Latasha Khan bt Emma Beddoes      11-7, 11-2, 6-11, 11-9

The final of the WISPA 2009 Meadowood Pharmacy Open was a contest featuring the top two seeded women, Khan and Beddoes. After the semi final yesterday, Emma remarked that the two have seen a lot of each other on the WISPA tour lately; and the first game echoed the players' familiarity with each other.

Both were content to trade cross court length in the early going, cautiously reevaluating the other's play. Emma's main attack is her backhand drop, which she can hit from either the front or the back of the court. Although Khan has an arsenal of her own, she opted to use 'working' attacks opposed to Beddoes proclivity to shoot for the outright winner. Khan's patience was rewarded in game one as a few errors crept in late for Beddoes, giving the game to Latasha, 11-7.

Khan noticeably stepped up the pace in the second, cutting off every ball within reach and maintaining an aggressive position on the 'T'. Emma struggled from the start of game two as she committed some unforced errors uncharacteristic of her steady play. Despite some stagnant lets in the middle of the game, Khan was cruising and she looked to make quick work of the Englishwoman. Game two was decisively snatched by Khan, 11-2.

With the encouragement of the Winnipeg crowd, Emma was not going down without a fight. Beddoes dug in and displayed her ability to retrieve the squash ball, refusing to let it bounce twice. At times Emma was still too eager with her attacking but she was able to turn her errors into winners, going ahead 8-6. At this point, both women were beginning to fatigue and the game would go to whoever maintained their strategic discipline. Latasha sensed her closeness to victory and became slightly impatient herself as she attacked more aggressively than the situation warranted. Beddoes stayed calm and hung on to close out the third game, 11-6. Now, we had a real match on our hands.

The fourth was dead even at the start, both women trading points to start things off. Up 5-3, Emma got a bit careless with consecutive errors, letting Latasha back, 5-5. Emma settled her play and crafted two excellent points, back up 7-5. At 7-5, there was a big collision when Khan went the wrong way on a shot and blindly recovered, smashing into Beddoes. Emma clearly got the worst of it but she appeared to be shaken mentally more than physically as Khan grabbed two quick points, 7-7.

With the score locked at 7, the women played the rally of the match. Emma was worked from corner to corner, making sensational gets in every area. Eventually, Emma hit a stunning backhand drop but she just couldn't get out of Khan's path to the ball. "Yes Let". At 8-9, Khan struck a ferocious cross court forehand kill to level at 9. At 9-9, a tough rally ended with Beddoes clipping the top of the tin on a would-be-winner. Match ball to Khan, and she only needed one. Emma found the tin again and it was all over, 11-9 Khan in very professional fashion.

In her acceptance speech, Khan thanked the 2009 Meadowood Pharmacy Open sponsors, organizing committee and volunteers. She claimed she would not have won this weekend without the tireless efforts of her billets, the Glass Family. She graciously commended the Finalist, Emma Beddoes, for the challenge she brought today. Lastly, the champion recognized the work of semi-finalist Alana Miller. Alana is the woman responsible for bringing WISPA to Winnipeg, her hometown, for the first time ever. The squash community in Winnipeg is very grateful to have Alana for all that she brings to the game here, equally on and off the court.

When I asked Alana if the tournament will be back next season, she replied "You bet! It will be bigger and better!"
 

11-5, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8

[5] Lisa Camilleri

1-7, 11-2, 6-11, 11-9

2] Emma Beddoes

11-6, 3-11, 11-8, 11-6

[2] Emma Beddoes

Emma Beddoes bt Alana Miller 11-6, 3-11, 11-8, 11-6

In a thrilling four game semi-final, second seed Emma Beddoes from England defeated the home town sensation Alana Miller. In establishing some precise length, Beddoes came out strong taking the first game 11-6. However, Miller responded with some impeccable volley drops in the second, blowing Beddoes away 11-3. Miller seemed unstoppable as she continued her aggressive play in the third. The turning point came on an open put away that Miller uncharacteristically smashed into the tin, letting Beddoes back in the Match at 6-8. It was all down hill for Miller from then on, as her game was littered with unforced errors. Beddoes continued her patient squash and secured the match, three games to one.

