Category: "tournaments"

Jens Schoor takes NASH Cup in style!

September 28, 2014 • Tags: Canada, Eddie Charlton, Jens Schoor, London, Nash Cup, PSA • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments

German giant-killer Jens Schoor scored his 3rd upset in 4 days at The NASH Cup 2014 in Canada when he beat England’s No4 seed Eddie Charlton to win the biggest PSA World Tour title of his career in London, Ontario.

The unseeded 27-year-old from Koblenz made his breakthrough in the opening round when he despatched 6th-seeded Englishman Charles Sharpes.

Schoor’s next higher-ranked victim was 2nd seed Karim Ali Fathi. The German underdog, ranked 87 in the world, ousted the in-form World No.46 from Egypt in 5 games to reach the 10th Tour final of his career.

But Charlton, the world No55 from Nottingham, also recorded an impressive upset in the semi-finals – overcoming Joe Lee when his top-seeded compatriot retired injured midway through the fourth game.

Sure-footed Schoor was unstoppable in the final – needing just three games to see off Charlton 11-5, 11-4, 11-5 in 37 minutes to claim the eighth Tour title of his career, but his biggest by far.

Schoor attributed his success to his Ontario hosts: “My billets hand-washed my shorts today because of my superstition of playing in the same clothing as last night when I had that great win over Karim,” said the new champion. “So, I guess I owe my win to my billets!”

Charlton conceded: “Jens played the better squash today and deserved the win.”

Final:
Jens Schoor (GER) bt [4] Eddie Charlton (GBR) 11-5, 11-4, 11-5 (37m)

Semi-finals:
[4] Eddie Charlton (GBR) bt [1] Joe Lee (ENG) 11-8, 11-5, 3-11, 0-2 ret. (59m)
Jens Schoor (GER) bt [2] Karim Ali Fathi (EGY) 11-7, 6-11, 4-11, 11-8, 11-7 (58m)

Quarter-finals:
[1] Joe Lee (ENG) bt [7] Peter Creed (WAL) 11-3, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7 (58m)
[4] Eddie Charlton (GBR) bt [5] Raphael Kandra (GER) 11-9, 11-1, 11-4 (40m)
Jens Schoor (GER) bt [LL] Sunil Seth (GUY) 11-7, 11-6, 11-6 (30m)
[2] Karim Ali Fathi (EGY) bt [8] Declan James (ENG) 11-6, 11-6, 11-8 (46m)

1st round:
[1] Joe Lee (ENG) bt Lewis Walters (ENG) 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-3 (53m)
[7] Peter Creed (WAL) bt [Q] George Parker (ENG) 8-11, 11-3, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5 (46m)
[5] Raphael Kandra (GER) bt [Q] Nicholas Sachvie (CAN) 11-0, 11-4, 7-11, 11-6 (38m)
[4] Eddie Charlton (GBR) bt [Q] James van Staveren (CAN) 11-7, 11-4, 11-7 (35m)
[LL] Sunil Seth (GUY) bt [WC] Albert Shoihet (CAN) 8-11, 11-4, 10-12, 11-4, 11-8 (63m)
Jens Schoor (GER) bt [6] Charles Sharpes (ENG) 5-11, 13-11, 11-7, 11-9 (58m)
[8] Declan James (ENG) bt [Q] Jan van den Herrewegen (BEL) 11-8, 11-6, 13-11 (37m)
[2] Karim Ali Fathi (EGY) bt Dane Sharp (CAN) 11-6, 11-9, 11-8 (55m)

David and Al Muzayen taking Asian Games Gold!

September 24, 2014 • Tags: Abdullah Al Muzayen, Asian Games, Nicol David • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments

While Malaysia’s Nicol David celebrated her 4th Squash gold medal in the 17th Asian Games in the Republic of Korea, it was a historic 1st gold for Kuwait when underdog Abdullah Al Muzayen (together with Kuwait coach Nasser Zahran) recovered from 0/2 down to beat top seed Saurav Ghosal in the men’s final in Incheon.

Nicol David, who has topped the women’s world rankings unopposed since August 2006, won her first Asian Games gold medal in Thailand in 1998 – aged just 15 – then triumphed again in 2006 in Qatar and 2010 in China.

Al Muzayen was making only his second appearance in the Asian Games after reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.

