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23-Jan, Final:

[2] Tommy Berden (Ned) bt [2] Peter Barker (Eng)
      11/8, 7/11, 11/6, 11/5 (58m)

Berden bests Barker to take Talisman title ...
Ryan Barnett's Pro-Am report

The Netherland's Tommy Berden was victorious in the final of the Talisman Energy Bankers Hall Club Pro-Am. Berden needed 58 minutes and an injury time-out before he was able to down Englishman Peter Barker 3-1.

On a beautiful sunny afternoon in Calgary the venue was once again jam packed as the locals chose to forego the mild temperatures and remained inside to watch the event's two best squash players go head to head. Safe to say there was not a soul who left disappointed on this day.

Little if anything to chose between the two as the opening game saw the score go back and forth to 7-7. Checking my notes, every one of Berden's first seven points occurred on the forehand side (Barker's backhand).

Perhaps a strategy ploy by the Dutchman? "Peter has a powerful forehand" he stated. "Yes, I guess so. More than anything I was trying to twist and turn him, get him to lunge and stretch to tire him out. He's a big guy who takes up a lot of space on the court. I was working his forehand with a couple shots then quickly crossing to prevent him from getting in an early groove."

Both players took turns feeling out the referee in this opening stanza as well, looking for any and every possible advantage that they could exploit. At one point Barker called the referee's decision "absolute rubbish" repeated it again just in case there was someone who missed it the first time round and was then issued a conduct warning for dissent. On the ensuing rally Berden managed to get that cross court to nick and thanks to a stroke established the first two point cushion of the match. A Barker backhand into the tin gave Berden game ball and this one ended 11-8.

In the second more of the same. With the score tied at 6 Barker then pulls away thanks to a No Let and a Berden backhand drop error. He takes Game #2 11-7 leveling the match and said the reason for his success was quite simple. "Hit some winners instead of errors at the crucial stage of the game."

In the early stages of Game #3, the score still at love all, Berden gets an English elbow right under the chin. Barker was wheeling around to request a let at the front of the court and the elbow was up.

In this part of the world the call is usually 2 for elbowing and it's off to the box, however we're playing squash on this day. Berden was given 1 hour to clear the cobwebs and check his dental work. Thankfully he required only 8 minutes and play resumed. He returned showing no lingering effects and raced away to a 5-2 lead as Barker was finding tin with increasing frequency. He stretched his lead to 8-3 and took the all-important third game 11-6.

Game #4 was no contest as the Dutchman dictated the play and dominated the centre of the court.  Berden won the game 11-5 and the match 3-1.

For his efforts Berden pockets $1400 US and is off to Ohio where he will attempt to qualify for the Dayton Open. The Barker brothers are headed back to London.

Ryan Barnett                 

 
DRAW & RESULTS

2004 Event
Pilley wins on
"Championship Sunday"

Reports and Photos
by Ryan Barnett

"I've been struggling a little with my right glute and from the mid-point in the third game onward it was effecting my play. "I played okay, not great, maybe tried to force it a bit, but Tommy deserves credit. He's tough on these lively courts."   Peter Barker

 

Post match I asked Tommy about the 'noggin knocker' ... "I saw stars, then couldn't see at all as my eyes were watery. It was a good shot. I know it was purely accidental and he got me right here under my chin (points). "During the timeout I decided that I was playing too conservatively and needed to be more aggressive. "I began to attack more and he made some errors and you could say that the elbow ended up being the turning point of the match." Tommy Berden

Tommy Berden

Qualifying Finals
Aaron Francomb(Aus) beat David Phillips(Can) 3-0 (11-8, 11-3, 11-8) 47mins Laurent Elriani(Fra) beat David Barnett(Eng) 3-1 (7-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-6) 68mins Khawaja Adil Maqbool beat Mark Krajsack(Hun) 3-1 (11-7, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8) 48mins Shawn De Lierre(Can) beat Jose Angel Becerril(Mex) 3-0 (11-7, 11-2, 11-5) 21mins