CM: Great match, Emma, congrats. How did you feel out there today?

EB: It was very hard. Alana is here on her home court and I felt like all of Canada was cheering against me today! I played pretty well though, Alana hit some amazing volley drops when she took the second game but I was able to get the win.

CM: What was your strategy against Alana?

EB: She has such an incredible reach it is really tough to get the ball past her. I just tried to work it to the corners.

CM: You face Latasha Khan in the final tomorrow. What can we expect from that match?

EB: Well I want to say that Latasha and I have played about four times in the past year so we are getting used to seeing each other. I don’t want to give away my strategy but I can say that Latasha is an experienced player so I know it will be a challenge.

CM: Today is Halloween, any plans to dress up?

EB: (Laughs) I’m afraid I don’t have a costume! Halloween isn’t very popular in England so I’m not accustomed to the holiday. I’m curious to see how it’s celebrated so I’m going to help my billets (the Borlands) hand out candy to the kids Trick-or-Treating! When I was in university I dressed up as a pumpkin on year. That was fun!

Latasha Kahn bt Lisa Camilleri 3-1 (11-5, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8)

The second semi final of the day was a display of consistent squash as both women seemed content to pound the ball to the back of the court. Latasha mixed her length with some shorter, low drives that Lisa struggled to reach. Latasha patiently worked the ball around the court until Lisa couldn’t pick it up. Khan took the first game which felt closer than the score suggests.

Camilleri returned to the court with some very inspired squash. Lisa played with determination and she simply refused to commit an error. Her effort was rewarded with the second game, 11-6.

The women began the third game with rallies of hard, low, cross court length. This battle of attrition could not have been closer. Locked at 9-9, the number one seed, Khan, produced two brilliant points to take the crucial third game, 11-9.

The fourth game was also close but Khan was always a couple points ahead. The players traded points through the middle of the game but Lisa ran out of time as she succumbed to the American’s experience, 11-6. It was a fiercely competitive match that was thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd. Khan faces Beddoes in tomorrow’s Final.
 

30

Latasha Khan bt Victoria Lust 3-1 (11-13, 11-7, 11-8, 11-8)

By Cameron Mundle

The first quarter final got the evening off to a great start as both women produced some quality play. The rallies were long and challenging in the early part of the first game. Khan looked to be in control when she rolled a forehand drive at 5-3 but Lust eventually fought back to level at 9-9. Victoria ran down every ball towards the end, she fought off one game ball before taking the game in her first chance, 13-11.

Khan upped the pace in the second game, hitting cross court drives that pinned Lust to the back wall. Latasha would wait for an opening with Victoria deep in the corners and then caress a boast to the front for a winner. A few dying drop shots later and Khan had levelled the match at one game each.

The match got juicy in the third game. Both players were beginning to tire and their shot selection became more aggressive. Lust lacks a hint of pace compared to Khan but Victoria makes up for it with a remarkable will to retrieve the squash ball. The women traded points to 8-8 but Khan’s attacking play separated her at the end. Latasha went ahead two games to one on another stunning boast.

With Lust refusing to surrender, Khan was required to improve her play in the fourth game. Again, the game was locked at 8-8 until Khan found two crucial winners to close out the match. The number one seed moves on to the second round with a great effort tonight.

Lisa Camilleri bt Alex Norman 3-1 (7-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-6)

By Cameron Mundle

The third seed, Lisa Camilleri survived a determined challenge from the sixth seeded Canadian Alex Norman. Norman was in control at the start, she worked the ball to all areas of the court and claimed the first game.

Camilleri upped her intensity to start the second game and she cut down on her errors. Despite some consistent pressure from Norman, Camilleri was able to control the play and finish her points with some excellent low drives to the back of the court. After levelling the match at one game each, Lisa never really looked back.

The game scores would continue to be close but the New Zealander always seemed to have the last say. With a mix of probing length and deftly hit drop shots, Lisa Camilleri won three games consecutively to take the match 3-1. She faces the top seed Latasha Khan in the first semi final tomorrow.