Men’s draw:
Final:
[5/8] Abdullah Al Muzayen (KUW) bt [1] Saurav Ghosal (IND) 10-12, 2-11, 14-12, 11-8, 11-9 (87m)

Semi-finals:
[1] Saurav Ghosal (IND) bt [3/4] Ong Beng Hee (MAS) 11-9, 11-4, 11-5 (45m)
[5/8] Abdullah Al Muzayen (KUW) bt [2] Max Lee (HKG) 6-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8 (75m)

Quarter-finals:
[1] Saurav Ghosal (IND) bt [5/8] Nasir Iqbal (PAK) 11-6, 9-11, 11-2, 11-9 (58m)
[3/4] Ong Beng Hee (MAS) bt [5/8] Leo Au (HKG) 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-7 (68m)
[5/8] Abdullah Al Muzayen (KUW) bt [3/4] Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) 11-7, 6-11, 11-6, 11-6 (65m)
[2] Max Lee (HKG) bt [5/8] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) 11-4, 11-5, 9-11, 8-11, 11-2 (55m)

2nd round:
[1] Saurav Ghosal (IND) bt [9/16] Ahmad Al-Saraj (JOR) 11-2, 11-4, 11-3 (34m)
[5/8] Nasir Iqbal (PAK) bt [9/16] Sehyun Lee (KOR) 6-11, 11-1, 11-4, 11-6 (36m)
[5/8] Leo Au (HKG) bt [9/16] Shinnosuke Tsukue (JPN) 11-8, 14-16, 11-4, 11-8 (49m)
[3/4] Ong Beng Hee (MAS) bt [9/16] Farhan Mehboob (PAK) 11-9, 11-6, 11-3 (35m)
[3/4] Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) bt Junjie Wang (CHN) 11-5, 11-7, 11-6 (28m)
[5/8] Abdullah Al Muzayen (KUW) bt [9/16] Harinder Pal Sandhu (IND) 11-4, 11-6, 11-2 (27m)
[5/8] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) bt [9/16] Ammar Altamimi (KUW) 11-9, 5-11, 12-14, 12-10, 11-7 (64m)
[2] Max Lee (HKG) bt Seung-Jun Lee (KOR) 11-6, 7-11, 11-8, 11-5 (46m)

Women’s draw:
Final:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) bt [2] Low Wee Wern (MAS) 9-11, 11-6, 11-5, 12-10 (60m)

Semi-finals:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) bt [3/4] Dipika Pallikal (IND) 11-4, 11-4, 11-5 (25m)
[2] Low Wee Wern (MAS) bt [3/4] Annie Au (HKG) 11-9, 11-5, 11-5 (39m)

Quarter-finals:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) bt [5/8] Misaki Kobayashi (JPN) 11-7, 11-5, 11-7 (31m)
[3/4] Dipika Pallikal (IND) bt [5/8] Joshana Chinappa (IND) 7-11, 11-9, 11-8, 15-17, 11-9 (87m)
[3/4] Annie Au (HKG) bt [5/8] Maria Toorpakai Wazir (PAK) 11-3, 11-4, 11-4 (18m)
[2] Low Wee Wern (MAS) bt [5/8] Joey Chan (HKG) 11-6, 8-11, 11-6, 11-5 (53m)

1st round:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) bye
[5/8] Misaki Kobayashi (JPN) bt Muqaddas Ashraf (PAK) 11-2, 11-5, 11-4 (20m)
[5/8] Joshana Chinappa (IND) bt Song Sun-Mi (KOR) 11-9, 11-7, 11-7 (30m)
[3/4] Dipika Pallikal (IND) bt Gu Jinyue (CHN) 11-6, 10-12, 11-6, 11-4 (39m)
[3/4] Annie Au (HKG) bt Chinatsu Matsui (JPN) 11-2, 11-3, 10-12, 11-6 (30m)
[5/8] Maria Toorpakai Wazir (PAK) bt Li Dongjin (CHN) 9-11, 13-11, 11-1, 11-2 (34m)
[5/8] Joey Chan (HKG) bt Liu Kwai Chi (MAC) 11-2, 11-5, 11-1 (13m)
[2] Low Wee Wern (MAS) bt Park Eun Ok (KOR) 11-6, 11-9, 11-6 (36m)

Mohamed won brother fight to take Mexico Title!

