The first day of the tournament got a number of the events underway with first round matches in several age groups.
Ian Smith (KNT) booked a second-round match with Open Champion Ian Graham (SSX) in the Men’s over 70s by beating Jose Carnero (BRK) in straight games.
There were several matches in the Men’s 65s with some tight contests. The closest was Richard Kellagher (OFE) coming from two games down to edge past Scotland International Clark Adam and win 11/9 in the fifth, while an International from last season Ripley Oyler (BRK) needed five games to overcome Wales International Graham Bastien. There was another 3/2 as John Petruschke (BRK) came from two games down to squeeze past the improving Joe McAuley (DCL) 12/10 in the fifth after saving three match points.
The Men’s over 60s also got underway with Roger Wilson (NOT) overcoming Andy Hall (YKS) to earn a match against top seed and serial champion Mark Woodliffe (GLR). Ian Portas (LCN) had a tough opener needing five games to get through Phil Wakefield (YKS). James Barrington (SRY) negotiated a tricky match against Felix Frixou (DYS), winning through in four games and there were wins for Alan Borrill (LCN) and Andrew Tuck (YKS).
The early matches in the Men’s over 55s went with the seeding. Steve Calvert (NLD), always a powerful player, was in dominant form against Martin White (HFD) and England and former Army player Ray Burke MBE (YKS) was too good for Nick Sheppard (ESX). Peter Lonsdale (DCL) produced his stylish lob and drop game to overcome Michael Regan (CHS) in four. Tim Smith (CNL) ended up in a real battle with Matthew Towers (BFD) who had three game points to level at two all before going down 14/12 in the fourth. David Gray (CBA) needed five games to overcome the dogged resistance of Neil Counter (CNL) but eventually got his game together.
The tournament begins in earnest tomorrow with all the top seeds in action and a full schedule of matches at the superb Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham.
The iPROSPORTS National Masters Championship 2023 got into full swing today with all the Men’s groups playing and all the top seeds in action.
In the Men’s O75s former Champion Aubrey Waddy (BUX) stamped his authority with a quick win as did former World Champion Chris Ansell (BRK) who is returning to form after illness. Tommy Elves (DCL) had a competitive win over Tibor Szolnoki (WKS) getting through with a flurry of dropshots in four close games. James Dubois (SRY) the defending champion took four games to get past David Grant of Wales and will now meet Martin Day of Yorkshire in what should be an interesting match.
In the Men’s O70’s top seed and former National Champion John Goodrich (SFK) had an early shock as he dropped the first game of his tournament to Sam Balsdon (DVN) but the Judge recovered to impose himself on the next three games and the win. He will now play Emilio Fazzi of Scotland who got through in four competitive games against Jakey Musson (CBA). Former Champions Steve Jackson (SRY) and Ian Holmes (NHM) met early on and it was Jackson who prevailed. Open Champion Ian Graham (SSX) needed four games against Ian Smith (KNT) and now has a tough challenge against Jackson. In the bottom half of the draw Terry Belshaw (CBA) won through in five against Andrew Edmondson (LCN) and meets Wales International Anthony Bevan for a place in the semis. Geoff Walton (CHS) had an interesting challenge against local racketball coach and former world ranked player Rob Shay (WKS) and in a game of towering lobs and delicate touches prevailed 12/10 in the fourth. He will meet Paul Reader (HPH) who only just got home against Tony Pensom (DCL) in a frighteningly close 11/9 in the fifth win with one game going to Reader 17/15.
In the Men’s O65’s the oldest and youngest players in the age group met and youth triumphed as top seed Allen Barwise (CBA) beat Geoff Redfern (WKS) in straight games. He now meets the talented Gordon McManus of Kent. Ian Bradburn (LNH) saw off the skill off Robert Warner (OFE) to set up a quarter final with defending National Champion Robin Ridley of Scotland. Stuart Hardy (WLT) negated the skills of Jonathan Potter (MDX) to set up an interesting match with World Masters Bronze medallist Gordon Benbow (CNL). Simon Evenden (NHM) struggled against Ripley Oyler (BRK) and was fortunate to take the fourth in a four game win and now meets John Guyatt (WOC), the Open Champion, who eased through against Richard Kellagher (OFE) in four.
