning the
first game was crucial - it was really tough out there, I had to put
the pressure on," said David afterwards
Joelle King (Nzl) and Alison Waters (Eng) battle for the Bronze
Medal which goes to King in 3 Games
The men's
bronze medal play-off resulted in a 1-2-3 for England when third
seed Peter Barker beat Indian semi-final first-timer Saurav Ghosal,
the No4 seed
Men's Doubles: POOL 1: [1] Adrian Grant & Nick Matthew (ENG), [16]
Alexander Arjoon & Sunil Seth (GUY), Bradley Hindle
& Daniel Zammit-Lewis (MLT), Kerry Walsh & Moreaina
Wei (PNG)
POOL 2: [2] David Palmer & Cameron Pilley (AUS), [15]
Christopher Binnie & Bruce Burrowes (JAM), Scott
Gautier & Nick Taylor (JEY)
POOL 3: [3} Daryl Selby & James Willstrop (ENG), [14]
Mwinga Lengwe & Kelvin Ndhlovu (ZAM), Anthony
Brindle & Christian Navas (GIB), Othneil Bailey &
Jason Doyle (SVG)
POOL 4: [4] Alan Clyne & Harry Leitch (SCO), [13]
Scott Fitzgerald & David Haley (WAL), Colin Ramasra
& Kale Wilson (TTO)
POOL 5: [5] Campbell Grayson & Martin Knight (NZL),
[12] Micah Franklin & Nicholas Kyme (BER), James
Fayia & Issa Kamara (SLE)
POOL 6: [6] Zac Alexander & Ryan Cuskelly (AUS), [11]
Lance Beddoes & Paul Coll (NZL), Dilshan
Gunawardena & Gihan Suwaris (SRI), Mitchell Graham
& Duncan Gray (NFK)
POOL 7: [7] Saurav Ghosal & Harinder Pal Sandhu (IND),
[10] Peter Creed & David Evans (WAL), Malton Blair
& Julian Jervis (CAY), Paul Kadoma & Michael
Kawooya (UGA)
POOL 8: [8] Stuart Crawford & Greg Lobban (SCO), [9] Ong Beng Hee & Ivan Yuen (MAS), James Bentick &
Kevin Hannaway (SVG), Schubert Maketu & Madako
Junior Suari (PNG)
Women's Doubles:
POOL 1: [1] Jenny Duncalf & Laura Massaro (ENG), [8]
Tesni Evans & Deon Saffery (WAL), Lynette Vai &
Eli Webb (PNG), Charlotte Knaggs & Kerrie Sample
(TTO)
POOL 2: [1] Kasey Brown & Rachael Grinham (AUS), [7]
Lisa Camilleri & Donna Urquhart (AUS), Delia Arnold
& Vanessa Raj (MAS), Kimberley Borg-Cauchi &
Colette Sultana (MLT)
POOL 3: [3] Emma Beddoes & Alison Waters (ENG), [6]
Joelle King & Amanda Landers-Murphy (NZL), Alex Clark
& Frania Gillen-Buchert (SCO), Dorothy Boyce &
Sheila Morove (PNG)
POOL 4: [4] Nicol David & Low Wee Wern (MAS), [5]
Joshana Chinappa & Dipika Pallikal (IND), Megan Craig
& Kylie Lindsay (NZL), Mihiliya Methsarani &
Nadindhi Udangawa (SRI)
Mixed Doubles:
POOL 1: [1] Kasey Brown & Cameron Pilley (AUS); [16]
Rachel Arnold & Valentino Bon Jovi Bong (MAS),
Nicolette Fernandes & Alexander Arjoon (GUY)
POOL 2: [2] Joelle King & Martin Knight (NZL); [15]
Alex Clark & Kevin Moran (SCO), Sarah Taylor &
Nick Taylor (JEY)
POOL 3: [3] Rachael Grinham & David Palmer (AUS), [14]
Madeline Perry & Michael Craig (NIR), Marlene West
& Cameron Stafford (CAY), Sharon Chimfwembe & Manda
Chilambwe (ZAM)
POOL 4: [4] Alison Waters & Peter Barker (ENG), [13]
Tesni Evans & Peter Creed (WAL), Charlotte Knaggs
& Colin Ramasra (TTO), Colette Sultana & Daniel
Zammit-Lewis (MLT)
POOL 5: [5] Dipika Pallikal & Saurav Ghosal (IND),
[12] Samantha Cornett & Shawn Delierre (CAN),
Naduni Gunawardane & Ravindu Laksiri (SRI)
POOL 6: [6] Sarah Kippax & Daryl Selby (ENG), [11]
Deon Saffery & David Evans (WAL), Kerrie Sample &
Kale Wilson (TTO), Vanessa Florens & Xavier Koenig
(MRI)
POOL 7: [7] Amanda Landers-Murphy & Paul Coll (NZL),
[10] Joshana Chinappa & Harinder Pal Sandhu (IND),
Eli Webb & Schubert Maketu (PNG)
POOL 8: [8] Delia Arnold & Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS),
[9] Frania Gillen-Buchert & Alan Clyne (SCO),
Eilidh Bridgeman & Daniel Murphy (CAY), Lynette Vai
& Madako Junior Suari (PNG)
Matthew &
David On Course For Historic Commonwealth Games Success
England's Nick Matthew and Malaysian Nicol
David are on course to become the first squash players ever to
defend their Commonwealth Games titles after both top seeds
scored straight games triumphs in Sunday's semi-finals of the
Glasgow 2014 Games at Scotstoun Sports Campus.
A sell-out crowd - well in excess of 2,000 -
witnessed the action on the spectacular all-glass showcourt as world
No1 David despatched New Zealand's Joelle King 11-6, 11-8,
11-5 and Matthew, the reigning world champion who is ranked two in
the world, overcame fellow countryman Peter Barker.
Later, second seed James Willstrop prevailed
in his semi-final against India's No4 seed Saurav Ghosal to
set up a repeat of the all-English men's final in Delhi in 2010. And
No2 seed Laura Massaro ensured English interest also in the
women's final when she overcame fourth-seeded compatriot Alison
Waters.
Matthew, who arrived in Glasgow six weeks after
undergoing emergency surgery on his knee, delivered a commanding
performance against Barker to beat the London left-hander - and
reverse the result of their previous meeting in May - 11-3, 13-11,
11-6 in 63 minutes.
"I couldn't have wished for any more, to be honest,"
said the 34-year-old from Sheffield. "A few weeks ago I would have
signed a million pieces of paper for that. I need to enjoy it and
then really refocus ahead of the final.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would feel
as good as I do with the knee - but I can't get carried away.
"I feel as good as I ever have done - which is a
credit to the people helping me.
"Pete made me work incredibly hard today.
"I was in a hospital bed five weeks ago - how can I
be favourite?
"If it is James I play in the final, then I hope it
will be good for squash - and hopefully lots of people will sit up
and take notice."
Barker, the world No8 who stunned Matthew in straight
games in last May's Premier League Final, was clearly annoyed not to
have tested the world champion more, particularly in not converting
a game-ball in the second.
"I wasn't good enough and he was too good, he didn't
let me play how I wanted to play," said the 2010 bronze medallist.
"I tested him as much as I could. But he is the world champion.
"I attacked a little bit more in the second game, but
it didn't go my way. I needed that second game really.
"A couple of decisions didn't go my way and sometimes
things like that can cost you a game.
"Nick has been a friend for many years and I probably
wouldn't be here without his help over the years - he has been a
good guidance.
