Irish Junior Open kicks off this weekend in Belfast. Best of luck to all those taking part!
Updated 22nd November – please review
Players should note that playing times are subject to change and that players need to check back regularly to ensure their times have not changed. Players should also be aware that the venue for their first match will not necessary be the venue for all their matches.
Zoe Hall and Arthur Gaskin - happy winners of the Leinster Open 2012
As some of you might know, over the last years a PSA and WISPA event often accompanied the Leinster Open, and I am sure many players appreciated being able to watch professionals at play. This year, unfortunately, there was no professional event, but the quality of squash on finals day was very high anyway, and I enjoyed both A-finals as much as any professional finals I have seen recently.
Ciara Maloney started proceedings on the show court, beating Claire O’Neill in a repeat of the Munster Open final, and therewith claiming third place. In parallel Stevie Richardson beat hard-hitting Nigel Peyton on court 2, winning 3:1. Like I said in an earlier post, I don’t think I have ever seen Stevie victim of an upset, and once again he withstood Peyton’s onslaught of hard short kills, in the first three games, and then took the fourth game easily.
Since I hadn’t managed to see any of the women’s games throughout the weekend I made a point of watching the women’s finals between Zoe Hall and Tanya Owens. Since I am not as familiar with Irish women’s squash as with men’s, I wasn’t sure who was the favourite, but both had 3:0 wins in the semis and I had watched both play before, and I expected an evenly contested match. And from the outset the match was marked by plentiful of variations: cross-court lobs, trickle boasts, cross-court drops, and deft killers form the backcourt. Add to that good mobility by both women, and you have a plethora of entertaining rallies. Zoe took the first and Tanya was up in the second, holding two game balls. But Zoe battled back and took the second in a tie-break, leaving Tanya with plenty of work in the third. Zoe has a delightful lob serve form her forehand, which troubled Tanya all day, and when Tanya hit an almost perfect cross-court lob at 6:4 in game three, only for Zoe to return it with a perfect boast into the nick, Tanya must have realised it just wasn’t to be today. And so Zoe wrapped up a tight 3:0 win, taking the Leinster Open title.
Arthur Gaskin and Derek Ryan have played each other plenty of times, and while Ryan used to have the upper hand on his younger compatriot, it’s been Gaskin who lately has been winning all matches. With Derek having to run the tournament as well, I expected a short favour in favour of Arthur, though I do recall players commenting that Derek has had plenty of hard matches over recent months in the Squash Legends series, a good preparation when facing players of Gaskin calibre.
Gaskin started on the front foot and eased to a comfortable lead, though half way into the first Ryan started finding his shots. Too little too late and Gaskin took the first. Game two was closer and even though Gaskin held two game balls, it was Derek who took the game in the tie-break. Arthur had initially been tormenting Derek with plenty of play to the front-court, but now Derek was in full flow and picking up shots at the front and returning them with interest. Arthur was not happy! Game three, as so often, was the match decider and and you can see the entire game here (12:57mins):
Okay, for those of you not sitting through the entertaining game three: Arthur won it coming back form 3:7 down, and then tied the fourth up by a larger margin. In any case, it was a great match featuring plenty of fantastic shots, great court coverage and pick-ups, occasional discussions with the referees, and a thoroughly entertained crowd. (Dan Zilic)
Zoe Hall and Arthur Gaskin - happy winners of the Leinster Open 2012
As some of you might know, over the last years a PSA and WISPA event often accompanied the Leinster Open, and I am sure many players appreciated being able to watch professionals at play. This year, unfortunately, there was no professional event, but the quality of squash on finals day was very high anyway, and I enjoyed both A-finals as much as any professional finals I have seen recently.
Ciara Maloney started proceedings on the show court, beating Claire O’Neill in a repeat of the Munster Open final, and therewith claiming third place. In parallel Stevie Richardson beat hard-hitting Nigel Peyton on court 2, winning 3:1. Like I said in an earlier post, I don’t think I have ever seen Stevie victim of an upset, and once again he withstood Peyton’s onslaught of hard short kills, in the first three games, and then took the fourth game easily.