September 22, 2014 • Tags: Abierto Mexicano de Raquetas, Marwan El Shorbagy, Mexico, Mohamed El Shorbagy, PSA Masters • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments

23-year-old World No.3 Mohamed Elshorbagy felt no mercy with his 2 years younger brother, when he beat Marwan in the final of the Mexican Open in straight games (11-3, 11-3, 11-2) by dropping only 8 points.

It’s the 3rd PSA World Tour title Mohamed claimed in less than a month after his victory in the Malaysian Open and the Hong Kong Open.

Final:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [6] Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) 11-3, 11-3, 11-2

Semi-finals:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [4] Omar Mosaad (EGY) 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 8-2 ret.
[6] Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [WC] Cesar Salazar (MEX) 12-10, 2-11, 11-7, 11-7

Quarter-finals:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [5] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) 11-1, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5 (40m)
[4] Omar Mosaad (EGY) bt [Q] Diego Elias (PER) 11-7, 8-11, 11-4, 12-10 (65m)
[WC] Cesar Salazar (MEX) bt [7] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) 11-9, 11-7, 3-11, 8-11, 12-10 (85m)
[6] Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [2] Simon Rösner (GER) 12-10, 11-9, 11-8 (38m)

1st round:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [Q] Alfredo Avila (MEX) 11-8, 11-7, 11-9 (33m)
[5] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) bt Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 11-8, 11-8, 7-11, 11-5 (42m)
[Q] Diego Elias (PER) bt [8] Stephen Coppinger (RSA) 11-5, 11-3, 3-11, 11-6 (63m)
[4] Omar Mosaad (EGY) bt Gregoire Marche (FRA) 12-10, 11-7, 11-8 (56m)
[WC] Cesar Salazar (MEX) bt [3] Tarek Momen (EGY) 11-8, 11-6, 11-8 (35m)
[7] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt [Q] Shaun le Roux (RSA) 11-2, 11-6, 11-2 (28m)
[6] Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [Q] Arturo Salazar (MEX) 11-4, 11-9, 1-11, 13-11 (43m)
[2] Simon Rösner (GER) bt Olli Tuominen (FIN) 11-6, 11-7, 11-8 (38m)

The Elshorbagy rules in Mexico!

September 21, 2014 • Tags: Abierto Mexicano de Raquetas, Marwan El Shorbagy, Mexico, Mohamed El Shorbagy, PSA • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments

It’s an all-Shorbagy final at the Mexican Open, as Mohamed Elshorbagy (ri) overcame egyptian compatriot Omar Mosaad (11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 8-2 ret.) and younger brother Marwan (le) ended Mexican final hopes of Cesar Salazar (12-10, 2-11, 11-7, 11-7), who came with the wild card into the main draw.

“To play a final against a big brother in a big tournament has always been a dream for me”, Marwan said on twitter after his semi success.

Final:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v [6] Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY)

Semi-finals:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [4] Omar Mosaad (EGY) 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 8-2 ret.
[6] Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [WC] Cesar Salazar (MEX) 12-10, 2-11, 11-7, 11-7

PSA World Championship makes US Debut in 2015!

June 20, 2014 • Tags: Men's World Championship, Nick Matthew, PSA, USA • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments

The 2015 PSA World Squash Championship will take place in the American city of Bellevue, Washington, on the edge of Lake Washington, in November 2015.

Bellevue will become the 1st American destination ever to host 112 of the world’s best squash players to win the $350,000 World Champion crown.

“We are delighted to confirm that the 2015 PSA World Squash Championship will take place in Bellevue and to welcome the city on-board as the latest world class destination to become associated with professional squash,” said PSA CEO Alex Gough.

The 2014 World Championship takes place in Qatar from November 14-21 – the 4th time the Middle Eastern nation has hosted the event – when England’s Nick Matthew (le) will be bidding to defend the title he won in Manchester in 2013.

Serme and Hansen to fight for European crown!

June 6, 2014 • Tags: Camille Serme, ESF, European Individual Championships, France, Line Hansen, Valenciennes • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments

French No1 seed Camille Serme had no mercy with Czech opponent Lucie Fialova as the World No.5 played an error free match to punish the No. 3 seed with a 3 games victory 11-0, 11-4, 11-0.

Serme will meet Danish No.1 Line Hansen (ri) in the final, as the No.2 seed came back from 1 game down to overcome Swiss Champion Gaby Huber (le) 9-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8 after 45 minutes of play.