1st Round Qualifying
Aaron Francomb(Aus) bye
David Phillips(Can) beat Lefika Ragonste(Bot) 3-0 (11-7, 11-7, 11-6) 27mins David Barnett(Eng) beat David Ramsden-Wood(Can) 3-1 (11-6, 5-11, 11-6,
11-10(2-0) 50mins
Laurent Elriani(Fra) beat Andrew McDougall(Can) 3-1 (11-1, 11-3, 11-10(2-0) 34mins Mark Krajsack(Hun) beat Keith Pritchard(Can) 3-0 (11-7, 11-9, 11-9) 27mins Khawaja Adil Maqbool(Pak) beat Iain Crozier(Can) 3-0 (11-8, 11-4, 11-5) 23mins Jose Angel Becerril(Mex) beat Jonathon Hill(Can) 3-0 (11-6, 11-5, 11-8) 25mins Shawn De Lierre(Can) beat Bob Ballinger(Can) 3-0 (11-6, 11-6, 11-7) 31mins

 
DRAW & RESULTS

2004 Event
Pilley wins on
"Championship Sunday"
 

Reports and Photos
by Ryan Barnett

Any preference on who you meet in Sunday's final? "Obviously I prefer to play Galvez (laughs) but chances are I'll probably have to face Tommy. "We played a National league game back home in England and he took it to me and won 3-0 so I'm happy to be finished tonight and will have plenty for tomorrow's match."   Peter Barker

 

Thoughts on tomorrow's match up with Peter Barker? "I'm looking forward to playing Peter again. He's a very tough, very strong left-handed player. "He's moved up the rankings at a quick pace. I reckon it's going to be a long match. Should be pretty even." Tommy Berden

21-Jan, Quarters:

  
Garner and Barker survive Calgary quarterfinal scares ...
Ryan Barnett's Pro-Am report

Time to separate the pretenders from the contenders as quarterfinal action took center stage Friday at the 2005 Talisman Energy Bankers Hall Club Pro-Am. For the third straight day matches began during the noon hour providing the perfect excuse to get a head start on the weekend.


Ben pushed to the limit
'The Radish' Ben Garner was pushed to the limit by Frenchman Jean-Michel Arcucci before emerging with a tough fought 5 game victory.

In Game #1 Garner was his own worst enemy. He committed error after error allowing Arcucci to jump out to a 10-4 lead. He then appeared to settle down and rattled off the next four points to make things interesting but a backhand boast into the tin saw his comeback fall short.

In the second he came and made a statement. Garner upped the pace, cut out the unforced errors and began playing the high quality squash that has seen him enjoy recent success. Arcucci had no response and in the blink of an eye Garner reeled off a stunning 11-1 victory.

The third was the best game of the match. Both players worked the rail reminiscent of two prize fighters feeling each other out with the jab, unwilling to throw the knockout punch for worry about being countered. This game see-sawed back and forth all the way to 9. On the ensuing rally Garner was awarded a stroke to put him at game ball and promptly hit a nice low backhand crosscourt winner to close out the game.

Game #4 was a carbon copy of the opener. I counted no less than 8 errors from Garner providing Arcucci with a comfortable 11-4 decision.

As the fifth began the gallery was abuzz wondering what Ben Garner would take to the court? Arcucci had a legitimate chance to deny Garner his Canadian Double. The Frenchman was playing a very smart, patient game. He was keeping the rallies going and letting Garner make all the mistakes. Unfortunately for him Garner once again found his A game and took the fifth by an identical 11-4 score.

Berden sees off one Barker
Next on court another Englishman, Philip Barker, looking to knockoff the second seed Tommy Berden. That was not to be as Berden played another strong attacking game and came away with another straight games win. The Dutchman had revenge on his mind heading into this encounter.

"I lost to him four months ago in Hong Kong qualifying so knew it would be a pretty tough match and even though I won 3-0 the scores were close. I've changed my game. I used to play more traditional squash and it got me to #21 in the world but now I attack more. With the scoring to 11 you have to attack. The squash is now much more intense and every point is crucial."

But Barker #2 gets Giuffre
The first match of the evening session was the one that everyone wanted to see. With a boisterous crowd now numbering over 200 and with his grandparents in attendance Matthew Giuffre played like a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain. His opponent ranked #32 in the World, Englishman Peter Barker escaped with a thrilling 9-11, 11-9, 11-5, 7-11, 11-7 victory.

As the scoreline indicates this one was tight. The first game began with both players playing very rhythmic squash looking to find their length and perhaps calm some early nerves. With the score knotted at 8 Giuffre forced two errors from Barker and hung on taking the first 11-9.