Since I hadn’t managed to see any of the women’s games throughout the weekend I made a point of watching the women’s finals between Zoe Hall and Tanya Owens. Since I am not as familiar with Irish women’s squash as with men’s, I wasn’t sure who was the favourite, but both had 3:0 wins in the semis and I had watched both play before, and I expected an evenly contested match. And from the outset the match was marked by plentiful of variations: cross-court lobs, trickle boasts, cross-court drops, and deft killers form the backcourt. Add to that good mobility by both women, and you have a plethora of entertaining rallies. Zoe took the first and Tanya was up in the second, holding two game balls. But Zoe battled back and took the second in a tie-break, leaving Tanya with plenty of work in the third. Zoe has a delightful lob serve form her forehand, which troubled Tanya all day, and when Tanya hit an almost perfect cross-court lob at 6:4 in game three, only for Zoe to return it with a perfect boast into the nick, Tanya must have realised it just wasn’t to be today. And so Zoe wrapped up a tight 3:0 win, taking the Leinster Open title.
Arthur Gaskin and Derek Ryan have played each other plenty of times, and while Ryan used to have the upper hand on his younger compatriot, it’s been Gaskin who lately has been winning all matches. With Derek having to run the tournament as well, I expected a short favour in favour of Arthur, though I do recall players commenting that Derek has had plenty of hard matches over recent months in the Squash Legends series, a good preparation when facing players of Gaskin calibre.
Gaskin started on the front foot and eased to a comfortable lead, though half way into the first Ryan started finding his shots. Too little too late and Gaskin took the first. Game two was closer and even though Gaskin held two game balls, it was Derek who took the game in the tie-break. Arthur had initially been tormenting Derek with plenty of play to the front-court, but now Derek was in full flow and picking up shots at the front and returning them with interest. Arthur was not happy! Game three, as so often, was the match decider and and you can see the entire game here (12:57mins):
Okay, for those of you not sitting through the entertaining game three: Arthur won it coming back form 3:7 down, and then tied the fourth up by a larger margin. In any case, it was a great match featuring plenty of fantastic shots, great court coverage and pick-ups, occasional discussions with the referees, and a thoroughly entertained crowd. (Dan Zilic)
Fluffy free towels: player's favourite at Fitz
When I left Fitzwilliam yesterday night I realised once again that I had forgotten to take pictures from any players, so on the way out I took a picture of one of my favourite things at Fitz, namely the free towels in the changing rooms. Coming from Germany, I can safely say that the Squash club scene there is entirely different and we have no club like Fitz, let alone one where you get free, freshly washed towels, so every time I play here it’s one of those small things I (and from speaking to them, many other players too) really enjoy.
On to the squash: After missing them again, tournament director Derek Ryan let me know that third and fourth seed Tanya Owens and Zoe Hall will be playing today’s finals, after beating Claire O’Neill and Ciara Moloney, both from Carlow, respectively. At this stage also congratulations to the Irish women’s team, finishing in sixth place at the World Team Champs in Nimes, France.
Aforementioned Tournament Director Derek Ryan is once again not only organising, but also playing, and is facing Arthur Gaskin in the finals. Arthur Gaskin beat Stevie Richardson on the show court by three games to love, while Derek got past club mate Nigel Peyton in four. I only got to see the one game, which was a real forth and back with several game balls on both sides, and Derek took that one 15:13. Arthur, as far as I can recall, is unbeaten by an Irish player in a while now, and seems to currently have well eclipsed his competitors playing the Irish Grand Prix, making him a clear favourite for today.
Only other match I saw was an enthralling match between two of Ireland’s top junior players, Michael Craig and Sean Conroy. Michael is playing a blinder of a tournament and after winning the second 15:13, secured a very impressive 3:0 win over his junior compatriot. Reward is a 9/10 play-off match against fellow Northern Irish Connor O’Hare. (Dan Z.)
Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club, home of the Leinster Open 2012, basked in Autumn sunshine earlier today
While the Irish women’s squash team are playing their third/fourth place play-off at the Women’s Team World Championships in Nimes, France, the Leinster Open 2012 is on in the prestigious Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club this weekend, and as so often, you’ll find the who is who of Irish squash battling it out.
I’m not playing this weekend, but since I live relatively close to Fitz I decided to check out some of this morning’s matches. Due to Dublin having busy Squash leagues and being home to a lot of strong players, the draws are extremely competitive. Yesterday had only seen two matches go against the seeding in the Men’s A: Sean Conroy, the eight seed, lost to Niall Rooney 3:1, and Rory Birthistle (10) overcame Connor O’Hare, recently moved to Dublin and the tournament’s seventh seed, in five games.
First match I saw this morning was young Michael Craig, from up North, beat veteran Dara O’Flynn 3:0, every game finishing 11:6. Dara plays a very tough game, hitting hard and tight and slotting in delightful drop shots, and I thought he’d be too strong for Michael. However, this morning Dara let himself down with a few too many errors, and Michael was able to weather the intensity quite comfortably. Michael also has a delicate hold on his backhand side and generally plays with great oversight and understanding, and on this Saturday morning he was simply too good. He will now face his junior rival Sean Conroy in the next round, Sean having beaten Paul Lenihan comfortably in three.
Next match on my agenda was Steve Richardson against Brian Byrne, fourth against fifth seed. Brian has been the talks of many recent tournaments, oftentimes only being stopped by Ireland’s number one Arthur Gaskin in the finals, while Stevie is rarely one to lose to anyone beneath his seeding. The match started at a very high pace, Brian seeking to volley at every opportunity. The difference between the two players was that when playing at this pace, Stevie was able to control the ball slightly better, while Brian was suffering from his drives occasionally jumping off the side walls. Nonetheless, even when Stevie worked Brian out of his position, he was still able to reach the next shot due to his speed. Nonetheless, Stevie managed to play the last few points of the first two games stronger and took a commanding 2:0 lead, and finished the third 11:4. The scoreline of 3:0 does little justice to what was really a good-quality and tough encounter.
In the other quarter-finals Graeme Stewart had to pull out facing Nigel Peyton. Graeme, who had beaten Nigel’s brother Ronan yesterday, is suffering from a neck injury that left him unable to compete. Derek Ryan, seeded two, beat Rory Birthistle, and is Nigel’s next opponent.
All results from the Mens A matches so far
Last game I saw was in the Men’s B, with David Ryan, of Sutton, playing Neal Murphy. It was the first time I’ve seen david following his lengthy injury, and he certainly seems to be back with a vengeance! Neal is a tough competitor and former Irish international, but today David was in great form, with great court coverage and superb back-court game. The rallies were long and intense, but David’s fitness levels are really something for a junior player, and he ran out a clear 3:0 victory.
Unfortunately I missed the ladies’ matches this morning, but the semis will be between Claire O’Neill and Tanya Owens, and Zoe Hall and Ciara Moloney, taking place just about now. (Dan. Z.)
The Irish Women’s team battled tough competition to get through the final 16 of the Women’s World Team Squash championships.
Ireland came second in their group matches and are through to the top 16 draw.
Congratulations to Aisling Blake, Madeline Perry, Laura Mylotte and Breanne Flynn (pictured here).
Ireland are playing France at 1.30 today (wed) on the main glass back court in the Parnasse centre, The matches can be followed live from the tournament website
Ireland played England – the No. 1 seed on Thursday 15th November on the centre court in the Parnasse centre.
First on was Madeline Perry against Laura Massaro. Madeline started well, taking control qnd winning the first game 11/7. Laura came out in the second finding the corners and winning it 11/2. The third and fourth games were closer but Laura’s strength prevailed and she won them 11/8 and 11/9
Next up was Aisling Blake against Alison Waters. Alison’s strength prevailed and she beat Aisling 11/7, 11/3 and 11/3.