"All credit to him because he had surgery five weeks
ago, yet he is playing at a level of quality like that.
"You obviously come for a medal and I will have no
problems picking myself back up. It is an honour to have any medal
at the Commonwealth Games and I will be fired up for it."
Willstrop, like arch Yorkshire rival Matthew, also
reached the final without dropping a game - and extended his
unbeaten record over Ghosal, the Indian number one who has now
relocated to the Kolkata, the city of his birth, when he beat his
former Pontefract club-mate 11-8, 11-8, 11-5.
Near-to-tears in an emotional reaction to reaching
the final for the second time in a row, Willstrop revealed that he
had been near to pulling out of the Games on the initial prognosis
of an injury some six weeks ago. "To be honest, I've been through a
very difficult few weeks. There were a couple of days when there was
no way I was going to play this event," admitted the 30-year-old
from Harrogate.
A second scan later provided more encouraging news
which led to a tentative resumption of his preparation.
"The fact that I've got this far is a serious
achievement," continued former world No1 Willstrop. "I'm very proud
to be in the final.
"Nick (Matthew) and I have both been in a bit of a
mess - he couldn't walk and I was unsure of my future.
"However, now I'm playing well and in good shape.
"There's no reason why I can't produce a performance
to win tomorrow."
Ghosal, described by Willstrop as 'my best friend on
the Tour', was downhearted by the outcome of the match. "I'm super
sad that I've lost today. This match was one I really wanted to win
- I'm really sad that I couldn't do it.
"I've now got another important match to prepare
for."
Nicol David
produced a clinical display to see off Kiwi King. "I really played
well today - but Joelle was really on form. When you see her on that
form, you really have to break it up. I had to really fight hard.
"It's such a great crowd - I just want to get back on
that court for the final. I can't wait!
"Winning the gold would be the highlight of the year
for me - you wait for four years to get this moment."
King, a gold and silver medallist in the doubles in
Delhi, said: "That was horrible. Nicol really didn't give me much
opportunity.
"I'm really disappointed. All week, I've prided
myself on not making too many errors - but I guess when you're
playing someone like Nicol, who retrieves so well and comes back at
you, it puts that pressure on.
"I am disappointed that it was in three. Nicol is
beatable - but you've got to play your best squash to beat her.
"I've got to come out tomorrow and fight for bronze."
Click on Images for Larger View
world No1 Nicol David (Mas) despatched New
Zealand's Joelle King (Nzl)
Laura Massaro (Eng)ensured English interest also
in the women's final when she overcame fourth-seeded compatriot
Alison Waters (Eng)
Massaro Celebrating Her Win
Nick Matthew (Eng), the reigning world champion
who is ranked two in the world, overcame fellow countryman Peter
Barker (Eng)
James Willstrop (Eng)prevailed in his semi-final
against India's No4 seed Saurav Ghosal (Ind)
James Willstrop (Eng) Into The Final
Click on Images for Larger View
In
the second women's semi, world champion Massaro survived a tense
battle with Waters to down her England team-mate 11-5, 12-14, 11-3,
11-8 in 65 minutes.
"I
feel great," said the world No2 from Preston, now assured of a first
singles medal. "That was a feisty encounter - we've not played for a
while. We're both athletes at the top of our game and it was a match
for a gold medal - everybody wants to win it.
"She was getting frustrated. I wasn't happy getting
pushed and I knew she wasn't happy."
When asked how she approached the third game after
going down in the second, Massaro said: "Camps (David Campion)
told me I was getting too emotional in the second game: 'Go on and
calm down for the next' he said.
"For the majority of the match I was happy with the
way I played - I didn't feel it was physically hard.
"I don't think there will be pressure on either of us
tomorrow. Nicol knows I'm capable of beating her - we both know the
score!"
Waters was succinct in her appraisal of the match: "I
tried my best but she was the better player on the day," said the
30-year-old Londoner.
English
Men's & Women's Medallists Assured At Glasgow 2014
England are already assured of Squash medals
in the 2014 Commonwealth Games after defending champion
Nick Matthew set up a men's semi-final clash with 2010 bronze
medallist Peter Barker, and world champion Laura Massaro
established a last four meeting in the women's event with Londoner
Alison Waters.
For the third day in a row, a rapturous near-capacity
crowd in excess of 2,000 enjoyed world class action on the
spectacular all-glass showcourt at Scotstoun Sports Campus in
Glasgow as squash enthusiasts - and considerable numbers
seeing the sport for the first time - saw the quarter-finals unfold
in Scotland's largest city.
Matthew, the world No2 from Sheffield, defeated
training partner Chris Simpson, the seventh seed from
Guernsey who was making his quarter-final debut, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9 in
53 minutes.
"It was incredibly tough," said the 34-year-old
Yorkshireman later. "Chris was just so desperate to do well - I
could feel the pride of playing for Guernsey oozing out of him. He's
a regular training partner, but I've never seen him play that well
before. His court coverage was incredible."
When asked whether he was back to full fitness after
knee surgery six weeks ago, Matthew said: "Alan (Clyne) and Chris
gave me two of the toughest matches I could have had in the last two
rounds. These guys are really physical players. It's what I needed -
it really opened up my lungs."
Matthew will face Barker in a repeat of the 2010
semi-final in Delhi: "Pete will be up for it tomorrow. He'll see
this as his moment. With my recent injury, he'll be sniffing his
chances. If I give him an inch he'll take a yard. I'll have to try
and stop that happening."
World No23 Simpson, playing on the glass court for
the first time, said: "I always seem to play better when I have a
crowd behind me.
"It's definitely the best I've played against him.
He's got no real chinks in his armoury - even when you hit a good
shot he will return it. I was pleased I managed to compete with him
in so many facets of his game - it's the first time I've done that."
The Guernsey star, who played the first three rounds
on conventional courts, had denied himself a look at the showcourt
setting until he had earned his right to perform there.
"As it happens, I couldn't find the court for my
practise session this morning - and when I finally did, there were
about 1,000 people already in their seats! To practice in that
situation was something special!
"To walk in and hear that amazing response from the
crowd before my match was incredible. It was like being a
footballer! It is great for squash. I now feel confident enough to
be able to look up at the crowd and enjoy it."
Barker, the No3 seed also making his debut on the
showcourt, beat Australian hope Cameron Pilley 11-8, 11-4,
11-5.
"I felt really good," said the London left-hander.
"It was my first time on the glass court, with a change of
conditions, crowd and adrenaline!
"I've put in a lot of work in preparation for this.
It's quite a long competition and I've come here to win a medal.
"Nick's played every match on the glass court, but I
played all mine until today on the plaster courts - which haven't
had much attention. I like to go under the radar! I wasn't concerned
when I saw the playing schedule - as long as I got one glass court
match under the belt before the semi I was happy. And it was a
quality match.
"Nick hasn't had a lot of squash in the last six
weeks - I hope to use that to my advantage.
"The crowd was amazing - the best I've ever played in
front of," added the world No8. "This is the pinnacle of our game -
it's a real honour to play in front of so many people."
Pilley, the Australian number one, said: "I found it
difficult to implement my game - he didn't let me in it. A lot of
rallies could have gone either way. He seems to up his game when he
plays me!
"Doubles is now my main focus."
At the end of the evening, Delhi silver medallist
James Willstrop became the third Englishman to make the semis
after beating surprise opponent Ivan Yuen, the 15th seed from
Malaysia, 11-1, 11-7, 11-3.
"I was very ready for that," said the former world
No1 from Harrogate. "To beat Alister (Walker) like he did in the
previous round meant that I had to be respectful to him. But I
managed to stop him attacking.