In the second Barker stormed out and upped the pace of play and established a comfortable 7-2 advantage. Giuffre refused to give up on this night proving there wasn't any ball he couldn't get to and clawed his way back to level at 7. This time Barker saw the ball bounce his way during the later stages and took the second by an identical 11-9 score.

The pivotal third game was all Barker. He was now comfortably into his rhythm and raced away with an 11-5 win.

In the fourth the momentum swung back to the Canadian. He took an early 5-0 lead, took the game 11-7, mostly due to numerous unforced Barker errors and his willingness to never quit on any ball.

This match was now a best of one and it appeared that an upset was a definite possibility. It was point for point to 6-6 after which Barker hit two beautiful winners and established a cushion. He maintained this advantage, eventually stretching his lead and winning 11-7.

Giant Killers head-to-head
Last match of the night saw Thursday's two giant killers going head to head. Eric Galvez took out the #3 seed while Laurent Elriani earned his quarterfinal berth by marching through qualifying and then dispatching last year's finalist.

The Mexican won 3-0 but Elriani served notice that he'll be a force in future encounters once he tightens things up a bit.

"I had 3 or 4 errors a game and when you look at the score that's what cost me," siad the Frenchman. "I played alright, felt good with the racket but the mistakes were the difference."

Ryan Barnett                      ©2005 SquashSite

Reports and Photos
by Ryan Barnett

"I'm thankful to have come out on top. Today I didn't play my best squash but still got the win. "This is a nice change from before. Now it appears like I'm winning the close matches where before I was losing. "I knew he was going to be tough and never underestimated him as this is the third time we've played and every time it's gone 5."   Ben Garner "I'm disappointed not to have won. I played okay for a few games, lost a couple games I should of won and he hit a few lucky shots that found the nick. I guess if I apply a better tactic from the beginning I'll get the result in the end." Jean Michel Arcucci

 

 

 

 

Berden and Philip ...

 

Peter and Giuffre

Is the event's #1 seed feeling the pressure? No I don't think so. Matt played very well and I think I might of underestimated him. I wasn't feeling that great. I was a bit lethargic out there tonight but fortunately I won and will be back tomorrow." Peter Barker

 

End of the line for Giuffre

 

20-Jan, First Round:

Galvez and Arcucci Steal the Show in Calgary ...
Ryan Barnett's Pro-Am report

It was time to get busy as main draw action got underway at the 2005 Talisman Energy Bankers Hall Club Pro-Am. Four matches during the lunch hour followed by an evening session saw Calgary's Bankers Hall Club jammed to the rafters all day long.

Ben's winning habit
Up first we had England's Ben Garner up against the smooth stylish Pakistani qualifier Khawaja Adil Maqbool. Fresh off of his Vancouver title "The Radish" was looking to make it two for two in Western Canada but knew as a result of a first round exit last year that nothing is for certain. Anyways, Garner was on fire in the opening game, dictating the pace, reading the play and pretty much having his way with Maqbool. He built an early 4-2 lead then put his foot on the gas and thanks to numerous errors from his opponent closed the opener 11-2.

Game #2 was much closer. Maqbool seemed to settle down, tightened up his error count, and began hitting the ball with much more precision to both the front and back corners. Thus the rallies were longer and his confidence grew and he began to display some creativity. He was holding his shots(especially on the forehand) which froze Garner and this allowed him to flick the ball to the opposite direction and keep the pressure on the Englishman. Garner suddenly found himself in a game and at 6-6 adjusted with the boast. Time and time again when the rally was going up and down the backhand wall he deliberately fired in the odd boast. This produced some sloppy drops from Maqbool and a few tins and saw Garner take a 9-7 lead. Maqbool took the next point with a paper tight volley drop but a drop error followed and Garner had game ball at 10-8. After Garner tinned a forehand Maqbool still had a chance at 9-10 but hope was extinguished as Garner quickly blew out the candle hammering his service right into the nick and walked off the court with a 2-0 lead.

