Michael Craig, the sole male representative from Northern Ireland lost to world ranked no.83 Harinder Pal Sandhu from India on Thursday 24th July. The Indian was just too experienced and won in 3 games – 11-9, 11-5, 11-5. Michael still has to play in the mixed doubles with Madeline Perry later in the games.

Men’s 1st round:
Othneil Bailey (SVG) bt Mark Tewkesbury (GIB) 11-4, 8-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-2 (41m)
Michael Kawooya (UGA) bt Schubert Maketu (PNG) 11-1, 11-5, 11-5 (17m)
Hartaj Bains (KEN) bt Daniel Murphy (CAY) 11-7, 11-4, 11-6 (21m)
2nd round:
[1] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Xavier Koenig (MRI) 11-3, 11-3, 11-1 (21m)
Christopher Binnie (JAM) bt Ntholeng Lechesa (LES) 11-0, 11-0, 11-1 (17m)
[9] Alan Clyne (SCO) bt Kevin Hannaway (SVG) 11-1, 11-2, 11-2 (14m)
Harinder Pal Sandhu (IND) bt Michael Craig (NIR) 11-9, 11-5, 11-5
[7] Chris Simpson (GGY) bt Julian Jervis (CAY) 11-7, 11-4, 11-1 (23m)
Colin Ramasra (TRI) bt Ravindu Laksiri (SRI) 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 6-11, 11-6
[11] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) bt Kenneth Maina (KEN) 11-7, 11-6, 11-7
Shawn Delierre (CAN) bt Moreaina Wei (PNG) 11-0, 11-2, 11-5 (16m)
[3] Peter Barker (ENG) bt Manda Chilambwe (ZAM) 11-4, 11-1, 11-3 (30m)
Mahesh Mangaonkar (IND) bt Hardeep Reel (KEN) 11-1, 11-5, 11-7 (24m)
[10] Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) bt Robert Maycock (BER) 11-2, 11-5, 11-4
Peter Creed (WAL) bt Ian Rukunya (UGA) 11-0, 11-2, 11-0 (20m)
[5] Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt Kale Wilson (TRI) 11-3, 11-2, 11-2 (15m)
Sunil Seth (GUY) bt Daniel Zammit-Lewis (MLT) 11-2, 12-10, 11-0 (24m)
[16] Greg Lobban (SCO) bt Bruce Burrowes (JAM) 11-3, 11-5, 11-9
Nick Taylor (JEY) bt Othneil Bailey (SVG) 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 (22m)
Micah Franklin (BER) bt Michael Kawooya (UGA) 11-4, 11-4, 9-11, 8-11, 11-4 (47m)
[12] Campbell Grayson (NZL) bt Hartaj Bains (KEN) 11-0, 11-4, 11-1 (17m)
Joe Chapman (IVB) bt James Fayia (SLE) 11-4, 11-2, 11-2 (10m)
Kelvin Ndhlovu (ZAM) bt [8] Ong Beng Hee (MAS) 11-7, 11-2, 9-11, 11-5 (35m)
Joel Makin (WAL) bt Alexander Arjoon (GUY) 11-9, 11-8, 11-5 (35m)
[14] Steven Finitsis (AUS) bt Mwinga Lengwe (ZAM) 11-7, 11-4, 11-3 (23m)
Paul Coll (NZL) bt Issa Kamara (SLE) 11-0, 11-5, 11-7 (22m)
[4] Saurav Ghosal (IND) bt Jules Snagg (SVG) 11-1, 11-6, 11-3 (16m)
Bradley Hindle (MLT) bt Scott Fitzgerald (WAL) 11-5, 14-12, 11-9 (40m)
[15] Ivan Yuen (MAS) bt Ridvan Prosper (SEY) 11-0, 11-3, 11-1 (13m)
Cameron Stafford (CAY) bt Christian Navas (GIB) 11-2, 11-5, 11-3
[6] Alister Walker (BOT) bt Dilshan Gunawardena (SRI) 11-5, 11-4, 11-2
Kevin Moran (SCO) bt Scott Gautier (JEY) 11-3, 11-3, 11-4 (21m)
[13] Martin Knight (NZL) bt Gihan Suwaris (SRI) 11-0, 11-6, 11-3 (13m)
Anthony Brindle (GIB) bt Madako Junior Suari (PNG) 11-5, 11-4, 11-9 (21m)
[2] James Willstrop (ENG) bt Nicholas Kyme (BER) 11-4, 11-3, 11-4 (21m)

In the other matches in the first round –

Eighth seed Ong Beng Hee, the former world No7 from Malaysia making a record-equalling fifth successive appearance in the Commonwealth Games, bowed out in the opening round of the Glasgow 2014 Games today after losing in four games to unranked Zambian Kelvin Ndhlovu.

