Day 1 - Wednesday 9th February 2022
The Masters players from all four corners of Great Britain and Ireland converged on the excellent Nottingham Squash Club for the National Championships. A good entry of over 250 and some players who have been missing from the scene for some time foretell some interesting matches.
The Men’s 70s saw the return of former champion Aubrey Waddy (BUX) and he made a winning return after injury beating Mick Broomhall (CHS) in five. In a seeding upset Jakey Musson (CBA) beat Martin Day (YKS) in five having been 2/0 up and with 2 match points – but then gone to five games. The Scottish pair of Alex Sinclair and Alastair McMeckan both progressed at the expense of Rodger Holroyde (YKS) and Russell Foster (NOT) respectively. In a minor upset Alistair Swift (LNH) beat higher ranked Roger More (WKS) in five well contested games.
The 65s draw is particularly strong with a number of winners possible. Starting their campaign Scotland No. 1 Robin Ridley overcame Keith Ragg (HFD) while former National Champion John Goodrich (SFK) overwhelmed Peter Fielding (DCL) and David Matthew (CNL) put his long trip from Cornwall behind him to get past Tony Blott (BFD) in four games. Wales star Adrian Alderton continued his fine form having reached the Open semi-final and progressed here at the expense of Chris Jordan (BUX). He now meets Peter Alexander (SFK) returning to tournaments after 5 years.
In the Men’s 60s recently crowned Jesters Amateur Champion James Barrington (SRY) overcame Nigel D’Arcy (HFD) while there were also wins for Phil Wakefield (YKS), Stephen Edmondson (CBA) and Hampshire’s George Kousseff who beat Nick Sims (CBE). Possibly the best match in this group to date was the seesaw event between Roger Wilson (NOT) and Stephen Jones (GLN) that went to Wilson in five games. Peter Call (BRK) played well to come back from a game down against Alan Plater (OXN) and take his place in the second round with a four game win.
There was a terrific battle in the Men’s 55s between Steve Martin (YKS) and Matthew Towers (BFD) with Martin winning in four very close games. His reward is now top seed Yawar Abbas (DCL). An interesting match up tomorrow will see Duane Harrison of Kent meet Kevin Harris (HPH) after both stormed through today. The longest match of the round was Cornwall’s Tim Smith who edged past John Sissons (LDN) in five and now meets Ray Burke MBE (LNH). Another interesting match up will be Alex Betts (MDX) and Peter Lonsdale (DCL) who both got through unscathed. All the top seeds will be in action tomorrow.
The action moves up a gear tomorrow with all the top seeds coming into the draws.
Day 2 - Thursday 10th February 2022
The tournament really took off today with all the top seeds in action and with National Championship wins there were also valuable ranking points for England team places for those England qualified at stake.
Men’s O75’s. The top eight all progressed here with the exception of Robert Smith (KNT) was outdropped by Tommy Elves (DCL) and lost in four. Masters Founder Martin Pearse (NOR) will meet Surrey’s James Dubois who won the East title beating him on the way while Scotland’s Ken Reid who beat Norman Allen (SFK) in a close four games will meet former World Champion Chris Ansell (BRK).
Men’s O70’s. Keith Jones (BRK) is top seed here and had a few problems with Aubrey Waddy (BUX) but came through in four. But Jakey Musson (CBA) underlined his fine form after beating a higher seeded player yesterday put out 5/8 seed Neil Nightingale (DYS) to reach the quarter finals. He will here meet British Open Champion Ian Ross (SCO). Two more high seeds Barry Featherstone (HPH) and Terry Belshaw (CBA) both went through unscathed.
Men’s O65’s. There were more shocks in this group. Former World Champion Peter Alexander (SFK) looked in control against Wales star Adrian Alderton but pulled a calf muscle and had to retire. 3/4 seed Stuart Hardy (WLT) also retired, feeling unwell against Ripley Oyler (BRK) who has a chance to progress against Alderton. The tie to look forward to sees top seed John Guyatt (WOC) take on Scotland No. 1 Robin Ridley who was convincing against John Goodrich (SFK). The other half of the draw was uneventful as the seeds progressed.
