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24-Sep-06, Final:
Colombian Couplet for Barker
Juan Carlos Santacruz reports
[2] Peter Barker (Eng) bt [6]
Miguel Rodríguez (Col)
11/6, 13/11, 11/7 |
 Englishman
Peter Barker came to Bogota as the defending champion. He showed
throughout the tournament an incredible physical condition, not to mention
his remarkable tactic.
He didn't lose a single game in the whole tournament, not even in the
final against the local player Miguel Angel Rodriguez, who for the first
time, gave the audience the satisfaction of watching, for the first time,
a Colombian in the final.
This is Barker's second title in a row. With this success, Barker will
probably enter the top 20 players in the PSA ranking. As for Miguel Angel,
he will now be placed among the top 50 players, the 5th Latin American
player to enter the top 50 players in all history.
Clear
Strategy for Barker
 Englishman
Barker had a clear strategy before stepping on the court. He started the
match with a vigilant strategy, analyzing his opponent. But soon enough,
those long rallies became quick and attacking rallies, in which the
Englishman always seemed to end the rally with a short drop. This was his
strategy for the first game.
In the next game, Rodriguez used his velocity to impose his pace. The
local player started winning, to the point he even had a game ball.
However, the Colombian couldn't manage the pressure and lost the second
game.
Throughout the third game, Rodriguez made some wonderful shots which made
the audience go crazy.
Miguel was up again by 6-2. Suddenly, Barker started using his physical
strength, doing some startling foot work. Once again, the Englishman
managed to win the game, and the match. This was a great victory for Peter
Barker, a player who is heading for the top ten.
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"I just want to start off thanking everybody involved with the
Colombian Open this year.
"The tournament has built on the success from last year and on
behalf of all the players, we are truly thankful.
"The final was a lot tougher than the scores may suggest. Despite
Miguel's previous exertions, he seemed fired up for it.
"The second game was crucial, I felt, with Miguel 10-8 up, I was
prepared for a battle.
"Fortunately, I sneaked the game 13-11 and that left an up hill
battle for Miguel. Miguel started well in the third but I know he
was tiring from yesterday's great win over Graham.
"I am extremely happy to win the Colombian Open again, it was
special playing Miguel, the Colombian No. 1, in the final and I
admit it feels better than last year.
"I've been very impressed with the contingent of players down here
in south America and the future of squash here looks very bright
indeed. "
"See you next year!
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23-Sep-06:
Semi-Finals
[6] Miguel Rodríguez (Col) bt [1]
Graham Ryding (Can)
5/11, 11/7, 11/9, 11/8
[2] Peter Barker (Eng) bt [3] Eric Gálvez(Mex)
11/4, 11/8, 11/3
Draw
& Results |
It was a good day for the home crowd
at the Club El Nogal in Bogota as local favourite Miguel Angel Rodriguez
became the first home player to reach the final of the Colombian Open,
where he will face England's Peter Barker, the defending champion ...
Juan Carlos Santacruz reports
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Rodriguez delights
Bogota faithful
It was an amazing performance from Miguel Angel Rodriguez.
 With
an outstanding presentation, the Colombian player Rodriguez managed to
beat the #1 seed of the tournament, Graham Ryding, who is ranked #19 in
the world. For the first time in history, a Colombian will play the final
in the Colombian Squash Open.
This event is for sure an historic episode, taking into account that two
years ago, a Colombian player could only enter the main draw by receiving
the Wild Card.
It was a match packed with strategy and spirit. In the first game, the
Canadian imposed his pace, which consists of playing good length, and
counter dropping as much as possible. The first five rallies were enough
to know each other's strategy. However, Miguel couldn't find a good
tactic, which led him to lose the first game.
 In
the second game, Rodriguez entered the court as a different player. He
imposed his rhythm, hitting hard and playing a faster game. The match was
even. One all.
During the third game, there were two critical moments for both players.
In the first half of the game, Ryding again dominated. In the second half,
Rodriguez started playing good hard length. He used his cross courts to
finish with Ryding's endurance. At the end of the third game, there were
moments in which the audience could see Ryding's lack of stamina.
The Colombian was up 2-1.
Rodriguez was inspired; he was encouraged by the audience to win the
match. In the fourth game, Miguel was willing to give everything to win.
He started playing what his coach told him. He followed the strategy as he
was supposed to. When the Colombian was up by 9, the match took a turn.
The Colombian made a perfect drop, which the Canadian couldn't reach.
Match Ball.
In the next rally, Miguel made a drop, that to the audience, was the
winning shot that would take him to victory. Unfortunately, the referee
called the ball as "not up".
The whole crowd went crazy when they heard the call. The Canadian took
advantage of this and started adding up some points. But it was all a
mater of patience. The Colombian lost three points in a row. When the
match was 8-10, Graham to serve, Miguel made a drop from the drive.