Suffering with flu and a shadow of his usual self, Beng Hee did his best to withstand the determined attack of South Africa-based Ndhlovu in the last 64 round at Scotstoun Sports Campus in Glasgow. But the unheralded 28-year-old held his nerve to produce the upset of the round, winning 11-7, 11-2, 9-11, 11-5 in 35 minutes.

“I’ve been struggling with a knee problem for a few weeks and then a few days ago was struck down with a fever and just haven’t been able to practise – in fact today’s the first time I’ve been to the venue,” explained a distraught Beng Hee afterwards. “But well done to Kelvin – I’ve never seen him play before but he deserved the win.

“I’m very sad – you look forward to something like this every four years and not to be able prepare and then perform is very disappointing. But at least I have the Asian Games still to go this year. At least I can now prepare for that.

“But I’ve still got the doubles here – though I’ve never played men’s doubles before,” added the 34-year-old, a silver and bronze medallist in the mixed doubles.

Ndhlovu was delighted with his breakthrough success: “I’m really happy about that – it was a big win, the biggest of my career and I’m very proud.

“I had some good wins last week in South Africa, where I am based, which was good preparation,” added the Gauteng-based Zambian. “I lost easily in my first appearance in the Games four years ago – but I came into this with a different mind-set – I was much more motivated.

“But I was really nervous when I walked in. I then got too tense when I was ahead in the third game, and he came back strongly to take the game. I really didn’t expect to win – I have got no idea who I’m playing next!”

Three-time world champion Nick Matthew, who only hours earlier had led Team England into the Opening Ceremony as his country’s flag-bearer, successfully began the defence of his gold medal with an 11-3, 11-3, 11-1 win over Xavier Koenig of Mauritius.

“He had a good array of shots – and that’s what I wanted, to get rid of the cobwebs,” said 33-year-old Matthew, the world No2.

“After last night’s massive high, I got to bed around midnight and was up at eight o’clock.”

The opening match on the venue’s spectacular showcourt was watched by an exuberant near capacity crowd surrounding the all-glass court.

“It was just good to come out to such an amazing response – it’s more like a finals crowd than a first round! I’ve had a long career and played in some amazing venues, but never experienced a first round crowd like that.”

The Yorkshireman was also celebrating his 100th cap for England. “To be honest, I was originally a bit disappointed when I knew my last England match – when I beat world number one Greg Gaultier in the European Championship final – was my 99th cap, as it was such a big game.

“I expected this to be relatively low-key – but it was far from it!

“I’m feeling good being back on court after the knee surgery. My back-up team, with England physio Jade here with me, are looking after me well.”

Games debutant Koenig, playing on the biggest stage of his life, was pleased with his performance: “I wanted to get a least two points – I had to try everything. He was very kind to me – but I was so relieved to get that first point! I studied in Perth, Australia, for six years so that’s where my squash improved.”

The sensational crowd became even more vocal when local hero Alan Clyne, the Scottish number one ranked 35 in the world, despatched his first opponent Kevin Hannaway, from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 11-1, 11-2, 11-2.

“The crowd reaction was pretty incredible – I didn’t expect it to be like this!” said the ninth seed from Edinburgh. “When I first came out, I had goose-bumps. But I could see from the warm-up that he was a good player.

“I’ve never played in front of a home crowd like this – in fact the first time was only a month ago when I played a small Tour event in Inverness – but it was nothing like on this scale! I wanted to play good squash today and I think I did that.”

Second seed James Willstrop, the world No6 expected to meet Matthew in the second successive all-English men’s final, also had a straightforward opening round win on the all-glass court, seeing off Bermuda’s Nicholas Kyme 11-4, 11-3, 11-4.

“The atmosphere here was unbelievable – a lot of big finals wouldn’t get this,” said the former world number one from Harrogate later. “It’s great for the game and it’s wonderful to be involved – I’m trying to soak up every minute.

“The Commonwealth Games? It doesn’t come any better than this – it’s quite exceptional what Glasgow has been doing.”

Like all the men’s last 64 round winners, Willstrop will go on to play a further match today to qualify for Thursday’s fourth round.

“It’s long time since I’ve played two matches in day – back in the days of the Under-12s – it’s quite rare!”

Games debutant Alister Walker celebrated the first ever Botswana win in the Commonwealth Games when he beat Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Gunawardena 11-5, 11-4, 11-2. US-based Walker, the sixth seed who switched nationality from England to the country of his birth three years ago, will now face Cameron Stafford, of the Cayman Islands, for a place in the last 16.

