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Talisman Energy Bankers
Hall Club Pro-Am 2007
24 - 28 Jan,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, $10k |
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28-Jan, FINAL:
[2] Daryl Selby (Eng) bt [5] Chris Ryder (Eng)
12/10, 11/13, 11/5, 11/8
Selby takes all-English final
The annual Talisman Energy Bankers Hall Club Pro-Am tournament saw the #5
seed Chris Ryder of England’s upset run end as he fell to compatriot Daryl
Selby who was the tournament's second seed 3-1 in 70 minutes.
At the start of the tournament many said Selby was the favourite and the
in form player even though he was seeded second. Ryder though was
noticeably gaining confidence each match here after claiming wins over #1
Alister Walker and then #3 Aaron Frankcomb.
The first game saw Selby settle into the match after going down 4-0 to
then take a 10-6 lead playing much like he had done all week. But just as
quickly Ryder pegged back to catch him at 10-10 and then win the first
game 12-10.
The second game was close early on and then Ryder forged ahead 9-6 and
looked great in doing so. Perhaps sensing the a second straight two game
deficit might too tough to come back from Selby dug in and battled back
saving two game balls to even the match with a 13-11 win.
From here on he was in control of the match for the most part and was
never really behind in the final two games which he won 11-5 and then 11-8
to close out the match in four games and 70 minutes. |
2006
event
 I'd
like to thank Bob and everyone that helped him run such a great PSA
tournament. The people at the club were so friendly and all very
enthusiastic about their squash, combined with 120 people behind one
glassback made for a great atmosphere. Almost everything that could have
been done to make the players feel at home was, and the function was a
superb night with all the players sharing a few beverages with the members
and sponsors. I just wanted to say what a fantastic tournament it was and
hopefully I can come back next year.
Thanks very much guys.
Daryl Selby |
 Talisman
Energy Bankers Hall Club Pro-Am 2007
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 24 - 28 Jan, $10k |
Round One
25 Jan |
Quarters
26 Jan |
Semis
27 Jan |
Final
28 Jan |
[1] Alister Walker
(Eng)
11/5, 11/8, 9/11, 11/8
[Q] Jason Barry (Rsa) |
Alister Walker
7/11, 11/7, 11/4, 12/10
Chris Ryder |
Chris Ryder
12/10, 11/5, 11/6
Aaron Frankcomb |
Chris Ryder
12/10, 11/13, 11/5, 11/8
Daryl Selby |
[5] Chris Ryder (Eng)
11/5, 11/3, 11/7
[Q] Philip Nightingale (Eng) |
[3] Aaron Frankcomb
(Aus)
11/7, 11/6, 11/8
Andrew McDougall (Can) |
Aaron Frankcomb
6/11, 11/8, 11/6, 11/4
Robin Clarke |
[8] Robin Clarke (Can)
12/10, 8/11, 11/5,11/2
Ian Power (Can) |
Patrick Bedore (Can)
11/5, 11/0, 11/5
[6] Paul Davis (Aus) |
Paul Davis
11/7, 11/6, 12/10
Miguel Angel Rodriguez |
Miguel Angel Rodriguez
8/11, 9/11, 11/8, 11/2, 11/5
Daryl Selby |
[Q] Dave Glass (Can)
11/6, 11/7, 11/7
[4] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (Col) |
Martin Knight (Nzl)
11/0, 13/11, 11/9
[7] Steve Finitsis (Aus) |
Steve Finitsis
11/4, 14/12, 11/8
Daryl Selby |
[Q] Adil Maqbool (Pak)
11/6, 11/3, 11/6
[2] Daryl Selby (Eng) |
Qualifying, 24-Jan :
Finals:
Adil Maqbool (Pak) bt Joe Forster (Can)
11/8, 11/4, 11/3
Philip Nightingale (Eng) bt Michal Reid (Can)
11/4, 11/6, 11/6
Dave Glass (Can) bt Keith Pritchard (Can)
11/5, 11/8, 7/11, 5/11, 11/7
Jason Barry (Rsa) bt Ryan Thompson (Nam)
11/9, 2/11, 11/9, 11/2
First Round:
Adil Maqbool (Pak)
bye
Joe Forster (Can) bt Matthew Serediak (Can) 10/12, 8/11,
11/7, 11/3, 11/7
Philip Nightingale (Eng) bye
Michal Reid (Can)
bye
Keith Pritchard (Can) bye
Dave Glass (Can) bt Kelly Shannon (Can)
11/9, 11/4, 11/6
Jason Barry (Rsa) bt David Letourneau (Can) 11/9, 11/5,
11/6
Ryan Thompson (Nam) bye
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26-Jan, Quarters:
One
huge upset in
Quarter Final Action
Bob Ballinger reports from Calgary
Quarter Final action in the 5th annual Talisman Energy Bankers Hall Club
Pro-Am tournament saw two lunchtime matches and then two evening
matches. First up was the lone Canadian left in the event Robin
Clarke, taking on Aaron Frankcomb from Australia. Clarke came
out strongly in the first game and was able to take a point lead which
he virtually maintained right through the entertaining 18 minute first
game which Clarke won 11-6. Frankcomb was able to break out to a 5-2
second game lead but Clarke steadied himself and got himself back into
things to tighten it up at 8-7. A slightly steadier Frankcomb was able
to weather the Canadians challenge to run out the game 11-8. The third
game was there for either player to take…..back and forth was some long
rallies took us to a stalemate score of 5-5.