In the Men’s O60’s many time Champion Mark Woodliffe (GLR) comfortably progressed against Roger Wilson (NOT) and now meets former National Champion Neil Harrison (DCL) who had a competitive win over Rob Reid (HFD). Nigel Bacon (ESX) will meet Andrew Killey (AVN) the 3/4 seed who had a battle with Ian Portas (LCN). In the bottom half of the draw Steve Martin (YKS) had a tough match to win 14/12 in the fourth against Alan Borrill (LCN) and he will face former Champion John Parkes (WOC) in a re-run of a previous Regional Final this season. Teejay Sogunro (HFD) put paid to James Barrington’s (SRY) tournament proving more mobile and taking the close games. He will have his work cut out for him against second seed and former World top ten player Bryan Beeson (NLD) who was too strong for Kevin Kilburn (WMD).
With six National titles Yawar Abbas (DCL) is the outstanding favourite for another year in the Men's O55's He had to come back from a game down against Karl Hardy (CHS) with a 3/1 win to meet the powerful form of Steven Calvert (NLD) who overcame Phil Yerby (BUX) in four. Steve McLoughlin (HPH) has been improving after injury all season and was too sharp for Pete Lonsdale (DCL) and he now will face Simon Spencer (NOT) who was too good for Wales International Ian Fenner-Evans. In the bottom half Alex Betts (MDX) the Jesters Amateur Champion recovered from a game down to beat Tim Smith (CNL) in four and now meets Tim Clark (DCL) who got through after being 2/0 up when his opponent Ray Burke (YKS) had to retire with an injury. David Youngs (NOR) always entertaining with his vast array of shots had a bit too much for Gary Wood (LNH) winning 3/1 and now meets an old adversary in Eamonn Price (HFD) who took four games to get past David Gray of Cumbria.
The evergreen Jamie Goodrich (NOR) usually competes in the O35’s but in this event is playing in his correct group, the Men’s 50’s. He dropped the first game to Phil Bowker (YKS) but then eased through 3/1 to meet John Simpson also from Yorkshire who also won in four against Stuart Wiley (SRY). The match of the round was Jeremy Krzystyniak (SRY) who beat Chris Lynam (HFD) in four games after losing the first, winning the third 18/16 and scraping home 12/10 in the fourth with some great all court squash. His reward is a meeting with England Captain Matthew Stephenson (YKS) who beat Julian Beckett of Wiltshire in straight games. In the lower part of the draw Paul Boyle (BUX) was emphatic in his match and now plays Craig Webb (GLR) who had a much tighter but still 3/2 win over higher-seeded Jeff Davenport (DYS). Irish International Rob Staunton made his way serenely into the quarter-final but may have more problems against No 2 seed Stuart Hargreaves (YKS) the British Open Champion.
In the Men’s O45’s defending Champion Matt Holland (HPH) is top seed here and progressed to the quarters with a win over Jake Fountain (LCN). He will there play Wales International Jonathan Davies who had a very good four game win over Nick Hargreaves (NOT). In the other quarter Tim Burrell (BRK) confirmed his return to form with a 3/0 win and he now meets the winner of perhaps the match of the tournament so far. Jolyon Head (KNT) and Andy Marsh (SOM) battered each other with unrelenting rallies for over an hour. Head saved match points in the fourth and scraped home 15/13 in the fifth. A great match by two very good players.
Mick Biggs is No 2 seed and had to work hard for a win over Jon Hunter (CHS) losing the first 14/12 and squeezing home with a 12/10 in the fourth. He meets former Champion and Irish International Nick Staunton who won in four from Jonathan Hope (BRK) in a competitive match that had both men covering a lot of court. Nick did not enjoy losing the third 15/13 but managed to close it out in the fourth. Nick Freer (MDX) had a bruising encounter with Wayne Beglan (SRY) with both players absolutely flat out before Freer managed to cross the line in the fifth. Freer will play Alistair Coker (HFD) who had an easier run against Simon Lucas (WLT).
