FINAL - 2021 DAC PRO SQUASH CLASSIC

Day 5

October 23

Four days of astonishing squash led up to this moment. Our members could not be more privileged to have world number 2 on display showing everyone that this sport can be played at a level they can’t even imagine. Add on one of the most exciting ‘new-kids-on-the-block’ who has already picked up some first-rate scalps for her mantlepiece and will be a force to be reckoned with on the world tour for the next few years to come, and we were already over-spoiled. Just happy to be a part of it and witness some history.

[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Georgina Kennedy (ENG)

Would the moment prove to be too big for the Englishwoman? It was a substantial assignment, her first final in a Bronze tournament, coming off her first win against a top ten player, would she be able to lift herself just one more time for the monumental occasion? Win or lose, Georgina will propel herself into the top 30 on next month’s ranking, a healthy jump from her current 51.

The first few rallies of the match set the tone, however… for Nouran. If we thought she was pounding the ball hard in her first 3 matches, she was utterly demolishing it in this one. Apparently there is another gear - kind of like “ludicrous” speed in the movie Space Balls! There wasn’t much that Georgina was doing wrong, she simply couldn’t keep up. It was 4-0 in no time. But, you don’t beat world number 8 without knowing how to adjust and Georgina found a little bit of rhythm and tried slowing the hitting down to a more manageable pace. It worked temporarily and she pegged the score back to 4-5 before Nouran once again figured it out and went on another small tear. The lead was extended enough to hold back Georgina’s mini-comeback at the end and Nouran took the first game. 

For the second game, it was clear the Georgina was trying to take away Nouran’s heavy belting. Half paced, little more loft, she was doing her utmost to upset the Egyptian’s game… but to little or no avail. Nouran doesn’t only annihilate the ball, her length is also remarkably consistent. It’s not only quick into the back corners, it was also dying length and Georgina often found herself with no other option but to defend it back. Setting it up into the front, Nouran was delighted to snap the ball low, hard, and deceptively accurate for a winner. She was in control.

The third was all one way traffic. Georgina was out of ideas, but her effort level wouldn’t and didn’t wain. Do or die on every rally, she hung in there as long and best as she could. The Egyptian was just too good. Ending the match on a perfect backhand slice off the back wall, a (semi) drop into the front left that rolled out flat, it was fitting way to claim the title. Almost a flawless production. 11-8, 11-6, 11-1.

What more can be said. The DAC couldn’t be happier. Until 2022!

SEMI FINALS - 2021 DAC PRO SQUASH CLASSIC

Day 4

October 22

Down to the final four and coming off a quarter final night of unforgettable matches, the packed DAC crowd was salivating for some more spectacular performances…

[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v [4] Olivia Clyne (USA)

If history was any indication, Olivia was going to be in for an onerous time. The past 3 matches on the PSA tour, Olivia is not only 0-for-3, the game tally is 0-for-9. Only one of those games went to a tie break as well. The mental edge clearly leans all the way to the Egyptian world number 2 and in typical Nouran Gohar fashion, she entered the court with a steely look of complete focus and determination, no doubt committed to extending her clean record against the American. 

There is no ‘playing-in’ with Nouran, she’s hammering away from the first shot of the match. The  pressure is immediate and her opponents better be ready to compete. She jumped out to an early lead, and Olivia was finding it troublesome to get herself settled into any comfortable rhythm. It was all happening a little too quick, and uncharacteristically Olivia was choosing some mystifying shots, such as trying to force a short ball from deep in the back corner. If they didn’t hit the tin, Nouran was immediately pouncing on them and punishing them anyway. The tactic wasn’t working and it took 2 full games before Olivia finally switched it up.

A lot more competitive third, this is what the crowd was waiting for. Smarter play, better length, more patience, less errors, and suddenly Nouran and Olivia were going point for point, a standard worthy and deserving of the two. However, no matter how you look at it, coming back from 0-2 down as I’ve said before, is a monumental assignment, made all the more nightmarish when you are playing the second best ranked player in the world. As usual, Nouran didn’t let up either, Olivia’s increased pressure and precision made her work a lot harder but she was prepared for the moment and her relentless power hitting was simply too good. Advancing to the final, Nouran took the match 3-0. 11-4, 11-3, 11-8.