From here though Frankcomb broke free winning 5 straight points and
finally the game at 11-6. Clarke tried valiantly to dig in at the start
of fourth game but Frankcomb went on another point run this time going
from 2-2 to lead 10-2 and from there it was a matter of a few points
before he secured his first semi final berth here after three previous
attempts in Calgary with a 3-1, 67 minute win.
Next on was the #2 seeded Daryl Selby of England taking on Aussie
Steve Finitsis. Selby looked flawless taking the first game 11-4
in just 10 minutes. But the second was a whole different story for the
first half as the quiet Aussie stormed out to 9-3 lead and look flawless
himself in doing so. Just as quickly though the experience of Selby
perhaps took over and he slowly but surely pegged himself back into the
game to draw even at 10-10.
Some great exchanges on both sides had the appreciate crowd on the edge
of their seats and Selby eventually closed it out 14-12 to take a
stranglehold on the match. Finitsis valiantly tried to stay even with
Selby in the third but could not quite get a lead on him and after 43
minutes Selby had put himself into the semis. SO on Aussie Day here in
Calgary it was one out of two making there way into the semis with one
more Aussie to come later in the day.
In the evening a packed Friday court #4 saw top seed Alister Walker
and country mate Chris Ryder take to the court. Just over a week
ago in Vancouver in the first round Walker took out Ryder in three
straight games and after the first game there was no evidence that
tonight would be any different as Walker used his movement and front
court game to perfection winning it 11-7. The second game saw a more
confident Ryder come as he came out of the gate quickly taking leads of
3-0 and 8-3 before evening the match with an 11-7 score.
Ryder continued his strong play in the third winning it 11-4 and the 110
people started to sense an upset was in the making. An electric fourth
game had the crowd buzzing as both players showcased there solid
athletic abilities on court. In particular Walker who in one rally dove
three different times before he eventually won the lengthy rally bring a
huge roar from the crowd and also a “well done” from Ryder. In the end
though it was a soft drop shot that again found the very top of the tin
that doomed Walker’s second appearance here and allowed Ryder to close
the game at 12-10 and the match in four games.
Final match of the night saw Aussie Paul Davis take on the young
Columbian Miguel Angel Rodriguez. A nice surprise for the
Columbian was a small group of 6 people who showed up at the club not
even knowing him but they were from Columbia and wanted to support him
during the match. He seemed to respond quite well to this and took the
first two games fairly handily at 11-7 and then 11-6. But the Aussie
wanted to give it one big push hoping to break the confidence of
Rogriguez and stayed even to 7-7 and then saved 3 match points to draw
even at 10-10 before falling 12-10 and of course 3-0.
The 160 amateurs in the event are already enjoying things here and more
is sure to come with Saturdays semi final matches slated for the
afternoon.
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Tournament Website
26-Jan, QUARTERS:
[5] Chris Ryder bt
[1] Alister Walker
7/11, 11/7, 11/4, 12/10
[3] Aaron Frankcomb bt
[8] Robin Clarke
6/11, 11/8, 11/6, 11/4
[4] Miguel Angel Rodriguez bt
[6] Paul Davis
11/7, 11/6, 12/10
[2] Daryl Selby bt
[7] Steve Finitsis
11/4, 14/12, 11/8
2006
event |
25-Jan, Round One:
Seeds Prevail in First Round
Bob Ballinger reports from Calgary
Main draw action began 5th annual Talisman Energy Bankers Hall Club Pro-Am
tournament. As usual matches were split between lunchtime and evening
sessions and the first matches at lunch saw one potentially juicy
matchup with former Canadian Junior Champion Robin Clarke taking
on fellow Canadian Ian Power.
Power has played in all five events to be held here and would loved to
have been able to take his first title here. Clarke though was able to
prevent this happening this year as he held off a strong early match
challenge from Power to win in four games.
Local star Andrew McDougall who held the wild card spot in this years
event took on the #3 seed Aaron Frankcomb and despite a huge
difference in their world ranks he showed he can play at this one star
level of squash going down in three competitive games.
Another impressive Aussie here is Steve Finitsis seeded at #7. He
took on New Zealands Martin Knight and after a very one sided first game
in his favor, he held off a strong final two game challenge from Knight.
Finally the second seed Daryl Selby put an end to the impressive
qualifier from Pakistan Adil Maqbool in three straight games.