There was a cracking match in the Men’s O40’s and Tim Richards (SOM) prevailed 3/2 in a very close full-action match with Aron Robinson (CHS) that saw a real all-action battle. His reward is a meeting with defending Champion Darren Lewis (LEC) tomorrow. Meanwhile, Paul Stroud (LEC) and Steven Davies (BFD) will take their allotted places in the second quarter-final having won in four and three respectively. Neil Cross (NOR) looked to be comfortable for two games but had to survive a fightback from Mark Campen-Howarth (CNL) to pinch the third 12/10 and will then meet England player Tony Webb (SRY). Second seed Antony Savage (ESX) eased through and will play Keith Timms (HFD) who had a real tussle with James Greenhead (SRY) before taking the fifth.
Some powerful Squash in the Men’s 35s and a great array of talent. Top seed and defending Champion is James Bowden (LEC) and he will meet the talented Gbenga Adeyi (BFD) who was pushed very hard in the first two games against Darren Rix (OFE). The seeds Jamie Douglas (NLD) the Amateur Champion and Phil Nightingale (SRY) the Surrey County Champion won through and will meet tomorrow. In the other half, former pro player Rory Pennell (ESX) came through and second seed Phil Rushworth (SRY) will meet the lively Dave Palmer (DVN).
There was just one match in the Women’s O60’s and Polly Woodward (CHS) moving very fluently got the better of Irish International Maureen Duke in four games with both women playing some lovely squash.
Some excellent Squash on the day of the last 16 with some memorable matches and many far closer than one would expect this early on. The Quarter Finals promise some more terrific Squash.
Day 3 – Friday 10h February 2023
Quarter Final Day and some eagerly awaited contests throughout the age groups. The venerable Men’s O75s were in action early and European Champion Ian Ross of Scotland removed former World Champion Chris Ansell (BRK) in straight games. Meanwhile Aubrey Waddy (BUX) a former Champion himself put paid to Tommy Elves (DCL) hopes of progressing with a powerful display. British Open Champion Barry Featherstone (HPH) did not hit top form but his powerful game saw him through against Scottish International Ken Reid in straight games. In an interesting match up between closely ranked players Martin Day (YKS) settled the argument against defending National Champion James Dubois (SRY) winning in four – 13/11 in the fourth.
Top seed and former National Champion John Goodrich (SFK) again had a slow start but recovered to take the first 12/10 against Scotland’s Emilio Fazzi but then found his range and powered through the next two in the Men’s O70s. There was a very tight contest in the next quarter as British Open Champion Ian Graham (SSX) met former Open Champion Steve Jackson (SRY) and it was Graham who managed to take the big points in a four game high class contest. In the bottom half Terry Belshaw (CBA) was on form hitting a string of winners against Anthony Bevan of Wales and he now meets Geoff Walton (CHS) who caused the upset beating second seed Paul Reader (HPH) in four games, the third going to Walton 13/11 was probably crucial.
Allen Barwise (CBA) is the top seed and favourite in the Men’s O65s and his powerful game always seemed to be too much for Gordon McManus (KNT) who pinched the third but couldn’t go further and went down in four quality games. Defending Champion and Scotland No 1 Robin Ridley was well in control of his match against Ian Bradburn (LNH) but Bradburn is a real fighter and with a flurry of winners took the third 16/14 saving match points then the fourth before Ridley recovered and closed out the fifth for the match. In the other half Stuart Hardy (WLT) dropped the first against World Bronze Medallist Gordon Benbow (CNL) but stormed back to take the second and build a good lead in the third before Benbow retired with a back injury. He will be playing John Guyatt (WOC) the current Open Champion who beat an out of form Simon Evenden (NHM) in straight games.
