03-May-08:
Power and Miller
win Canadian titles

Jonathon Power of Montreal defeated top-seed and defending champion Shahier Razik of Toronto in the men's championship match on Saturday at the Canadian squash championships. Alana Miller of Winnipeg successfully defended her title in women's competition.

Power, the former world champion and tournament second-seed, scored an 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6 victory and avenged a loss in the 2006 nationals final.

''I want to win every time I go on the court, I can't get rid of that,'' said Power, who retired from the pro circuit in 2006 and plays only for Canada at world championships and at nationals. ''I didn't play too bad and I hung in there. I was surprised to win considering the long lay off. But I managed to control most of the play.''

In the women's final, Miller cruised to victory over 10th seed Alexandra Norman of Montreal 9-1, 9-2, 9-3. It's a third career national title for Miller. Norman produced an unexpected run to the championship final which included victories over the third-seed and seventh seed.

''I think Alexandra got a bit nervous playing in her first final,'' said Miller. ''I saw her semi-final match and she played a lot tougher. I feel fortunate to have gotten through 3-0 because I know she can play better than that. I played pretty good, it's a good way for me to start a busy summer season.''

02-May-08:
Jonathon Power rolls into semis at Canadian squash championships

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont.- The top-four-seeds in men’s competition, including Shahier Razik of Toronto and former world number-one Jonathon Power of Montreal, all advanced to the semifinals in men’s competition Thursday at the Canadian squash championships.

Power, who has retired from the pro circuit but continues to play in national team events and Canadian championships, defeated 10th seed Dane Sharp of Toronto in the quarterfinals 11-3, 11-4, 11-2. Power, the second-seed, has played three matches so far and hasn’t lost a game.

‘’I haven’t played a tournament since the team worlds last year and I find it pretty hard,’’ said Power. ‘’It’s pretty painful, both physically and mentally. But so far, so good.’’

As far as Sharp was concerned, Power seemed on top of his game.

‘’Jonathon is tough, very tough,’’ said Sharp, 23. ‘’He’s always got you second guessing yourself. No matter where he is on the court you’re always pushing and always feeling your legs. You just never feel comfortable. It’s constant pressure and it takes its toll.’’

Razik, the top-seed, defeated Jamie Crombie of Calgary 8-11,11-5, 11-5, 11-2, number-three Shawn DeLierre of Montreal took Andrew McDougall of Calgary 8-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-5 and fourth-seed Robin Clarke of Ottawa eliminated Ian Power of Montreal 11-2, 11-5, 11-6.

In the women’s quarterfinals, 10th seed Alexandra Normand of Montreal has advanced to the semifinals defeating Stephanie Edmison of Toronto 5-9, 9-6, 9-0, 9-5. Edmison had eliminated second-seed Runa Reta of Montreal in Wednesday’s second round.

Top-seed Alana Miller of Winnipeg defeated Neha Kumar of Oakville, Ont., 9-3, 9-1, 9-0, fourth-seed Laura Gemmell of Toronto bounced Marnie Baizley of Winnipeg 9-4, 9-5, 9-0 and third-seed Tara Mullins of Montreal took Kelsey Souchereau of Calgary 9-7, 9-3, 6-9, 9-6.

Semifinals are on Friday at The Club at White Oaks beginning at 5 p.m.

01-May-08:
Reta stunned in second round

Stephanie Edmison of Toronto scored the first big upset at the Canadian squash championships on Wednesday defeating second-seed Runa Reta of Montreal in second round play at The Club at White Oaks.

Edmison nearly squandered a two games lead but prevailed 9-5, 9-7, 5-9, 9-7. Earlier Wednesday, Edmison opened the tournament with a 9-0, 9-0, 9-2 victory over Alix Younger of Winnipeg. Reta had a first round bye.

''This is what I've been training for and I wanted to get the win,'' said Edmison, this year's Canadian university champion. ''But it's still a shock, I'm trying to absorb it. As much as you plan something it doesn't always happen. I'm just happy I pulled through. I just kept attacking and pounding the ball and made sure I stayed in it mentally.''

In the fourth game, Edmison blew a 7-1 lead as Reta fought back to tie the game. ''I was getting concerned at that point,'' said Edmison.

Other second round winners were top-seed Alana Miller of Winnipeg, Neha Kumar of Oakville, Ont., Canadian junior champion Laura Gemmell of Toronto, Marnie Baizley of Winnipeg, Kelsey Souchereau of Calgary and Tara Mullins and Alexandra Norman, both of Montreal.

On the men's side, top-five seeds Shahier Razik of Toronto, Jonathon Power, Ian Power and Shawn DeLierre, all of Montreal, and Robin Clarke of Ottawa all advanced to the round of 16.
  

Draws & Results