Ryding didn't even force himself to get the ball. The crowd went
fanatical, passionate. Incredible. What two years ago was a dream today is
reality.
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Barker
eases into second final
Without losing one game, and with a minimum of exigency, the Englishman
Peter Barker reached his second final in a row of the Colombian Squash
Open.
Barker defeated the Mexican Galvez with an unproblematic 3-0.
This match was somewhat quick and simple. Galvez was tired from last
night's match, and this was clearly shown in today's competition.
One of Galvez' strengths is his endurance. However, in today's match, he
couldn't react to some drops the Englishman was making. Mexico's #1 player
lacked of consistency and resistance.
This was of course due to the marathon played last night with Alarcon.
So, Barker took advantage of this and finished the match in three straight
games. No trouble at all.
THE FINAL ...
The advantage Barker has is that his physical effort has been
relatively small compared to Miguel's. He has barely played two
hours of matches in the whole tournament.
Nevertheless, the Colombian will give everything in the court to
achieve the victory.
The prediction is that Barker will use all his strength to and power
to win.
Rodriguez will have to play an attacking game, but he will also have
to be clever enough to know when to change the pace of the match.
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More from SquashGlobal.com
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 "I
am currently enjoying my second trip to Colombia. First and
foremost, I must thank everybody involved with the tournament, they
have met every player’s needs and it has not gone unappreciated. The
club is one of the finest clubs in Colombia.
"There is no shortage of things for the players to occupy
themselves, from the many restaurants, bowling alley, shooting
range, hair salon, the list is endless. With the above combined, the
tournament is no doubt a success already. Even more so, now the
Colombian No. 1, Miguel is in the final.
"I was relieved to beat Eric today in three games, he looked a
little tired from his previous two five setters. I think my squash
is slightly improving each day so hopefully I can continue that
tomorrow.
"The final is one of the earliest matches I have played at 10am but
it is the same for both of us and the exposure on TV is invaluable.
It’s been good week so far and hopefully I can complete it by
winning tomorrow, its going to be very tough though…"
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22-Sep-06:
Quarter-Finals
South-American interest was maintained in
the IX Abierto Colombiano de Squash in Bogata, as Colombian and Mexican
number ones Miguel Angel Rodrigues and Eric Galvez battled
through to the semi-finals.
Rodrigues beat Mexico's Jose Becerril in four games and now meets
Canadian top seed Graham Ryding, while Galvez fought back from
two down against Brazil's Rafael Alarcon and faces England's second seed
Peter Barker for a place in the final.
Juan Carlos Santacruz reports ...
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Draw
& Results
More
from SquashGlobal.com |
Barker bags semi-final spot
[2] Peter Barker (Eng)
bt
[8] Bradley Hindle (Aus) 12/10, 11/8, 11/7 |
 These
two players have the strength, the stamina and the control to play
what is called basic squash.
The Australian player showed a level that was unknown to many. He
fought for every ball, and never gave up. The game was based on
changing the pace now and then. The player started playing to the
back of the court, and the changed to a very aggressive pace, made
of volleys to the nicks and anticipation.
However, at the end of every game, Barker seemed more solid and more
precise, which led him to the victory. He’s now one step closer to a
second final in the Colombian Squash Open. |
Ryding Races through
[1] Graham Ryding (Can) bt
Bernardo Samper (Col)
11/6, 11/3, 11/1 |
 An
amazing performance was made today by Graham, who played a
relatively comfortable game, putting the local player under pressure
.
Ryding kept his calm, looking fresh and artistic. The Canadian’s
tactic was based on waiting until the last moment to hit the ball,
forcing Samper to work harder.
Samper couldn’t find his game and confidence. This led him to make
too many mistakes. |
Galvez takes Classic
[3] Eric Gálvez (Mex) bt
[4] Rafael Alarcón (Bra)
8/11, 7/11, 12/10, 11/3, 11/6 |
 This
match was the classic of the evening. A match full of surprises.
In the first two games, Alarcon’s tight drives made the Mexican feel
uncomfortable in the court, and couldn’t handle the Brazilian’s
pace.
In the third game, things were supposed to be the same as in the two
previous games, however, the Mexican started picking up every ball;
the audience was surprised to see how the Mexican was coming back
from cero, to make the score even.
 Galvez
managed to win the third game after a thrilling tie break. In some
way, Alarcon knew he had to win that game to win the match. The
fourth game was the first game in the entire match in which both of
the players started taking risks. Galvez was more precise. This led
him to win the game and level the match.
In the fifth and last game, the one who had the biggest desire to
win, would have win the match for sure. The Mexican achieved this
success, after more than an hour of incredible squash. |
Rodrigues stops
Becerril comeback
[6] Miguel Rodrigues (Col)
bt
Jose Becerril (Mex)
11/8, 9/11, 11/5, 11/9 |
The crowd
placed an important role in this match. In the first game, the
Colombian player started with an incredible pace, picking up every
ball and attacking in every opportunity he had.