Serme will go into the final with a 6:2 head-to-head advantage. The last match, in May 2014 at the European Teams, Serme just had the better end in 5 games to beat the Danish World No. 24.

Final:
[1] Camille Serme (FRA) v [2] Line Hansen (DEN)

Semi-finals:
[1] Camille Serme (FRA) bt [3/4] Lucie Fialova (CZE) 11-0, 11-4, 11-0 23m)
[2] Line Hansen (DEN) bt [5/8] Gaby Huber (SUI) 9-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8 (45m)

Quarter-finals:
[1] Camille Serme (FRA) bt [5/8] Olga Ertlova (CZE) 8-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-7 (41m)
[3/4] Lucie Fialova (CZE) bt [5/8] Xisela Aranda Nunez (ESP) 11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 11-4 (55m)
[5/8] Gaby Huber (SUI) bt [3/4] Coline Aumard (FRA) 11-3, 6-11, 11-9, 11-7 (43m)
[2] Line Hansen (DEN) bt [5/8] Laura Pomportes (FRA) 8-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9 (46m)

2nd round:
[1] Camille Serme (FRA) bt Elise Romba (FRA) 11-4, 11-5, 11-5
[5/8] Olga Ertlova (CZE) bt [9/16] Cyrielle Peltier (FRA) 11-9, 11-6, 13-11
[5/8] Xisela Aranda Nunez (ESP) bt [9/16] Maud Duplomb (FRA) 11-6, 11-9, 11-4
[3/4] Lucie Fialova (CZE) bt [9/16] Marie Stephan (FRA) 13-11, 11-6, 11-6
[3/4] Coline Aumard (FRA) bt [9/16] Franziska Hennes (GER) 11-7, 6-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-7
[5/8] Gaby Huber (SUI) bt [9/16] Birgit Coufal (AUT) 11-7, 11-6, 6-11, 6-11, 11-4
[5/8] Laura Pomportes (FRA) bt [9/16] Lotte Eriksen (NOR) w/o
[2] Line Hansen (DEN) bt [9/16] Anna Klimundova (CZE) 11-6, 11-3, 11-9

1st round:
[1] Camille Serme (FRA) bye
Elise Romba (FRA) bt [9/16] Dominika Witkowska (POL) 11-9, 13-11, 7-11, 11-7
[9/16] Cyrielle Peltier (FRA) bt Laura Gamblin (FRA) 11-5, 11-5, 11-6
[5/8] Olga Ertlova (CZE) bye
[5/8] Xisela Aranda Nunez (ESP) bye
[9/16] Maud Duplomb (FRA) bt Magda Kaminska (POL) 11-1, 11-9, 11-5
[9/16] Marie Stephan (FRA) bt Ineta Mackevica (LAT) 11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-6
[3/4] Lucie Fialova (CZE) bye
[3/4] Coline Aumard (FRA) bye
[9/16] Franziska Hennes (GER) bt Anna Jurkun (POL) 11-7, 11-5, 11-6
[9/16] Birgit Coufal (AUT) bt Nadiia Usenko (UKR) 11-2, 11-1, 11-6
[5/8] Gaby Huber (SUI) bye
[5/8] Laura Pomportes (FRA) bye
[9/16] Lotte Eriksen (NOR) bye
[9/16] Anna Klimundova (CZE) bt Charlotte Delsinne (FRA) 11-6, 3-11, 12-10, 6-11, 11-7
[2] Line Hansen (DEN) bye

Serme on course for 3rd European title!

June 6, 2014 • Tags: Camille Serme, ESF, European Individual Championships, France, Gaby Huber, Line Hansen, Lucie Fialova, Valenciennes • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments

French Camille Serme is on course for her 3rd consecutive title at the European Individual Championships in Valenciennes, France, when the World No.5 beat Olga Ertlova from Czech, after 1 game deficit 8-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-7. Serme will meet another Czech contender in the semis, as Lucie Fialova beats Xisela Aranda Nunez (ESP) 11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 11-4.

Swiss Champion Gaby Huber made the 2nd semi-final, by destroying French hopes as she overcame 3rd seed Coline Aumard (FRA) 11-3, 6-11, 11-9, 11-7. Danish No 2 seed Line Hansen will complete the final 4, after she stayed strong to beat young French Laura Pomportes in 4 games 8-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9.

