Hungarian Open
Masters 2011 17-19 June, Szeged, Hungary
MASTERS PAGE
Stuart Hardy reports
The
X1 episode of the Hungarian Open Masters was played at
Szeged in Hungary and attracted well over 100 players from
15 countries a far apart as Canada and Australia.
Playing in six men’s and two women’s events this is one of
the best run and friendliest tournaments about. With a
lovely setting and a bar / barbeque area and swimming pool
there is a great mix of squash and the ‘social stuff’. Music
and dance events each night accompany the general
camaraderie.
In the Mens 35 Dovi Haruzzi from Israel overcame some
fierce resistance from David Sly of Canada who was still
catching up on his time zones, although he had powered past
the silky skills of Ireland’s Paul Lineham. Dovi’s
compatriot Ran Papir took the over 40 title battling
through the largest of the draws and defeating Nikos
Symeonidis from Greece in another entertaining match.
The
Men’s 45 and 50s was a showcase for England international
James Ockwell’s talents as he smoothly glided through to
both finals. In the 45s he overcame local favourite and
tournament director Nemeth Istvan while in the other his
length and drop game brushed past Slovakia’s Budinsky
Lobomir.
James’ Middlesex County colleague Stuart Hardy – the
England over 55 captain stormed through five rounds in the
55 event beating last years winner in the semis, Fabsic Lubo
of Slovakia and Egyptian shot-maker Ashraf El Banna in the
final.
Probably the most entertaining final was the Mens 60s as
Egypt’s Rauf Hamdy overcame Hungary’s Hodi Gyorgy in
five games. Incredibly evenly matched, one game went to
20/18 and two more to 14/12.
The Women’s 35s was won by Szekely Kriszta of Hungary
who beat compatriot Takacs Kata in a good final where both
women showed their athletic prowess. In the 45s Lupsa
Kriszta proved too mobile for Denice Mclean from
Australia who had won through in spite of giving away some
years advantage. In her own age group she will be difficult
to beat. It was good to see so many women in the draws and
there certainly is some good potential among them.
Another superb tournament in Hungary – an excellent job by
Istvan and Miklos – always smiling and ever
enthusiastic! A highly recommended event.
