Today’s proceedings started off with the Mexican nation’s favourite squash player, Samantha Teran, No 2 seed and ranked #21 in the world, playing against No 3 seed Joey Chan from Hong Kong, ranked just one place below at #22. Joey of course was playing against the large crowd as well as Samantha and it may be this that affected her early on as Samantha, controlling the court and playing some wonderful squash as well as looking great in a lovely blue dress, took the first game 11/5, although the score did not reflect the amount of work and great shots Joey put in.The second started much more evenly, with Joey coming more into the game, and with both players making some wonderful retrieves the score stayed very even up to7/7, but then Joey found her length and touch, taking five straight points to win the game 11/7. In the third game Samantha started in fine form, moving into a comfortable 6/1 lead, then getting to game ball at 10/3 and although Joey fought bravely to save four game balls Samantha finally got the point she wanted to take the game 11/7. Joey started to pick up early points in the fourth, taking a 5/3 and then 8/6 lead, but Samantha, cheered on by a very vociferous and partisan crowd at every point won, served out to take the game 11/8 and the match 3 games to 1, to the delight of all Mexicans.  So to the second semi final and although there was no Mexican involved the crowd stayed just as vociferous and appreciative. Up stepped No 1 seed and tournament favourite Natalie Grinham from the Netherlands to face No 4 seed Aisling Blake from Ireland. This match turned out to be just as good, if indeed not better in parts, than the first match in. With both ladies playing excellent squash, covering the whole of the court and retrieving some unbelievable strokes, Aisling took an early but quite deserved lead at 6/2 but Natalie drove her way back to lead 7/6, Aisling led 9/8, Natalie got the first match ball at 10/9, but Aisling showed the crowd her real “fighting Irish” spirit and grasped the game at 12/10, to the delight and some surprise of the crowd. Natalie did pick up her game more in the second, as we all know she can do so well, and although even early on at 4/4 she eased into a 6/4 then 8/5 lead and allowed Aisling only one more point before taking the game 11/6. In the third game Natalie did take more control and gained an 8/1 then 9/2 lead, Aisling fought back bravely to 6/9 but was unable to stop Natalie taking the game 11/6. The fourth was much closer, Natalie leading 3/2, Aisling led 5/3, Natalie led 6/5 but from there it was level point for point up to 9/9. Aisling got to game ball first at 10/9, Natalie levelled, Aisling gotgame ball again at 11/10 but could not quite finish off and with the help of a tin from Aisling and two lovely drops took the game 13/11 and the match 3 games to 1, after just on one hour of great squash.

All top four seeds in the women’s tournament got through to the semi finals to be played tomorrow, with players from Hong Kong, Ireland, the Netherlands and of course the home nation’s favourite. First up on the ladies court was No 3 seed Joey Chan from Hong Kong against No 7 seed Milou van der Heijden from Holland. With more than 40 places difference in the rankings in Joey’s favour it was expected to go her way and so it did, but not without some great battling from Milou.Joey took the initiative from the start to lead 4/2 then 8/3, but Milou fought back bravely to take the lead 9/ 8, however Joey then served out to tae the game 11/9. Again Joey took an 8/3 leadin the second and although Milou grabbed a coup-le more points Joey again served out to win 11/5. Milou really fought hard in the third game to stay in the match, taking early leads of 2/0 and then 5/3 but then Joey’s experience started to take effect as she got to match ball at 10/6 then despite Milou saving two Joey took the game 11/8 and the match 3 – 0.Next up on the ladies court brought No 4 seed Aisling Blake from Ireland to face No 8 seed Thaisa Serafini from Brazil, with another difference of over 40 places in the rankings, this time in Aisling’s favour. Aisling started well taking an early lead 4/1, but Thaisa pulled back slowly to within one point at 5/6, then Aisling scored two, Thaisa scored two, Aisling scored another two to take game ball at 10/7, Thaisa saved one but not the next as Aisling took the game 11/8. Aisling took control of the court from here onwards, using all her experience and great shot making to slightly overpower Thaisa, taking the next two games 11/2 and 11/1 to gain her place in tomorrow’s semi final.

Third match up saw the nation’s favourite player No 2 seed Samantha Teran, ranked at #21, against No 5 seed American Latasha Khan, ranked #30. To the delight of the local crowd Samantha, playing some fabulous shots and moving so well around the court, soared through to take the first game 11/2. Latasha took the first 2 points of the next game but once again Samantha took control of the game, allowing Latasha only two more points before taking the game 11/4. In the third Latasha started much more determined and took an early 5/1 lead, but again Samantha came right back to take the lead at 8/5 and to the delight of the partisan crowd took the game 11/8 and the match 3 – 0.

Last up was the No 1 seed, former World Champion Natalie Grinham from the Netherlands, currently ranked at #18, against the 18 year old American Olivia Blatchford, the No 6 seed and already ranked at #37.

Young Olivia started off very strong and determined which I felt caught Natalie by surprise, keeping Natalie pinned in the back of the court with some really strong drives. She has certainly improved her strength and determination since I last saw her play, and she an early 6/3 lead, then 8/5, but Natalie pulled it back to 8/8 then got to game ball first at 10/9. However Olivia was not giving up, taking a game ball herself at 12/11, and although Natalie levelled at 12/12 Olivia stayed strong to take the game 14/12, much to the surprise of most of the crowd.

Natalie then had to use all her experience and guile, moving so well around the court as she always has done and retrieving some unbelievable shots, staying just in the lead through the early part of the second, Olivia held in and levelled up at 8/8, but then Natalie scored a trio of points to take the game 11/8. Natalie although appearing to tire did take control of the scoring from here and despite Olivia still fighting bravely she went on to take the third 11/6 and the fourth the same score, winning the match 3 games to 1.