Tinne Gilis (BEL) v Georgina Kennedy (ENG)

This match-up was creating a lot of buzz amongst the members. Georgina has been on an absolute tear lately and her phenomenal run this week has been nothing short of jaw-dropping. And what about Tinne? Incredible performances this week as well, it’s been a captivating run. After learning that these two are best of friends and actually live together in England, this is their first meeting on the tour. It sounds like they would be familiar with each other’s game. 

The first game though, was all Georgina. If anybody wanted to see what executing the fundamentals correctly looked like, they need look no further than this young lady. I’ve never seen anyone get back to the ’T’ quicker, in fact she’s there before her own ball is coming off the front wall, her racquet is up, weight forward, on her toes, and she’s watching the ball as if she’s drilling Superman laser-eyes though it. It’s an intensity rarely seen or matched. She made quick work of Tinne. 

For the second, the match evened up. Tinne was now up to speed and getting into the groove needed to challenge the Englishwoman. She was keeping it close, but at 4-5 she after she took a deep lunge into the front forehand corner and couldn’t get back up. The injury that she had just made a comeback from - her calf - decided it was no longer going to cooperate. The damage was done. The injury time out regrettably couldn’t save it, and the devastating decision had to be made not to continue. It was the right call, sadly. Tinne was understandably distraught. Although she couldn’t complete the match, Tinne can be tremendously proud of her efforts this week, the DAC crowd was incredibly appreciative. We wish her a quick and full recovery and look forward to seeing her come back to Detroit in 2022. 11-4, 5-4 (rtd.)

It was not the way Georgina wanted to advance, but now she does have an amazing opportunity to play a big final against one of the world’s best players. Can’t wait!

QUARTER FINALS - 2021 PRO SQUASH CLASSIC

 Day 3

October 21

What a crazy night of matches we just witnessed. Brilliant. We had it all. And more…

[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v [6] Nele Gilis (BEL)

The final score line does not indicate the quality of the hitting between these two ladies. Nouran was doing what Nouran does: Hitting the ball like she’s trying to send it into next week. But it’s not that she’s just aimlessly belting it around, the accuracy and consistency of it all is a sight to behold. Relentless. Inch perfect above the tin, moving early on the ball, heavy volleys, and then spatter in a few delicate drops and the combination is breathtaking. It’s a tough egg to crack. Nele new what she was in for, and she did her utmost to counter the pressure. To the innocent bystander, simply watching the exchanges, one would not have been able to tell who was world number 2 and who was world number 15… until you looked at the score. The rallies were long, tight, demanding. But, it’s what makes Nouran stand out that little but more in the end – it’s just ruthless. She plays every point like it’s her last, it’s almost as if the more an opponent resists, the more she steps it up. I thought Nele looked and played great squash, she just couldn’t finish off the rallies. Nouran took 41 minutes to take a lot-tougher-than-it-looked 3-0 victory 11-7, 11-5, 11-2.

Tinne Gilis (BEL) v Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAL)

Breakthrough event for Tinne? I have been very impressed indeed with Tinne’s squash this week, especially after getting through a couple of tough rounds before having to tackle another rising star on the PSA tour in Siva Subramaniam. Both of these girls were unseeded for this event, and no doubt both these girls will be regular fixtures in the deep rounds of major events in the near future. The first game went the Malaysian’s way but it wasn’t easy. The rallies were arduous as both players were moving well around the court. There really wasn’t much difference between them, Siva though managed to take advantage of a couple of loose balls at the end of the game to close it out. But like yesterday, after winning a taxing first game, Siva for some unknown reason lost her way in the second. It looks like a focus issue to me and maybe something to work on for her because at this level you simply cannot gift away games like this. Basically handing Tinne all the confidence and momentum, Siva did come out in the third a lost stronger, but a more positive Belgian put up an even stronger resistance than in the first game and wasn’t going to let this slip away. It was close mind you, Siva was maybe a little unlucky not to stretch this into a 5^th game but Tinne held strong for the 3-1 win. 8-11, 11-2, 11-8, 11-9.