Mark Woodliffe (GLR) does not play like a 60 year old squash player always seeming to have a lot of time on the ball. Former National Champion Neil Harrison (DCL) gave him a good run however with his unorthodox style even nearly taking the second but a 3/0 to the top seed. The seedings were proved correct in the next quarter as Andrew Killey (AVN) with his clever touch game came from 2/1 down to get past the athletic Nigel Bacon (ESX) in five games. John Parkes (WOC) won the Open and Closed last season but has been injured since. He lost to Steve Martin (YKS) in a Regional event earlier in the season but was in top form here as he reversed that with a 3/0 win. He will again meet former World Top 10 player and National Champion Bryan Beeson (NLD) who beat Teejay Sogunro (HFD) 3/0 but all three games were very very close.
The Men’s O55s again show cased the talents of Yawar Abbas (DCL) who managed to tame the ferocious power of Steven Calvert (NLD) – and it is a shame the Masters Circuit don’t see more of Calvert who is a terrific player. Stephen McLoughlin (HPH) started the season in ragged form having being injured for some time but he is now back to his best and he out played Simon Spencer (NOT) 3/4 seed in straight games. Another 3/4 seed tumbled in this round as Jesters Amateur Champion Alex Betts (MDX) fell to Tim Clark (DCL) in a wonderfully entertaining all over the court match. A 3/1 to another exceptional player from the North East. In the last quarter former Champion Eamonn Price (HFD) the No 2 seed eased through against a below par David Youngs (NOR) who has had some injury problems recently. Another semi final for Price and should be a great match against Clark.
Jamie Goodrich (NOR) can play in any event and compete very well. Unusually playing in 50s here he is top seed but went 2/1 down to John Simpson (YKS) who was playing some very clever and incisive squash. However the renowned Goodrich fitness reeled him in over the last two games for a 3/2 win. England Captain Matthew Stephenson (YKS) again put in a solid display against fellow England team mate Jeremy Krzystyniak (SRY) winning through in three straight. Former National Champion Paul Boyle (BUX) put in another display of stylish squash to beat Craig Webb (GLR) and will now meet Rob Staunton, the Irish International, who caused a major upset by removing second seed and British Open Champion Stuart Hargreaves (YKS) in three games, the third going to 17/15.
Last season Matt Holland (HPH) was Open and National Champion and is still playing very fine squash showing great mobility and racket skills – he is the man to beat. In the quarters he had Wales International Jonathan Davies and went 2/0 up quickly but Davies fought back to take the third before Holland reasserted himself to run out 3/1. In the semi he will meet Tim Burrell (BRK) who beat Jolyon Head (KNT). Jolyon must have been feeling the effects of his marathon 15/13 in the fifth win yesterday. In the other half second seed Mick Biggs (MDX) had to concede with a leg injury after a game and a half to the talented Irish International and former Champion Nick Staunton who would have been sure to move his opponent to every corner. In the semi Nick will play Alistair Coker (HFD) who had too much variety for Nick Freer (MDX) winning a hard hitting game in three.
There was another injury shock in the Men’s O40s as top seed and former Champion Darren Lewis (LEC) was obviously injured as he went out in straight games to a strong player from Somerset in the form of Tim Richards, who kept his nerve to take the third 17/15 and the match. Tim will next meet Steven Davies (BFD) who nearly got through in three losing the third 12/10 but taking the fourth by the same score. The bottom half of the draw went to seedings with second seed and now favourite Antony Savage (ESX) playing a powerful and varied game to subdue Keith Timms (HFD) in straight games. He will meet Neil Cross (NOR) who has had a great season in the Regionals and had too much for Tony Webb (SRY) also getting through in straight games.
The defending Champion in the Men’s O35s is James Bowden (LEC) who is simply an astounding player. He played the very mobile and talented Gbenga Adeyi (BFD) and in spite of some lovely movement and clever shots Adeyi got no change from Bowden – 3/0 to him. Bowden will now play Jamie Douglas (NLD) the Jesters Amateur Champion who had a walkover after Phil Nightingale (SRY) withdrew with an injury. In the other half second seed Phil Rushworth the Surrey professional showed his class by outplaying the fast and agile David Palmer (DVN) countering his speed with accurate placement. Rory Pennell (ESX) has had a great season winning Regional events but came unstuck against a very good John Welton (AVN) and went down in four very tight games, the match probably hinging on a third game 15/13 to Welton.
