Natalie, all smiles for Squash!

On World Squash Day, Natalie Grainger organized and played in a huge event at the Apawamis Club in Rye, New York, USA. Squash matches were battled out in a so-called 100-a-side Battle of the Border. Not only Natalie was present, but other squash greats like Jonathon Power, John White, David Palmer, Chris Walker and US no. 1 Julian Illingworth turned up for this special day.

Olympic ambassador Natalie commented afterwards: “It was fantastic to see so many leading players supporting the event and more than 500 people came through the club’s doors on the day. The event raised money for the bid, showcased squash in the most positive way and helped to raise the profile of the sport.”

Samantha Teran took part in the World Squash Day activities in Mexico. The most important clubs in Mexico opened their doors and celebrated this special day in order to draw attention to the Olympic bid to get squash included in 2016.

Samantha’s exhibition match against Gerardo De Paul, a local top player, as well as many other activities at leading Mexican clubs, drew a lot of media attention. At the end of the day, dozens of squashies gathered at the statue of the Angel of Independence in the center of Mexico City to have a picture taken. Many enthusiastic people joined in to promote our great sport and to make World Squash Day an extremely festive day in Mexico.

Samantha, looking to the angels

Olympic in 2016
Towards the end of this year, the IOC will decide which city will host the Olympic Games in 2016: Chicago, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro or Madrid. Wherever it will be, let’s hope squash is included. World Squash Day certainly has done the world of good towards making this happen!

After her giant killing efforts yesterday, Samantha Teran succumbed in 3 sets to Natalie Grainger in the quarterfinals of the Texas Open 2009. Despite the loss today, Samantha can take away a lot of positives from this tournament. Meanwhile, defending champ Natalie Grainger is getting closer and closer to that 3rd successive Texas crown….

Full quarterfinal results:
Nicol David bt Isabelle Stoehr 11/5, 11/8, 11/7
Jenny Duncalf bt Rachael Grinham 8/11, 11/9, 11/7, 8/11, 11/9
Natalie Grinham bt Alison Waters 11/5, 11/9, 13/11
Natalie Grainger bt Samantha Teran 11/5, 13/11, 11/9

Well done Samantha! A great win over the no. 9 of the world, Madeline Perry at the Texas Open 2009. All the other seeds got through, but Natalie Grainger had quite a scare, almost lost to the tenacious Emma Beddoes. Natalie’s still on course for a final with Nicol, who played a solid match to beat Dominique Lloyd-Walter.

Full results of the first round:
Nicol David (MAS) bt Dominique Lloyd-Walter (ENG) 11/6 11/3 11/4
Isabelle Stoehr (FRA) bt Raneem El Weleily (EGY) 11/8 9/11 11/3 11/6
Rachael Grinham (AUS) bt Jaclyn Hawkes (NZL) 10/12 11/6 11/9 5/11 11/8
Jenny Duncalf (ENG) bt Rebecca Chiu (HKG) 5/11 11/5 11/1 11/5
Alison Waters (ENG) bt Kasey Brown (AUS) 11/6 11/7 11/4
Natalie Grinham (NED) bt Sarah Kippax (ENG) 11/8 11/4 12/10
Samantha Teran (MEX) bt Madeline Perry (IRL) 12/10 11/9 9/11 13/11
Natalie Grainger (USA) bt Emma Beddoes (ENG) 11/6 5/11 5/11 11/5 11/9

Good luck to our girls Nicol, Samantha and Natalie Grainger in the quarterfinals. See The Stars section for updates from some of the girls!

Four of our Squash Stars are currently in action at the European Team Championships Squash in Malmö, Sweden. Italy’s Manuela Manetta, Irish lass Aisling Blake, Line Hansen of Denmark and South-African born Dutch star Annelize Naude are all proudly representing their countries. The Netherlands faces Ireland in the semi-finals tomorrow, England plays France.