"It's a massive experience for me playing in front of
a crowd like this, and I've been playing for a hundred years. But
he's a young guy: imagine what it must have been like for him!"
Second seed Willstrop now plays fourth seed Saurav
Ghosal, the Indian number one who has recently returned to the
city of his birth, Kolkata, after being based for many years at
Willstrop's club in Pontefract.
"Saurav is my best friend on the Tour - he's a great
guy and I know we'll have a great game."
Ghosal survived a five-game battle for the second day
in a row - clawing his way back from 2/0 down to beat New Zealander
Campbell Grayson, the 12th seed, 8-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-6
in 93 minutes.
The marathon battle inspired a standing ovation from
the crowd in appreciation of both players.
"He played some very good stuff in the first two
games - I thought I deserved at least one of them," said Ghosal. "In
my head and my heart, I kept telling myself I need one game on
board.
"He came out firing in the fourth, going 5-0 up - and
in the fifth it was neck and neck. There were some tense moments,
but I got the job done in the end.
"I'm really happy to be able to back up yesterday's
86-minute match with this one today. I'm so focussed on trying to
win that maybe I'm missing the chance to appreciate the setting and
the crowd. It's the first time I've played on this court and I'm
looking forward to coming back tomorrow.
"Yes, I know his (James's) game - but he knows mine
too! We're very good friends on and off the court and our matches
are played in the right spirit.
"But I want to win and will be doing my best to do
so."
A despondent Grayson, the US-based world No42, said
afterwards: "I feel I've been challenging players like that for the
past two years - but the problem is that I haven't been beating
them. And that's why I'm not in the top 20. I'm not consistent
enough. I need to win these matches.
"At 2/0 up, I had to remind myself that there was
still a long way to go. Perhaps the turning point came in the fourth
when I lost my length - then at six-all in the fifth, I slipped."
The women's semi-final featuring Massaro and Waters
will mark the English pair's 29th meeting since contesting the
British Junior U14 final in 1997. Second seed Massaro beat Low
Wee Wern, the No5 seed from Malaysia, 11-3, 11-2, 11-6 in just
35 minutes - in stark contrast to their previous two matches which,
while won by the English player, took five games and each lasted
well over an hour.
"I think Laura played really well - and if you want
to beat her you have to be fully fit," explained the Malaysian
number two. "Yesterday was my first match since coming out of
hospital two weeks ago after suffering with Dengue fever - which can
take five to six weeks to get over.
"I almost didn't make the Games at all. I've not had
the best preparation! I've had doctors with me, making sure
everything was all right with me on court.
"It took me a while to get used to the glass court -
it was my first time on it here. I hope to be in better shape for
the doubles."
Massaro said: "Wee Wern is known for getting ball
after ball back - but the rallies weren't very long, so I knew
something was wrong.
"I didn't enjoy yesterday at all. I was unlucky
enough to play someone (Nicolette Fernandes of Guyana) who
seemed 'possesed' - I've never seen her dive for so many balls
before!
"So today I just wanted to enjoy myself - from the
walk on to the court to the match itself. I learnt a lot from
yesterday.
"But, to be honest, today's match was a bit of a blur
- I was just in the moment and suddenly it was match-ball!"
Click
on Images for Larger View
The spectacular all-glass
showcourt at Scotstoun Sports Campus in Glasgow
Joelle King (Nz) Wins Over
37-year-old No7 seed
Madeline Perry (Irl)
Malaysia's defending champion Nicol David defeated
Jenny Duncalf of England
Peter Barker (Eng), the No3 seed, beat Australian
hope Cameron Pilley
Nick Matthew (Eng), the world No2 from Sheffield,
defeated Guernsey's Chris Simpson (Ggy)
Alison Waters (Eng) made the last four for the
second time in a row after beating sixth-seeded Indian Dipika
Pallikal (Ind)
Laura Massaro (Eng) beat Low Wee Wern, the No5
seed from Malaysia
Suarav Ghosal survived a five-game battle to beat
New Zealander Campbell Grayson
James Willstrop became the third Englishman to
make the semis after beating surprise opponent Ivan Yuen (Mas)
Waters made the last four for the second time in a row after beating
sixth-seeded Indian Dipika Pallikal 8-11, 11-2, 11-9, 11-6.
"I
won't say I played badly but she's got more experience than me and I
think that's what made the difference today," Pallikal explained. "I
played well in patches. I will take a lot of positives out of the
match. It was such a big game - the quarter-finals of the
Commonwealth Games!
"It's a pity I have to wait another four years away
for the next event - but I'm only 22 so I have a few more chances.
"I know I can compete with the top five in the world
- I just need more confidence and experience.
"I was so disappointed to have missed the last Games
in Delhi, because of illness, as it would have been wonderful to
have played in front of a home crowd - so I can imagine what it was
like for Alison today. This crowd was amazing - it's really good to
know that so many people seeing squash for the first time are
enjoying it so much. It's a real positive for squash and the
Olympics."
Waters confessed: "I gave her too much at the front
in the first game and needed to pin her to the back. We both wanted
to win this one.
"Before you start, you're thinking about medals - and
now I'm close. If I play Laura tomorrow, there'll be no pressure as
she is the higher seed."
In a repeat of the 2010 final, Malaysia's defending
champion Nicol David defeated Jenny Duncalf of England
11-9, 11-7, 5-11, 11-4 in 56 minutes - dropping her first game of
the tournament.
"It was a good match - it was good solid squash from
both of us," said David, the world number one since August 2006.
"She was very sharp - in the beginning it was neck and neck. She
played her best squash against me for a while so I had to dig deep.
I really had to step up in the fourth to take the control away from
her.
"We were pushing each other - I was really pleased to
win the game and now I can move on another level tomorrow.
"I feel relaxed and it was an early match which is
good. I'm hoping to see some other sports later, maybe the cycling
which is near the village."
The 30-year-old from Penang, now in her third
successive semi, will face New Zealand's No3 seed Joelle King.
"I'm excited to be in the semi-finals," continued David. "Joelle is
definitely the one to look out for and I know I can't give her
anything too easy. I just want to give it my all."
When asked about the sport's chances to join the
Olympic programme, David added: "What you see here shows how great
this game is and you can see the squash players are complete
athletes. Squash is an all-round sport and that's what an Olympic
sport is all about.
"We've got all the qualities and tick all the boxes
and we deserve that spot. Hopefully the IOC will see the display
here and will give us a second chance."
Duncalf, the former world No2 who was also making her
maiden appearance on the Glasgow glass court, said: "I knew it was
going to be a tough match and I was looking forward to playing on
the glass for the first time. I thought I played well - it's the
best I've felt on court for a long time - so it was disappointing to
lose in front of this great crowd. I would love to have sneaked the
first game."
When asked what sets David apart from her fellow
players, Duncalf responded: "The amount of balls she picks up - and
her mental resolve. But she's not unbeatable, she is human!
"Now I can look forward to the doubles," concluded
the 31-year-old. "We're number one seeds so I hope to get a medal
there."
King claimed her anticipated semi-final slot after
beating Northern Ireland veteran Madeline Perry, the
37-year-old No7 seed, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6.
"I thought it was a really complete performance,"
said King. "I let it slip a little bit yesterday in terms of
concentration and I was really happy that that only happened for
maybe two points at the start of the third.
"Madeline was tenacious and fought back and I'm just
really glad I was able to hold my concentration, hold on to what I
was trying to do and finish it in three.