The Women’s events were all under way today and in the Women’s O65s Lynn Davies of Wales won through against Jane Hatton (WMD) to book an appointment with former World Masters Champion Pauline Douglas of Scotland. Fellow Scot Eunice Bond also won through against Ann Manley (AVN) 3/1 and she will play Sian Johnson of Wales a former National Champion who was too strong for Bett Dryhurst (WOC) winning 3/0.
The Women’s O60s saw top seed Hilary Kenyon (CHS) face County colleague Polly Woodward. She was too accomplished for her however and went through in straight games. She will meet former World Masters Champion Jill Campion of Wales who was too good for Jackie Gregory (ESX). Pippa Green (AVN) making a welcome comeback to the Masters showed she still had a great game and her speed round the court proved too much for Lesley Stugess (DYS) gaining a 3/1 win. The last quarter was the battle of the Fionas with many time Champion Fiona McLean of Scotland taking on Fiona Curthoys of Wales. It was the Wales Fiona that struck first going one up but McLean got into her stride and reeled off the next three.
Rose Bamber (AVN) is the stand out player in this group, the Womens 55s and she will play Lisa Tolhurst (ESX) who was too strong for Kath Gray (CBA). Second seed Isobel Smith (HFD) took her place in the semis with a straightforward win over Kim Sadler (SOM) and now meets Fran Wallis (LCN) who after dominating two games against Karen Webb (BRK) lost the third 12/10 and only just managed to pull through the fourth 12/10 with both women playing some great squash.
The seeded players all progressed in the Women’s 45s. Caroline Hazlewood (OFE) had a terrific match with Kate Smith (YKS) going two up in close games before losing the next two, also very competitive but she had more left in the fifth and took that and will now face top seed Christine McMullen (MSY). Libby Montgomery (HFD) shared two ‘extra time’ games with Ali Hewitt (NHM) before taking the last two and she meets Louisa Dalwood (HFD) who was ruthless against Helen Knowles (OFE).
The Women’s 40s is being played in a round robin format and Amina Helal (LNH) daughter of the legendary Squash pro Moussa Helal is top seed here. A top Junior and still playing great squash she is the one to beat. Similarly, the 35s are in two round robin groups and Natalie Lawrence of Somerset, a regular Masters winner is top seed.
The semi finals, played on Saturday will have some great Squash and will be hard fought as the players try and reach the coveted National Finals.
Day 4 – Saturday 11h February 2023
The Women’s O65s saw the top seeds go through to the final as Pauline Douglas of Scotland, a former World Champion, came back from one game down against Wales International Lynne Davies. In the final she will play Sian Johnson, another Wales International and former Champion, who outlasted Eunice Bond of Scotland taking the match in four games, the third being vital and going to Johnson 11/9.
Top seed Hilary Kenyon (CHS) edged two very close and competitive games 11/9, 12/10 against former World Champion Jill Campion of Wales in the Women’s O60s. From there the top seed powered through to seal a straight games win. In the bottom half of the draw unfortunately second seed Fiona McLean (SCO) had to withdraw and Pippa Green (AVN) took her place in the final.
Rose Bamber (AVN) is already a double National Champion and was looking ominously good in the semi final of the Women’s O55s against Lisa Tolhurst (ESX) but Lisa had to retire injured at one game down so Bamber through to the final to meet Isobel Smith (HFD) the No 2 seed who had too much variety for the athletic Fran Wallis (LCN) winning through in straight games.
The Women’s O50s is played in two groups of three and top seed Linda Pritchard (SPE) notched up a first win beating Alison Goy (NOT) 3/0. Second seed and defending Champion Sarah Parr (BRK) notched up a similar scoreline against Wendy Hiscox (LDN). In the next round of matches Vivienne Berkemer (BRK) beat Alison Goy (NOT) in straight games and Debbie Locke (WKS) beat Wendy Hiscox (LDN) 3/1 in a very close and competitive match.
Christine McMullen (MSY) is top seed here and looked very powerful in her semi of the Women’s O45s with Caroline Hazlewood (OFE), powering through in straight games. In the final she will meet Louisa Dalwood (HFD) who was similarly emphatic in her semi with Libby Montgomery (HFD), her County colleague.