Men’s O60’s. Again, some results against seeding. Phil Wakefield (YKS) fell to Jesters Champion James Barrington (SRY) and Nick Peel (KNT) lost to the accurate lobs and drops of Mark Taylor (AVN). He now faces former Champion Allen Barwise (CBA). The top seeds, John Parkes (WOC) the Open Champion and Dermot Hurford (SRY) moved ominously into the quarters and look very strong.
Men’s O55’s. Former Open and Closed Champion Yawar Abbas (DCL) is the man to beat in this group and he progressed smoothly to a quarter with the talented Marc Aldridge (SRY). Kevin Harris (HPH) is a bit of a dark horse but always a very talented player. He outplayed 5/8 seed Duane Harrison (KNT) to set up an interesting tie with Ray Burke MBE (LNH) who did well to survive from two down against Tim Smith (CNL) surviving match points in the process. Unfortunately second seed Eamonn Price (HFD) had to withdraw and his side of the draw has opened up with a great opportunity for a number of players.
Men’s O50’s. Top seed Nick Wall (YKS) progressed smoothly to the quarters and now plays Dominic Curtis (SRY). The match of the group was Jeremy Krzystyniak (SRY) edging out Andrew Cross (DCL) by taking the fourth and fifth games 14/12 and 13/11. He now plays No. 2 seed John Simpson (YKS). Elsewhere David Youngs (NOR) progressed with his usual blend of elegant squash while he faces the power game of Andrew Murray (WKS).
Men’s O45’s. British Open Champion Matt Holland (HPH) moved smoothly into the quarter finals and now faces former National Champion and Irish International Nick Staunton in what should be an intriguing match. Former Champion Paul Boyle (BUX) also progressed comfortably and now meets Joss Hargrave (LEC) who came through in four against Matt Stephenson (YKS). Another interesting match-up will be 3/4 seed Jonathan Hope (OFE) against Irish International Rob Staunton. Meanwhile second seed Mike Gregory (DVN) looked very competent cruising through to meet another Jesters Amateur Champion in Nick Freer (MDX).
Men’s O40’s. Stephen Jenks (SPE) played well to overcome 5/8 seed Keith Timms (HFD) in four and his reward is a quarter final with Darren Lewis (LEC) the top seed and multiple champion. Paul Stroud (LEC) had a real battle with Steven Davies (BFD) before emerging a five game winner and now meets Mick Biggs from Middlesex in his quarter. In the bottom half of the draw the ever green Jamie Goodrich (NOR) edged through two very tight games to beat James Greenhead (SRY) 3/0 and Nottingham club manager Nick Hargreaves (NOT) tamed the ferocious hitting of Adam Giles (WLT) to earn a match with second seed and former champion James Bowden (LEC).
Men’s O35’s. Andy Whipp (CHS) is top seed and previous champion here and he will meet Essex pro Rory Pennell in one quarter while Jason Pike (WKS) powered his way through to meet 3/4 seed Phil Nightingale (SRY) in another. In the bottom half recent Regional Champion Nick Sutcliffe (MDX) won through to his quarter with a prospect of a semi against Surrey’s Phil Rushworth which could be a fantastic match.
Tomorrow’s quarter final matches will be hard fought and close contests with both ranking points, England places (for those qualified) and chances of National Championship glory, but there will be some world class and sensational squash on show.
Day 3 - Friday 12th February 2022
Everything heated up today with some absolutely cracking matches. There were upsets and any number of fantastic competitive matches. Masters Squash at its very best in these National Championships.
Men’s O75’s. Top seed and many time champion Mike Clemson (YKS) was on the verge of going out against a revitalised Thomas Elves (DCL). Clemson saved match point in the fourth before powering through the fifth game. He meets Ken Reid of Scotland who upturned the seedings by beating former World Champion Chris Ansell (BRK) in three tight games. In the other half James Dubois (SRY) continued his fine season disposing of Martin Pearse (NOR) comfortably and he will meet John Smith (NLD) who squeezed home against four time World Champion Adrian Wright (YKS) in five competitive games.
Men’s O70’s. Top seed Keith Jones (BRK) was dominant against Andrew Edmondson (LCN) and now faces the skilful Emilio Fazzi (SCO) who edged home in a very tight hard fought match with Barry Featherstone (HPH). British Open Champion Ian Ross (SCO) had to work hard and come from 2/1 down to overcome Larry Grover (HPH) 3/2 and he will meet Terry Belshaw (CBA) who proved too experienced for fellow Cumbrian Jakey Musson.