Men’s 3rd round line-up
[1] Nick Matthew (ENG) v Christopher Binnie (JAM)
[9] Alan Clyne (SCO) v Harinder Pal Sandhu (IND)
[7] Chris Simpson (GGY) v Colin Ramasra (TRI)
[11] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) v Shawn Delierre (CAN)
[3] Peter Barker (ENG) v Mahesh Mangaonkar (IND)
[10] Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) v Peter Creed (WAL)
[5] Cameron Pilley (AUS) v Sunil Seth (GUY)
[16] Greg Lobban (SCO) v Nick Taylor (JEY)
[12] Campbell Grayson (NZL) v Micah Franklin (BER)
Kelvin Ndhlovu (ZAM) v Joe Chapman (IVB)
[14] Steven Finitsis (AUS) v Joel Makin (WAL)
[4] Saurav Ghosal (IND) v Paul Coll (NZL)
[15] Ivan Yuen (MAS) v Bradley Hindle (MLT)
[6] Alister Walker (BOT) v Cameron Stafford (CAY)
[13] Martin Knight (NZL) v Kevin Moran (SCO)
[2] James Willstrop (ENG) v Anthony Brindle (GIB)

Madeline Perry presently ranked WSA 11th and Michael Craig, one of the top U19’s boys in Europe are representing Northern Ireland in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Graeme Stewart is there as their coach.

The games begin with the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday 23rd July. The First Squash matches begin on Friday 1st August.

Madeleine and Michael will be competing in the women’s/men’s individual events and also as a mixed doubles team.

We all wish Madeline, Michael and Graeme the best of luck in the games.

After the games Michael will then be going to the World Junior Championships in Namibia being played from August 10th  -21st as part of the Irish team. So a busy month for him and the very best of luck in both events.

Madeline Perry presently ranked WSA 11th and Michael Craig, one of the top U19’s boys in Europe are representing Northern Ireland in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Graeme Stewart is there as their coach.

The games begin with the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday 23rd July. The First Squash matches begin on Friday 1st August.

Madeleine and Michael will be competing in the women’s/men’s individual events and also as a mixed doubles team.

We all wish Madeline, Michael and Graeme the best of luck in the games.

After the games Michael will then be going to the World Junior Championships in Namibia being played from August 10th  -21st as part of the Irish team. So a busy month for him and the very best of luck in both events.

Congratulations to Willie Hosey who retains his World Masters Title today in Hong Kong. Willie fought a hard and prevailed to beat top seed and former World No.2 Bret Martin in three games 11-9 11-6 13-11

WILLIE HOSEY

	Time	Draw				Score			Duration	Court
	Sun 7/6/2014 4:40 PM	Men 50+	Simon HO	–	William HOSEY [2]	5-11 2-11 5-11			0:14	Hong Kong Football Club – HKFC Court 5
	Mon 7/7/2014 5:20 PM	Men 50+	Giorgio SORIO	–	William HOSEY [2]	2-11 5-11 10-12			0:30	Hong Kong Football Club – HKFC Court 2
	Tue 7/8/2014 4:00 PM	Men 50+	Peter GILBEE [13/16]	–	William HOSEY [2]	3-11 6-11 9-11			0:21	Hong Kong Squash Center – SC Court 11
	Wed 7/9/2014 11:20 AM	Men 50+	Dale ROBBINS [5/8]	–	William HOSEY [2]	7-11 12-14 3-11			0:26	Hong Kong Squash Center – SC Court 9
	Thu 7/10/2014 1:40 PM	Men 50+	Jonathan CLARK [5/8]	–	William HOSEY [2]	13-11 7-11 9-11 5-11			0:35	Hong Kong Squash Center – SC Court 1
	Fri 7/11/2014 11:00 AM	Men 50+	Brett MARTIN [1]	–	William HOSEY [2]	9-11 6-11 11-13			0:24	Hong Kong Squash Center – SC Court 1

WSA WORLD TOUR NEWS

Nicol David Heads Unchanged World Top 20

1 July 2014

Malaysia’s Squash Queen Nicol David is within touching distance of her 100th month at the top of the Women’s World Squash Rankings after establishing her 96th month in a row – and her 99th of all-time – in the July list published today by the Women’s Squash Association (WSA).

The 30-year-old from Penang, who first reached No1 in January 2006, maintains a healthy lead of more than 1,000 points ahead of England’s Laura Massaro, the reigning World Champion who is celebrating her 16th successive month as the world No2.

Egypt’s Raneem El Welily is in third place while New Zealander Joelle King is at No4.

The highest ranking to change in the new list is No40 – the new incumbent being Egypt’s Habiba Mohamed Ahmed Alymohmed, the 15-year-old from Alexandria who in November became the youngest ever WSA World Tour title winner (at 14 years and 5 months) and last month won her third successive Tour final at the inaugural Paderborn Open in Germany.