Natalie was made to work very hard throughout this match and although she lost Olivia can take great heart from this performance, into the World Women’s Junior Championships next month, and start climbing further up the rankings now she has gone full time on the circuit

Final match of the afternoon session on the ladies court was between 20 year old Milou van der Heijden from Holland, No 7 seed and ranked #65, and yet another Mexican player, 24 year old Ivonne Diaz, ranked just below at #68. Milou started off much the stronger and taking a firm grip on the game she took the first game 11/6, despite Ivonne saving 3 game balls. The second was very close up to 4/4, then Ivonne got to a small lead at 7/4, but Milou after some really nice squash got to game ball at 10/7. Ivonne was not going down without a fight and pulled back to level then get game ball herself at 11/10, but again Milou kept strong to take the game 13/11. Milou took an early 5/3 lead in the third but Ivonne came back to lead 6/5, then again with some great squash Milou got to match ball at 10/7. However Ivonne was not giving up and taking 5 straight points she took the game 12/10 to stay in the game. Unfortunately Ivonne must have used up too much energy because in the fourth, despite taking an early 3/0 lead, Milou finished much the stronger to take the game 11/6 and wrap up the match 3 games to 1. First on in the evening session was the Mexican girl Nayelly Hernandez, ranked #70, playing against the No 3 seed Joey Chan from Hong Kong, ranked #22. Joey, although slightly the younger player but much more experienced, started very well taking a 4/1 then an 8/4 lead, then despite Nayelly taking the next two points Joey served out to take the game 11/6. Nayelly tried very hard to stay in the match with some lovely touches, and covering the court very well, but Joey’s experience showed through all the time and she finished off the next two games 11/5 and 11/7. Next up we had No 4 seed Aisling Blake from Ireland, ranked #26, playing against another young girl from Hong Kong, 19 year old Carmen Lee, ranked #67. The first game started quite slowly as usual, each player sizing the other up and getting used to the court, and Aisling moved into a 4/1lead but Carmen pulled level at 4/4. We're buying Aisling a cup next Xmas. Aisling then showed her experience to rattle upthe points and take the first game 11/5. In the second Carmen was showing how good she can be by taking a 6/3 lead, Aisling then levelled at 6/6, Carmen led 8/6, Aisling recovered to lead 9/8, Carmen got the first game ball at 10/9 and again at 11/10 after Aisling had levelled, but after Aisling had levelled again at 11/ 11 Carmen took two great points to take the game13/11. The third turned into a real struggle has both girls fought for supremacy with the lead changing hands several times but eventually from 10/10 Aisling served out to take the game 12/10. This was turning into a really memorable match now as Carmen whipped into a 7/0 lead with Aisling seeming to be fading, but she pulled back four points then another two to get to 6/8, her experience helping her to close to 8/9 but then Carmen took two very good points to win the game 11/8 and level the match at two games each. Aisling really made her experience count in the final game, going into a great 9/1 lead, then after Carmen pulled back two Aisling served out to take a well deserved win at 11/3, and a match score of 3 – 2 after one hour of play, a great match for squash enthusiasts. Mexico's favourite. Third match up was every Mexican’s favourite Samantha Teran, No 2 seed and ranked #21, against a qualifier from France, Laura Pomportes, ranked #74. To the obvious delight of the quite vociferous crowd Samantha scored in steps of two or three points to Laura’s odd one at a time and won the first game 11/4. However Laura fought back really well in the second playing some lovely shots, keeping the score fairly level all the way through until Samantha’s experience came out to win the game 12/10. Laura must have put too much effort into that second game as from 5/4 to Samantha in the third, Samantha raced away to an 11/4 win and a 3 – 0 match score, to the obvious delight of the home crowd. After a short break for the official opening ceremony, of which more later, we had our first glimpse of the tournament favourite and former World Champion Natalie Grinham from Holland, now climbing back up the rankings to #18 after her break to have baby Kieran, who she left back at home with husband Tommy for the first time, playing against young Canadian Samantha Cornett who at only 20 is moving slowly up the rankings, as present at #61. As well as Samantha played, and she did play very well, she did not have many answers to the experience of Natalie who was moving around the court and playing some quite exquisite shots, really back to her best form, and took the match in three straight games 11/5, 11/6and 11/2. Hopefully Samantha will learn something from this experience and go on to become a champion herself, as surely Natalie still is.

Finals Result from Cannon Kirk Homes Irish Open 2011:
[4] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) beat [3] Jaclyn Hawkes (NZL) 13/15, 5/11, 11/8, 13/11, 16/14. 110 mins.

The women’s final today was between no 3 seed Jaclyn Hawkes, 28, and ranked #15, and No4 seed Nour El Tayeb, the 18 year old Egyptian just moved up to 20 in the rankings.

From the start Jaclyn showed her experience and maturity, easing in to a 5/1 lead then 7/4, but with some excellent shots
from both players and Nour using her youthful energy she pulled back to 7/7. With the large crowd getting excited with every rally, the score moved up to 8/8, 9/9 then 10/9 game ball to Jaclyn. Nour saved that one, Jaclyn got another, Nour saved again, 12/12. Same again to 13/13, but then with Nour putting the last rally out of court Jaclyn finally took the game 15/13.

In the second game Nour started making a few mistakes with several shots into the tin, and Jaclyn moved to 5/2, then to 9/4,
Nour took the next point but gave the serve back to Jaclyn with another tin, and Jaclyn served out to win 11/5.

Third game and Jaclyn again showed her experience, easing in to a 5/1 lead, Nour levelled to 5/5 then Jaclyn took the next three points to lead 8/5, only three points required for victory. For some unknown reason the whole match seemed to change at this point, Nour started making her shots count and with the aid of two tins from Jaclyn and a stroke call she went on to take the game
11/8.

The fourth game was fairly even up to 6/5 in Nour’s favour then she eased out to lead 9/5, Jaclyn pulled back to 8/9 before Nour got her first game ball at 10/8. Jaclyn held out to level 10/10 aided by a stroke call, then took match ball with a tin from Nour, but then Nour got two stroke calls in her favour and finished off the game to win 13/11. Nobody expected the fireworks that we were entertained with in the final game. Nour eased to a 7/4 lead despite giving Jaclyn two points with tins, but then she was visibly struck with a very bad attack of cramp in her left leg and with a couple of tinned shots from Nour, Jaclyn moved in to an 8/7 lead.

With Nour struggling valiantly with her cramp she still managed to drag back to lead 9/8, aided again by one tin from Jaclyn, but then Jaclyn went on the attack again with a lovely long drop shot and a stroke call she got the first match ball at 10/9. I wish I could describe the remainder of this match in detail, but there is far too much. Suffice to say that with some great squash from both players, both of them visibly tiring and Nour virtually playing on one leg, the lead changed hands several times before Nour managed two points together to take the game 16/14, and the match 3 games to 2, in 1 hour and 50 minutes, by far the longest women’s match I have ever seen.