[2] Joelle King (NZL) v Georgina Kennedy (ENG)

Not to diminish the other matches of this tournament, but this one was for the ages and arguably the best one we’ve seen so far. Amazing quality. Georgina is ranked 51 in the world which after watching last night makes that number a complete scandal. Joelle is number 8 in the world, and she is a legit world top 10 player. An incredible first game, fast paced with minimal unforced errors, their lines and angles were spot on. Combining Joelle’s reach and Gina’s speed, it was difficult for either player to put the ball away and we had an absolute ding-dong of a battle going on. When it gets to 9-9, it’s really anyone’s for the taking at that stage, and it was Georgina that was on the receiving end of a couple of stray balls from Joelle and was able to put them away for the 11-9 all important first game. The second game was a very un-like Joelle performance. Georgina didn’t change anything, she came out just as hard as she did in the first, but for the New Zealander, maybe it was the disappointment of losing the first, she appeared to be a little flat-footed and uncomfortable. She couldn’t get anything happening and went down 3-11. But you don’t get to be a top 10 player by packing it in. You adapt. You fight back. Joelle dug her heels in. A change of tactic, she started to take a little pace of the game, more lobs, floating a few. Using her volleys to better advantage and trying to nullify the blinding court coverage of the Englishwoman. It was a masterclass of precise hitting and from looking like this match would be done in 25 minutes, we were all excited to see we were heading to a 5^th game. Desperation squash took over. What a game! Unbelievable from both players, from Joelle’s volleys and length, to Georgina’s road-runner like reactions and hustle (does this woman ever get tired??) we were treated to an epic adventure. Georgina earned a few match points first before Joelle edged her way back to within 1 point. But a deft little backhand drop clinched the 11-9 in the 5^th win and Georgina claimed her first top 10 scalp of her young career and a semi final birth in a Bronze event! 11-9, 11-3, 6-11, 8-11, 11-9.

[4] Olivia Clyne (USA) v [5] Tesni Evans (WAL)

The final match of the day produced another blockbuster. As one would expect from world number 11 and 13! Two terrific movers, these two also have a great racquet work to match. Both of them have the ability to produce winners, a subtle flick with the wrist here, an unusual angle there, it’s a smooth, flowing game. Another first game battle, nothing between them all the way to the tie-break. It was Tesni slotting a forehand quick drop from the mid-court to end it 13-11 a huge confidence booster moving forward. Games 2 and 3 though were not quite as clean for her. Olivia tightened up her length and stepped up the court a little catching her opponent out with her effective backhand volley that she can flick into a short cross just above the tin. Tesni found herself stranded too often behind and before she could fix it, found herself 2-1 down and looking down the barrel. The 4^th game was a different story once again. Finding her groove, Tesni was now the one controlling the middle, getting Olivia to open the court for her. With her ability to slot the ball, it was a comfortable 11-5. Into the 5^th, the cherry on top of what had been an extraordinary evening. The game started out competitively enough, but half way through, Olivia started to edge away building a lead. Not doing anything spectacular, just keeping steady and focused. I also must say however, Tesni was not helped by a couple of… let’s call them “strange” let calls at crucial moments. Not that it altered the outcome of the match, but it certainly didn’t hurt Olivia any. The American scored her first win over Tesni on the PSA and kept her hopes alive to defend her 2019 DAC Pro Squash Classic title. 11-13, 11-7, 11-6, 5-11, 11-6.