In the evening session the crowds again saw the level of play rise from
the qualifying events and with it some great squash was on display once
again. Canadian qualifier Dave Glass held his own against the impressive
speedster Miguel Angel Rodriguez of Columbia. The #4 seeded
Rodriguez was able to take control of each game early on and won in
straight games in 38 minutes.
Another Canadian also fell victim to one of the seeded players as Pat
Bedore went down in straight games to #6 seed Paul Davis of
Australia also in straight games.
Top seed Alister Walker of England and qualifier Jason Barry had
the tightest match of the night. Walker, who has quickly become one of
the fan favourites here (some Caribbean food from one of the members of
the club given to Walker is some evidence of that), won the first quite
easily but Barry dug in and stayed level in the second before losing
11-8. As the crowd eagerly awaited the start of the third game, it was
announced that Walker was suffering from nose bleeds due in part perhaps
to the 3600 ft altitude here. The extended break swung the match
slightly and it was enough for Barry to take the third game 11-9 and
very nearly the fourth as well. After 53 minutes of great squash and
sportsmanship, Walker avoided a first round loss taking it in four
games.
Final match of the night had the fifth Chris Ryder seed turn back
the challenge of qualifier Philip Nightingale in three straight to setup
a rematch with the #1 seeded Walker from last week in Vancouver.
The 160 amateurs in the event are already enjoying things here and more
is sure to come with Fridays quarter final matches… two at lunch and two
in the evening here in downtown Calgary.
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Tournament Website
2006
event
As well as the highlighted
Men's PSA event there is a full slate of Mens and Womens amateur events.
Entry fee includes a gorgeous dry fit T-shirt, Friday
night buffet, Saturday morning Continental Breakfast, Saturday night
dinner, and of course a few beverage tickets. |
24-Jan, Qualifying:
Qualifying Matches Feature Team Canada Matchup
Bob Ballinger reports from Calgary
Today was “Q” day at the 5th annual Talisman Energy Bankers Hall Club
Pro-Am tournament. A total of 11 players were drawn into the event and at
lunchtime three matches were played. Former PSA player and now “local”
player Joe Forster of Canada came back from 2-0 down to defeat
compatriot Matthew Serediak 11-7 in the fifth. Jason Barry of South
Africa held off a determined effort by Canadian Junior team member and
local star David Letourneau 3-0. The other match saw another Canadian
Junior team member Dave Glass have success at the expense of local
player Kelly Shannon.
Evening play saw some great squash as the level took another step higher.
Pakistan’s Adil Baqbool defeated Forster in three straight games.
England’s Philip Nightingale turned back Canada’s Michel Reid in
three game as well. Jason Barry secured his spot in the main draw
with a fairly tight four game result. The tightest match of the night
pitted local star, two time Canadian junior champion Keith Pritchard
against his team mate from the recent World Junior Championships, Dave
Glass. Glass seemed to have things in control after going up two games to
zero but Pritchard was able to steady things by taking the next two games.
The fifth game saw Glass get out to leads of 4-1 and then 7-2 before
taking the final game 11-7.
So onto the main draw ... four matches over the lunchtime session and then
four more in the evening session. Some great looking matches are in store
that’s for sure ...
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Tournament Website
2006
event
As well as the highlighted
Men's PSA event there is a full slate of Mens and Womens amateur events.
Entry fee includes a gorgeous dry fit T-shirt, Friday
night buffet, Saturday morning Continental Breakfast, Saturday night
dinner, and of course a few beverage tickets. |
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Preview
The tournament is being held January 24-28, 2007 and is hosted by the
beautiful Bankers Hall Club in downtown Calgary, Alberta. This is the
fifth year in a row for this popular one star PSA event and the past
winners are Borja Golan from Spain (2003), Cameron Pilley
from Australia (2004), Tommy Berden from Netherlands (2005), and
Canada’s own Matthew Giuffre (2006). The tournament is once again
part of the Canadian Squash Circuit which has events in Vancouver, Regina,
Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, as well as here in Calgary.
This years event has England’s Alister Walker seeded in the #1
spot. With a current world ranking of #32 he will be a tough player to
knock out of the tournament. The 2006 season has been his most successful
one on the PSA tour evidenced by his career high ranking of #32.
Second seed is this event is another Englishman Daryl Selby who
comes into the tournament sitting at #50 in the world ranks. Selby has
also hit a career high ranking earlier in 2006 by reaching the number 46
spot which he held onto for most of the season.
Amongst quite a few players in the event another favourite will no doubt
be the #4 seed from Columbia, Miguel Angel Rodriguez. In only
two
years on the PSA circuit, Rodriguez has already climbed to his current
world #56 standing which includes a recent win over Canadian tour veteran
Graham Ryding (world #20).
Local interest in the Mens PSA event will be led by Canadian Junior team
member Andrew McDougall from Calgary who was given the tournament’s
wild card entry into the main draw which will give him valuable ranking
points as well as experience at this level of play. In his first year on
the PSA circuit he currently sits at #212 and will no doubt have his work
cut out for him in this event. |
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