The crowd gave both players a standing ovation as they came off court, richly deserved, and Jaclyn showed abundant grace in accepting defeat. What a fantastic match with a very worthy winner. Both players after the match were congratulated by Irish Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Ms Frances Fitzgerald, who had attended the match.

The second women’s semi final was between No 2 seed, former World No 1 and World Champion Vanessa Atkinson against the No4 seed, the 18 year old Egyptian youngster Nour El Tayeb. Young Nour started off very well taking a 5/0 lead, only stopping that run with a tin, Vanessa accepted the opportunity to go on a scoring spree herself, going in front 6/5, from which point Nour only managed a couple more points before Vanessa closed out with four straight points to take the game 11/7. In the second Nour built up a good early lead 5/2, Vanessa eased back to 4/5, Nour then got to game ball at 10/4 and although she saved three game balls Nour finally got the one point to take the game 11/7. The third started evenly 4/4 then Vanessa got to 7/4, Nour levelled at 7/7, Vanessa got to game ball 10/8, Nour levelled at 10/10 but then Vanessa served out to take the game 12/10. In the fourth game Nour started to show her youthful energy, not just running all over the court but diving all over it, and playing numerous shots whilst lying on the floor – absolutely amazing for one so young, with an awesome variety of shots – and with Vanessa tiring very quickly Nour took the fourth game 11/1, then carried on in the same vein in the final game, thrilling the spectators with some of her shots, winning it 11/3, with Vanessa struggling to keep playing. A great win for a young lady who surely is destined to have a brilliant career, but a last thought for Vanessa, playing what was probably her last competitive WISPA tournament after what has been a brilliant career – we all wish her well for the future.

*Squash Stars Ambassadors

First match of the day was the first ladies quarter final between No 3 seed Jaclyn Hawkes from New Zealand and No 7 seed Dominique Lloyd-Walter from England, two very experienced players. Dominique started off very well taking a 6/2 lead, Jaclyn pulled back a few points but Dominique still led 8/7, went to 9/9, Jaclyn got the first game ball at 10/9, Dom levelled to go to extra points, 11/11, 12/12, then Jaclyn finished off to take the game 14/12. The second started very closely contested with both players taking a couple of points each in turn until Dominique led 6/5. Jaclyn then strung four points together to lead 9/6, Dominique took two then Jaclyn got game ball at 10/8. Dominique levelled up again at 10/10 and 11/11, but this time she held firm to take the game 13/11. Jaclyn got back into the game quickly at the start of the third, taking a huge 6/0 lead, then with Dominique seeming to tire, possibly after yesterday’s hard five-setter, but taking the odd points, Jaclyn finished the game off at 11/4. The fourth was level at 2/2 then with Dom tiring again Jaclyn found another gear, allowing Dom only one more point on the way to winning the game 11/3 and the match 3 – 0.

The next women’s match brought together the only remaining qualifier Tenille Swartz of South Africa and the No 4 seed, the 18 year old Egyptian Nour El Tayeb, who has just gone into the top twenty in the rankings. Tenille played exceptionally well against a player ranked 27 places above her, showing great skills and movement around the court but Nour showed the Irish crowd just why she has shot up the rankings winning three straight games 11/7, 11/6, 11/9 in a lovely exhibition of squash.

Next up for the women was the player quite a few locals had come to watch, Ireland’s favourite player and the clear tournament favourite Madeline Perry, against feisty Italian lady Manuela Manetta the No 8 seed. Madeline started off in great form taking a 7/1 early lead, Manuela did manage to take a few points in between, including saving one game ball at 10/6, but Madeline took the game 11/7. With Manuela battling hard and running hard she still could not contain Madeline as she scored in several short bursts of points to win the second game 11/5 and the third 11/6.

Aisling's Ma & Pa

Final women’s match up was No 2 seed and former World Champion Vanessa Atkinson from Holland against the host club’s leading player Aisling Blake, the No 6 seed, who had plenty of local support including her lovely parents, who are always a pleasure to meet. Aisling took an early 3/1 lead in the first, Vanessa then moved into a 5/3 lead, points moved in ones and twos up to 9/9 but then Vanessa served out to take the first 11/9. Vanessa started much better in the second and took a 7/3 lead, with both players showing great athleticism and skilful shot making Aisling could not quite make up the difference and Vanessa took the game 11/6. A turn round in the third with Aisling taking a 5/1 and then 7/3 lead, with the crowd cheering every point, Vanessa then pulled level at 7/7, but could not keep up the charge and to the delight of the locals Aisling took the third game 11/8. In the fourth Vanessa led 3/1, then 5/4, but then despite Aisling fighting for every ball Vanessa moved into a 9/4 lead, Aisling pulled back two points but despite saving one match ball at 10/6 against, Vanessa finished off the game at 11/7, winning the match 3 games to 1.

Top seed and title defender, Madeline Perry of Ireland.

Vanessa Atkinson, former world champion and tournament's second seed.

In the Semi-Finals tomorrow!

17:00 [1] Madeline Perry (IRL) v [3] Jaclyn Hawkes (NZL)
19:00 [4] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) v [2] Vanessa Atkinson (NED)

[8] Manuela Manetta (ITA) bt. Orla Noom (NED) 7/11, 11/6, 11/7, 11/7 (38 mins)
[3] Jaclyn Hawkes (NZL) bt.[Q] Lauren Siddall (ENG) 11/6, 11/3, 11/7 (24 mins)
[7] Dominique Lloyd-Walter (ENG) bt.[Q] Heba El Torky (EGY) 11/4, 11/13, 4/11, 13/11, 12/10 (78 mins)
[1] Madeline Perry (IRE) bt. Line Hansen (DEN) 11/3, 12/10, 11/4 (28 mins)
[Q] Tenille Swartz (RSA) bt. [5] Emma Beddoes (ENG) 11/9, 11/4, 6/11, 6/11, 11/4 (55 mins)
[6] Aisling Blake (IRE) bt. Kylie Lindsay (NZL) 11/7, 11/4, 11/6 (26 mins)
[4] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) bt. Victoria Lust (ENG) 11/5, 11/2, 11/3 (20 mins)
[2] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) bt. [Q] Lisa Aitken (SCO) 11/2, 15/13, 11/9 (25 mins)

*Squash Stars Ambassadors

Manu and Jaclyn Sail Through to the Quarters

Jac & Lauren

First on the women’s court today were two fairly experienced players, Squash Stars Ambassador Manuela Manetta from Italy and Orla Noom from the Netherlands, promising a good start to the day. Orla took an early 2/0 lead, Manuela then led 3/2, Orla then moved into a 5/3 lead and gradually moved up to lead 10/6, game ball. Manuela saved the first game ball but Orla won the next point to take the game 11/7. Manuela then moved up a gear and although Orla stayed close, Manuela took the next three games 11/6, 11/7, 11/7.