In the Women’s O40s Amina Helal (LNH) is the top seed and showed her class with a 3/0 win over a very good player in Gemma Barber (DOR). In the round robin format Kate Bradshaw (CBE) also played Barber and won a close and hard fought 3/2 win to set up what is effectively the final against Helal tomorrow.
Today the Women’s O35s saw some great matches as Amanda King (NLD) got through a superb women’s match against Michelle Knight (NHM) in five games. Heather Joy (BUX), the No 2 seed, had a win against Natalie Townsend (WKS) in straight games. In the next round of matches, Natalie Lawrence (SOM), the top seed, beat Amanda King (NLD) 3/0 while Heather Joy beat Sophie Beake (BRK) in four games and so they remain on top of their respective groups.
The legendary Adrian Wright (YKS) with four World Masters titles is top seed in the Men’s O80s and he showed that he had lost none of his powerful hitting getting through in three games against Mick McLaughlin (MDX). In the other half there was an upset as Nigel Belle (KNT) found the right shots at the right time to squeeze through in a very tight four game thriller against John Blurton (SFD). The scores 13/11, 12/10, 12/14, 11/9 in 33 minutes tells the whole story.
European Champion Ian Ross of Scotland is looking very confident in the Men’s O75s as he despatched England Captain Aubrey Waddy (BUX) in three games. In the final he will face his old adversary British Open Champion Barry Featherstone (HPH) who had a turbulent game with Martin Day (YKS) who produced some fantastic squash and did everything but win the match. Featherstone was like a boxer knocked out on the ropes but found the fighting spirit to get back and clinch the fifth 11/9 after losing the fourth 11/1. As always with Featherstone and Ross a great final in store.
It was always going to be a hard close match between former National Champion John Goodrich (SFK), the top seed, and Ian Graham (SSX), the current British Open Champion. It proved to be the case and an inevitable five game match that Graham held onto to edge 11/8. In the final he will meet Terry Belshaw (CBA) who he narrowly beat in the British Open Final. Belshaw came from 2/1 down to get through in five against Geoff Walton (CHS) in a game of clever drops and angles.
The Men’s O65s saw current European Champion Allen Barwise (CBA), the top seed, take on defending National Champion and Scotland No 1 Robin Ridley. The Scotsman took advantage of some loose play from Barwise to take the first but the Cumbrian steadied himself and started looking the part in the second, but then Ridley twisted a knee and had to retire. In the bottom half British Open Champion John Guyatt (WOC) was too good on the day for Stuart Hardy (WLT) who was unable to get his attacking game to give him any rewards.
A major shock in the Men’s O60s when eight time National Champion Mark Woodliffe lost in the Nationals for the first time in many years. His conqueror was Avon’s Andrew Killey who matched Woodliffe in skill and prevailed 13/11 in the fifth. He will have to do it all again in the final where he will play former World Top Ten player and winner of the Men’s National title in the Open age group Bryan Beeson (NLD). Beeson beat John Parkes (WOC), the defending Champion, in four very competitive hard hitting games getting through 11/9 in the fourth.
Yawar Abbas (DCL) already has six National titles to his name and is looking for another in the Men’s O55s. Although playing some very good squash this season Steve McLoughlin (HPH) just came up short in each of the three games that were played with great pace and retrieving. In the final Abbas will meet County colleague Tim Clark who has had a great tournament and in the semis outlasted the incredibly resilient Eamonn Price (HFD) getting home in five games.
Jamie Goodrich (NOR) was top seed in the MO50’s but had to battle all the way in his semi final against Matthew Stephenson (YKS), the England Captain. Sharing the first two games 12/10, 10/12 showed what a close and hard fought encounter this was and it could have gone either way but it was Goodrich who managed to maintain his form best in the fifth to seal a final spot for the Men’s O50 title. In the final he will play former Champion Paul Boyle (BUX) who had a walkover as Rob Staunton of Ireland had to withdraw overnight due to injury.