Men’s O65’s. The top seed here was John Guyatt (WOC) and he met Scotland No. 1 Robin Ridley in a furious paced hard hitting match. Guyatt took the first but Ridley revitalised since his reversal at the British Open powered through the next three to take a semi final slot. He will play his conqueror from the Open Adrian Alderton (WAL) who had a fantastic battle with Ripley Oyler (BRK) which Oyler nearly clinched twice in the fourth before losing that game 16/14 and then fading in the fifth. In the bottom half of the draw Simon Evenden (NHM) again proved too mobile for Geoff Redfern (WKS) while Gordon McManus (KNT) the No. 2 seed had to battle all the way against Norman Raine (SFD) coming through in five having been 2/1 down.
Men’s O60’s. John Parkes (WOC) fresh from his British Open is looking confident and lively. He had too much for James Barrington (SRY) who had put together some excellent results but found Parkes a class above losing in four. He will play Nick Gollaglee (SOM) in the semi after he edged home in two games against Stephen Edmondson (CBA) then closing out the third. European Champion Allen Barwise (CBA) is also returning from injury but is still looking strong. He coped with the tricky lob and drop combination used by Mark Taylor (AVN) and managed to keep in front to win in four. The other quarter was a lovely game to watch with hard hitting and great movement. Dermot Hurford (SRY) the No. 2 seed is himself a former British Open Over 55 Champion and seems to be playing beautifully. He was just too strong for Teejay Sogunro (HFD) easing through in straight games.
Men’s O55’s. Open Champion Yawar Abbas (DCL) is looking ominously good to his opponents and proved too good for Marc Aldridge (SRY) taking that quarter in straight games but he will meet surprise package in Kevin Harris (HPH) who is not often seen on the circuit but is a very good player. He got home by the narrowest of margins over Ray Burke MBE (LNH) in a match full of great squash. Meanwhile Alex Betts (MDX) the 3/4 seed was edged out by fellow Middlesex player and former World ranked player Peter Gunter who got home in a very close five game match. He will meet Nigel Stiles (SRY) who proved too clever a player for Nigel Bacon (ESX). The Gunter/Stiles match should be a fascinating contract in style.
Men’s O50’s. Nick Wall of Yorkshire is the favourite for this event and he progressed smoothly with a four game win over Dominic Curtis (SRY). Stuart Hargreaves (YKS) upset the form book and survived a tight fourth game to level the match before clinching the fifth to book his semi final slot. Former National Champion David Youngs (NOR) playing a brand of squash that is entirely his own proved too varied for the powerful hitting of Andy Murray (WKS). Youngs will now meet John Simpson (YKS) who put in a powerful performance against Jeremy Krzystyniak (SRY). This should be another fascinating clash in styles.
Men’s O45’s. Top seed here is the ever impressive British Open Champion Matt Holland (HPH) and he had to survive the audacious shot making of Ireland’s Nick Staunton but progressed in straight games. He will meet former champion Paul Boyle (BUX) who was too good for Joss Hargrave (LEC). In the other half Nick’s brother Rob Staunton showed his class with a four game win over Jonathan Hope (OFE) playing some great squash after coming back from injury. He will have an even sterner challenge when he takes on Mike Gregory (DVN) who beat Andy Marsh (SOM) in four games of great squash.
Men’s O40’s. Top seed and former champion Darren Lewis (LEC) eased through to another semi final with a straight game win over Stephen Jenks (SPE) and there he will play Mick Biggs (MDX) for another version of their regular battles through this season. Biggs got through at the expense of Paul Stroud (LEC) in four games, the last two being 13/11, 18/16 to Biggs in what was a very high quality match. In the other side of the draw No. 2 seed James Bowden (LEC) a former champion proved too good for Nottingham Manager Nick Hargreaves easing through in straight games. He will now play Jamie Goodrich (NOR) who after falling two games behind Ross Gore (OFE) with some lovely moving and competitive rallies got through after Gore unfortunately injured himself in the third.