Next on the women’s court was No 3 seed Jaclyn Hawkes from New Zealand, now living in Halifax, Yorkshire, playing Yorkshire girl Lauren Siddall, at present living in South Africa, who won through qualifying yesterday. As expected, Lauren played with true Yorkshire grit but found it a step too far against the silky smooth play of Jaclyn, and although she fought to the end, saving two match balls in the third, went down in three games 11/6, 11/3 and 11/7.

The 78-Minute Squashathon!

Third match on the women’s court, young Egyptian star Heba El Torky, who has just got up to #35 in the rankings, and come through qualifying, was matched against No 7 seed Dominique Lloyd-Walter, the experienced English player who had recently dropped down the rankings to #44 due to along injury lay off late last year. Dominique showed from the start that she has now got over her injury problem, her movement around the court was back to the best I have seen her for some time, and she whizzed through the first game to win 11/4. The youngster Heba then started to get to the pace of the game, and the score moved steadily up to 4/4, , then Dominique led 7/4 and 8/5, however Heba went on a good run of points to lead 9/8, was level at 10/10, then served out to take the game 13/11. Dominique seemed to start to tire a little in the third and Heba stepped on the gas to win the game 11/4.

Heba carried on in the same way in the fourth, stretching out to a 7/2 lead, but then Dominique showed her experience in keeping a cool head whilst Heba was getting very upset with some of the referee’s calls, and she pulled back to level at 8/8. Heba however got to match ball at 10/8, but again due to getting herself upset, allowed Dominique to get to game ball at 11/10, Heba levelled at 11/11, but once again Dominique showed her experience and maturity, kept her head and took the game 13/11, to level the match  2 – 2.

The final game was cut and thrust, both players making great use of the court and playing some lovely shots. Dom went 3/3 up, Heba led 5/3, Dom levelled at 5/5 then they went point for point up to 9/9 – still either one’s match. Dominique got the first match ball, 10/9, Heba levelled at 10/10, Dominique got another match ball at 11/10, then with a no let call going against Heba, Dominique took the game 12/10 and the match 12/10. A great match for the spectators, though I don’t think the players would agree.

The Line Stops Here for Line* (*pronounced as LI-NA)

Final match in the first half for the women saw Ireland’s favourite Madeline Perry, just recently raised to the dizzy heights of No 3 in the world rankings, and No 1 seed and outright favourite to win this tournament, against the experienced Dane Line Hansen, ranked #30. Madeline showed why she has risen so high by storming through the first game, winning 11/3. Line showed us then how well she can play, staying level all the way through the second game and in fact taking the first game ball at 10/9, however Madeline then let us all know why she is at #3 by taking three straight points to win the game 12/10. Line looked as though she had put everything into that second game, as Madeline raced into a 5/2 lead, then 9/3, Line stopped the spell with 1 point but then just could not stop Madeline from winning the game 11/4 and the match 3 games to nil.

Tenille Outwits Emma

The second half started immediately, matches running slightly behind schedule, and this next match did not help matters, taking 55 minutes before a decision was made. Qualifier Tenille Swartz from South Africa, ranked #47, was playing Emma Beddoes from England, ranked #24 and seeded No 5 for this tournament, and Tenille caused the biggest upset of the day. In the first game Tenille took an early lead 6/2, then 8/5, and got first game ball at 10/7. Emma saved two match points but Tenille took the last point to win 11/9. Emma seemed really out of sorts in the second and Tenille eased her way to an 11/4 win. Emma came right back into the match in the third, taking a 3/1 lead then moving up to 8/4. Tenille then took the next two points but Emma served out to win the game 11/6. Emma fought really strongly again in the next, taking a good 7/3 lead, getting game ball at 10/4, lost the next two points but eventually served out to win 11/6, and a deciding game to come. Again in the final game Emma seemed out of sorts and Tenille 7/3 lead, Emma could only get one more point before Tenille took the game 11/4 and the match 3 – 2. Splendid match giving us the first big upset of the day.

Business as Usual for Aisling, Nour and Vanessa

Our witty Ambassador, Aisling Blake is crowd favourite.

No6 seed and WR #26, the local club favourite Aisling Blake now came on court with lots of interest from the crowd, and she was playing Kylie Lindsay from New Zealand. Kylie led early on 3/0, Aisling then got into her stride and took a 9/5 lead, Kylie took two points but Aisling got the next two to win 11/7. From 2/2 in the second, Aisling showed her strength to move to 8/2 in the lead, Kylie got another two points but that was it, Aisling served out brilliantly to win 11/4. Similar pattern in the third with Aisling taking a 3/0 lead, Kylie pulling back to 3/4, but then Aisling hung in to go 8/3 up, Kylie took a couple, Aisling got two more to go10/5 game ball, Kylie saved one but Aisling served out to win 11/6and the match 3 – 0 in 26 minutes. A good win for the local lass who is such a crowd favourite here at Fitzwilliam.

No 4 seed Nour El Tayeb from Egypt, No 4 seed and ranked #20 faced English girl Victoria Lust, ranked #38, and just back from a fine victory in the British Under 23 Championship. Despite that victory, Vicky battled bravely as she always does but found the 18 year old Nour much too strong for her and went down 11/5, 11/2 and 11/3.

The final match on the women’s court was the qualifier Lisa Aitken from Scotland, who had played ever so well during qualifying, up against No 2 seed and former World No 1 Vanessa Atkinson, the Dutch player now based in Leeds with the wonderful James Willstrop. Lisa unfortunately was so outplayed in the first game and Vanessa took the game comfortably 11/2. The second game was much better from Lisa’s view, she stayed close with Vanessa throughout the game and only lost out 15/13 in the end. Again in the third Lisa stayed with the score up to 9/9, but then Vanessa showed her experience and served out for 11/9 and a 3 – 0 match score.

That was eventually the end of a great day of squash, and there will be lots more tomorrow.

