'''I'm in shock and disbelief, it would probably be better to talk to me tomorrow. ''I really picked up my pace in the third game and tried to stay in front. That's when I saw he was having trouble and I could possibly take the match. I was more aggressive overall while he was on and off. I just stuck in there and hoped for the best. ''It's the biggest win of my career by far. ''I feel a little guilty, but I still had to do my job and get the win. Jonathon has been a great friend and teacher over the years and I've learned a lot from him. Maybe he taught me too much.'' Shahier Razik

Official site

Canadian Nationals - Day TWO
Ray Chan-a-Sue reports

The second of the Open draws of the Canadian Nationals is completed with all the quarter final matches being played today.

There was only one upset but this did not mean that there were no tight matches. While Jonathan Power and Graham Ryding had fairly easy wins over Robin Clarke and Dane Sharp, which was not the same for Matt Guiffre of Edmonton Alberta who is the number four seed at these championships as he took on Shawn Delierre (#5) of Quebec in the last match of the night.

Guiffre prevailed in four games but not after some tense moments especially in the third where after being down 8-4 and looking down and out, lead a spirited fight back with the aid of a few interruptions which included a broken ball and a “conduct stroke” to Delierre. The match was played at a furious pace up to this point and it was always tough for the referee to figure out when there was actually blocking of fishing. In the end, Guiffre was able to hold his composure and finish out the match in four games.

On the women’s side the number three seed Katie Patrick was upset by just retired Canadian squad member Marnie Baizley (Ryding…she will probably kill me for adding this) The match lasted four games but only because of some resistance from Patrick in the third after being totally dominated in the first two games.

Baizley who is a two time champion in this event always is a tough customer and it was no different today when used her experience and angles to defeat Patrick. The first two games were made of of mistakes by Patrick but also you must give credit to Baizley for making sure there was no room for a comeback, but using her speed and attacking boasts and drops. In the third game Patrick cut down her mistakes and then increased the pace of her volleying to keep Baizely on her toes and then ran out with a four point lead to take the game 9-6. However in the forth the errors returned and Baizley pulled off the upset.

Tomorrow’s semi final features Power (#1) and Guiffre on one side and then Ryding and Razik (#3) on the other which is the exact same match ups as last year. Ryding looks to be the player in form so far giving up less then 20 points in all his matches and it will be interesting to see should he meet Power in the finals how it all plays out.

The women will see Runa Reta and Carolyn Russell will do battle in one semi and then old friends/foes Melanie Jans (#2) and Marnie Baizley (#5) will do battle one more time for the right to win another National title.
 

Men's Semis:

[1] Jonathon Power bt
[4] Matthew Giuffre
11/2, 11/4, 11/3

[3] Shahier Razik bt
[2] Graham Ryding
3/11, 11/8, 11/8, 11/8
 

''I had a slow start and couldn't get comfortable. But I found my rhythm halfway through the second game and never looked back. I wanted to pick up the pace a bit because I didn't want to get into a marathon session against him.' ''Against Jonathon it's going to be tough. He's been telling everybody he hasn't played that much but to me he is faster than ever.'' Shahier Razik

Women's Semis:

[4] Carolyn Russell bt
[1] Runa Reta
9/6, 7/9, 5/9, 9/5, 10/8

[2] Melanie Jans bt
[5] Marnie Baizley
9/3, 9/5, 10/8
 

''I'm pretty thrilled about the match. It was a rough match with a lot blocking and let calls. I think Runa got frustrated. I believed I could win even though I had hardly ever played her before.'' Carolyn Russell

2005 Canadians