July top 20 (inc. points average):

To all member entries are now being taken for the Welsh Junior Open 2014.

Please click on the following link for the invitation / entry form:

http://www.europeansquash.com/calendarevent/21538/Welsh-Junior-Open-2014-GP

Ever wondered why elite squash players seem to move so effortlessly and still have so much more time on the ball than the rest of us?

One of the defining characteristics of expert performance is perceptual skill and probably the most essential perceptual skill in open skilled sports, particularly squash, is anticipation. It is the anticipatory skill of the elite squash player that gives him or her all that the extra time and it is arguably the lack of this anticipatory ability that prevents many club players from progressing to the next level.

Photograph shows the experimental set-up from the study on anticipation in squash, undertaken as part of an MSc in Psychology of Sport and Exercise, by Henry Gillanders

A recent study by Henry Gillanders as part of an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology, provided some clues to the visual anticipation strategy of an elite squash player. The objective of the research was to identify the various visual cues used by an elite and a non-elite squash player, to assist him/her to extract information from performance environment and make predictions regarding the shot his opponent is going to play.

The research was a pilot study and limited in its sample size, however the findings were very clear. To summarize, the elite player used no ball tracking to predict the final outcome of an opponent’s shot, (questioning the advice given by most coaches to ‘keep your eye on the ball’!), he had a successful anticipation rate of 92.5%, and used most of the available time to extract visual information from the opponent’s racquet-head, head, shoulder, hips and leading leg, typically in that order.

All successful predictions were made before the opponent actually hit the ball, with an average response time of 178mm before ball contact. On one trial the prediction was made 360ms before the ball was struck by the opponent (that was when the opponent’s racquet was at the top of his back swing!).

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Photograph sequence above, showing stills taken from an ASL mobile eye-tracking registration system, demonstrating the elite players gaze pattern. The gaze moves through some of the key visual cues of the, racquet-head, head, shoulder and leading leg.

Anticipation is not a taught skill, but acquired by elite players through extensive and deliberate interaction with their sport “10,000 hours”!. It is hoped that by studying anticipation, that it will be possible to design training programmes to assist with the teaching and accelerate the acquisition of this vital skill in squash so that not only the elite players can benefit.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Kieran Doherty, Michael Craig, Lewis Kirk, Jacob Guldbäck, Jeff Hearst, Lisburn Racquets Club and Ulster Squash for their assistance with this research.

Galway Lawn Tennis Club in association with Racketlon Ireland are delighted to announce the country’s first ever International Racketlon tournament which will be held in the Salthill club over the weekend 20th-22nd June.

The West of Ireland Racketlon Open 2014 is an exciting addition to the club’s calendar and we are privileged to host the event. Racketlon is a sport for the racket enthusiast where you challenge your opponent in each of the four racket sports; table tennis, badminton, squash, and tennis consecutively one after the other in that order. For rules and regulations see www.racketlon.net

Racketlon Tournaments are open to all standards of player from novice to elite. Our elite Men’s and Women’s section which will feature some of the sport’s top players from Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe, and further afield. We fully expect that many of you will be a club player in one sport and may have little or no experience in the others, while some of you may have played all four sports at varying levels. The event will form part of the

International Racketlon World Tour with challenger status.

We are hoping for a bumper entry and are encouraging anyone who is interested in this new and novel sport to take the plunge and enter!

Venue

Galway Lawn Tennis Club, Threadneedle Road, Salthill,
Galway, Ireland.

Tel: +353-91-522353

web: www.gltc.ie

E-Mail:  [email protected]

The Board of Irish Squash would like to pass on its sympathy to Michael Hynes and his family on the recent loss of their son, Matthias.

A memorial mass for Matthias will be held this Saturday 14th of June at 12pm in Salthill Church. 

Michael is a past President of Irish Squash and Connacht Squash.

May Matthias rest in peace.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Sean Conroy – Ireland’s latest professional entrant onto the PSA tour played in the Semi-finals of the Madrid Open against Christopher Andre (the no.2 seed) today but lost out to him –  Christophe Andre (FRA) bt  Sean Conroy (IRL) 11-4, 11-3, 11-3 (27m). This was agreat placing for Sean as he was a lucky loser from the qualifiers and came through the last 16 & 8 to make the semis. Very encouraging for Ireland’s newest professional.

The Madrid Open is part of the PSA World Tour and it takes place in Conbendai Castellana in Madrid. Spain’s capital is hosting the game’s up-and-coming players as they go head-to-head in an event that is set to delight Spain’s growing squash scene.