21-Nov, Quarters & Semis:
BSPA Solent Classic 2009

Welcome to Lee on another bright sunny day. Well after a frenetic morning of graded tournament squash inspired from yesterday’s main event rounds.

To quote a boxing term – let’s get ready to rumble on the Solent.

We are ready for the first of the quarter finals. On court five we have Steve Siveter v Scott Handley and on court 6 we Azlan Iskandar v Alex Phillips.

BSPA Solent Classic Quarter-Finals:

Azlan Iskandar bt Alex Phillips 11/4, 11/8, 11/4

On court 6 Azlan starts the match not in full flow with Alex striking the ball well in his usual skilful manner but as he ploughs through to take the first game 11/4.

Second game - this could be the third gear of the Lamborghini from Malaysia moving on to the ball with speed and accuracy taking the game to the front with no margin of error probably the furthest Alex has been up the court, taking the game 11/8. Azlan then up into fourth gear to take the third 11/4.

Scott Handley bt Steve Siveter  11/7, 11/6, 14/12

Just reading between the lines it looks like Steve and Scott’s game could be well contested by both players. The first game which Scott wins 11/7. He seems to have adjusted well to Steve’s low game, getting Steve to retrieve a lot more rather than making the play.

Steve starts to play a few two wall boasts which makes Scott move to the front with more severity but he seems to handle it and takes the second 11/6. Steve hanging in big time in the third 11 all Scott hits the tin with a drop 12/11 to Steve but Scott hangs in with a back hand drop shot and finally Scott runs out winning 13/11 taking the match 3/0.

Wan Adnan bt James Huang 11/5, 18/16, 11/7

On court six we have unknown James Huang who came through late last night against Ben Coleman. And Wan Adnan who is in his designer t-shirt to show off his tan, looking to be favourite James seems to be feeling the effects of last night’s match. First game to Wan – 11/3.

James seems to have go the blood flowing in the second keeping neck a neck with Wan but the game going to Wan 18/16.

Into the third game, Wan with some excellent retrieving and counter drops going on to take the match 3/0.

Tim Vail bt Phil Nightingale  14/12, 11/7, 11/8

Next up on court five we have the long and the short – Phil Nightingale and Tim Vail. Who must be taking this seriously as he has never been seen to stretch before! Could this be a bit of the number one seed rubbing off on him?

The first game starts to develop with Phil taking the ball into the front and Tim hanging on to the game with some precision lobs and forcing some loose shots from Phil – game to Tim 12/10.

Another tight game with Tim starting to hit those trademark kills to take the second 11/7.

In the third game there was consistently good play from Phil but he could not overcome the magic shots and racket technique that Tim put forth. Tim goes through to the semis.


Semi-Finals

Azlan Iskandar bt Scott Handley 12/10, 11/4, 11/6

Down to the semi-finals, Azlan and Scott. I’ve been reminded by some people in the crowd that Scott has beaten Azlan on numerous occasions! Scott producing some of his best squash in the open game staying with Azlan all the way, only for Azlan to take it 12/10.

Good opening rallies with Azlan taking the ball short across Scott and taking two cheap points giving Azlan a 4/2 league. Scott re-focuses, getting more height on the ball but some beautiful straight shots from Azlan taking him 11/4 to win the game.

Into the third, “this is top-ten stuff” is the cry from Scott – think he could be right as Azlan runs out a 3/0 winner. A quote from Scott “I think I bottled it, I felt I could have pushed through a bit more. But his counter-stuff made a big difference. I’m a bit disappointed but he is 13th in the world and he showed why. Well played Azlan”. I think we could look out for a rekindled Scott in the future.

Wan Adnan bt Tim Vail  11/8, 11/9, 1/11, 11/5

Down to the last semi-final, Wan v Tim. This could be interesting. Tim into an early lead only for Wan to drag it back 11/8. The same in the second, Tim in the lead 7/6. A great back-hand straight kill from Wan to take it to 7/7 and then a very disputed point to Wan to take an 8/7 lead. A great top spin drop from Tim 8/8 and then a fiercely contested stroke - 10/9. For-hand kill, game to Wan 11/9. Could this be it?! Tim takes the third 11/1 – wow! Wan then comes out firing in the fourth to take a 6/1 advantage and puts in some super drops 11/5. Match 3/1.