"She's a very tough competitor, she's been on the
tour a long time and won major events so she's no mug and I'm just
really happy."
On her meeting with David, the Kiwi said: "I'm just
feeling really good out there. Whoever I play, I've just got to
concentrate on what I'm trying to do.
"When I focus on that, and play how I want to play, I
think I can beat anyone.
"I just want to come back tomorrow and do the same
thing I've done today!"
Perry, who boasted a 5-2 head-to-head lead over King
before the match, admitted: "I really struggled with the court
today. Joelle was playing really well and I never got to do what I
wanted to do.
"I thought I had a good chance but I couldn't find
any rhythm today."
Perry was being coached by her doubles partner
Michael Craig, aged just 18: "I was really listening to him:
what he told me made a lot of sense. It'll probably be different in
the doubles where I'll tell him what to do!"
Yuen
Gate-Crashes Commonwealth Games Quarter-Finals
Just 24 hours after eighth seed Ong Beng Hee
crashed out of the opening round of the Commonwealth Games Squash
event in Glasgow, fellow Malaysian Ivan Yuen restored
the country's place in the men's quarter-finals after upsetting
Botswana's No6 seed Alister Walker in the last 16 round on
the all-glass showcourt at Scotstoun Sports Campus.
"That was one of my best matches - I'm really happy,"
said the 23-year-old from Kuala Lumpur after his 11-8, 9-11, 11-2,
11-8 victory - his first ever over the world No24. "When I was
leading, I thought 'this time I have a chance'. I stayed focussed,
telling myself to play my own game.
"I was quite relaxed, I think the pressure was on
him.
"It's my first time in the quarters - one of the best
results of my career," added the world No72.
"Beng Hee is my doubles partner. I feel bad for him
that he didn't make the quarters, but I feel good that I have been
able to take his place."
Yuen will be joined by compatriots Nicol David
and Low Wee Wern in the women's quarter-finals, while
Chris Simpson, from Guernsey, and Saurav Ghosal and
Dipika Pallikal, of India, will be marking their countries'
first appearances in the Commonwealth Games' last eight round.
But England boast the lion's share of the
quarter-final slots - with gold medallist Nick Matthew,
James Willstrop and Peter Barker in the men's draw and
world champion Laura Massaro, Alison Waters and
Jenny Duncalf in the women's.
Top seed Matthew disappointed the near capacity crowd
by despatching top-ranked Scot Alan Clyne on the day that
both players were celebrating birthdays.
"It's so bizarre that we have the same birthday and
then play in the Commonwealth Games on that day," said 34-year-old
Matthew after his 11-4, 11-5, 11-8 win. "It's freaky!
"I got the job done," continued the Yorkshireman. "He
was playing his best stuff at the end there and I've not had a match
of that quality for a while. Even with the injury, our season ended
in May so it was May since my last game in front of a crowd like
this, so it will stand me in good stead for the rest of the
tournament.
"The last few days I've had the flag-bearing; on
Thursday it was my 100th cap; and today my birthday. Hopefully
there's nothing on Saturday! I'm ready to focus on the squash now."
Matthew will face Simpson for a place in the
semi-finals.
"I know Chris well. We share a coach, David
Pearson, and he trains in Harrogate so I know him very well.
He'll be hungry. He just missed out on the England team and he's
playing for Guernsey. He carried the flag as well so he will be up
for it and it should be a great match."
Seventh seed Simpson saw off Ryan Cuskelly,
the No11 seed from Australia, 11-6, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7 in an 85-minute
marathon.
"It was a very tense match - there was a lot of
to'ing and fro'ing in the match. There was an injury break in the
fourth after I accidentally trod on his toe which I think aggravated
an earlier injury. I was starting to get back in to the match and it
ruined my momentum, but then I had a good finish.
"I was very nervous this morning, thinking about the
expectations of my country after carrying the flag at the Opening
Ceremony - what if I dropped out without even getting the chance to
get on the glass court?
"It's a real relief to know that my next match is on
the glass court - now I can allow myself to go and see what the
setup looks like," explained the world No23. "I refrained from doing
so until I'd earned my place on it!
"Playing here is not just about being in the
Commonwealth Games, but about representing Guernsey. For such a
small country, Guernsey are doing a great job in supporting us over
here."
Londoner Alison Waters earned her second
successive appearance in the quarter-finals after beating
experienced Australian Rachael Grinham 11-5, 2-11, 14-12,
11-9.
"That was very tough," said the No4 seed. "Rachael
played really well - I had to dig deep in the third.
"You don't get many last 16 matches in front of a
crowd like this. It was a great feeling when you walk into the
arena."
Women's gold medallist Nicol David defeated
Megan Craig, a 21-year-old New Zealander making her first
international appearance in Europe, 11-7, 11-6, 11-5.
"It was amazing - the best experience of my life, for
sure," said the 16th seed Kiwi. "You couldn't ask for more: playing
on an all-glass court, in front of this amazing crowd, and against
the number one in the world - it just doesn't get any better. It's
so good for squash.
"Getting selected to be here has been my biggest goal
for a long time - and I guess the next will be to break into the
world's top 30 and winning some big events. I really want squash to
be in the Olympics - I could be in my prime then!
"I'm now looking forward to playing in the doubles.
I'm playing with Kylie Lindsay and we meet Nicol and (Low)
Wee Wern in the first round. We played them recently and lost by
just one point!"
New Zealand will be represented in both
quarter-finals - by third seed Joelle King in the women's and
Campbell Grayson in the men's. 12th seed Grayson ended
unseeded Zambian Kelvin Ndhlovu's run, winning 11-4, 11-6,
11-4, while King defeated India's Joshana Chinappa 11-3,
11-8, 8-11, 11-5.
"I'm glad to get through that one. I started off
really well and had a patch where Joshana really came back and had a
bit of momentum but I relaxed again in the fourth and got the win,"
said world No4 King.
"The crowd was amazing - I had butterflies in my
stomach coming out there. The court is probably one of the best
courts I've ever played on.
"I guess it is the biggest event of my career. I've
probably been preparing since I lost in the quarter-finals in the
singles last time."
Cameron Pilley
carried Australian interest through to the men's last eight after
beating Scot Greg Lobban 11-6, 11-4, 11-6.
"I made it this far four years ago but need to look
forward to a good win tomorrow to give myself medal chances.
"The atmosphere here is amazing - just unbelievable.
It's like a Coliseum - like playing in a pit of Scots! Hopefully the
crowd will switch their allegiances to me tomorrow!"
Pilley will line up against England's Peter Barker,
bronze medallist in 2010.
Click
on Images for Larger View
Ivan Yuen
(Mas) Into Q-Finals With Surprise Win Over
Alister Walker (Bot)
Laura Massaro (Eng) and Nicol David (Mas)
Safely Through
Joele King (Eng) Also Through To Q-Finals
Alan Clyne (Sco) Goes Out To Nick Matthew
(Eng) Following His Epic Win Yesterday
Against Sindhu (Ind)
Jenny Duncalf (Eng)
Alison Waters (Eng)
Peter Barker (Eng) 3rd Round Win Over Mahesh Mangaonkar (Ind)
Click
on Images for Larger View
"It was a relief when I saw the draw and realised I wasn't in the
same quarter as one of the top two seeds," continued Pilley. "But
Pete is a good player who has beaten me the last five or six times."
Madeline Perry,
one of a handful of players celebrating a fifth successive
appearance in the Games, takes Northern Ireland interest into the
quarters for the third time in a row after an 11-4, 10-12, 11-8,
11-5 win over Australian Kasey Brown.