Men’s O35’s. Former National Champion Andy Whipp (CHS) was soon in trouble against Rory Pennell (ESX) and two games down. He managed to steady the ship, however and began to impose his game as Pennell tired and came through in five. Whipp now plays Jason Pike (WKS) who played a superb match to beat Phil Nightingale (SRY) the former British Open O35’s Champion in three dynamic games. Nick Sutcliffe (MDX) comes fresh from debut regional win and seems in great form. He proved to have too much game for Howard Lancashire (WKS) and stormed through to a straight games win. He will have more problems tomorrow as he will face second seed Phil Rushworth (SRY), a very talented professional who was too good for county colleague Tony Webb.
Women’s O60’s. Jill Campion of Middlesex and now Wales is top seed here and the former World Champion will meet Susan Pynegar (NOT) playing at her home club after she beat Jackie Gregory (ESX) in straight games. Former champion Sian Johnson also of Wales beat Ireland star Maureen Duke in three good games and will now play Lesley Sturgess (DYS) who got home against Tamsin Bennett (SRY) who made her work hard saving match points in the third before taking the fourth.
Women’s O55’s. Former British Open Champions Fiona McLean of Scotland and Fran Wallis (LCN) are the top seeds and favourites in this draw. McLean now plays Lisa Tolhurst (ESX) who had a comfortable win over Deborah Rogers (DYS) while Fran Wallis powered home against Dawn Robinson (ESX). In that semi final she will meet Karen Webb (BRK) who had an entertaining match with Polly Woodward (CHS) a close 3/0.
Women’s O45’s. The top seed here is another British Open Champion in Vix Smith (SRY). She started her campaign with a 3/0 win over Alexandra Perry (OFE) who had her chances in the match. Smith now meets Louisa Dalwood (HFD) who was too strong for Diane Fenwick(YKS). Keeley Johnson (KNT) has won the European, British and National Championships and is second seed here. She got through against Helen Knowles (OFE) and now meets Rachel Calver (LEC) who survived a spirited fightback from Catherine Ruffle (KNT) who took the second and fourth before Calver re-established herself to take the match in five.
Women’s O35’s. There was an early upset in this group as Polly Rowlance-Smith (LCN) went two games up against Heather Joy (BUX) but after losing the third 12/10 she lost her way a bit and sank to a 3/2 defeat and she now meets top seed and British Open Champion Sarah Campion (CHS). In the other half of the draw second seed Leonie Holt (WKS) dropped the first game to Gemma Barber (DOR) but then asserted herself and took the next three comfortably. Her opponent in her semi final will be Emmeline Gale (SRY) who was too strong for Sophie Beake (BRK) winning through in three straight games.
Semi finals will be played from 12.00 on Saturday and there are some mouth watering matches to view. Players will be chasing the chance of a National Championships final and some spectacular matches are in prospect.
Day 4 - Saturday 12th February 2022
The business end of tournament now. With some weary bodies battling in National Semi Finals for a place in the National Final.
Men’s O75's. Mike Clemson (YKS) is a lively player with 6 British Opens. He proved to have too much mobility for Ken Reid (SCO) in spite of some fine rallies and shots from REID, won through in four games all of which went to 7. James Dubois (SRY) continued his fine form of this season and showing good all round court skills beat John Smith (NLD) in four games, holding his nerve to take the fourth 11/9. His first National Final.
Men’s O70's. Keith Jones (BRK) has won world and British open titles and returning this season is still the player to beat. In this semi final he faced Scotland’s Emilio Fazzi a talented shot maker. The first was very tight but Jones prevailed 12-10 but then took control to take the next two more comfortably. In the final he will face the British Open Champion Ian Ross, also of Scotland, who again proved too adept for Terry Belshaw (CBA) and controlling the game ran out a straight game winner.
Men’s O65's. Robin Ridley the Scotland No. 1 had removed top seed John Guyatt yesterday and today was looking for revenge against Wales number 1 Adrian Alderton who had surprisingly removed him from the British Open 3 months ago. The first game was a tight affair but went to Ridley who gained confidence and powered through the next 2 for a satisfying win. He will meet brand new 065 player Gordon McManus (KNT) the No. 2 seed who had too much control for Simon Evenden (NHM) and ran out a 4 game winner. A great final in store.