The third was a carbon copy of the first. Garner demonstrated his superior game and stormed out to a 6-2 lead. Maqbool managed to grab a couple points but the end result was an 11-4 thrashing and a trip to the 2nd round for Garner. Post match he commented


Tommy turns it on
Time to check the cell for messages, dial into the office, no fires to put out so onward to the Tommy Berden/Timothy Manning showdown. First time I've seen Berden in action and to be honest was impressed by his shot selection. Manning, yet another Aussie disciple of the AIS, gave the Dutchman everything he could handle despite bowing out in straight games.

The turning point in this match occurred in Game #2 with Manning leading 7-3 just needing 4 points to even things up. He squandered his opportunity as Berden clawed back thanks to some great shotmaking a combination of tight rails, feather drops, and lobs. He really has nice touch to the front as well. The score leveled at 8-8 then Berden assumed total control taking the next three points and with it the second game.

Obviously Manning knew that he let one slip and another close one followed in the third but come crunch time with the score tied at 6 Berden pulled away building a 10-7 lead and hung on for the 11-9 win.

Last match of the afternoon was another 3-0 demolition. 11-4, 11-2, 11-2. Nothing much to report as Philip Barker booked his spot in the quarters making it look easy against Aaron Francomb who appeared to perhaps be suffering some lingering effects from the flu bug as well.

More French Fire
Onto the evening session and the match of the night. Last years surprise finalist Alex Stait up against another Frenchman, qualifier Laurent Elriani. This one was a battle, going the distance and one of those matches that when you win it's huge, lose it's devastating. A real see-saw affair with little to choose between players as both took turns dominating the other. After an extremely tight third game which Elriani won in a tiebreaker the fourth game saw Stait emerge with an 11-9 victory. I had visions of last year's 5 game heroics from Stait. Too bad for the Englishman, Elriani played a flawless 5th game and claimed the scalp of the event's #6 seed winning the decider 11-6.

Galvez in final thriller
Last match of the night. Mexican Eric Galvez going up against the #3 seed Welshman Gavin Jones. Galvez surprised many last year duplicating Elriani's feet by coming through qualifying and making it to the quarters. Ironic that as a result of his 3-1 victory over Jones that it's Elriani who he'll face on Friday. The Galvez/Jones was a great match chalked full of controversy.

A tight Game #1 level at 6, 7, 8, & 9 saw Galvez close things with a drop nick and a stroke decision. Jones wasn't to pleased about the Mexican's tactics in the opening stanza as he felt that Galvez was pushing him from behind. Ramming into him. As the players left the court for their break Jones decided to give Galvez a gentle nudge from behind. Galvez didn't like this and warned Jones to back off. Cooler heads prevailed.

The second game was equally as close. With the score tied at 7 Galvez committed four errors in succession making this a best of three affair.

Game #3 was physical and referee John Cox had his hands full. Jones was clearly displeased with Galvez's lack of clearing and the way he was coming in from behind whenever he dropped. He openly argued many of Cox's decisions feeling he should of been awarded strokes and not simply lets. That running from behind thing was also bothering him a bit I'll bet. Galvez took another nail biter this time 11-8 much to the chagrin of Jones. He fired his racket into the floor upon the conclusion and was quickly issued a conduct warning.

At this point Jones appeared to have lost focus. Being on what he perceived the wrong end of most decisions. After one call where a let was given in lieu of what Jones felt should of been a stroke. He spun his racket on the floor (like you do when deciding who serves first at the beginning of the match) picked it up, looked at it and said "Yes, it's a let" Theatrics aside Galvez cruised through Game #4 winning 11-7. Post match he refused to comment on the officiating stating simply that it was the same for both players. Looking ahead to his 8Pm encounter with Elriani he said "We've played before, about 3 or 4 months ago in Houston. I won 3-0"

Ryan Barnett                      ©2005 SquashSite

 

#1 seed Peter Barker

Reports and Photos
by Ryan Barnett

"For the most part I was really trying to keep it straight as you don't want to hit too many crosscourts on these courts. I used the boast to try and keep him off balance and that allowed me to wrong foot him quite a bit in the third. "I'm glad to have won 3-0 as my confidence is high right now. My body might be a bit tired due to all of the squash I've played lately but winning keeps you feeling good and going forward." Ben Garner

 

 

 