England had won the tie 2-0. The number 3 stings went on to play the best of 3 games. The players were Breanne Flynn against the English No: 3 Jenny Duncalf. It was Breanne’s first cap at senior level. Breanne played well but Jenny”s experience and ability won her the game 11/3 and 11/2:
On Friday, Ireland are playing New Zealand at 17.00 on court 1 in the Parnasse Centre.
Day 5 at Womens world Team Championships in Nimes.
Ireland played New Zealand in their first match in the playoffs for 5th to 8th place. It was always going to be a difficult match.
First on were the No. 1’s, Madeline Perry and Joelle King. Joelle won the first game quickly 11/3, however in the second game Madeline increased her determination and the pace of the game and won it 11/7. Joelle fought back to win the third game11/7. The fourth game was very close with Madeline winning 14/12. Madeline continued playing well and went on to win the fifth game 11/3. Madeline won 3/2.
Laura Mylotte went on next to play Amanda Landers Murphy. Laura played well and putting the ball in the corners she won the first game 11/8. The second game was close with Amanda winning 12/10. Despite Laura’s best efforts Amanda went on to win the next two games 11/8 and 12/10. Amanda won 3/1
Aisling Blake went on to play Jaclyn Hawkes in the deciding match. Aisling won the first two games 11/5 and 11/9. Jaclyn fought back and won the next two 11/4 and 11/8. However Aisling dug deep, chased every ball and managed to win the final game 11/7. Aisling won 3/2 which meant that Ireland beat NewZealand 2/1 and are due to play India at 13.30 on Saturday in the play off for 5/6th place.
Ireland already met India in the pool matches, India won that match but hopefully that will be reversed today.
Here are the new guidelines that must be followed if you would like to see something posted to the Irish Squash web site. You must now provide it in a specified format or it won’t get posted.
It is commonly commented that we are not providing sufficient coverage for various events – our professionals, our teams our leagues or whatever. Usually the squash office gets an e-mail with something like “this team won” or “Arthur won the PSA event in France” or “Irish Team are competing in Hungary”, “can you put up the results from this”. This format doesn’t provide enough information to provide a good post or item on the website. It means that the person uploading the information to the site has complete discretion to just put up what is provided. There are far too many news items and not enough resources for one person to do this properly.
If the information is provided properly it can be put up the site quickly and will be more useful. This just takes a little effort on behalf of whoever knows about the item.
The title should try to include the name of the event and have a hook to try and get the readers interested. E.g. “Arthur wins World Championships in London”
This is a summary paragraph that will tell the reader a synopsis of the item. It should draw in the reader and make the article interesting. “In what was one of his finest professional performances Arthur took pushed the former World Number one to his limits in a roaring reception in the auditorium…”.. you get the idea.
Ideally this is a summary of the event – and it might be possible to get this from another source if it is a big event. Our readers want to know about the winners and about how our players competed and anything interesting that may have happened. This should be more than just “John won 3-0”.
Article Background
Is there any background information you can provide about this tournament or event to help the reader? Just because you know the people involved and that we have won the event for the last 10 years doesn’t mean everyone else does. Who won it last year? What was it like last year? Is it it better now? Are there old rivalries we should know about?
Nearly everyone has a camera on their phone and definitely someone at the event took pictures. We Need pictures. Gather the pictures.. find them on the websites, copy them and then attach them to the item to be posted! All sorts of pictures can be good – action shots, including those of the venue and the crowd.. things that help capture the experience not just the trophy collections.
Much as we would like to think that we know everybody in the World of Squash in Ireland – trying to work out who is in a picture and how to spell their names correctly is another task that should be carried out by you when you submit the article. If you don’t know who they are in the picture how can we know what name to put beside them?
Updated ranking lists and points for Masters are now online here