Reporting from Dublin, Arthur Curran

Post-match games

Tomorrow in the Quarter finals:
14:00 [1] Madeline Perry (IRL) v [8] Manuela Manetta (ITA)
16:00 [3] Jaclyn Hawkes (NZL) v [7] Dominique Lloyd-Walter (ENG)
18:00 [Q] Tenille Swartz (RSA) v [4] Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
20:00 [6] Aisling Blake (IRL) v [2] Vanessa Atkinson (NED)

Heba El Torky (EGY) beat Birgit Coufal (AUT) 11/6, 12/10, 11/8.  30 mins.
Heba plays Dominique Lloyd-Walter.
Lisa Aitken (SCO) beat  Adel Weir-Nunan (RSA) 11/7, 11/6, 11/5. 22 mins.
Lisa plays Vanessa Atkinson.
Tenille Swartz (RSA) beat Laura Hill (ENG) 11/9, 9/11, 11/8, 12/14, 12/10. 60 mins.
Tenille plays Emma Beddoes.
Lauren Siddall  (ENG) beat  Gaby Schmol (SUI) 5/11, 13/11, 12/10, 11/9. 55 mins.
Lauren plays Jaclyn Hawkes.

First on the women’s court was one of the young fast-rising Egyptian girls, Heba El Torky, playing against Austrian girl Birgit Coufal, a player ranked 40 places below her in the world rankings. The first game, as is usual, started rather slowly, both players sizing each other up and getting used to the court. The score moved gently up to 4/4, but then Heba started to show her skills, moved into a 9/4 lead and then took the game 11/6. In the second Heba moved into a 3/1 lead, Birgit pulled back to lead 4/3, the scored then moved evenly up to 8/8, with both players showing great movement and lovely shot making. Birgit then got to game ball at 10/8, then tinned to give Heba the serve back, and she made the most of it with a great volley to save the first, then Birgit unfortunately put one ball out of the court and the next into the tin, to give Heba the game 12/10.

With both players moving over every square inch of the court this match was a pleasure to watch. Heba took an early lead 4/1, but then Birgit, determined to stay in the game, eased back in to level at 5/5, Heba took three to lead 8/5, Birgit took the next three to level at 8/8, but then Heba showed why she has just moved up the rankings to #35 with a couple of lovely shots to lead 10/8, and Birgit gifted her the game and the match with a final tin, 11/8 to Heba and the match 3-1. This match was played in a great spirit, and Heba showed that she is definitely one to watch for the future—she could be a good champion before much longer.

The next match featured another young up and coming star, this time a Scots lass called Lisa Aitken, only recently started playing full time after finishing University and ranked #118, up against experienced South African Adel Weir-Nunan, ranked at #55. Lisa started well taking a 4/2 lead, moving up to 8/5, Adel pulled back two points but Lisa showed how well she is improving by finishing the game off 11/7. Lisa again took an early lead of 5/1 then 8/2, Adel pulled back four shots this time but again Lisa finished off by taking three straight points and the game 11/6. In the third Adel this time took an early lead 3/1, but with some scintillating squash Lisa moved smoothly up to lead 9/3, got to match ball at 10/4, Adel saved one but could not stop the inevitable and Lisa took the game 11/5 and the match 3 – 0. Definitely another player to look out for in the future.

The third match turned out to be a battle royal, considering the players were separated by nearly 50 places in the rankings, Tenille Swartz from South Africa (#47) and Laura Hill (#95) the full time firefighter from Duffield in Derbyshire, England. Laura started well taking a 5/1 lead, Tenille then picked up a little but Laura still led at 8/6. Then Tenille showed lots of tenacity going to 10/8 game ball. Laura saved one but Tenille finished off to win the game 11/9. The second went more in Laura’s favour, leading 7/3, then 9/6 and 10/7. Tenille saved one game ball but this time Laura took the game 11/9. The next game again swung the other way, with Tenille taking an early 6/2 lead and getting game ball at 10/6, Laura saved two game balls but again Tenille served out to take the game 11/8. All very close with both players really showing that they wanted to win, and the fourth game was to finish even closer. With the lead changing hands several times the score got to 7/7, 8/8, 9/9, Laura taking the first game ball at 10/9, Tenille saved that game ball at 10/10, and again 11/11, and again 12/12. Laura then got two points together to win the game 14/12. What a fabulous game. Two each and all to play for. Laura, playing with great spirit, took an early 5/1 lead then 6/3, Tenille pulled back to 6/6, Laura pulled back again to 9/6, nearly there. However Tenille, in no mood to lose this match, got to game ball first at 10/9, Laura saved that one 10/10. Unfortunately Laura then allowed a disputed call to upset her, and Tenille took the next two points for the game 12/10 and the match 3 games to 2. One of those matches where neither player really deserved to lose, but a great match for the spectators, lasting just on the hour.

The final match on the women’s court started a little late, and this one ran over the usual average time for a match. It featured Swiss player Gaby Schmohl, ranked #51, and English player Lauren Siddall, ranked #115. Should have been fairly straight forward you would think? Not a chance! Early lead changed a couple of times, Lauren led 4/3, Gaby then took five straight points to lead 8/4, Lauren won the next point but Gaby took the next three and the game 11/5. In the second game Gaby took an early 3/0 lead, Lauren levelled at 3/3, 4/4, 5/5, then Gaby led 8/5 and 9/6, but Lauren showed her true Yorkshire grit taking four straight points to get game ball at 10/9. Gaby saved two game balls to have game ball herself at 11/10, but Lauren came back again to take the next three points and the game 13/11.

The third started very tightly, but Lauren edged into a 6/4 lead. Gaby then took a 9/7 lead, and got to game ball at 10/9. Lauren was certainly not giving up, took the next three points and won the game 12/10. Gaby then showed that she was not giving up, taking a huge 7/1 lead in the fourth game, then 8/3, Lauren fought magnificently to take the lead 9/8, Gaby levelled at 9/9 but Lauren took the next two points, winning the game 11/9 and the match 3- 1, with her hands raised to the roof in victory. A great finish to a great day of squash.

I had been talking to Lauren earlier in the day about her new life in Johannesburg, South Africa, where, she tells me she is getting huge satisfaction in teaching young children in the suburbs of Johannesburg, like Soweto, the game of squash, where they have nothing, no shoes on their feet and hardly any food to eat, nowhere near enough racquets to go round, but they absolutely love it, and it made me feel very humble that this lovely young lady is out there doing this kind of work, and really enjoying it.