Battle of the Sick The other noon match could of been billed as "The Battle of the Sick" Both Frenchman Jean-Michel Arcucci and Lee Drew were not at 100% for this encounter. Arcucci took this one 3 straight and thankfully it only took 25mins to complete. Arcucci said, "We both were really sick last night with the flu. I think that Lee wanted to make it a fast game as he knew we couldn't stay on court too long. He was trying to attack every shot and making most of the mistakes is why I won"

 

Stait and Elriani

 

Barkers double up Time for #1 seed Peter Barker to spring into action against Canadian Shawn De Lierre. First off let me say Barker is a great player, he will be extremely tough to beat, let alone get a game off of this tournament. Did I say that? Actually this is what some of the players have told me so how's that for respect? De Lierre played great, as good, if not better than yesterday. Problem is it wasn't good enough on this day. Barker made sure that both brothers would be around come Friday taking this one 3-0 and never looked threatened. His opponent will be another Canadian, Matthew Giuffre. In an all-Canuck match-up Giuffre wasted little time with Ian Power(42mins) and will get his shot at Peter Barker tomorrow. This one will be interesting as Giuffre definitely has the locals on his side thus may be able to draw off the energy of the crowd and summon a stellar performance. He's going to need it.

 

19-Jan, Qualifying:
De Lierre Dominates Calgary Qualifying
Ryan Barnett's Pro-Am report

If Wednesday's qualifying matches at the 2005 Talisman Energy Bankers Hall Club Pro-Am are any indication of what's to come, then squash fans in Calgary, Canada are in for a treat.

No less then 7 Canadians took part in Wednesday's action. Once the dust had settled there remained only one. Nonetheless, the jam packed galleries enjoyed an outstanding evening of squash.

Montreal's Shawn De Lierre was the most impressive of all players regardless of nationality winning both his matches in straight games and spending a total of only 52 minutes on court.

First up was his 31min dismissal of Tournament Chair and Bankers Hall Club professional Bob Ballinger. He then had a nap, had a snack, and crushed his Mexican opponent Jose Angel Becerril in only 21mins.

It's been over two years since I've seen De Lierre this focussed and motivated. We've all known he has the talent. Perhaps now his maturity and mental approach to the game have caught up? Whatever the reason I like what I saw. For his efforts he will face the event's #1 seed Peter Barker.

Sadly, his six countrymen did not fare as well. Only David Phillips managed to escape the first round and was quickly dispatched in the second by the young Aussie Aaron Francomb.

Main draw action begins at noon Thursday with 4 matches scheduled followed by the nightcap beginning at 5:45PM.

Ryan Barnett     

---

PSA Tour returns to "Stampede City"
Ryan Barnett's Pro-Am preview

Final preparations are underway as Calgary’s Banker’s Hall Club prepares to host the 2005 Talisman Energy Pro-Am.

For the fourth straight year Tournament Chairman and BHC squash professional Bob Ballinger has managed to bring the PSA Tour to the "Stampede City".

This year’s event not only offers more in total prize money, $10K U.S, but has attracted the strongest field ever. Ballinger says there are two reasons why the tournament continues to grow in stature with every passing year.

“First off, professional squash as a whole is gaining popularity in North America. Look at all the events being played over here. For players based in Europe or other areas they can come to North America play almost weekly, practically cover their expenses, and build their ranking.

“Secondly, I believe word of mouth plays a huge role. Players talk to each other and I feel pretty comfortable stating that this is a great event that caters to the players and is for the players. For some of the guys this will be their third visit.”

Speaking of players, England’s Peter Barker now ranked #33 by the PSA tops the draw. It will be interesting to see if he can live up to his ranking (and recent press) and perform at altitude?

Local interest will rest squarely on the shoulders of Edmonton’s Matthew Giuffre ranked #58. Giuffre appears to be in fine form having made the final this past weekend in Vancouver. Other players to watch out for include a pair of Englishmen, last year’s finalist Alex Stait, and Ben Garner, winner in Vancouver last week who will be looking to make amends for his early exit last year. Lurking in the bottom half of the draw we have the #2 seed appropriately tagged “The Flying Dutchman” Tommy Berden, who is ranked #39.

Both first & second round qualifying matches will be played on Wednesday January 19th with main draw action beginning at noon on January 20th. A full slate of companion events sees an additional 160 players taking part in the week’s festivities.

Ryan Barnett                               ©2005 SquashSite