Men’s O060's . John Parkes(WOC) won the British Open in style recently and is the top player in the group at the moment. He had a tricky task with the mercurial Nick Gollaglee (SOM) who plays a devastating lob and drop combination game. Parkes has the speed around the court and the hitting ability to overcome this game however and duly recorded a straight games win. In the final he will meet a former British Open champion in Dermot Hurford (SRY) who came though against current European Champion Allen Barwise (CBA) after the Cumbrian who has recently returned from injury pulled up in the 3rd game having shared the first two. The final will be a repeat of the British Open semi final and promises to be an action packed match.
Men’s O55's. Kevin Harris (HPH) has had a great tournament rarely appearing on the masters’ circuit but he has beaten a 5-8 and 3-4 seed to reach the semi final. Here he ran into the outstanding Yawar Abbas (DCL) the defending champion and acquitted himself very well losing 13-11 in the 3rd. Abbas will meet another unexpected opponent as Nigel Stiles (SRY) proved too mobile for Peter Gunter (MDX) who may have been feeling the effects of his great 5 game win yesterday. Stiles got through in 4 games of top quality squash.
Men’s O50's. The top 2 seeds in this group both emerged to their places in the final with solid powerful 3-0 wins against very good opponents. Nick Wall (YKS) beat county colleague Stuart Hargreaves in straight games always having the edge on power and touch. He will meet another Yorkshireman in John Simpson who worked out the enigma that is David Youngs playing squash in a powerful display he nullified the talented Youngs with a 3-0 win. An all Yorkshire final and some hard hitting squash in store.
Men’s O45's. The 45’s player of the season has been Matt holland (HPH) who has won regional titles and the British Open already. Here he was up against Paul Boyle (BUX) a former National champion himself and was soon 2 games down. Holland battled back and managed to get in front winning the 5th 11-9. Holland now meets Mike Gregory of Devon the number 2 seed who has not appeared on the masters circuit this season but is renowned as a tremendous player. He convincingly overcame another talented player in Rob Staunton (IRL) with some devastating power and touch. It should be a great final.
Men’s O40's. Darren Lewis (LEC) is a former Open and Closed champion and top seed here. He had to play Mick Biggs (MDX) in his semi final and these two have already played each other more than once this season. Lewis can turn on a blistering display and also lose a game heavily. He lost one game 11/1 but recovered his game to take three others. In the final he will meet Jamie Goodrich (NOR) who got through without playing as number 2 seed James Bowden (LEC) had to withdraw. A great shame as it would have been a fantastic match to watch.
Men’s O35's. Top seed Andy Whipp (CHS) has won this title before and although he does not play the Masters events regularly he tends to win when he does. He took on a very in form Jason Pike (WKS)the Leamington Pro who has produced some excellent squash this season. Two close games to Whipp was followed by one by Pike, then a point for point fourth that went to the Cheshire man 11/9 in the fourth. He will meet Wimbledon professional Phil Rushworth (SRY) -a runner up here in 2020, who was 2/1 up against East of England Open champion Nick Surcliffe (MDX) before the latter feeling unwell had to retire. A top class Final in prospect.
Women’s O75's. A small round robin group is being played for this event and Bett Dryhurst (WOC) beat Patricia Gray (CBE) in the first match. Bett is a former world champion and won virtually everything in squash and no doubt her tie with Ann Manley (AVN) will be another classic as she is also a woman who has won everything. She in turn beat Patricia in the second match of the group.
Women’s O65's. Another round robin group with England, Scotland and Wales represented. Lynne Davies (WAL) started with a solid performance against Rebecca Czuczman (KNT) winning in three good games. Scotland no. 1 Eunice Bond also a top performer for many years recorded a similar result and now meets Lynne in the final.
Women’s O60's. Jill Campion is now representing Wales and the former World Champion had too much for Susan Pynegar (NOT) in spite of the home court advantage and after a 15/13 first game, won 3/0. She will now face Wales stalwart Sian Johnson a former National Champion herself who came from a game down to beat second seed Lesley Sturgess (DYS) in what will be the first All Wales Final.
Women’s O55's. Fiona McLean of Scotland is a former British Open and National Champion and renowned for her athleticism. She was on form today as after a 12/10 first game she powered through Lisa Tolhurst (ESX) in the next two. She will play the hard hitting former National and 26 time Regional Champion Fran Wallis (LCN) who proved too good for the former Zimbabwean Karen Webb (BRK) after sharing the first two close games.