Matt Holland (HPH) is the defending O45s Champion here and playing Tim Burrell (BRK) the pair of them had the gallery amazed at the speed of the retrieving and the exciting stroke play. It was Holland who appeared to be in charge and although Burrell took the third there was only going to be one winner as Holland went through in four. In the final he will play Alistair Coker (HFD) who beat the mercurial Irishman Nick Staunton, himself a former Champion, in four games.
Having got past Darren Lewis, the top seed, Tim Richards (SOM) had obviously seen his chance to progress in the Men’s O40s. Against Steven Davies (BFD) he had a cracking match full of great rallies and shot making. Richards eventually prevailed in four games in 40 minutes of all action squash. In the final he will meet Antony Savage (ESX) who had a battle royale with Neil Cross (NOR). Both players have been winners on the Regional circuit this year and were very closely matched but it was Savage, the No 2 seed, who got home 11/7 in the fifth in 50 minutes. A great final is anticipated.
The Blue Riband event is the Men’s O35s Championship and the defending Champion James Bowden (LEC) is looking truly formidable. He played Jamie Douglas (NLD), the Jesters Amateur Champion and in a superb match of great power and touch emerged a four game winner having come from 1/0 down. In the final he will meet Phil Rushworth (SRY) who playing beautifully controlled squash had too much for the talented John Welton (AVN) and after a very close first 13/11 to Rushworth it was all the Surrey man in the ascendancy. A great final again in prospect.
The most unique match of the day was the Men’s O40 quarter-final plate, where the 4 eligible players elected to play a doubles match, instead of a further 2 rounds of arduous singles squash. The pairings were Darren Lewis and Keith Timms vs Paul Stroud and Tony Webb. It was a great spectator event with lots of creative shots and even Steve Eccles the England Squash referee enjoyed the challenge of marking a doubles match for a change. The match was played in great spirit and was won by Lewis and Timms.
Day 5 – Sunday 12th February 2023
Women’s O65s Pauline Douglas (SCO) v Sian Johnson (WAL)
Two of the top women in the world in this group and this final was a humdinger. Former World Champion Pauline Douglas went two up 12/10, 11/9 but the double former National Champion battled on to level the match. It was point for point in the fifth but the momentum was now with Johnson and she took it 11/9 for the title.
Women’s O60s Hilary Kenyon (CHS) v Pippa Green (AVN)
Hilary Kenyon was top seed here and firm favourite to add to her British Open title. She gave Pippa Green very few opportunities and although she contested every point Kenyon was too strong and ran out a straight games winner.
Women’s O55s Rose Bamber (AVN) v Isobel Smith (HFD)
Rose Bamber made herself a three time National Champion winning a hard fought four game match with Isobel Smith. Bamber started the better and took the first but there were chances for Smith in the second but she went down 11/9. She took the third but Bamber reasserted herself and kept a margin of points between her and her opponent through the fourth.
Women’s O50s Linda Pritchard (SPE) v Sarah Parr (BRK)
These two are the top ladies in England and they have played on the Regional circuit throughout the season, always keenly contested matches. On this occasion it was no different, both players trading points with some great rallies and shot making. It was always going to go down to the wire. At 9/9 in the fifth it could have gone either way but Pritchard held her nerve and took her first National title.
Women’s O45s Christine McMullen (MSY) v Louisa Dalwood (HFD)
These two women were the top seeds here and have been winning Regional events between them for a while. Very evenly matched this was always going to be a nail biting contest. So it proved to be as they traded points all the way through to the inevitable five game conclusion. It was McMullen who managed to squeeze the last two points from her opponent and clinch her first National title.
Women’s O40s Amina Helal (LNH) v Kate Bradshaw (CBE)
Amina Helal has been a top player since Junior days and her father was a nine time National Masters Champion. It must be in the genes because Helal is also a superb player and had too much game for the talented Kate Bradshaw. After a close first game 11/9 it was all Helal and the first National title for her.