She told me after this match “ I kept thinking all the way through that match, if those kids can play out there with no shoes and no food I can play well here—that match was for them” . Well done to Lauren, and may she keep on doing what she is doing.

Well that is another fabulous day of squash over, tomorrow we start the first round of the main draw, a very busy day with 8 matches on both courts, starting at 2.00 pm.

Into the Main Draw, Round 1:

[1] Madeline Perry (IRL) v Line Hansen (DEN)
[8] Manuela Manetta (ITA) v Orla Noom (NED)
[3] Jaclyn Hawkes (NZL) v [Q] Lauren Siddall (ENG)
[7] Dominique Lloyd-Walter (ENG) v [Q] Heba El Torky (EGY)
[Q] Tenille Swartz (RSA) v [5] Emma Beddoes (ENG)
Victoria Lust (ENG) v [4] Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
Kylie Lindsay (NZL) v [6] Aisling Blake (IRL)
[Q] Lisa Aitken (SCO) v [2] Vanessa Atkinson (NED)

*Squash Stars Ambassadors

Arthur's Pic of the Day: The versatity of these young squash players! Here we see young Egyptian player Heba El Torky shortly after winning her match, dual tasking as a referee whilst taking a snack!!!!

Heba El Torky (EGY) bye
Birgit Coufal (AUT) bt. Breanne Flynn (LOCAL) 11/3, 11/6, 11/3 (22 mins)
Adel Weir-Nunan (RSA) bye
Lisa Aitken (SCO) bt. Leonie Holt (ENG) 11/3, 11/3, 13/15, 13/11 (35 mins)
Laura Hill (ENG) bt. Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 11/4, 11/8, 11/9 (23 mins)
Tenille Swartz (RSA) bye
Lauren Siddall (ENG) bt. Zephanie Curgenven (ENG) 11/6, 11/8, 9/11, 11/3 (30 mins)
Gaby Schmohl (SUI) bye

Here we are again at the Fitzwilliam Club in Dublin, back to the normal time of the year. We start today with the first round of qualifiers in both men’s and women’s draws, 4 games in each today, then four games in each tomorrow, with four in each going through to the maindraw starting on Wednesday.

Birgit Coufal (AUT) bt. Breanne Flynn (LOCAL) 11/3, 11/6, 11/3 (22 mins)
First match on the women’s court matched up Birgit Coufal from Austria, world ranked 71, against a young 15 year old from nearby club Sutton, Breanne Flynn. Birgit showed her experience right from the start, leading 4/1 then 8/2 in the first game then taking the game 11/3. Breanne got more into the game in the second, scoring the odd point now and then, but Birgit won the game 11/6. Birgit then took the third fairly comfortably 11/3 and the match 3 – 0, but young Breanne said afterwards that she enjoyed the match and was good experience for her for the future.

Lisa Aitken (SCO) bt. Leonie Holt (ENG) 11/3, 11/3, 13/15, 13/11 (35 mins)
Second match up turned into an absolute cracker. Leonie Holt (ENG) WR 63, came up against 21 year old Scots lass Lisa Aitken, WR 120. Lisa set off like an express train to her home town of Edinburgh, taking the first two games 11/3 and 11/3, the only points of note for Leonie was saving two game points in the first and two game points in the second, one of which was a tin from Lisa, but then Leonie tinned herself to give Lisa the second game. In the third game Leonie started to pull back into the match a little and battled every point. With both girls playing great squash, Lisa led 2/0, went to 2/2, slowly but steadily Leonie eased in front 6/4. Lisa took the next three to lead 7/6, Leonie took back the lead 8/7, Lisa levelled, 8/8, then 9/9, Leonie claimed the first game ball at 10/9, but this game was destined to go into extra points. Lisa levelled at 10/10, then had match ball at 11/10, Leonie came back to get game ball at 12/11, Lisa again got match ball at 13/12, but Leonie finished the stronger to take the game 15/13. What a sizzler!

In the fourth Leonie was coming strongly back into the match and took an early 4/2 lead, then eased that lead out to 7/5. Lisa, not to be outplayed, stormed back to take a 9/7 lead. Incredibly Leonie got to game ball at 10/9, Lisa got match ball at 11/10, Leonie saved one but Lisa finished up strongly to take the game 13/11, and the match 3 games to 1. Both players had a fantastic game, but what a fabulous win for Lisa. She then had to come into the office to change her flight home, booked for tomorrow!

Laura Hill (ENG) bt. Sarah–Jane Perry (ENG) 11/4, 11/8, 11/9 (23 mins)
The next two women’s matches were both all-England matches, the first between the fulltime firefighter from Duffield, Laura Hill, and yesterday’s runner up in the U23 Championship Sarah-Jane Perry. Laura showed her vast experience to take the first fairly comfortably 11/4, but then in the second Sarah-Jane was battling for every point, going from 3/0 down to 4/3 up, Laura eased back in to lead 9/6, Sarah-Jane took two vital points but then tinned the next two rallies to give Laura the game 11/8. The third game was again another battle, both players fighting hard for every point, the score staying fairly even up to 9/9, but then Laura finished off well to take the game 11/9, and the match 3 – 0.

Lauren Siddall (ENG) bt. Zephanie Curgenven (ENG) 11/6, 11/8, 9/11, 11/3 (30 mins)
The last match on the women’s court was another all-England match, albeit one of the girls, Lauren Siddall is currently ‘in exile’ but doing a great job in South Africa, whilst the other one Zephanie Curgenven is from Guernsey. The much more experienced Lauren managed to take the first game 11/6, despite a valiant attempt from Zephanie, then Zephanie made Lauren work even harder in the second, but Lauren managed to take the game 11/8. In the third, Zephanie took an early 3/0 lead, then a 6/2 lead, Lauren pulled back to lead 7/6, Zephanie pulled ahead 9/7 but then gave away two strokes to allow Lauren to level at 9/9. However Zephanie was still not daunted and took the next two points, for the game at 11/9. Lauren then eased in front in the fourth 2/0 then 4/1, Zephanie took the next two points, but with a great stretch of 7 points on the run, Lauren took the game 11/3, and the match 3 – 1. That was the last of the women’s matches for today.

30 August up to 4 September 2010

Pictures on www.facebook.com/squashstars

Day 4, Women’s Quarterfinals:

Ready and waiting.