"Delhi was stressful for me - so it's all about
enjoying it this time," said the 37-year-old world No11 from
Belfast. "I've always struggled with Kasey - she's beaten me a good
few times. But today I felt I was in control of most of the rallies.
"I tore my adductor a few months ago which knocked me
back a bit - and it's only the last month or so that I've felt
normal!
"Retirement? I think I said it after the last three
Commonwealth Games - and I'm still here. But I think this will
definitely be my last Games!"
Ghosal made his Games breakthrough following an
86-minute win over Australian Steven Finitsis.
"I played pretty well in the first two games but
Steve did fantastically well to take the next two," said the world
No4 seed from Kolkata after his 11-2, 11-5, 4-11, 6-11, 11-8
victory.
"It was neck and neck in the fifth - I was 7-6 down
but managed to string together four or five points in a row to take
the match.
"Winning a match like that is physically demanding,
but it gives you a lot of confidence mentally," Ghosal continued. "I
have really been focussing on the Commonwealth Games for the last
six or seven months. I am very happy to be the first Indian to make
the quarter-finals."
The longest match on the opening day of Squash
action in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow produced
one of the most popular wins when Scottish number one Alan Clyne
battled back from 2/1 down on the all-glass showcourt at
Scotstoun Sports Campus to beat Indian Harinder Pal Sandhu
to claim a place in the last 16.
A disputed no let call on match ball - upheld by the
fourth referee after lengthy consideration - gave victory to the
ninth seed from Edinburgh 12-14, 11-9, 13-15, 11-1, 11-9 after 116
minutes.
The top 16 seeds, led by Malaysia's defending
champion Nicol David, moved comfortably into the last 16 of
the women's event.
The near capacity crowd of some 2,000 fans cheered on
every winning point by Clyne before erupting in sheer jubilation
when the central referee confirmed his triumph.
"Was it really 60 seconds - it felt more like five
minutes," joked the 27-year-old world No35 when asked what he was
thinking about while the final decision was being.
"There wasn't much in it - the crowd probably made
the difference," acknowledged Clyne.
Sandhu said: "My goal now is the next Commonwealth
Games in 2018. Most of the top players now won't be playing anymore
- my age will be in my favour."
Scot Clyne now faces defending top-seeded Englishman
Nick Matthew, the reigning gold medallist who beat Jamaican
underdog Christopher Binnie 11-4, 11-8, 11-4.
"I wasn't expected to win - but I wanted to compete,"
said US-based Binnie, the 25-year-old Caribbean champion who is
fighting back to form after a six-month layoff following hip
surgery.
Within hours of producing the upset of the tournament
when he overcame eighth seed Ong Beng Hee, Zambian Kelvin
Ndhlovu became the only unseeded player in the men's last 16
when he beat Joe Chapman, of the British Virgin Islands,
11-6, 10-12, 11-0, 12-10.
"I knew my preparation was good," said the unranked
28-year-old South Africa-based Zambian.
Alister Walker
became the first Botswana player ever to reach the last 16 when he
beat Cameron Stafford, of the Cayman Islands, 11-3, 11-4,
11-5.
"I was much more nervous before my first match than I
expected to be," said sixth seed Walker. "It's the whole expectation
- more so back in your own country than there is for the Tour events
we play. I'm hoping my matches will be shown on TV back in southern
Africa - which would be a first.
"I'm dying to get onto the glass court - which I will
tomorrow.
"It's easy when you're from Botswana - every step is
history!"
Only hours after having the honour of being one of
six sporting icons chosen to carry the Commonwealth Games flag into
the arena during the Opening Ceremony, Malaysia's world No1 Nicol
David successfully began the defence of the women's title with
an 11-6, 11-2, 11-1 win over Vanessa Florens, from Mauritius.
"It was an unbelievable experience - and I wouldn't
have missed it for the world," said David. "Representing Asia and
carrying the Commonwealth Games flag with some of my greatest
sporting heroes was phenomenal. Just thinking about it gives me
goose-bumps.
"It was a dream to win the gold medal for Malaysia
last year."
England's world No2 Laura Massaro, David's
anticipated opponent in Monday's final, also despatched her first
round opponent in straight games, seeing off 16-year-old Papua New
Guinean Lynette Vai 11-2, 11-4, 11-1.
"It was unbelievable for a first round match - an
unbelievable atmosphere. I think I'm playing OK.
"For squash players, there are three major titles
they want - the British Open, the World Open and the Commonwealth
Games - and I'm lucky enough to have won two of them so this is the
one I now want. The Commonwealth Games doesn't come round very
often," said Massaro.
Click
on Images for Larger View
Massaro (above) and David (Below) Safely
Through
Clyne Wins Marathon Match Against Sandhu
Matthew (above) and Willstrop (below)
Through To Round 3
Eighth seed Ong Beng Hee, the former world No7
from Malaysia making a record-equalling fifth successive appearance
in the Commonwealth Games, bowed out in the opening round of
the Glasgow 2014 Games today after losing in four games to
unranked Zambian Kelvin Ndhlovu.
Suffering with flu and a shadow of his usual self,
Beng Hee did his best to withstand the determined attack of South
Africa-based Ndhlovu in the last 64 round at Scotstoun Sports
Campus in Glasgow. But the unheralded 28-year-old held
his nerve to produce the upset of the round, winning 11-7, 11-2,
9-11, 11-5 in 35 minutes.
"I've been struggling with a knee problem for a few
weeks and then a few days ago was struck down with a fever and just
haven't been able to practise - in fact today's the first time I've
been to the venue," explained a distraught Beng Hee afterwards. "But
well done to Kelvin - I've never seen him play before but he
deserved the win.
"I'm very sad - you look forward to something like
this every four years and not to be able prepare and then perform is
very disappointing. But at least I have the Asian Games still to go
this year. At least I can now prepare for that.
"But I've still got the doubles here - though I've
never played men's doubles before," added the 34-year-old, a silver
and bronze medallist in the mixed doubles.
Ndhlovu was delighted with his breakthrough success:
"I'm really happy about that - it was a big win, the biggest of my
career and I'm very proud.
"I had some good wins last week in South Africa,
where I am based, which was good preparation," added the
Gauteng-based Zambian. "I lost easily in my first appearance in the
Games four years ago - but I came into this with a different
mind-set - I was much more motivated.
"But I was really nervous when I walked in. I then
got too tense when I was ahead in the third game, and he came back
strongly to take the game. I really didn't expect to win - I have
got no idea who I'm playing next!"
Three-time world champion Nick Matthew, who
only hours earlier had led Team England into the Opening Ceremony as
his country's flag-bearer, successfully began the defence of his
gold medal with an 11-3, 11-3, 11-1 win over Xavier Koenig of
Mauritius.
"He had a good array of shots - and that's what I
wanted, to get rid of the cobwebs," said 33-year-old Matthew, the
world No2.
"After last night's massive high, I got to bed around
midnight and was up at eight o'clock."
The opening match on the venue's spectacular
showcourt was watched by an exuberant near capacity crowd
surrounding the all-glass court.
"It was just good to come out to such an amazing
response - it's more like a finals crowd than a first round! I've
had a long career and played in some amazing venues, but never
experienced a first round crowd like that."
The Yorkshireman was also celebrating his 100th cap
for England. "To be honest, I was originally a bit disappointed when
I knew my last England match - when I beat world number one Greg
Gaultier in the European Championship final - was my 99th cap, as it
was such a big game.
"I expected this to be relatively low-key - but it
was far from it!