The women’s draw showing the same picture as at the men’s – the English delegation glaze with absence. “It’s a shame”, French President Jacques Fontain said.

Semi-finals:
[1] Camille Serme (FRA) v [3/4] Lucie Fialova (CZE)
[2] Line Hansen (DEN) v [5/8] Gaby Huber (SUI)

Marche downs Rosner in European quarters!

June 6, 2014 • Tags: ESF, European Individual Championships, France, Greg Gaultier, Gregoire Marche, Laurens Jan Anjema, Mathieu Castagnet, Valenciennes • Categories: all posts, players, tournaments

French up and coming star Gregoire Marche (ri) produced the biggest upset at the European Individual Championships in Valenciennes, France, when the World No.28 came back from 2 games down to beat 2nd seed World No.11 Simon Roesner (le) 7-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-5 in 68 minutes.

After complete English absence (preparation for Commonwealth Games), the semi-finals are now an almost French affair with Dutch Champion Laurens Jan Anjema to be involved. All the signs are pointing on the 8th title of French World No.1 Greg Gaultier, who eased into the semis with a 11-5, 11-4, 11-6 victory over compatriot Lucas Serme.

Semi-finals:
[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v [3/4] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED)
[5/8] Gregoire Marche (FRA) v [3/4] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)

Quarter-finals:
[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [5/8] Lucas Serme (FRA) 11-5, 11-4, 11-6 (28m)
[3/4] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt [9/16] Geoffrey Demont (FRA) 11-2, 11-4, 11-2 (21m)
[3/4] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt [5/8] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 11-8, 11-6, 11-3 (31m)
[5/8] Gregoire Marche (FRA) bt [2] Simon Rösner (GER) 7-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-5 (68m)

2nd round:
[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt Jakob Dirnberger (AUT) 11-3, 11-2, 11-7
[5/8] Lucas Serme (FRA) bt [9/16] Carlos Cornes Ribadas (ESP) 8-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-1
[9/16] Geoffrey Demont (FRA) bt [5/8] Olli Tuominen (FIN) 6-11, 13-11, 11-7, 13-11
[3/4] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt [9/16] Petr Martin (CZE) 11-6, 11-4, 11-2
[3/4] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt [9/16] Martin Svec (CZE) 11-3, 11-2, 11-5
[5/8] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) bt [9/16] Christophe Andre (FRA) 11-4, 11-4, 11-3
[5/8] Gregoire Marche (FRA) bt [9/16] Joan Lezaud (FRA) 11-2, 11-3, 11-3
[2] Simon Rösner (GER) bt [9/16] Ondrej Uherka (CZE) 11-2, 12-10, 4-11, 11-6

1st round:
[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bye
Jakob Dirnberger (AUT) bt [9/16] Wojtek Nowisz (POL) 11-7, 11-3, 11-1
[9/16] Carlos Cornes Ribadas (ESP) bt Michael Muller (SUI) 11-2, 11-6, 11-7
[5/8] Lucas Serme (FRA) bt Ruslan Sorochynskyi (UKR) 11-3, 11-7, 11-6
[5/8] Olli Tuominen (FIN) bt Lukasz Stachowski (POL) 11-5, 11-7, 11-7
[9/16] Geoffrey Demont (FRA) bt Sindre Roaldsoy (NOR) 11-4, 11-1, 11-4
[9/16] Petr Martin (CZE) bt Gregory Lecerf (BEL) 12-10, 11-4, 11-4
[3/4] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bye
[3/4] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt Kamil Dominiak (POL) 11-5, 11-8, 11-4
[9/16] Martin Svec (CZE) bt Przemyslaw Atras (POL) 11-3, 11-3, 11-3
[9/16] Christophe Andre (FRA) bt Marc ter Sluis (NED) 11-4, 11-4, 11-8
[5/8] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) bt Valeriy Fedoruk (UKR) 11-4, 7-11, 11-2, 11-5
[5/8] Gregoire Marche (FRA) bt Karlis Pestkins (LAT) 11-2, 11-1, 11-6
[9/16] Joan Lezaud (FRA) bt Kim Are Killingberg (NOR) 11-3, 15-13, 11-4
[9/16] Ondrej Uherka (CZE) bt Claudio Pinto (POR) w/o
[2] Simon Rösner (GER) bye