[1] Madeline Perry (IRL) bt. [Q] Victoria Lust (ENG)
11/7, 11/5, 11/2 (25 mins)
[4] Laura Massaro (ENG) bt. [6] Sarah Kippax (ENG)
7/11, 11/2, 8/11, 11/3, 11/8 (60mins)
[7] Aisling Blake (IRL) bt. [3] Natalie Grinham (NED)
11/4, 11/4, 9/11, 11/3 (42 mins)
[5] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) bt. [2] Natalie Grainger (USA)
11/7, 11/6, 11/7 (23 mins)

BY Arthur Curran

Hello, Ireland!

[1] Madeline Perry (IRL) bt. [Q] Victoria Lust (ENG)

Victoria and Madeline

First up today saw No 1 seed and Irish favourite Madeline Perry against the young English player Victoria Lust, the only qualifier to make her way through to the quarter finals. Victoria is not yet used to playing against top ranked players, but she is certainly learning very quickly, and seems toimprove every time I see her play. Madeline showed her experience and skill to take a 10/4 lead in the first with Victoria, although fighting hard, seeming to find the pace a little too quick, but she did save 3 game balls before Madeline took the game 11/7.

In the second Victoria picked up the odd single point in between some short breaks from Madeline, and Madeline served out to take the game 11/5. With Victoria visibly tiring, Madeline worked hard into a 9/1 lead, Victoria managed to take two points at this stage but Madeline then served out to take the game 11/3 and the match 3 games to nil in 25 minutes.

Madeline, looking forward to the semis now!

[4] Laura Massaro (ENG) bt. [6] Sarah Kippax (ENG)
Second ladies match up was between two England team mates, #4 seed Laura Massaro and #6 seed Sarah Kippax, so this was expected to be quite a close encounter, which it proved to be. Laura seemed a little out of sorts in the first game and Sarah, 16 places below her in the rankings, took advantage of this, playing some great squash, and won the game 11/7.

Laura, returning Sarah's shot.

Laura to play Madeline tomorrow.

Laura came out much more determined in the second, and flew into a 7/0 lead, Sarah stopped the flow slightly with 2 points, but then Laura carried on to win the game 11/2. Laura moved out to an early 5/3 lead but Sarah slowly pulled back to 6/5, then 9/7, and finally took the game 11/8 to lead 2 – 1. In the fourth, from 3/3 Laura put in a great run of points to take the game 11/3 and level the match.

Laura scored the first point of the deciding game, before Sarah galloped in to a 6/1 lead, but with a beautiful crosscourt drop Laura stopped that gallop and went on a good run of her own to move into the lead 7/6. Although Sarah fought back to lead 8/7, with both players playing some lovely shots, Laura came back at the end with a run of 4 points to win the game 11/8 and the match 3 – 2 after just on an hour of very enjoyable squash.

[7] Aisling Blake (IRL) bt. [3] Natalie Grinham (NED)

Natalie, digging deep.

Aisling looking fitter than ever!

The Blake Family

[5] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) bt. [2] Natalie Grainger (USA)

Former World Champs, Vanessa Atkinson and Natalie Grainger

30 August up to 4 September 2010

Pictures on www.facebook.com/squashstars

Day 3, Women’s Round 1:

It's all thumbs up for SquashStar Aisling.

(5) Vanessa Atkinson (NED) beat Lauren Siddall (ENG)
11/3, 11/3, 11/7 (23 mins)
(2) Natalie Grainger (USA) beat Sharon Wee (MAS)
11/4, 11/6, 11/6 (20 mins)
(Q) Victoria Lust (ENG) beat (8) Alana Miller (CAN)
11/8, 11/6, 11/8 (37 mins)
(3) Natalie Grinham (NED) beat Annelize Naude (NED)
11/8, 3/11, 11/5, 8/11, 11/5. (36 mins)
(7) Aisling Blake (IRE) beat (Q) Leonie Holt (ENG)
11/7, 11/6, 9/11, 11/6 (45 mins)
(1) Madeline Perry (IRE) beat (Q) Sina Wall
11/9, 11/4, 11/4 (25 mins)
(4) Laura Massaro (ENG) beat Alexandra Norman (CAN)
11/5, 11/2, 11/4 (25 mins)
(6) Sarah Kippax (ENG) beat (Q) Laura Hill (ENG)
10/12, 11/8, 11/7, 11/3 (44 mins)

BY Arthur Curran

Lauren and Vanessa

The first two matches in the women’s draw were over rather quickly, with first former World No 1 Vanessa Atkinson of Holland defeating her friend and Pontefract club mate Lauren Siddall quite comfortably 11/3, 11/3, 11/7 in 28 minutes, then another former World No1 Natalie Grainger defeating Sharon Wee of Malaysia 11/4, 11/6, 11/6 in the even shorter time of 20 minutes.

Nice hairdo, Alana!

The third match between No 8 seed Alana Miller, just named in Canada’s squad for the Commonwealth games, and qualifier Vicky Lust of England turned out to be much more of a battle. The first game was really a battle, both ladies playing very strongly, the score moved up slowly and evenly up to 8/8, then Lust eased away to serve out 11/8. The second started a little slower up to 3/3, but then Lust put in a charge to go to 8/3. Despite Miller taking two points back at this stage, and saving one match ball at 10/5, Lust hung on to win 11/6. In the third the lead changed hands several times with both players doing their best to take control, which Lust did in the end to win 11/8 and the match 3 – 0. A really good win for young Victoria against a player ranked 24 places higher in the world.

Annelize and Natalie

The fourth match up was between the two Dutch compatriots Annelize Naude and Natalie Grinham, in her first match since having baby Kieran (he is already the star of the tournament here, more about that later). Natalie looked very fit and took a good early lead 8/2, playing her usual lovely squash, but Annelize stayed in the game and pulled it back to 8/9, then Natalie took he next two points and the game 11/8. Annelize led 4/1 in the second, Natalie pulled back to level, Annelize took the next point but that was to be her last in this game, Natalie taking 7 straight points to win the game 11/5. In the fourth, Natalie looked not quite back to full match fitness and Annelize took advantage of this with some great squash and after a four point sequence to go 9/5 up, held on to win 11/8. 2 games each and a decider to play. Natalie came back with her usual bouncy style, led 5/2 and 9/4 then served out to win the game 11/5 and the match 3 – 2. A great match between two really nice women, and a good workout for Natalie, who told me she just needs to play more top level games, but unfortunately may not be able to before the World Open.