ROUND 2 - 2021 PRO SQUASH CLASSIC

Day 2

October 20

The top 8 seeds took to the courts on day 2 of the DAC Pro Squash Classic in front of an enthusiastic crowd that all night couldn’t stop themselves from “oooh-ing” and “aaah-ing” and “oh-my-God-ing!” over their constantly filled beers. ‘Blown away’ would be an understatement. We were treated to an overload of astonishing squash:

[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Melissa Alves (FRA)

On paper, Nouran had this in the bag. In reality, not so much. Melissa is enjoying her best form of her career getting inside the top 30 this year for the first time and she clearly was not intimidated by the world number 2. She was more than up to the task, matching Nouran’s intensity through the first game- right up until the last couple of points where she tried to force a couple of ill-timed shots and found tin instead. With the first game in the pocket, Gohar found herself on a roll for the second and in more familiar territory, running through comfortably for an 11-4 win. But Melissa came out more determined in the third picking up her resistance, holding strong on the ‘T’ and doing her best to stay in front. It paid off and we were into a fourth much to the delight of the crowd. Of course, though, it’s a little ‘careful what you wish for’ with Nouran- she wasn’t happy losing a game and her first return of serve in the game was a blinding backhand winner that amazingly didn’t turn our front wall into rubble. It set the tone, Gohar kept herself in front by a few points the whole way and she closed it out. 11-8, 11-4, 8-11, 11-7.

 [6] Nele Gilis (BEL) v [WC] Lucy Beecroft (ENG)

This was a kind of a tale of two matches: The first game, and then the 2^nd and 3^rd games. Lucy is on her way up the rankings and she proved she can hang with the best of them. She did just that in game one giving Nele all she could handle and no doubt making the Belgian rather edgy. In situations such as these however, experience goes an awful long way. Nele simply held her nerve better and walked off with the important game one win, a mental edge that seemed to knock Lucy out of her mojo. The next two games were not as distressing for Nele as she asserted herself more the deeper into the match they went. It was a 3-0 result, but watch out for Lucy in the future! 12-10, 11-6, 11-3

 [5] Tesni Evans (WAL) v Hana Moataz (EGY)

We remember Hana from our 2019 event and now, 2 years on, she is a much improved young player. She is currently ranked 58, has been as high as 53, but also consider she it currently studying at Harvard she isn’t full time on tour. Can’t wait until she is though. She plays a lot higher than her ranking suggests. Tesni is currently 13 in the world, has been as high as 9, has won the British National Title in 2018, and also claimed bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. This was a high level match, and again, I’m going to put this one down to a little more experience. When the games are tight it’s who can hold their resolve better in the business and of them and usually it’s the ones who have been there and done that before. Tesni squeaked out the first 2 games by a whisper and coming back form 0-2 down was a tall ask for the Egyptian lass. She did buckle up for the 3^rd and managed to push it one extra set, but the mission proved to be too tall. Tesni a deserved 3-1 winner. 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 11-8

 [4] Olivia Clyne (USA) v Donna Lobban (AUS)

Olivia will be forever fondly remembered at the DAC as out first ever winner of our pro event! Delighted to have her back in her attempt to defend, she was playing against the proficient Donna Lobban from Australia. The first two games were all one way traffic as Olivia dominated the pace and was leaving Donna all too often a little flat footed and stranded. Donna needed to step it up and the third game was a different story. Using a little more height on her shots and then moving forward to use her reach and volley, Donna was able to open up the court better and she took the 3^rd. Unfortunately for the Aussie, she couldn’t keep up the game plan as effectively in the 4^th and Olivia’s speed and consistency would be her undoing. 3-1 to the American. 11-4, 11-5, 7-11, 11-7.

 [3] Joshna Chinappa (IND) v Tinne Gilis (BEL)

This match baffled me somewhat. Joshna is ranked 12 in the world, with a wealth of experience. Tinne is coming off a tough 5-setter yesterday and also recovering from a calf injury earlier this season. When the first game was done in lightning fashion, I was actually a little shocked that it was so one-sided – for Tinne. An 11-1 was not what I was expecting. However, I did expect that the rest of the match would be different. And I was right (mostly) with that. The 2^nd and 3^rd games were fantastic. Long rallies, intense hitting, both players not giving an inch. Tinne was full of confidence, and she was smelling upset. Probably the longest 2 games of the tournament so far, they split the spoils and they were setting the table for a marathon 5-setter. But strangely, déjà vu hit us for the 4^th and we were transported back to game one. I don’t rightly know what happened to Joshna, but Tinne wasn’t about to let the opportunity pass her by. 11-1, 11-9, 9-11, 11-2