Women’s O50's. Another round robin event for this age group started with Jillian Lillico (HFD) playing a solid match against Alison Goy (NOT) and with great control took the tie in straight games. Top seeded Sarah Parr (BRK) has already been a winner this season and was expected to record a similar result against Alison to set up a final date with Jillian. Alison was a different player to the earlier match however and a tight contest ended 3/2 to the No. 1 seed.
Women’s O45's. Newly crowned British Open Champion Vix Smith (SRY) had to come from a game down to beat Louisa Dalwood (HFD) which she did with growing confidence as the match progressed. Meanwhile, Rachel Calver (LEC) a former National Champion got the better of another previous winner, Keeley Johnson (KNT) taking the fourth 11/9. This sets up a repeat of the British Open final and should be a great contest.
Women’s O40's. This event was played in two groups and the top two seeds emerged from them to meet in tomorrow’s final. Hannah Wright-Davies (KNT) had a solid win over Karen Heron (NLD) 3/0 then a ferocious battle with Natalie Lawrence (SOM) to earn her place in the final. Here she will play Kate Bradshaw (CBE) who beat Natalie Townsend in straight games then, in a real battle, a five game win over Mandy Akin (KNT) playing down a group or two.
Women’s O35's. Former World top 20 player Sarah Campion (CHS) recently won the British Open and is firm favourite here. Heather Joy (BUX) had removed No. 3 seed Polly Roylance-Smith in the previous round but could not find any way through Campion who looked supremely poised and accurate. 3/0. She will play Leonie Holt (WKS) the No. 2 seed who came through 3/1 against Emmeline Gale (SRY) after losing a tight 15/13 third game.
So, on to the Finals starting at 10.30am on Sunday. Some marvellous Squash in store and some new National Champions to be crowned. Spectators are very welcome at Nottingham Squash Club.
Finals Day - Sunday 13 February 2022
So, it has all lead to this. All the great matches, the skills, the effort and the highs and lows of playing competitive sport and now Finals Day. For some players, the honour of becoming a National Champion. This was how it turned out.
Women’s O75. Two ladies who have won just about everything in Squash. Both World Champions and they have played each other many times. Ann Manley (AVN) has four World titles and in recent years has had the better of three time World Champion Bett Dryhurst (WOC). And so it proved once again,in spite of a 12/10 second it was three straight to Manley.
Women’s O65. The Scotland No. 1 Eunice Bond and the Wales No. 1 Lynne Davies met in this final bringing a host of International experience with them. It was always going to be tight. It was almost inevitable that it would go to five games as both played an intelligent game. Lynne had her chance with two match points, but Eunice saved them and took the fifth 12/10 for her first National title.
Women’s O60. This group is particularly gifted with Champions. Former World Champion Jill Campion is now representing Wales and today in the first all Wales final played double National Champion Sian Johnson. These ladies always have close, hard fought matches and sure enough, an incredibly close fifth game. This time it was Campion who reached the winning post.
Women’s O55. Fiona McLean (SCO) is a three time British Open Champion but has not won a National title before. Her opponent in this final was Fran Wallis (LCN) who has a host of Regional titles to her name. McLean always had the edge and was a worthy winner in straight games.
Women’s O50. Neither of these women had won a National title before. Sarah Parr (BRK) has had successes on the Regional circuit but this is Jillian Lilico’s (HFD) first season with the Masters. Parr’s experience showed as she stormed through the first but Lilico fought back to take the second. Parr re-established herself and playing her best squash took charge of the next two to take her first National title.
Women’s O45. Vix Smith (SRY) won the British Open two months ago beating double National Champion Rachel Calver (LEC) in a thrilling final. It was always going to be a tough match. The first two were shared as were the next two. ‘A very classy, tactical game’ said one observer. The fifth was a real tussle but again it was Smith who found the shots to edge ahead to take the fifth.
Women’s O40. Hannah Wright-Davies is a former Wales International and top seed here. She played Kate Bradshaw (CBE) who is a regular top performer on the Regional circuit. The Wales player was just a bit better and it made all the difference. With some fine rallies and shot making, Wright-Davies collected the National title in straight games.