Alana Miller bt Olivia Blatchford 11-3, 11-3, 11-8

By Andrew Boumford

The hometown favourite Alana Miller put on another impressive performance as she trounced the top American junior, Olivia Blatchford, in a quick three games. It was Miller’s pace, control and shot-making that once again decided the match.

While the talented Blatchford had moments of glory as she used her deceptive flicks and kills, they were ultimately short lasted. Miller looks to the semi-finals as she awaits the winner of qualifier Suzzie King and second seed Emma Beddoes.

AWB: Alana, there have been rumours of your retirement from pro squash. Can you comment on that?

AM: Not just yet... I will continue to be the ‘veteran’ on the squash tour and will hopefully stick around till the commonwealth 2010!

AWB: Not only have you prepared well coming into the tournament, but you have also dedicated a lot of time to the organization and promotion. What does this tournament mean to you?

AM: It’s amazing to have all the international players at my home club and to be playing in front of my friends and family. I’m also very relieved to be into the semis and without any glitches!

AWB: Assuming the second seed Beddoes wins, as expected, what will your strategy be going into the match?

AM: We’ve never played before, but I’m going to be ready for some long rallies and keep the pressure on.

-AWB

Emma Beddoes bt Suzzie King 11-6, 11-4, 11-4

By Andrew Boumford

In the last match of the evening, the English second seed Emma Beddoes wasted no time in defeating the qualifier Suzie King. Beddoes’ high tempo, patient squash wore down on King towards the end of each game as King was forced to go for the low percentage winner from difficult positions on the court, resulting in several unforced errors.

The frustrated King was outmatched by the mature style of her fellow Brit. Beddoes will now take on the hometown favourite Alana Miller in the semi-finals tomorrow.

-AWB
 

Victoria Lust bt Imelda Salazar (11-3, 11-5, 11-7)

In the first round of matches, the second seed Victoria Lust took on the young Mexican Imelda Salazar. Each of three games began with close, tense rallies but once the Brit established her tight length it was only a matter of time. While the quick and agile Salazar had a spark of hope at the end of the third with a sudden but short run of points, Lust was able to secure a confident 3-0 victory and looks to her next match on Friday. “Latasha will be tough tomorrow, but I’m looking forward to it... The courts are a bit hot but I’m feeling good out there.”

-AWB

Alana Miller bt Nikki Todd (11-5, 11-5, 11-7)

Local sensation Alana Miller began the tournament with a stellar performance, defeating the young Nikki Todd in three straight games. Todd’s speed and surprising kill shots afforded her the occasional point or long rally, but it was Miller’s dominating play that swept the match. While Alana admitted to feeling very nervous playing in front of her home club, she was in control throughout the match, both figuratively and literally. Her accurate length secured her presence on the T while her calm composure radiated with confidence. Miller expressed excitement and anticipation for her next match- echoed by the tears and fears of the Winnipeg crowd.

-AWB

Latasha Khan bt Genevieve Lessard 3-0 (11-1, 11-3, 11-7)

In her first match of the tournament, Latasha Khan demonstrated why she is the number one seed. Genvieve Lessard competed well but Khan was just too much. With confident volleys and perfectly weighted length, Khan moved on to the second round of the Meadowood Pharmacy Open in straight games.

CM: Latasha, what are you dressing up as for Halloween?
LK: Nothing! I didn’t have room in my bag to bring a costume!

CM: How are you playing right now?
LK: I’m playing OK. Everyone seems to be playing well. We’ve had a lot of tournaments lately but everyone is playing well.

CM: What is it going to take for you to do well this weekend?
LK: I just need to find a good length on these courts. The courts are warm but not too fast so it just takes some getting used to.

Olivia Blatchford bt Tara Chawla 3-0 (11-6, 11-5, 11-8)

Olivia and Tara displayed some creative squash for the Winnipeg fans enjoying this first round tilt. Olivia was able to exert pressure from the middle of the court to force some errors from Tara. Olivia claimed the first two games with consistent play but had some difficulty in the third. Tara hit two winners in a row to get to 8-9, but Olivia came back to claim the final game 11-8. It was a fast paced match played a high level.