[8] Alison Waters (ENG) v Sivasanagri Subramanium (MAL)

Alison is a legend. Remarkable stat: if you take out an injury in 2012 that tanked her ranking for a few months, Alison has been inside the top 20 of the world since 2008! She first reached that milestone in 2006 when Siva was just 7 years old. It’s also the first time I’ve seen her play live (strangely) and what a clean hitter she is. Give her an inch and she will punish you. But Siva is no pushover and she is quick, ready to win, and has tasted success against top players already in her young career. A tough first game and Siva taking it, but she faulted in the second and basically handed it to Alison 11-2. Regaining her composure in the third, Siva once again found her footing and made the rallies long and tough. The longer the points were extended the more Alison faded in the second half of the games. Siva advances 3-1. 11-9, 2-11, 11-7, 11-6.

 [7] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) v Georgina Kennedy (ENG)

Our first 5-setter. Though after the first two we didn’t think it would be. Two young ladies, both moving up the rankings, both powerful hitters, both excellent movers. Similar styles, the first game had nothing between them. It was incredible to watch. Hungry squash would be a good way to describe it, both players 100% on every shot, every rally. Sabrina was the first game 12-10, but it could just as easily gone the other way. Both players were equally good. However, losing the first game must have rattled the Englishwoman somewhat and Georgina lost her line and length in the second completely. A quick 11-3. But hold the phone! You can’t keep this woman down for long. New determination in the third, Georgina reset the game plan, and worked herself back into contention. One brutal long rally at a time. And she could sense the tide turning as she was even more on her toes than usual (is that even possible?), jumping around the court, eating up the ball. She had Sabrina on the ropes, she had Sabrina looking tired. Georgina pulls herself out of the 2-0 hole for an incredible comeback victory. 10-12, 3-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-6.

 
[2] Joelle King (NZL) v Liu Tzs-Ling (HKG)

It was always going be a big ask for Ling, tackling world number 8. She played a great match yesterday against her countrywoman, but Joelle proved to be a different challenge altogether. Ling struggled to compete with Joelle’s style where she uses her mid-court volley to great effect, able to control and dictate the play. Ling was stuck playing behind her opponent too often, her length simply not good enough to get it past the long reach of the Kiwi. The first two games were fairly straight forward for Joelle, before Ling started to get more effective hitting into the back for the third. But coming back from 0-2 down to world number 8 was not going to happen – at least today. Joelle takes the win 3-0. 11-5, 11-2, 11-8.

2021 PRO SQUASH CLASSIC

 Day 1

October 19

To say that the members were excited for this event is a massive understatement. After the Inaugural 2019 tournament, our plan was to run this annually but of course like everything else in the world, Covid had other plans for that. However, we were determined to only skip one year, and the 2021 version was going to be bigger, better, and a desperate cry for normalcy. The support from the DAC has been wonderful, and we managed to raise the level of the Pro Squash Classic to a PSA Bronze Level tour event. That meant a tougher draw, stronger players… and we were not disappointed.

 All the top 8 seeded players are ranked inside the world’s top 20. Leading the pack is world number 2 Nouran Gohar from Egypt. I can’t begin to describe the thrill it is for us to have Nouran in Detroit. The rarest of opportunities to literally witness the best in the world. Joelle King is world number 8 from New Zealand and our second seeded player, she brings a wealth of experience to the field, being inside the top ten in the world for 47 consecutive months on her current streak (and counting), 84 months overall (and counting) and achieving a career high #3 just 2 and a half years ago. Yes, yes… we are amongst squash royalty this week!