Women’s O35. Top seed Sarah Campion (CHS) won the British Open recently and was a top World circuit professional. Her final opponent was Leonie Holt (WKS)from the British Fire Service, a very strong player herself but without the rare pedigree of Campion. She pushed Campion hard, however and took the third with some lovely shots but it was inevitably a title for Campion.
To the Men...
Men’s O85. Not a large group, but it is inspirational to see. In the event, former England senior International Pat Kirton (SRY) has won Masters National titles from 45 to 80. He has 18 of them and now has 19. A truly remarkable run. Unfortunately his opponent, former World over 80 Champion Lance Kinder (HPH) was injured and had to concede.
Men’s O80. With two regular champions playing down a group, it was left to Geoff Coe (CHS) and John Blurton (SFD) to battle it out. With some squash that belied their age they had a very good match with both players showing good shot-making and running. Blurton was just the stronger, however and took his chances to win in four games for his first National title.
Men's O75. Mike Clemson (YKS) has a host of Open and National titles but is at the end of this age group. James Dubois (SRY) is at the other end and has been playing well this season. Dubois struck first and took the first, but Clemson has been here many times before and he steadied himself and took the next two. Dubois was not finished, however and he rallied his resources to take the next two and a first National title.
Men’s O70. This was a final that was eagerly awaited with former World Champion Keith Jones (BRK) taking on current British Open Champion Ian Ross (SCO). Jones took the first with some great movement and edged ahead but then disaster struck as he injured an ankle and had to concede. So a first National title for Ross to go with his Open and European wins.
Men’s O65. Scottish Champion Robin Ridley was proving a point after a disappointment in the Open. But he had removed top seed John Guyatt (WOC) and was playing very well. His final opponent was the talented Gordon McManus (KNT) always a clever player. McManus took the first with some great drops but Ridley powered back and took the second 11/0. The third was closer but Ridley had the look of a man who was going to win and he closed out a tight fourth for the title.
Men’s O60. John Parkes (WOC) was looking for the Double and already had the Open. Dermot Hurford (SRY) a previous British Open winner was out to stop him. Probably the two best hitters of a squash ball in the group. There were some brutal rallies as both men played some great squash, but it was Parkes that took the first and then the second 13/11. The force was with him and he kept his nose ahead and ran out a winner in straight games.
Men’s O55. Yawar Abbas (DCL) has five National titles to his name already and was favourite for another. Nigel Stiles (SRY) had played beautifully to reach the final gaining some excellent scalps along the way. Abbas is the big match player, however, and e nullified Stile’s silky skills to get through 3/0. A sixth National for ABBAS.
Men's O50. This proved to be an all-Yorkshire final with the very talented Nick Wall powering through to the final ominously to come up against John Simpson who has played very well all season winning a Regional event and finishing top of the ranking points. Wall proved too strong on the day and in spite of a 12/10 second, closed out the final 3/0 for his fourth National title. His son can play a bit, too, apparently!
Men’s O45. Possibly the Masters Player of the Season – the Colets player Matt Holland (HPH) has won everything – Regional Opens, British Open and now the National title. And what a Final! Devon’s Mike Gregory has superb racket skills and pushed Holland harder than anyone has done this season. After sharing the first two the next two were edged by Holland by the smallest of margins. A great match played in great spirit.
Men’s O40. Defending Champion Darren Lewis (LEC) was top seed here but was up against the very fit and mobile Jamie Goodrich (NOR). Lewis is always entertaining with some outrageous shots amongst the steel of a great basic game. The first two games were shared but it was Lewis who was then in the ascendancy. He put Goodrich all over the court and ran out a winner in four hard games.
Men’s O35. Top seed and former Champion Andy Whipp (CHS) has been a top player for a long time and is always the man to beat. His final opponent Phil Rushworth of Surrey lost a close final here in 2020 and was looking to go one better. Whipp had other ideas, however, and in a top match of fierce hitting and fantastic movement was always just ahead. A wonderful squash match played by two very classy players, but the Champion was Andy Whipp.
At the presentation there were thanks for Andy Murray and his company Iprosports, the sponsors, Nottingham SC for their hospitality – Nick Hargreaves and Kevin Emery, all the Referees and the England Squash Masters Committee who organised and ran the event, especially Brian Brock our Events Manager.
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Stuart Hardy
Chairman