Women’s O35s Natalie Lawrence (SOM) v Heather Joy (BUX)
The top two seeds here deservedly met in the final and showing some great athleticism and skill played an excellent match but it was Lawrence who has been close before who had the edge and managed to maintain a lead throughout the match converting it to a straight games victory and first National title.
Men’s O80s Adrian Wright (YKS) v Nigel Belle (KNT)
The venerable O80s, still inspirational in their skill and commitment, was again won by four time World Masters Champion Adrian Wright. He had too much power and court craft for the very game Nigel Belle and ran out a winner in straight games for his tenth National title.
Men’s O75s Ian Ross (SCO) v Barry Featherstone (HPH)
A continuation in a long running series of matches between these two. Both are serial Champions having won European, British Open and National titles. Today Featherstone took an early lead with some help from a foot fault by Ross at 9/10 but after that Ross was in the ascendancy. He moved the ball very well down both sides and covered the court incredibly well for a 75 year old. He ran out a worthy winner 3/1.
Men’s O70s Ian Graham (SSX) v Terry Belshaw (CBA)
Again regular rivals and at the beginning of the season Graham stole the British Open title that looked like it was Belshaw’s for the taking. This time however Belshaw was in no mood to be the bridesmaid again. He took a two game lead but, ever resilient, Graham took the third 11/9. Belshaw steadied himself and got his range again with some beautifully delicate shots. A 3/1 win for the Cumbrian and first major title.
Men’s O65s Allen Barwise (CBA) v John Guyatt (WOC)
An eagerly awaited contest with the two best O65s in the country and it was European Champion Barwise against British Open Champion Guyatt. Barwise started flat out and his pace of shot and movement around the court always had Guyatt on the defensive. A powerful display that saw Barwise win a second National title and confirmed his No 1 status.
Men’s O60s Andrew Killey (AVN) v Bryan Beeson (NLD)
After the heroics of Killey beating eight time National Champion Mark Woodliffe yesterday it was going to be difficult for him to reach those heights again and against a player of Bryan Beeson’s class and pedigree it proved too much. Beeson’s weight of shot and powerful game took the time away from Killey and in spite of some great rallies Beeson added the Men’s O60s title to the Men’s Open title he won as top British Pro.
Men’s O55s Yawar Abbas (DCL) v Tim Clark (DCL)
Yawar Abbas has six National titles and is not often beaten. Tim Clark also from Durham and Cleveland has had a terrific tournament beating three England Internationals on his way to the final. He always had the edge over Abbas who was possibly a little below his best but the scores 11/9, 12/10, 11/9 showing what a great contest this was and a deserved first National title for Clark.
Men’s O50s Jamie Goodrich (NOR) v Paul Boyle (BUX)
Goodrich was top seed here but had the disadvantage of a tough five setter yesterday against England Captain Matthew Stephenson while Boyle had a walkover due to his opponent’s injury. It may have caused an imbalance but Boyle, always superbly skilful, had far too much game on the day and bagged his second National title.
Men’s O45s Alistair Coker (HFD) v Matt Holland (HPH)
Holland was top seed and favourite and was looking to defend his National title against Alistair Coker. He had to be on top form as his opponent was putting together a fine series of results to reach the final. But Holland’s movement and stroke play are sometimes sublime and he produced a masterclass to control the final and in spite of being 12/10 in the second game he was always in charge. 3/0 to Holland.
Men’s O40s Tim Richards (SOM) v Antony Savage (ESX)
Tim Richards upset the seedings with a win over many time Champion Darren Lewis and progressed with some superb all action matches to this final. Antony Savage was doing the same in his half and their meeting gave rise to a fantastic all over the court match that was hard fought and played in great spirit. Eventually it was Richards who prevailed in four very competitive games.
Men’s O35s James Bowden (LEC) v Phil Rushworth (SRY)
A magnificent final between two great squash players. Every positive aspect of squash was on display in this match with great power hitting, fantastic touch and dramatic points. Rushworth took the first but was pegged back by the dynamic style of Bowden in the next two. The fourth was point for point and even had a double dive that won Bowden a point he was never going to win. The fourth went 12/10 to Bowden and a National title to go with two British Open Masters.
Stuart Hardy Chairman