 Since the top 8 players get a pass for round one, the first day belonged to the 9-24 seeds. Here is a quick rundown of some of the incredible highlights…

Tsz-Wing Tong from Hong Kong is currently ranked 56, but has been as high as 40 in the world. On paper, she copped the toughest player she could come up against – the 9^th seeded Tinne Gilis from Belgium. Tinne is currently 25 in the world, has been as high as 17, and is coming off a calf injury that she suffered in the second round of the British Open back in August. In the first game, Tong came out firing on all cylinders, clearly on a mission. On the other hand, Tinne looked tentative and somewhat lost trying to find her way into the match, maybe testing out her calf hoping to play herself in – something that Tong had no interest in helping her out with. It was quick work in the first as Tong took control for an 11-5 win.

Tinne needed the break to assess. More confident in the second, she started to hit and move a lot more assertively and suddenly we had a real match on our hands. The extra pressure and suddenly Tong – still playing well mind you – was no longer in control of all the points. Tong wavered with a few unforced errors and Tinne grabbed enough ascendancy to claim the second 11-7, and it did look like the tide had turned. But not so fast. Tong wasn’t done. Digging a bit deeper, Tong picked it up for third determined not to let this go. The level increased, as did the intensity. Tong’s effort paid off and she found herself 2-1 up, on the edge of a big upset. However, she failed to match that strength in the 4^th and Tinne once again rebounded, found the rhythm and rolled through the 4^th 11-5 to set up an epic 5^th. It was a good start to the game for the Belgian, the rallies were tough but Tinne edged herself into a 9-6 lead and it appeared she was going to weather the storm. But Tong refused to go away. Pegging back the 3 points with some terrific squash she had the momentum and created the doubt for her opponent. Nervous times for both players. Who was going to be the steadier of the two… well, Tinne would be. Earning her first match point at 10-9, a short rally was ended with a Tong unforced error, a shot she would love to have back and admitted afterwards that she didn’t understand why she tried to hit it. Heat of the moment gets to all of us! An amazing match, Tinne advances 11-9 in the 5^th.

 Lucy Beecroft from England is currently 77 in the world – and is the wildcard for this tournament. An up and comer? Well, in January this year she was ranked 347. I guess that would qualify as a decent improvement. Recently coming off a tournament win in London, Ontario at the famous Nash Cup, Lucy is full of confidence and one to watch out for this week and for the next few years no doubt as well. Her first match was against Latvian Ineta Mackevica, current world number 53 and her second trip to the DAC. We remember her well in 2019 where she almost knocked of our finalist Nele Gilis going down in a tight 4-setter, so we know just how dangerous she can be.

 The first game was a little back and forth, both players trying to feel their way into the match, some nice shots and winners, but also a spattering of errors that neither player would want to be reminded of. Lucy, however, somehow ended up winning it 11-8 just that smidge better on the back end of the game. The quality picked up for the second as one would expect, and although Ineta was able to assert more pressure in her hitting, Lucy was up to the task. Once again, she was that little more refined in the business end of the game and she earned herself a 2-0 game lead. Ineta managed to turn things around for herself in the third, grabbing a good lead and keeping Lucy and bay to run it out 11-6. Unfortunately for the Latvian, she couldn’t maintain that form for the 4^th. Hitting her stride, Lucy was more organized and disciplined and closed out the match 3-1.

First round results:

Melissa Alves (FRA) def Sana Ibrahim (EGY) 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 (27 min)

Lucy Beecroft (ENG) def Ineta Mackevica (LAT) 11-8, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6 (38 min)

Hana Moataz (EGY) def Zeina Mickway (EGY) 11-4, 12-10, 12-14, 11-5 (39 min)

Donna Lobban (AUS) def Nadia Pfister (SUI) 11-7, 11-9, 11-3 (22 min)

Tinne Gilis (BEL def Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG) 5-11; 11-7, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9 (55 min)

Sivasangari Subramanium (MAL) def Cristina Gomez (ESP) 11-9, 11-7, 11-6 (26 min)

Georgina Kennedy (ENG) def Emilia Soini (FIN) 11-2, 11-3, 11-8 (20 min)

Liu-Tsz-Ling (HKG) def Ka Yi Lee (HKG) 12-10, 12-10, 11-9 (30 min)