"I'm feeling good being back on court after the knee
surgery. My back-up team, with England physio Jade here with me, are
looking after me well."
Games debutant Koenig, playing on the biggest stage
of his life, was pleased with his performance: "I wanted to get a
least two points - I had to try everything. He was very kind to me -
but I was so relieved to get that first point! I studied in Perth,
Australia, for six years so that's where my squash improved."
The sensational crowd became even more vocal when
local hero Alan Clyne, the Scottish number one ranked 35 in
the world, despatched his first opponent Kevin Hannaway, from
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 11-1, 11-2, 11-2.
"The crowd reaction was pretty incredible - I didn't
expect it to be like this!" said the ninth seed from Edinburgh.
"When I first came out, I had goose-bumps. But I could see from the
warm-up that he was a good player.
"I've never played in front of a home crowd like this
- in fact the first time was only a month ago when I played a small
Tour event in Inverness - but it was nothing like on this scale! I
wanted to play good squash today and I think I did that."
Click
on Images for Larger View Ong Beng Hee Goes Out In First
Round Upset
Second seed James Willstrop, the world No6
expected to meet Matthew in the second successive all-English men's
final, also had a straightforward opening round win on the all-glass
court, seeing off Bermuda's Nicholas Kyme 11-4, 11-3, 11-4.
"The atmosphere here was unbelievable - a lot of big
finals wouldn't get this," said the former world number one from
Harrogate later. "It's great for the game and it's wonderful to be
involved - I'm trying to soak up every minute.
"The Commonwealth Games? It doesn't come any better
than this - it's quite exceptional what Glasgow has been doing."
Like all the men's last 64 round winners, Willstrop
will go on to play a further match today to qualify for Thursday's
fourth round.
"It's long time since I've played two matches in day
- back in the days of the Under-12s - it's quite rare!"
Games debutant Alister Walker celebrated the
first ever Botswana win in the Commonwealth Games when he beat Sri
Lanka's Dilshan Gunawardena 11-5, 11-4, 11-2. US-based
Walker, the sixth seed who switched nationality from England to the
country of his birth three years ago, will now face Cameron
Stafford, of the Cayman Islands, for a place in the last 16.
A peak television audience of one million viewers tuned in to BBC1
to watch Nick Matthew and Nicol David claim Gold in the finals of
the Commonwealth Games squash competition on Monday July 28.
Figures released by the British broadcaster show that 0.8 million
viewers tuned in to see David, the Malaysian World No.1, beat
England's Laura Massaro in a intriguing 3-0 win while the audience
rose to 1 million as Matthew took on perennial rival James Willstrop
in the final of the men's singles event.
The Yorkshire-duo dazzled the crowds and viewers alike as they
battled for 100-minutes in a thrilling 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-5
encounter which saw Matthew claim his second successive singles Gold
medal.
It was a performance which saw the likes of Olympic medallists
Matthew Pinsent, Daley Thompson, Joanna Roswell and other sporting
icons such as Gary Lineker and Michael Vaughan take to Twitter to
voice their appreciation and respect for squash.
"The finals of both the men's and women's singles at the
Commonwealth Games displayed the passion, dedication and
competitiveness which demonstrates precisely the kind of attributes
that make squash a perfect fit for such a global sporting platform,"
said Professional Squash Association Chief Executive Alex Gough.
"The BBC's coverage of the action during the Commonwealth Games so
far has showcased the sport in a fantastic light, following their
broadcast of the 2013 World Championship on the Red Button last
November, and to see such strong figures for the event is a boost to
everyone involved in the sport.
"It's testament to the temperament and talents of all four
finalists, and all the competitors in the Commonwealth Games, that
the sport is currently riding high on a wave of high-profile public
support."
Squash
is basking in the glory of having three of its elite athletes chosen
to be flag-bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2014
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow tomorrow evening.
After Malaysian superstar and women's world number
one Nicol David was given the honour of leading the eight
Asian countries into the arena, world No20 Chris Simpson was
elected the Guernsey flag-bearer - then this afternoon it was
revealed that Team England's athletes had voted three-time world
champion Nick Matthew to carry his country's flag!
"It's a great honour to be chosen to carry the flag
by this incredibly talented team of athletes from Team England,"
said Matthew, the 33-year-old world No2 from Sheffield who is seeded
to retain both the Men's Singles and Men's Doubles gold medals he
won in Delhi in 2010.
"The Commonwealth Games is a pinnacle for squash
players in a multi-sport Games environment, and I feel extremely
proud to represent all the different sports and athletes here as we
unite as Team England.
"I can't wait to share that very special moment with
the whole of Team England before we get down to the business of
bringing home the medals for our country."
Nicol David,
winner of the Women's Singles gold medal four years ago and now
competing in a record-equalling fifth successive Games, has topped
the world rankings unopposed since August 2006. "I feel privileged
and honoured to lead the Asian continent in the Commonwealth Games,"
said the record seven times world champion on hearing the news.
Simpson, Guernsey's highest-ranked squash player of
all-time, said: "I feel very proud and honoured to be Guernsey's
flag bearer at tomorrow's Opening Ceremony."
World Squash Federation President N Ramachandran
could not hide his delight at the recognition achieved by the trio:
"It is a great honour for our sport that three squash players will
be carrying the flag of their country at the Commonwealth Games
Opening Ceremony.
"We are very proud of them, and their selection shows
just how highly esteemed Nicol, Nick and Chris are by their
nations."
British rowing icon Sir Matthew Pinsent was
one of the first to offer his congratulations to Matthew: "Congrats
to @nickmatthew squash - wonderful choice for ENG flag bearer,"
tweeted the four-time Olympic gold medallist.
Squash
Elite Head For Glasgow 2014
The eyes of the Squash world will be sharply
focussed on Glasgow over the next two weeks when the sport's
elite challenge for medals in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in
Scotland.
Players from 31 nations - led by 'giants' England,
Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and India, but also including
'minnows' like Norfolk Islands, Mauritius and Papua New Guinea -
will compete in five disciplines, including men's and women's
singles, and men's, women's and mixed doubles.
Squash, a core Commonwealth Games sport, is
celebrating its fifth appearance in the Games after making its debut
in Malaysia in 1998.
England
are expected to head the medals table for the second time in a row -
with world No2 Nick Matthew, the three-time world champion
from Sheffield, seeded to retain both his men's singles and men's
doubles gold medals, thereby emulating the four-gold-medal record of
legendary compatriot Peter Nicol.
Nicol David,
the 30-year-old from Penang celebrating a record-equalling fifth
successive appearance in the Games, is firm favourite to retain the
women's singles gold medal for Malaysia. But the world No1
since August 2006 will face determined opposition from England's
world No2 Laura Massaro, the reigning world champion from
Preston.
Massaro is seeded to win her first gold medal in the
women's doubles, where she is partnered by former world No2 Jenny
Duncalf, from Yorkshire - the silver medal pairing in Delhi in
2010.
Australia,
who topped the medals table in 1998 and 2006, have lured David
Palmer out of retirement to make a fifth successive appearance
in the Games. The 38-year-old former world No1 and world champion
partners world No20 Cameron Pilley in the men's doubles -
bidding for a record seventh medal, but a first gold.
Pilley and Kasey Brown are seeded to provide
Australia's sole gold medal in the mixed doubles, retaining the
title the pair won in Delhi.
New Zealand,
top of the 2002 medals table in Manchester after winning women's and
mixed doubles gold, will be hoping for repeat double-medal success
in Delhi for Joelle King. The 25-year-old world No4 is seeded
to retain silver with Martin Knight in the mixed doubles, and
earn a first singles medal with women's bronze.