 In
the second game, Rodriguez’s tactic changed. He started playing in
the front of the court, counter dropping very often. The Mexican
took advantage of this, and every time Rodriguez went to the front
of the court, Becerril attacked the ball in an incredible way.
The third game was definitely for the Colombian. He dominated the
whole game. Risked everything, and by fortune, all his shots were
winning shots. The fourth game was the toughest game in the match.
The local player started hitting the tin continuously, which made
the Mexican take the lead, he was winning 8-2, when the Colombian
changed his strategy completely, and started playing a more
defensive game.
Anxiety took over Becerril, and made him commit 6 mistakes in a row.
When Rodriguez made the score even, it was too late for the Mexican
to come back, for he was psychologically down. Rodriguez won the
match in four very close games. |
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22-Sep-06:
Round One
Juan Carlos Santacruz reports
José A. Becerril (Mex) bt
Renan Lavigne (Fra)
6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-6 |
The Mexican player had an astonishing
performance; he played some quick and tight squash. Becerril took
advantage of Renan’s irregularity, and applied pressure by playing those
volleys he knows how to do. Even though the Frenchman won the first game,
he couldn’t handle the pace of the Mexican.
Rafael Alarcón (Bra) bt
Robin Clarke (Can)
11-4, 11-3, 7-11, 11-9 |
Alarcon handled the match as he wanted.
Precision, concentration and definition was all he needed to beat the
Canadian in four stiff games. Alarcon applied pressure all the time to his
opponent, making Clarke physically worn out. This victory placed the
Brazilian player in the second round of the main draw.
Eric Gálvez (Mex) bt David
Phillips (Can)
11/8, 7/11, 10/12, 11/5, 11/3 |
This match was definitely the competition
of the evening. The match took more than an hour to decide who had the
ticket to the next round. Phillips, always looking calm, seemed to
overcome the Mexican's physical strength. In the first games, Phillips
counter dropped splendidly and forced the Mexican to hit the tin several
times. Nonetheless, Galvez, with a superior physical strength, managed to
outlast his opponent and succeed in tonight’s match. The audience
certainly enjoyed this match.
Peter Barker (Eng) bt Chris
Gordon (USA)
11/9, 11/9, 11/3 |
The American player seemed truly fit in
the first games, however, his stamina only lasted for two games. Even
though Gordon played really well this evening, Barker managed to put an
end to every game by being cool headed and making long rallies that made
Gordon hit the tin several times. Once again, Barker showed his impressive
physical condition, by hitting balls near the tin, striking boasts and
impressive foot work.
Bernardo Samper (Col) bt Ian
Power (Can)
11-4, 11-5, 11-6 |
This time, the Colombian only needed three
games to beat the Canadian, whom he had lost to the last time they played.
Samper imposed the pace of the match, attacking with his cross-court drops
and his amazing definition. This was enough to overcome the Canadian who
lacked both of confidence and stamina.
Bradley Hindle (Aus) bt
Javier Castilla (Col)
11-4, 11-8, 11-9 |
The Australian player showed his
superiority in this match. Castilla seemed uneasy due to his inexperience
in the PSA tour, and this caused him to lose the first game. However, in
the second and third games, he managed to keep up the Australian's pace
and even though the local player was winning 9-4 in the third, his
opponent managed to come back and win the match in a simple 3-0.
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More from SquashGlobal.com
Draw
& Results
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 IX
Abierto Colombiano
de Sq. Club El Nogal 2006 |
Round One
Sep 21 |
Quarters
Sep 22 |
Semis
Sep 23 |
Final
Sep 24 |
[1] Graham Ryding
(Can)
11/8, 11/8, 12/10 (28m)
[Q] Robertino Pezzota (Arg) |
Graham Ryding
11-6, 11-3, 11-1
Bernardo Samper |
Graham Ryding
5/11, 11/7, 11/9, 11/8
Miguel Angel Rodriguez |
Miguel Angel Rodriguez
Peter Barker |
[7] Bernardo Samper
(Col)
11/4, 11/4, 11/6 (23m)
Ian Power (Can) |
[3] Renan Lavigne
(Fra)
6/11, 11/8, 11/8, 11/8 (40m)
[Q] Jose Angel Becerril (Mex) |
Jose Angel Becerril
11/8, 9/11, 11/5, 11/9
Miguel Angel Rodriguez |
[6] Miguel Angel
Rodriguez (Col)
11/6, 11/6, 11/6 (33m)
Paul Davis (Aus) |
[Q] David Phillips
(Can)
11/8, 7/11, 10/12, 11/6, 11/3 (64m)
[3] Eric Galvez (Mex) |
Eric Galvez
8/11, 7/11, 12/10, 11/3, 11/6
Rafael Alarcon |
Eric Galvez
11/4, 11/8, 11/3
Peter Barker |
[Q] Robin Clarke (Can)
11/4, 11/3, 7/11, 11/8 (35m)
[4] Rafael Alarcon (Bra) |
Javier Castilla (Col)
11/4, 11/8, 11/9 (35m)
[8] Bradley Hindle (Aus) |
Bradley Hindle
12/10, 11/8, 11/7
Peter Barker |
Chris Gordon (Usa)
11/9, 11/9, 11/3 (40m)
[2] Peter Barker (Eng) |
QUALIFYING DRAW
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21-Sep-06:
Qualifying Complete in Colombia
Juan Carlos Santacruz reports
Today’s matches defined the four qualifiers, with the two seeded
Canadians, an Argentine and a Mexican going through to the main draw of
the IX COLOMBIAN SQUASH OPEN.