CM: How was the match?
OB: I couldn’t give Tara any opportunities or she would put the ball away. She cut the ball off very well so it wasn’t easy out there.

CM: What is it going to take for you to do well this weekend?
OB: It comes down to my error rate. As long as I can pickup enough balls and keep some pressure on my opponent I should play well.

CM: What are you dressing up as for Halloween?
OB: Good question! I think I might be Little Red Riding Hood. However, my sister has a great idea, she is going as Swine Flu. She is going to dress up as a pig and handout tissues, I thought that was such a good idea!

Lisa Camilleri bt Sam Cornet 3-0 (11-3, 11-5, 11-4)

Lisa played a very strong match to defeat Sam 3-0. Despite excellent retrieving from Cornet, Camilleri was too much for the Canadian as she claimed a convincing victory to move on to the second round. She faces Norman in her next match.

Emma Beddoes bt Milou Van Der Hejden 3-0 (11-8, 11-7, 11-4)

Milou gave a great effort tonight but it was not enough as Emma Beddoes moves on to the second round of the Meadowood Pharmacy Open. Emma was consistent from all parts of the court and that was enough as Milou struggled with a few untimely errors in crucial parts of the match. The Winnipeg crowd looks forward to the second round match featuring Beddoes and Suzie King of Britain.

Alex Norman bt Leonie Holt 3-1 (6-11, 11-6, 11-9, 12-10)

The Meadowood Pharmacy Open first round play was defined by a thrilling 3-1 victory for Canadian sixth seed Alex Norman over English player Leonie Holt. Holt’s steady and persistent tactics surprised the crowd as she took the first game 11-6. Nerves aside, Norman buckled down and responded by winning the second 11-6. Players exchanged points back and forth in a very tight and exciting third game, but it was Norman’s skilful and clutch shot-making which allowed her to pull away for an 11-9 win. The fourth was equally as close an impressive, this time Norman escaping with a lucky back-court nick followed by a deceptive cross-court flick. Norman will prepare for her quarter final match against the Australian third seed, Lisa Camilleri.

Suzie King bt Carolyn Russell 3-1 (11-9,5-11,11-8,11-6)

Suzie King, English born qualifier training out of Calgary, provided the only first-round upset of the evening. King came out strong, taking the first game 11-9. The hometown favourite Russell answered back with a dominating 11-5, but it was the underdog King who would have the last say winning the third and fourth. “I played amazingly... after losing the second game I had to return to my game plan – to stay calm and enjoy the game.” King will take on fellow Brit, second seed Emma Beddoes in the quarterfinal match tomorrow.
 

Qualifying Finals:

Nikki Todd bt Sarah Parsons                    11-8, 5-11, 11-6, 11-6
Suzie King bt Alix Younger                      11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11- 5
Imelda Salazar bt Melina Turk                          11-2, 11-4, 11-7
Tara Chawla bt Belkys Magaly Velez        7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-8

By Cameron Mundle

The first match of the Qualifying Finals featured two young Canadian players, Nikki Todd and Sarah Parsons. The first game showed both players working out their nerves as most rallies ended with a mistake. Nikki gained her composure towards the end of the game and rattled off a few quick winners to take the game 11-8.

Sarah came out determined to increase the pace in the second game and she did so by pushing her shots to the deep part of the court. Nikki hung around with some impressive retrieving but Sarah’s patient squash was too strong. Some late winners sealed the game, 11-5, for Sarah.

The final two games were very close, both players were working hard and moving each other around the court. Nikki was able to get ahead by a couple point each time and then maintained her pressure to close out the games. She won the last two by scores of 11-6, 11-6 to claim the match 3-1.

CM: How was the match?

NT: Good, I thought it was played at a good pace.

CM: How are you feeling, heading into the Main Draw.

NT: I’m feeling fine, I’m not nervous or anything. My back has been giving me problems so as long as I warm up I should be good.

CM: What is your goal for the tournament?

NT: To qualify!


Imelda Salazar began her match with a fast pace and it appeared that Melina Turk was not able to settle into a rhythm from the start. Imelda varied her shots from short to deep and kept Melina off-balance by moving here thoroughly around the court.