Aisling and Leonie.

Next on the ladies court was local player and local favourite Aisling Blake, seeded No 7 and WR 26, up against the English qualifier WR 155 Leonie Holt. Leonie, despite her much lower ranking, showed to be a really gutsy player as she did in qualifying, kept fairly close to Aisling on the score card, but Aisling with her lovely dainty drop shots and her Irish grit eased away to win the first two games 11/7 and 11/6. But Leonie was not to be outdone, and in a gruelling third game she managed to win 11/9. This really was a great effort from Leonie, considering the difference in their rankings, but despite keeping fairly close to Aisling in the fourth, experience showed through in the end with Aisling taking the game 11/6 and the match 3 – 1 in a long 45 minutes. This was probably the biggest match of Leonie’s career and her coach Chris Ryder, just managing time to watch her before he took to the court in the men’s competition, was really happy with her performance.

Sina and top seed, Madeline.

Now we come to the No 1 seed and favourite for this tournament, Irish player Madeline Perry, WR 6, who was up against a young up and coming qualifier from Germany, qualifier Sina Wall, WR 212 (yes that is correct), who had fought so well through the qualifying rounds. She carried on that fighting spirit her in the first game and whilst never heading Madeline, she kept very close to her in the scoring, just losing out 11/9. Then Madeline showed her experience and skills, easing through 11/4 and 11/4 in the next two games. But keep an eye out for this youngster from Germany, I think she could go far in the next few years. But at least that pleased the local supporters, with now 2 Irish ladies through to the next round.

Still a couple more matches to go, with No 4 seed Laura Massaro from England easing through fairly comfortably against the young Canadian player Alexandra Norman, who is ranked 50 places below her, 11/5, 11/2, 11/4, despite a knock in the eye which could come up fairly black tomorrow. If it does nobody can blame husband Danny for causing it!!

Last up were two English ladies, No 6 seed Sarah Kippax, recently married to England coach David Campion, and full time fire fighter and part time, but very experienced, squash player Laura Hill from Derbyshire in England. Laura started out like a house on fire (pardon the pun) taking a great 10/2 lead, and despite Sarah pulling back to level at 10/10 she served out to take the game 12/10. However, Sarah then showed her much more tournament experience, along with her great racquet skills, to take the next 3 games 11/8, 11/7 and 11/3.

And so we came to the end of a really exciting and entertaining day of Squash, with some great matches to look forward to later today.

The Berden family pictured with tournament star, little Kieran Berden.

Arthur Curran lives in Manchester, England and is an avid squash fan, traveling to places like Belfast, Madrid, Monte Carlo, New York, Connecticut, Dublin and Kuala Lumpur to watch major tournaments, as well as extensively in the UK, and have on several occasions reported tournaments for squashsite.co.uk. Although too old and too ill to be able to play the game he is fascinated by the athleticism and skill involved in the game and with the friendliness shown by all the players.

Pictures on www.facebook.com/squashstars

BY Arthur Curran

Day 1, Women’s Qualifiers:

Sina Wall (GER) beat Maud Duplomb (FRA)
7/11, 12/10, 11/5, 11/6 (49 mins) Plays Madeline Perry.

Leonie Holt (ENG) beat Laura Pomportes (FRA)
11/9, 11/2, 11/7 (27 mins) Plays Aisling Blake.

Laura Hill (ENG) beat Samantha Cornett (CAN)
11/8, 11/9, 11/7 (28mins) Plays Sarah Kippax.

Victoria Lust (ENG) beat Lotte Eriksen (NOR)
11/4, 11/4, 11/5 (29 mins) Plays Alanna Miller.

Maud Duplomb (FRA) and Sina Wall (GER)

First ladies match was Maud Duplomb of France (world ranking 67) against Sina Wall of Germany (WR 85). The first game found both ladies playing very long and strong, and were very level up to 7/7, but then Maud played a few short shots and won the game 11/7 with three very good drop shots. The second game was very even again playing long up to 9/9, Maud took the first game ball at 10/9 but Sina then produced some lovely shots to take the game 12/10. Sina then stormed into a 9/3 lead in the third with Maud seeming to tire, and despite Maud taking another 3 points Sina won the game 11/5. Again in the fourth Maud seemed to be tiring and Sina took the game 11/6 and the match 3 – 1 in 49 minutes.

Laura Pomportes (FRA) and Leonie Holt (ENG)

Next up for the ladies were Laura Pomportes of France (WR 75) and Leonie Holt of England (WR 97). The first game up was a very even battle with both players taking point for point, but at 9/9 Leonie served out for the game at 11/9. Leonie proved much stronger and better in the second winning quite comfortably 11/2. The third was again very even up to 6/5 for Laura, but then Leonie again took charge taking six of the next  seven points to take the game 11/7 and the match 3 – 0. A great win for Leonie against a player more than 20 places above her in the rankings, and her coach, PSA player Chris Ryder, who arrived here just in time to watch his charge, said afterwards “That was the best game I have ever seen her play”. And Leonie followed up with “ That was my best win ever”. Well done to her. That win now gives her a first round match against local player and local favourite Aisling Blake.

Samantha Cornett (CAN) and Laura Hill (ENG)

Up next was Samantha Cornett of Canada (WR 89) and Laura Hill of England (WR 117) and despite the ranking difference it was felt that Laura, the full time firefighter from Derbyshire in England,  would be too strong for the young Canadian. And so it proved, although Samantha gave a really good showing for such a youngster, but lost out to the much more experienced Laura 11/8, 11/9, 11/7.

Last up for the ladies was Victoria Lust of England (WR 61) against Lotte Eriksen of Norway (WR 106), with a difference of 45 places in the rankings surely Victoria would prove much too strong for Lotte, and so it proved, with Victoria winning fairly comfortably 11/4, 11/4, 11/5 in 29 minutes. She now plays Alanna Miller in the main draw.

Some really good matches today, with the English ladies coming out on top with three players out of the four going through to the first round main draw.

Arthur Curran lives in Manchester, England and is an avid squash fan, traveling to places like Belfast, Madrid, Monte Carlo, New York, Connecticut, Dublin and Kuala Lumpur to watch major tournaments, as well as extensively in the UK, and have on several occasions reported tournaments for squashsite.co.uk. Although too old and too ill to be able to play the game he is fascinated by the athleticism and skill involved in the game and with the friendliness shown by all the players.