The four matches that were played tonight at El Nogal showed an
extraordinary performance of first-class squash. The outcome was the
following:
David Phillips (Can) bt Jorge Baltazar (Mex) 3-1.
The prediction was accurate. The Canadian played a much more simple and
natural game. Phillips was certainly more precise in his short shots. He
forced the Mexican to the front of the court most of the match, and the
outcome was that the Mexican made too many errors.
Robertino Pezzota(Arg) bt Gonzalo Tapiz (Arg) 3-0. Pezzota played
as he wanted. He moved his opponent from the back to the front of the
court the whole match. His strategy, taking risks and performing
deceptions, was enough to beat his countryman with a straightforward 3-0.
José A. Becerril (Mex) - Scott Arnold (Aus) 3-1.
This match was supposed to be the main attraction of the evening. The
competition started with a very demanding pace from both players. The
Australian imposed his pace in the first game. Nevertheless, the next two
games went by very rapidly. Arnold was totally unfocused, and when he
tried to get back into the game, it was too late, for the Mexican was
certain with his shots, and didn’t let the Australian play his game.
Robin Clarke (Can) bt Rodrigo Torres (Col) 1-3.
Colombia’s last player in the Qualification round lost today to the
Canadian seed #2. Torres started the match taking risks and seizing every
chance he had to attack. This worked in the first game, but when Clarke
managed to keep up the pace, the local player started hitting the tin
constantly. This led the Canadian to the victory.
20-Sep-06:
Colombian Qualifying
Juan-Carlos Santacruz reports
The Second round in the Qualy that took place in Club El Nogal was quite
remarkable; a lot of the matches ended up with a tight score, which gave
the audience an idea of the high-quality squash level that will be exposed
in this world event. Tonight, the names of the eight players that will be
playing
tomorrow for a place in the main draw are already
revealed. Today's matches were the following:
David Phillips (Can) v Gabriel Fernndez (Col). 3-0.
A rather easy match for the Canadian, who only needed
three games to defeat his opponent. Phillips showed his
supremacy in this match.
Jorge Baltazar (Mex) v Federico Torres (Col). 3-2.
This match could have been considered as "revenge" from last
week's PanAms, where Baltazar defeated Torres with a
very close 3-2. This time, the story was no different.
This match was all about taking risks, for both players
are really fit and they both concentrate on making the
least mistakes as possible. Unfortunately, in the 5th
game, the Colombian player made too many mistakes,
which lead the Mexican to the victory. Once again,
Baltazar has won the classic.
Ryan Donegan (USA) v Gonzalo Tapiz (Arg). 1-3.
A match full of ups and downs. Nevertheless the left-handed
argentine player was more precise and had more
confidence on his attacking shots, which lead him to
the success in four.
Robertino Pezzota(Arg) v Ernesto Lucena (Col) 3-0.
This was an easy game for the argentine player, who managed
the match as he wanted. He was consistent and quick,
making few mistakes in the whole match.
Jose A. Becerril (Mex) v Juan J. Jim)nez (Col). 3-0.
The strength exposed by the Mexican overcame the
Colombian's tactic, and this was clearly enough to beat
the local player in three.
Rodrigo Pezzota(Arg) v Scott Arnold (Aus). 0-3.
This was a impressive performance made by the Australian,
who showed a rather effective volley and a great
variety of shots. Even though the Argentine gave all
his energy in the court, the Australian managed to win
the match in 3 close games.
Rodrigo Torres (Col) v Armando Olgu n (Mex). 3-0.
The talented Colombian player handled the whole match with
his unexpected attacks and dead nicks. Torres only
needed about 20 minutes to proceed to the next round.
Arturo Jaramillo (Col) - Robin Clarke (Can). 0-3.
The Canadian's consistency was enough to force the mistakes
of the local player, who lacked of length. |
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