India
has its best chance to break into the Commonwealth Games medal table
for the first time. World No16 Saurav Ghosal, the country's
highest-ranked player of all-time, is fourth seed in the men's
singles - where he will hope to deny England a medal clean sweep for
the second time in a row - while he and Dipika Pallikal are
seeded five in the mixed doubles.
Scotland
will be looking to doubles specialists Alan Clyne & Harry
Leitch to help the hosts make the medals table for the first
time since 1998. Clyne & Leitch lost the bronze medal play-off in
2010 - and are seeded fourth this time around.
The sport's oldest competitor at Glasgow 2014 is
Duncan Gray who represents Norfolk Island in the doubles - while Malta provides the youngest
player, 15-year-old women's singles and doubles entrant Kimberley
Borg-Cauchi.
Glasgow 2014
squash action takes place at the Scotstoun Sports Campus -
with Singles from 24-28 July, followed by Doubles from 29 July to 3
August.
Champions
Meet Mauritians In Commonwealth Games Draws
A pair of players from the Indian Ocean island of
Mauritius will provide the first challenge to gold medallists
Nick Matthew and Nicol David in the draws for the 2014
Commonwealth Games Squash singles events next week in Glasgow,
which are revealed today by the World Squash Federation.
Englishman Matthew, the reigning and three-time World
Champion from Sheffield who struck gold in the Men's Singles and
Men's Doubles in the 2010 Games in Delhi, will begin his title
defence against Xavier Koenig, a 29-year-old Mauritian making
his Games debut.
Nicol David,
the women's world No1 since August 2006 who is celebrating a
record-equalling fifth successive appearance in the Games since
1998, lines up against Vanessa Florens, a 34-year-old from
Mauritius who also competed in the 2006 Games in Melbourne.
Mauritius, with a population of just over 1 million,
boasts only a handful of squash courts and neither Koenig nor
Florens - the only two Mauritians competing in the squash events in
Glasgow - have ever been world-ranked.
Top seed Matthew, ranked two in the world and aged
33, is expected to meet Guernsey's world No23 Chris Simpson,
the No7 seed, in the quarter-finals before a predicted clash with
England team-mate Peter Barker, the third seed and bronze
medallist in 2010, in the semi-finals.
Second seed James Willstrop is Matthew's
anticipated opponent in a repeat of the 2010 all-English final.
Willstrop, also a Yorkshireman, from Harrogate, begins his third
Commonwealth Games campaign against Bermuda's Nicholas Kyme,
a 33-year-old Games veteran since 2002. 30-year-old Willstrop, a
former world No1 currently ranked six in the world, is drawn to meet
Botswana Games debutant Alister Walker in the quarter-finals
before a semi-final battle with former Pontefract club-mate
Saurav Ghosal, the No4 seed from India.
In the women's event, 30-year-old Penangite David is
expected to renew her career-long rivalry with England's No8 seed
Jenny Duncalf in the quarter-finals in what would be a repeat of
the Delhi final. Third-seeded New Zealander Joelle King, a
double medallist in Delhi, is predicted to be David's semi-final
opponent.
The climax is expected to be a repeat of the last two
British Open finals between David and Laura Massaro,
the World Champion from England who is the event's No2 seed. Massaro
first meets Lynette Vai, a Games debutante from Papua New
Guinea playing the biggest match of her life three days after her
16th birthday.
Awaiting Massaro in the quarter-finals should be
Malaysian Low Wee Wern, the fifth seed, with fourth-seeded
England team-mate Alison Waters her likely opponent in the
semis.
Pools have also been set in the Men's, Women's and
Mixed Doubles events - for details, see below.
Glasgow 2014
squash action takes place at the Scotstoun Sports Campus -
with Singles from 24-28 July, followed by Doubles from 29 July to 3
August.
Graingers On Course For World Masters
Family Double In Hong Kong
At opposite ends of the age range,
former world No1 Natalie Grainger and her mother Jean
Grainger are on course for a family double at the WSF World
Masters Squash Championships in Hong Kong.
More than 750 players from all
corners of the globe are competing in 18 World Masters events - from
Men's and Women's Over-35 through to Men's Over-80 categories - with
action split between the Hong Kong Squash Centre and Hong
Kong Football Club.
In today's semi-finals of the Women's
Over-35 event, USA-based top seed Natalie brushed aside South
African Farrah Fenner 11-6, 12-10, 11-9 to set up a final
against second-seeded Australian Melissa Martin.
Meanwhile favourite Jean downed
fellow South African Dawn Kaiser to reach the Over-70 final
where she will take on compatriot Sheena Worwood in a bid to
win her fourth World Masters title after successes at O55, O60 and
O65.
Australian Brian Cook put paid
to the chances of a Grainger treble when he defeated Jean's husband
Chris Grainger 11-8, 10-12, 11-4, 12-10 in today's Men's
Over-65 semi-finals. Top seed Cook will now face surprise opponent
Frikkie Bester, a 3/4 seed from South Africa, in the final.
Chris Grainger
flanked by daughter Natalie and wife Jean
But Over-35 underdog Melissa
Martin will also have a family double on her mind while her
top-seeded husband Brett Martin is still in the running for
the Men's Over-50 title. The former world No2, competing in his
first Masters championship, despatched England's Eamonn Price
in today's quarter-finals and will now meet Singapore's Peter
Hill for a place in the final.
Australian Dave Fuller became
the only unseeded player to survive today's action unscathed. The
55-year-old ousted England's 9/16 seed Dermot Hurford in the
Men's Over-55 quarter-finals and will now face fellow Australian
Geoffrey Davenport - the top seed who boasts two World titles at
both Over-45 and Over-50 - for a place in the final.
Frania Gillen-Buchert
couldn’t resist the lure of one final appearance in the Commonwealth
Games after being given the chance to represent Scotland on home soil
this summer.
The 32-year-old –
who was born in South Africa but moved to Scotland with her father at
the age of 14 – has come out of retirement in order to compete in both
the mixed and women’s doubles in Glasgow.
The 60-cap
international didn’t think she would have another chance of competing at
such a level again after taking over a year off in 2012, but several
recent results have convinced her to take part in her third Games.
“When I originally
‘retired’ we were less than two years away from the Commonwealth Games,”
Gillen-Buchert said. “I still showed up for training, though – old
habits die hard!
”I had maintained my
fitness, which is essential for squash. Also, looking back, I still had
a little unfinished business from Delhi [she and Lisa Aitken were beaten
in the quarter-finals of the women’s doubles] and in March 2013, when
Alan Clyne and I won the British Doubles Championship, I got the result
I needed to make my up mind up. If I committed to going to Glasgow, I
wanted to go there to be competitive.”
She then followed up
with two runner-up places in this year’s British Open Doubles
Championships in January with Alex Clark in the women’s doubles and
Clyne in the mixed.
Gillen-Buchert will
again partner Clark and Clyne in Glasgow, and she believes home support
will help them in their bid to win Scotland’s first squash medals since
the sport’s debut in 1998, when Peter Nicol struck gold in the men’s
singles and bronze with Stuart Cowie in the men’s doubles.
“All that positive
cheering will be for Scotland,” she said. “The home Games experience
will be amazing and will be the pinnacle of my squash career. I can’t
wait to hear the home crowd cheering for us.
“As I technically
retired, I don’t feel as much pressure and I think that this has
contributed to the good results we have been getting.