Melina got hot with some winners in the third game but ultimately it was too many unforced errors that cost her the match.

CM: How was the match?

IS: It was good. Melina moved around the court well so I had to be patient.

CM: How are you feeling, heading into the Main Draw.

IS: I’m feeling good. I was a little bit tired from the Pan Am Championships last week but now I’m feeling good.


The third match of the Qualifying Finals was the best match of the day as Suzie King defeated Alix Younger in four games. Alix, in front of a hometown crowd, started the match with some nerves as she consistently found the tin in the first game. She settled down by extending the rallies but it was too late as Suzie took the game 11-5.

With nerves out of the way, the two competitors battled in a tight second game. Alix hit a stunning backhand drop to level at 8-8 but it was Suzie’s authoritative volleying that claimed the second game, 11-8. Alix displayed her offensive abilities in game three, unleashing several kill shots to the front of the court. The aggressive play paid off for Younger and, to the delight of the fans, she took the third game 11-8.

Suzie appeared to be pumped up by the crowd’s new found enthusiasm as she brought a feisty attack to the fourth game. The women traded points early on but Suzie’s varied squash proved to be too much for the young Canadian and she took the game 11-5.

CM: How was the match?

SK: The match was tough; Alix plays with good pace and tries hard so I had to play well tonight.

CM: What is your goal for the tournament?

SK: My goal is to perform to the best of my abilities and have fun!

CM: What does it take for you to play your best squash?

SK: I need to take the ball early and move well on the court. I play best when I stay calm and smile, that’s important!


In the tightest match of the Qualifying Finals, Winnipegger Tara Chawla took down the Ecuadorian Belkys Magalay Velez. It was a physical tilt from the start with both women displaying sound squash. Velez sprinkled in some beautiful boasts at the end of the first game to take it 11-7. However, the Canadian was not to be denied.

Tara’s attacking presence was the difference from that point onwards; she opened the court with penetrating length and found winners with her soft touch to the front.

Each game came down to just a couple crucial points and despite an excellent effort from Velez, Chawla always seemed to have an answer. Tara moves on to the main round after winning games 11-7,11-8, and 11-8.
  

Qualifying Finals:

Nikki Todd bt Sarah Parsons               11-8, 5-11, 11-6, 11-6
Suzie King bt Alix Younger                 11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11- 5
Imelda Salazar bt Melina Turk                     11-2, 11-4, 11-7
Tara Chawla bt Belkys Magaly Velez   7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-8

Qualifying Round One:

Nikki Todd bt  Rachel Hinton (11-8, 11-7, 11-6)

In the first of three qualifying matches on the day, Nikki Todd of Saskatchewan took on local Winnipeger, Rachel Hinton. In the first game Rachel got off to a quick start taking an early 5 point advantage, courtesy of some unforced errors from Nikki. However Nikki began to find her running legs and lengthened some of the rallies to eventually come back and take the first 11-8. She kept up her momentum in the second keeping the errors to a minimum and winning it 11-7. Rachel gave a good effort and the crowd something to cheer about in the third but it wasn’t enough as she went down 11-6 in the third for a 3 game victory for Nikki who now moves on to play Sarah Parsons.

Trevor Borland

Suzie King bt Ashley Malenchak (12-10, 11-4, 11-6)

In the first round of qualifying matches Suzie King from England, now training in Calgary, defeated Manitoban Ashley Malenchak. Right off the bat King displayed accurate length and strong movement, winning the first 7 points. Despite a run of errors towards the end of the game, King took the first 12-10. Continuing her dominating play and impressive kill-shots, King won the next two games in a convincing 11-4 and 11-6. Suzie will now take on one of the top junior in Canada, Alix Younger.

Andrew Boumford

Tara Chawla bt Leanne Glass (11-0, 11-7, 11-1)

Tara Chawla defeated fellow Manitoban Leanne Glass in the first round of qualifying. Chawla’s impressive racquet skills and swing power shocked Glass in the first game as the Penn graduate failed to lose a single point. While the second was a closer victory for Chawla, 11-7, once again her technical ability was too much for the up and coming junior as she won the final game 11-1.

Andrew Boumford