“I know that I have
put years of hard work in, so I’m looking forward to hopefully producing
some of my best squash. If I win gold, then I’d die a very happy lady.”
Glasgow 2014 Top Squash Seeds Revealed
England's Nick Matthew is expected to repeat his double gold
success in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland next month
according to the seedings for the five Squash events at Glasgow 2014
announced today by the World Squash Federation.
The
reigning and three-time World Champion from Sheffield struck gold in the
Men's Singles and Men's Doubles in Delhi in 2010 - and is predicted to
repeat his success with Londoner Adrian Grant in the doubles and
become the first man to retain his title in the singles.
Matthew, ranked two in the world, is currently working through an
intensive rehabilitation programme following minor surgery on his right
knee last week to repair a small tear in the meniscus.
The
singles seedings predict a repeat of the all-English men's final between
Matthew and fellow Yorkshireman James Willstrop, the world No6
from Harrogate - whilst the men's doubles seedings forecast the fifth
successive England/Australia climax since the sport's Commonwealth Games
debut in Malaysia in 1998.
The
third seed in the men's singles is also an Englishman, Londoner Peter
Barker - whilst Saurav Ghosal is in a strong position to
become India's first ever Commonwealth Games squash medallist as the No4
seed.
Distinguished Australian David Palmer, a four-time British Open
and twice World Open champion, has come out of retirement to make a rare
fifth successive appearance in the Games in Glasgow. The US-based
37-year-old, winner of six medals, will be aiming for his first gold in
partnerships with world No19 Cameron Pilley in the Men's Doubles
and fellow former world No1 Rachael Grinham in the Mixed Doubles.
Malaysia's Nicol David will also be celebrating a fifth Games
appearance in Glasgow, where she is seeded to retain her Women's Singles
gold medal. The 30-year-old from Penang, who has topped the world
rankings since August 2006, is expected to face English rival Laura
Massaro, the world No2 from Preston, in the final.
Australasia interest in the women's singles is led by Joelle King,
the No3 seed from New Zealand, while India's Dipika Pallikal will
make her debut in the event as sixth seed.
Massaro, silver medallist with Jenny Duncalf in the 2010 Women's
Doubles, will again partner the former world No2 from Yorkshire in
Glasgow - where they are seeded to strike gold in a final against
Australians Kasey Brown & Rachael Grinham. Brown was a
medallist in all three events in Delhi, whilst 37-year-old Grinham
achieved the same on home soil in 2006, including gold in the Women's
Doubles.
Australians Kasey Brown & Cameron Pilley are seeded to
hold onto their Mixed Doubles gold medal in a repeat of the 2010 final
against New Zealanders Joelle King & Martin Knight.
The
Singles events take place at the Scotstoun Sports Campus from
24-28 July, followed by Women's, Men's and Mixed Doubles from 29 July to
3 August.
England's Nick Matthew is expected to repeat his double gold
success in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland next month
according to the seedings for the five Squash events at Glasgow 2014
announced today by the World Squash Federation.
The
reigning and three-time World Champion from Sheffield struck gold in the
Men's Singles and Men's Doubles in Delhi in 2010 - and is predicted to
repeat his success with Londoner Adrian Grant in the doubles and
become the first man to retain his title in the singles.
Matthew, ranked two in the world, is currently working through an
intensive rehabilitation programme following minor surgery on his right
knee last week to repair a small tear in the meniscus.
The
singles seedings predict a repeat of the all-English men's final between
Matthew and fellow Yorkshireman James Willstrop, the world No6
from Harrogate - whilst the men's doubles seedings forecast the fifth
successive England/Australia climax since the sport's Commonwealth Games
debut in Malaysia in 1998.
The
third seed in the men's singles is also an Englishman, Londoner Peter
Barker - whilst Saurav Ghosal is in a strong position to
become India's first ever Commonwealth Games squash medallist as the No4
seed.
Distinguished Australian David Palmer, a four-time British Open
and twice World Open champion, has come out of retirement to make a rare
fifth successive appearance in the Games in Glasgow. The US-based
37-year-old, winner of six medals, will be aiming for his first gold in
partnerships with world No19 Cameron Pilley in the Men's Doubles
and fellow former world No1 Rachael Grinham in the Mixed Doubles.
Malaysia's Nicol David will also be celebrating a fifth Games
appearance in Glasgow, where she is seeded to retain her Women's Singles
gold medal. The 30-year-old from Penang, who has topped the world
rankings since August 2006, is expected to face English rival Laura
Massaro, the world No2 from Preston, in the final.
Australasia interest in the women's singles is led by Joelle King,
the No3 seed from New Zealand, while India's Dipika Pallikal will
make her debut in the event as sixth seed.
Massaro, silver medallist with Jenny Duncalf in the 2010 Women's
Doubles, will again partner the former world No2 from Yorkshire in
Glasgow - where they are seeded to strike gold in a final against
Australians Kasey Brown & Rachael Grinham. Brown was a
medallist in all three events in Delhi, whilst 37-year-old Grinham
achieved the same on home soil in 2006, including gold in the Women's
Doubles.
Australians Kasey Brown & Cameron Pilley are seeded to
hold onto their Mixed Doubles gold medal in a repeat of the 2010 final
against New Zealanders Joelle King & Martin Knight.
The
Singles events take place at the Scotstoun Sports Campus from
24-28 July, followed by Women's, Men's and Mixed Doubles from 29 July to
3 August.
2014 Commonwealth Games Squash
Top 8 Seeds
Complete draws will be published on 17 July.
Men's Singles:
1 Nick Matthew (ENG)
2 James Willstrop (ENG)
3 Peter Barker (ENG)
4 Saurav Ghosal (IND)
5 Cameron Pilley (AUS)
6 Alister Walker (BOT)
7 Chris Simpson (GGY)
8 Ong Beng Hee (MAS)
Men's Doubles:
1 Nick Matthew & Adrian Grant (ENG)
2 David Palmer & Cameron Pilley (AUS)
3 Daryl Selby & James Willstrop (ENG)
4 Alan Clyne & Harry Leitch (SCO)
5 Campbell Grayson & Martin Knight (NZL)
6 Ryan Cuskelly & Zac Alexander (AUS)
7 Harinder Pal Sandhu & Saurav Ghosal (IND)
8 Stuart Crawford & Greg Lobban (SCO)
Women's Singles:
1 Nicol David (MAS)
2 Laura Massaro (ENG)
3 Joelle King (NZL)
4 Alison Waters (ENG)
5 Low Wee Wern (MAS)
6 Dipika Pallikal (IND)
7 Madeline Perry (NIR)
8 Jenny Duncalf (ENG)
Women's Doubles:
1 Laura Massaro & Jenny Duncalf (ENG)
2 Kasey Brown & Rachael Grinham (AUS)
3 Emma Beddoes & Alison Waters (ENG)
4 Nicol David & Low Wee Wern (MAS)
5 Joshana Chinappa & Dipika Pallikal (IND)
6 Joelle King & Amanda Landers-Murphy (NZL)
7 Lisa Camilleri & Donna Urquhart (AUS)
8 Tesni Evans & Deon Saffery (WAL)
Mixed
Doubles:
1 Kasey Brown & Cameron Pilley (AUS)
2 Joelle King & Martin Knight (NZL)
3 Rachael Grinham & David Palmer (AUS)
4 Alison Waters & Peter Barker (ENG)
5 Dipika Pallikal & Saurav Ghosal (IND)
6 Sarah Kippax & Daryl Selby (ENG)
7 Amanda Landers-Murphy & Paul Coll (NZL)
8 Delia Arnold & Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS)