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06-Oct, Final:
Five game thriller
at Vassar ...
Tony Brown reports from Poughkeepsie

The number three and number five ranked players in the world took the court at Vassar College today to determine the 2007 Champion. Both have been previous winners of this event with Rachael Grinham taking the title in 2003 and Natalie Grainger in 2005.

Grinham moves well and is terrier quick, producing an array of shots that can confound any opponent. Grainger is a power hitter who has the uncanny ability to take the pace out of a rally and establish control.

On a day when Australia went into mourning over their Rugby World Cup exit they can take great pride in the exceptional talent of one of their own as Rachael Grinham won the WISPA Vassar Class of '32 Professional Squash Tournament.
  

Round One

Qualifying

Quarters

Semis

History  Preview

[1] Rachael Grinham (Aus) bt [2] Natalie Grainger (Usa)
       9/7, 10/8, 6/9, 1/9, 9/6 (72m)

There were no bad rallies in this final, absolutely none at all. This was world class squash and these athletes are second to none on this planet. What a shame that this sport doesn't get the coverage it so richly deserves. It is powerful and fast paced. It is skilful and would test the fittest athletes in the world. Above all it is a huge test of character and these WISPA players are quite simply superb. It is inspiring to watch the incredible shot making and one marvels at the fitness displayed.

Natalie Grainger jumped ahead 2-0 in the first game employing the tactic that had proved so successful the previous day in her semi-final win over Shelley Kitchen. She hit drop shots to the front left corner that proved difficult to pick up. But Rachael Grinham adapted and she countered with deep lobs to the back right corner. She also put great length on the ball in the rallies as evidenced by the three occasions Grainger struck the back wall with her racket as she kept the rally alive.

From 2-2 Grainger led 4-2, and then Grinham went on a tear winning 5 points in a row to lead 7-4. She closed out the game 9-7 but not before there were several changes of serve and one minor incident. A serve from Grinham came to mid-court and Grainger asked for a let. Grinham disputed the referee's let call and Grainger interjected saying that she just thought it was a really bad serve! It was part tongue in cheek and part gamesmanship. In any event Grinham regained the serve and served out the game.

The second game was similar and both players had scoring spells. Grainger went up 3-1 and in an early rally there was a brief scare as Grinham fell heavily in the front court. But she popped up and seemed more disgusted with herself than anything else. Grainger was cutting off shots early and trying to dictate the rallies. But a couple of unforced errors allowed Grinham back in to the contest and at 3-3 there was a long spell when they traded serves. The crowd of just over 100 was enjoying every moment particularly when Grinham hit a couple of shots between her legs!



Both showed cat-like reflexes in the front court with an exchange of volleys close to the front wall. Grinham used some back wall boasts to get out of trouble and waited for Grainger to make a mistake. In this manner she went up 8-3. But Grainger replied with a run of her own coming from 4-8 down to 8-8. She was smiling throughout the match although she later described this as a grimace! At 8-8 and nothing to choose between the players it was Grinham who picked up this game 10-8. Her penultimate winner was a sublime shot that was barely a millimetre above the tin that went cross court and out of Grainger's reach.

The Australian led the match 2-0 and the crowd sensed that perhaps this would only go another set. Grainger had played some lovely shots and yet come out on the wrong end so how could she survive? But Natalie Grainger is in great shape and she obviously didn't share the crowd's concern. She came out and battled throughout the third game dealing with the deep lobs and trying to add power. Her overheads were strong and she kept Grinham at full stretch time and time again. The crowd got behind Grainger as they wanted to see this match go the distance. At 4-4 Grainger had an excellent spell and went up 7-4. Grinham battled back to 7-6. But Grainger maintained good length on her volleys and powered on to win 9-6. At 2-1 it was match on.

Buoyed by her success Grainger was like a gunslinger in game 4. She started emphatically with an overhead for a winner. Hit shots deep in to the back court and cut everything off early. In the blink of an eye it was 5-0. Grinham had to stretch full length just to stay in the rallies and although there was a strong fight back Grainger never let her off the hook and won 9-1. The players had been on court for an hour and it was all tied up at 2-2.

The crowd's applause was loud as they anticipated the final game.

It was hard to know who to cheer for as both had played outstanding squash. It was a tense time for the players and they were both dripping wet from the fast paced games and the warm Vassar court.



Grainger had the momentum going in to this decider and went up 2-0. Again, the length of her shots was critical. Grinham kept chasing everything down and played a couple of wicked boasts that caught the side wall nick and she got back to 2-2. Grinham's stalwart defence was proving effective. She edged ahead 6-2 when she struck a backhand drive down the left wall rather than a lob, and followed it with a lovely cross court shot for a winner. Both caught Grainger off-guard. Grainger must have felt the match slipping away so she summoned up the energy to regain serve. That she did and then she produced 4 points of her own to tie the game at 6-6. So it was 2-2 in games and 6-6 in the final game.

All the remaining points were top draw. A cross court backhand from Grinham got her the serve back and she added a point for 7-6 with a deep lob that was difficult to return and struck the tin. Then it 8-6 and game ball after another lengthy rally and Grinham took the title when Grainger hit a volley in the front court just inches from the front wall that came back and hit the American.

It had been breathtaking action. The applause was loud, long and well deserved. A great final and definitely the best of the seven that have taken place at Vassar.

4/9, 9/6, 9/7, 9/1 (59m)

Jenny Duncalf

9/7, 10/8, 6/9, 1/9, 9/6 (72m)

 

Natalie
Grainger

Qualifying:

Finals, 02-Oct:
Amelia Pittock (Aus) bt Nayelly Hernandez (Mex)         9/2, 9/2, 9/0
Tara Mullins (Can) bt Margriet Huisman (Ned)              9/7, 9/1, 7/9, 9/7
Laura Hill (Eng) bt Orla Noom (Ned)                            9/3, 10/8, 9/0
Lauren Siddall (Eng) bt Aisling Blake (Irl)                    1/9, 9/3, 7/9, 10/8, 9/6

Round One, 01-Oct:
Amelia Pittock (AUS) bt Genevieve Lessard (CAN)        9/0, 9/1, 9/0
Nayelly Hernandez (MEX) bt Neha Kumar (CAN)           3/9, 9/5, 7/9, 9/4, 9/7
Margaret Huisman (NED) bt Stephanie Edmison (CAN)   9/3, 9/4, 9/2
Tara Mullins (CAN) bt Ileana Novelo (MEX)                   9/0, 9/3, 9/5
Laura Hill (ENG) bt Victoria Chishimba (ZAM)                9/4, 9/0, 9/0
Orla Noom (NED) bt Larissa Stephenson (NZL)             9/1, 9/6, 9/1
Lauren Siddall (ENG) bt Fernanda Rocha (ARG)            9/3, 9/2, 9/0
Aisling Blake (IRL) bt Shona Kerr (USA)                      9/0, 9/1, 9/3

05-Oct, Semi-Finals:
Semi-Finals at Vassar ...
Tony Brown reports from Poughkeepsie

This weekend, England take on Australia in the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup being played in France.

Today, England's Jenny Duncalf took on Australia's Rachael Grinham at the WISPA Tournament in Poughkeepsie, New York. Jenny Duncalf is in form and she played very well but was beaten, so what chance for England's rugby players especially given that they haven't shown anything like the class and determination of Duncalf?

And is Shelley Kitchen's defeat a portent of New Zealand's prospects against tournament hosts France (their quarter-final strangely being played in Cardiff, Wales ...)
   

Round One

Qualifying

Quarters

History  Preview

[1] Rachael Grinham (Aus) bt
[3] Jenny Duncalf (Eng)   4/9, 9/6, 9/7, 9/1 (59m)

Jenny Duncalf was as cool as a cucumber as she confidently took the first game 9-4. Tight rallies along the walls with the occasional drop shot gave the crowd a good look at these top quality athletes. Duncalf consistently forced play to Grinham's backhand and she was very patient. She took her opportunities well and jumped out to a 5-1 lead before Grinham staged a comeback of sorts. At 5-4 Duncalf dug in and closed out the game with a lovely drop shot to make it 8-4 and then another cross court winner.

The second game started with both players striking the ball harder and Duncalf went ahead 2-0. Grinham is a cagey customer though and she consistently gets to balls that she shouldn't reach. She evened matters at 2-2 with an overhead that rocketed to the wall. For the remainder of the match it was the war of the drop shots!

Both players were looking for winners during the rallies with change of pace drop shots, both displayed poise and touch and it was back and forth with everyone watching on the edge of their seat. Duncalf went up 5-3 then Grinham fought back to 5-5. She then took the lead with a cross court volley boast and one felt that the game was hers, moving effortlessly and lobbed the ball to good effect when necessary. But Duncalf hit the target with her shots, regained the serve and then sliced a wonderful drop shot to make it 6-6. But the impression one got was that Duncalf was tiring and although she made lovely shots a couple of errors crept in and the Australian sensed an opportunity. She went for the kill and won the game 9-6.



At 1-1 in games it was critical for Duncalf to win this third one. But Grinham was buoyant and came out with all guns blazing. She led 3-1 before Duncalf took some pace out of the ball and cleverly took the initiative. Her drop shots were well weighted and her positioning good. She often had Grinham at full stretch and was in control of the "T".

She came from 3-1 down to lead 6-3 and there followed some monster long rallies. But it was Grinham who got back in charge with her deep lobs and great court coverage. At 7-7 the serve was traded a couple of times before Grinham edged ahead 8-7. Duncalf was unable to put away her overheads and it cost her dearly as Grinham took the game 9-7.

The dam had broken now and Grinham pounced on the tired and disappointed Duncalf. A quick fourth game seemed harsh for Duncalf as she had done so much to make this a good match. Grinham ran away with it 9-1 and with it took the match and a place in the final 

"On these courts the rallies can go forever if you don't finish. The ball really comes out if you catch the side wall. When you first get on, it's easy to spray it everywhere. I played more defensive because you get killed if you go short too early on this courts.

"Lobs are definitely a plan B of mine, especially with the girls that like to volley a lot. Two and three were really close. They were important. She was a bit devastated to go down 2-1, I think."

Rachael Grinham

"I started off well, but she's talented and clever, so I tried to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to go short.

"I was up in the third, and then she started to slow it down. When she's lobbing, you don't want to force it, but you have to.

"We had played for an hour before the forth, so I was quite tired. The third was massive in terms of momentum."

Jenny Duncalf

[2] Natalie Grainger (Usa) bt
[4] Shelley Kitchen (Nzl)       9/3, 9/2, 9/6 (33m)

Grainger powers into final

Maybe the crowd had been spoiled by such a wonderful first match, or maybe Natalie Grainger just had the measure of Shelley Kitchen on this day - probably a bit of both as the next match was over in half the time and the rallies tended to be shorter and more direct.

Both women are tall and have a good reach, they also both hit the ball hard, really, really hard! You can't miss a point because it sounds like the report of a .38 magnum in the shooting range.

Grainger has won this tournament before and she is only one victory away from gaining the title again. She had a simple plan and she executed it very well. Quite simply she played a host of long drop shots to the front left corner that lured Kitchen up, then she blasted the ball deep to the back right corner. She won countless points in this manner.

At times in the match Grainger was sucked into the hard hitting game of Kitchen but she was quick to admonish herself and get back to her plan. She was often able to get points when Kitchen retrieved the drop shot but presented Grainger with an overhead and it was duly put away.

"It's really hot on the court, so I had to change my game plan.

"I looked to go short from deep, which caught her off guard, and I also adjusted my length. She's been playing well, so I'm glad to get her off in three.

"Tomorrow should be a tough match. We've had our tussles over the years. I have to be patient with Rachel because
she's a master at popping the ball back onto the front wall."

"I left my run too late. Every shot you hit has to have a purpose with Natalie because she'll put the ball away.

"At first I wanted to keep it away from her backhand front corner, but I wasn't doing that too well. I wish I started in the first like I came out in the third. It was lack of concentration.

"The heat was getting to me. I
was in Calgary last week, so it was much cooler, and I won there."

It's #1
versus #2 -
not to be missed!

It will be a good one that's for sure as # 1 Rachael Grinham (AUS) takes on # 2 Natalie Grainger (USA) tomorrow in the 2007 WISPA Class of '32 final.

Both are previous winners here both are ranked in the top 5 in the world, # 3 and # 5 respectively, and both look in tip top form.

The agile, fast moving, ever cunning Grinham will undoubtedly be tested by the
hard hitting and consistent Grainger, although Grinham will be bolstered by her
8-0 record in meetings between the pair, dating back to 2001 ...
  

04-Oct, Quarter-Finals:
Quarter-Finals at Vassar ...
Tony Brown reports from Poughkeepsie

It’s day four and down to the last eight in the competition. There are some great match-ups starting with the number one seed Rachael Grinham versus Rebecca Chiu. Grinham is coming off a big win at the British Open where she defeated the # 1 player in the world and has looked impressive here. Chiu will be fresh as she won in three yesterday and she’ll need to be if she is to produce what would have to be described as an upset.

Another great battle has the unseeded Line Hansen who defeated the number 7 seed here taking on Jenny Duncalf. Denmark versus England. Hansen will have to play the perfect match and deal with Duncalf’s pace if she is to get to the semi-final.

The all-southern hemisphere tie pits Kasey Brown of Australia against Shelley Kitchen of New Zealand. Whenever and wherever these countries compete it’s electric. Just to add to the tension they have played twice this year and the series is tied 1-1. This is a close one, so pick 'em!

Last match of the quarterfinal day is an all-American affair. Latasha Khan of Seattle ranked 24 in the world takes on Natalie Grainger of Washington D.C. Grainger is ranked number 5 in the world and appears much focused this year. Khan will need to produce the kind of winners she did yesterday to advance.

So the stage is set and Vassar’s Kenyon Hall is abuzz as Grinham and Chiu take the court ...

Draw & Results


 
History  Preview

Round One
Qualifying

[1] Rachael Grinham (Aus) bt
[5] Rebecca Chiu (Hkg)        9/3, 9/7, 9/5

Rachael goes for the kill

Rachel Grinham served hard and mixed in drop shots to good effect, taking the first game with relative ease 9-3. Chiu appeared tentative and her game lacked real initiative.

But in the second Chiu started playing tactical boasts from the mid-court and she took the lead. Grinham’s response was to fashion some skid boasts and continued hard serves and it was effective as she went ahead 3-2. Both players were eager to go for the kill on the forehand drives but Chiu was a tad more effective and she went up 5-4.

The next few minutes were intense as it went to 7-7 and then Grinham played a glorious lob that forced a boast return lacking any pace and she put it away for a 9-7 win.

The third game saw both players going for the drop shot winner and it was another close affair as the scoring stayed close. Chiu had an opportunity to open up the margin at 5-4 but two strokes in to the tin put paid to that and Grinham seized the and went on to take the match 9-5.
  

[3] Jenny Duncalf (Eng) bt Line Hansen (Den)            9/4, 9/2, 9/3

Jenny ends Line's run

Englishwoman Jenny Duncalf played a very intelligent match and moved her opponent around the court almost at will.

Line Hansen has fared well in this tournament and yesterday she defeated the number seven seed so has earned valuable tour points and a strong measure of respect.

Her game is very sound but the pace and consistency of Duncalf eventually won the day. Long rallies were the norm and Duncalf ran out the victor in three games.
 

[4] Shelley Kitchen (Nzl) bt [6] Kasey Brown (Aus)             9/2, 9/5, 9/3

Kitchen wins
trans-Tasman clash

The smart money anticipated this battle of antipodeans to be the pick of the quarterfinals and no-one was disappointed. Relatively close in world rankings, these two had met twice before with each woman coming away the victor on one occasion.

From the first point, a thirty stroke rally, it was a battle of Kitchen’s power and Brown’s control. Although almost every point was tightly contested during long rallies on a court warmed by unseasonable Indian summer weather, Kitchen gained the advantage and came away a 9-2 winner.

The level of competition intensified at the start of the second game, and the contestants seemed to take an age to move off love-all, but gradually Kitchen’s combination of deep drives and finely judged shots opened up opportunities for decisive kills and she raced away to a 7-1 lead with six straight points. Brown’s resistant stiffened and she pulled back to 5-7 with robust defence and finely judged drop shots. A precise overhead from Kitchen won her the service and she closed out the set 9-5.

The pace and duration of the first two games was taking its toll and unforced errors became more frequent for both competitors. Kitchen moved off to a fast start and held her advantage. A series of points were decided by the New Zealanders precise backhands. She went on to take the final game 9-3.

Although the issue was decided in three games the score does not give justice to the closeness of the match, or the extent to which each and every point was contested. A good crowd appreciated the intensity and the high quality of the squash.

[2] Natalie Grainger (Usa) bt [8] Latasha Khan (Usa)
          9/4, 9/4, 9/3

Grainger on the attack

In this all-American clash Khan began the first game with a confident display of attacking kill shots to the front left corner of the court and jumped ahead to a quick 3-0 lead. Grainger responded with a series of touch drops and punishing cross courts, forcing several loose balls and a stroke to fight her way up to 4-4. The players exchanged service for the next five rallies, mixing in a number of boasts, lobs, and reverse angles. Grainger forced several more errors from Khan and quickly made her way to 9-4. Game on!

Grainger continued to attack every ball and forced three errors from Khan at 3-1. At full stretch into the front right, Grainger’s drops were unforgettable. An unforced error from Grainger gave Khan an attacking opportunity as she shot her way up to 5-3. Khan played tremendous defence, running down every ball, but Grainger’s precision in the front corners was too much. Grainger let loose a sequence of lengths and drops, pushing Khan up and down the right sidewall and ultimately finished off the rallies to win at 9-4.

Grainger was clearly in her zone into the third game, stretching Khan diagonally to all corners, ultimately finding the nick on a two-wall boast to put her ahead at 2-0. Khan stepped up her defense and played tight along the backhand sidewall, not giving Grainger any opportunity to unleash her attacking shots. Good width from Grainger and an unlucky front-wall nick from Khan put Grainger back in control at 6-1. Khan struggled to regain control of the rallies but managed to steal away two additional points before losing her racquet in the front of the court. Grainger resumed hitting her punishing drives and won the match at 9-3 with a lovely cross-court flick into the front-right nick.
 

03-Oct, Round One:
Hansen joins seven seeds ...
Tony Brown reports from Poughkeepsie

The atmosphere for this first round of the main draw was tense and somewhat eerie. The Vassar College squash courts are enclosed in the old building of Kenyon Hall and the shots echo as they strike the walls.

Up first was the Australian Rachael Grinham, a previous winner here, who was to face qualifier Amelia Pittock, and it was the newly-crowned British Open champion who would progress.

Six other seeds were to follow Grinham into the quarter-finals, with Denmark's Line Hansen producing the only upset of the day ...

Draw & Results


 
History  Preview

[1] Rachael Grinham (Aus) bt
[Q] Amelia Pittock (Aus)     9-4, 7-9, 9-0, 9-0

Grinham sets out her stall

Rachael Grinham, the number three in the world and the number one seed at this tournament, is agile and decisive. In the opening game both she and her opponent Amelia Pittock seemed to be sizing each other up and the strokes played were as smooth as silk.

The differences in this first game were a few lovely drop shots from Grinham and a number of unforced errors that struck the tin from Pittock.

With the first game out of the way Pittock then produced a more consistent game and her drop shots were sublime. They put Grinham on the back foot and in a close game Pittock leveled the match at 1-1. The second game had seen both players attempt to impose their style and it was Pittock who prevailed.

As if stung by this setback Grinham showed why she is the number 1 seed and put everyone on notice that she has a shot for every situation. The pace was faster and the strokes deadly.

Pittock was dispatched 9-0. In the fourth game Pittock never stopped chasing but she was being moved around the court and Grinham's power and touch were just too good. 

[2] Natalie Grainger (Usa) bt
Tricia Chuah (Mas)      9-3, 9-3, 9-1

Grainger fires through

Natalie Grainger came out firing, mixing in some beautiful angles with her solid length, but Chuah's frontcourt touch was undeniable and she quickly advanced to 3-0. Grainger seemed to loosen up and find her length again before skilfully imposing her hard-driven attacking game to take control of the "T" and dictate the points to win 9-3.

After a 3-1 lead by Grainger, Chuah diffused the pressure with more touch shots to the front of the court. However, Grainger was unrelenting and continued to pressure her opponent with hard drives to the back and delicate drops to the front. She seemed to find her stride and powered her way to a decisive 9-1 win.

The former Vassar Tournament winner Grainger remained strong in the third game and dictated nearly all of the rallies save for the occasional error. She stood confidently over the "T" and worked Chuah all around the court to 7-0. Though on the defensive, Chuah found a few angles and forced some loose shots from Grainger on the backhand side.

Chuah managed to hold off Grainger at 7-1 for several service exchanges but, ultimately, Grainger proved to be more consistent and took the match 9-1 in the third game.

Line Hansen (Den) bt
[7] Sharon Wee (Mas)   6-9, 9-4, 9-7, 5-9, 9-7

Line shocks Sharon

The rallies in this match would have challenged even the most accomplished mathematician. Angles of incidence may have been equal to the angles of refraction but in any event the shots were consistently returned. It made for an absorbing match.

Sharon Wee, the number 7 seed, was sharp about the court while Line Hansen used her long reach to good effect. Hansen recovered from the first game losses to take 2 in a row and that set up a very hotly disputed fourth game. Hansen fell behind but came back to 5-5 and there followed a number of let calls as the players battled for position.

In the end Wee was able to cut off more shots at the "T" and won 9-5 to take the match to a fifth and final game. No quarter was asked and none given as rallies were fast and furious. After being down 4-8, Wee made a comeback to 7-8 as a result of numerous lets and the obvious frustration of Hansen.

Hansen was, in the end, triumphant due to her patience, extremely tight drops shots and her ability to move Wee about the court.

[3] Jenny Duncalf (Eng) bt
Louise Crome (Nzl)     2-9, 9-2, 9-2, 9-5

Duncalf reels Crome in

New Zealander Louise Crome jumped out to a 7-1 lead employing a good tight length on her shots that forced some loose play from Jenny Duncalf. This allowed Crome to take the ball in the frontcourt and with that advantage she was able to take the first game.

Duncalf, in what might have been an effort to regroup, forced some long rallies and both players hit impressive deep shots. Of the two Duncalf was the more consistent with the length of return and she edged ahead. Although Crome was covering all four corners of the court with grace and speed it was not enough and Duncalf tied matters up winning 9-2.

Duncalf kept up her consistent deep strokes and was relentless throughout winning game three convincingly 9-2. In the fourth game Crome battled as the match was on the line but once the game reached 5-5 she was unable to close it out and went down 9-5.

[4] Shelley Kitchen (Nzl) bt
[Q] Laura Hill (Eng)           9-0, 9-5, 9-2

Kitchen holds off Hill

The hard-hitting Kiwi took an early lead to 6-0 in the first game. Hill fought back and managed to take the serve for several rallies but was unable to score. Kitchen's powerful crosscourt drives pushed Hill deep into the back corners and ultimately proved to be too much, giving Kitchen the game at 9-0.

Hill, down 0-2 in the second game, regained her composure and fought back to 2-2 by forcing several loose balls from Kitchen and playing a brilliantly deceptive trickle boast into the front left corner. Seemingly more confident, Hill took control of her service rallies and was able to move Kitchen around the court. The players traded point for point up to a tight 6-5 score with Kitchen leading. The New Zealander deftly placing the next few balls just out of reach of Hill's racquet and continued to move ahead, taking the game 9-5.

Game three proved to be the most physical of the match, each player running the full length of the court several times within each rally. A flurry of volleys, boasts, and cross-courts just millimeters above the tin had the players evenly matched until Kitchen managed to open the gap at 3-2. Kitchen continued to pull ahead, moving Hill diagonally cross-court with several well-executed sequences of deep lobs, tight drops, and penetrating drives.

Hill managed to force a few loose shots from Kitchen but was ultimately unable to hold her off, losing the match at 9-2 in the third game.

[8] Latasha Khan (Usa) bt
Lauren Siddall (Eng)       6-9, 9-2, 9-3, 9-2

Latasha leads the way

Both players pressured each other with an onslaught of attacking shots, rarely allowing the ball to reach the glass back wall. The points were intense and the quick pace resulted in some mid-court traffic and a few strokes. At 6-4 Siddall, the players exchanged service at least seven times before Kahn finally managed to outshoot her opponent and tie at 6-6. Siddall was quick to reply by further increasing the pace and taking the last three points to win the game 9-6.

Incredibly, the tremendous efforts of the first game were evident in the second! The players traded service and at 2-1 Khan for several rallies, then Siddall produced a seemingly impossible double boast from the rear-right corner of the court and it was 2-2. Kahn executed a series of tight drops and precision nicks in the front-right corner and slowly pulled ahead to take the second game 9-2.

Khan was able to carry over her momentum into the third game and took a decisive lead, first to 2-0 and then to 8-1. Through several heated rallies along the side walls and a number of well-placed drops, Siddall took control and worked her way up to take back two more points. Khan's precise shot making ultimately prevailed and she came out on top at 9-3.

As if Khan's performance wasn't impressively clinical enough in the third game, the fourth proved all the more spectacular to watch. Her length was solid and Kahn, seemingly effortlessly, was able to find every nick on the court, quickly taking the lead at 6-0. Though behind by six points, Siddall maintained a positive spirit and imposed some tight shot making of her own.

Siddall put forth her best effort and earned herself a well-deserved two points before falling to Khan 9-2.
 

[6] Kasey Brown (Aus) bt
Manuela Manetta (Ita)          9-4, 9-3, 9-5

Brown breaks the deadlock

Both players started off patiently, exchanging shot for shot in a series of long rallies ending with let calls. Brown managed to find her length and take an early lead at 4-1. Not to be outdone, Manetta came back with a series of forehand overheads and well-placed nicks evening out the score at 4-all. However, Brown's defense and quick feet kept her ahead and she managed to pull away to 9-4 in the first game.

The second game started off with an equally intense series of rallies, holding at 0-1, Brown, for nearly twelve minutes! Though Manetta played more aggressively, Brown seemed to anticipate every shot and slowly made her way to 5-1. The rallies to follow consisted of a sequence of attacking drops, volley drops, and lobs with a few spectacular nicks from Manetta. Brown held her ground and eventually prevailed at 9-3.

Down 0-3 in the third, Manetta refused to give up and ran down every attacking shot Brown had to offer. Her increased physical game seemed to be working as she pushed her way to 2-4 and then 4-5. Brown remained focused and played consistent squash. She made good use of all corners of the court.

A number of tight backhand drives along the wall eventually forced a few critical errors from Manetta, giving Brown the win at 9-5 for the match.

[5] Rebecca Chiu (Hkg) bt
[Q] Tara Mullins (Can)      9-6, 9-1, 9-2

Chiu means business

Number five seed Rebecca Chiu meant business right from the start and not only did she strike the ball well but she controlled the "T" throughout.

Her superior positioning gave her time to fashion the shots she needed and Mullins was rarely in command.

Having said that Mullins put up a very creditable fight. She worked hard to get to all the shots and in the first game had some measure of success.

On this performance Chiu will be tough to beat in the later rounds.
 

Draw & Results


 
History  Preview

Amelia Pittock (AUS) bt Nayelly Hernandez (MEX)
     9-2, 9-2, 9-0

Pittock fulfills her seeding

Unseeded Nayelly Hernandez is a stylish composed player. Yesterday she upset the formbook by ousting the number 8 qualifier seed, but today's opponent Amelia Pittock was ready and not looking past this match.

Pittock's greater experience and some nervous unforced errors by Hernandez allowed the Australian to comfortably win the first game 9-2. The second game was much the same story and although Hernandez showed some fine shots, Pittocks's command of the center of the court enabled her to maintain her grip on the match and she prevailed by the same score.

Pittock, now well into her stride, quickly closed the third game 9-0, but this score doesn't do justice to the excellent rallies, a credit to both players.
 

Tara Mullins (CAN) bt Margaret Huisman (NED)
      9-7, 9-1, 7-9, 9-7

Mullins makes the draw

The early stanzas of game one were closely fought with neither woman establishing more than a two point lead in a truly seesaw contest. But at 6-all Mullins pulled away to her first game ball at 8-6. Huisman saved that point and another game ball at 8-7, but finally surrendered the game at 9-7.
Mullins' established a real dominance in game 2 and some loose play by Huisman allowed the Canadian to win a relatively easy 9-1 game.

More determined and consistent play by Huisman saw her sprint to a 8-1 advantage in game three, before Mullins struck back with six quick points, but Huisman held her nerve and finally ran out the winner at 9-7.

Huisman's advantage carried into the fourth game as she raced to a 7-1 lead, before Mullins fought back to first level the accounts at 7-all, and then to win the game and match at 9-7. This had been a thriller and was warmly applauded by the spectators.

Laura Hill (ENG) bt Orla Noom (NED)
      9-3, 10-8, 9-0

Hill makes it count

The early points of the first game between the left-handed Noom and the right-handed Hill were tightly contested, fast-paced, and very hard-hitting. It was compelling action. However, some unforced errors by Noom allowed Hill to pull away and close out the game at 9-3.

At the start of the second game, the Dutchwoman used her physical presence and reach to good effect and she establish a 5-1 advantage. The quick moving Hill made a stand at that score and levelled matters at 5-all. Then followed a tight sequence of play with an unusual number of let balls and Noom emerged with a chance to take the game at 8-7. However, Laura Hill responded in the best possible fashion and three rapid points to her made it a two game advantage.

The third game followed the pattern established in the first two, with Hill's speed proving more than a match for Noom's power and positioning.

The Englishwoman, who rarely ventures outside her home country,  showed no mercy and closed the good-natured match at 9-0.
 

Lauren Siddall (ENG) bt Aisling Blake (IRL)
      1-9, 9-3, 7-9, 10-8, 9-6

Lauren outlasts Aisling

This match had it all. It opened with both players eager to establish dominance at the "T" and was punctuated with long rallies and excellent length from both players. Aisling Blake kept the pace of the game high and took the ball more often at the front further forcing the pace. Lauren Siddall was fractionally loose at times with her drives and that was all the invitation Blake needed as she won 9-1.

Realizing that she had to adjust Siddall varied the pace and yet still managed to drive her opponent deep in to the corners. This set up some better attacking opportunities and the tables were turned with a win at 9-3.

Siddall appeared to have found the formula for the win and she took control of the third game and it appeared to the onlookers that she would have no problems winning. However, Blake's consistent length unsettled Siddall and despite trading serves repeatedly at 8-7, it was Blake who managed to erase the deficit and take the third game.

Both players had demonstrated their resolve and the beginning of the fourth game was highlighted by Blake's displeasure at Siddall's movement around the court. The match became decidedly physical with both players doing their fair share of bumping and jostling for position. A couple of unforced errors from Siddall saw her slip behind 8-5 but she dug deep and battled back to take the game 10-8 and force a deciding game.

Game 5 saw Siddall move Blake around the court early and frequently. But both players were showing signs of fatigue and it was a tight contest. At 6-6, Siddall deferred from her relaxed pace and quickened the rallies by volleying across the middle and playing low hard shots. This forced an already tired Blake to scramble around and on one occasion she tripped and fell. Immediately she fought back to win the next rally. Siddall did not relent and continued her fast paced approach and got to 8-6 and match ball.

The last rally was replayed 3 times due to lets! It ended with a beautiful boast from the backhand corner from Siddall that caught Blake off guard as she was expecting another of Siddall's deep straight drives that had been played previously.
  

Draw & Results


 
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Amelia Pittock (AUS) bt Genevieve Lessard (CAN) 9-0, 9-1, 9-0



Pittock never allowed Lessard to settle in this match. She constantly controlled both the tempo and the "T" winning convincingly.

Nayelly Hernandez (MEX) bt Neha Kumar (CAN)
    3-9, 9-5, 7-9, 9-4, 9-7

The unseeded Nayelly Hernandez of Mexico defeated the number 8 qualifier seed from Canada, Neha Kumar in a 5-game thriller.

The first two games were split and in the third it was nip and tuck the whole way. Some exquisite rallies had the crowd on the edge of their seats and Kumar edged out the Mexican with some very aggressive shots 9-7. But Hernandez must have felt it was her day as the fourth was deadlocked for a long while but when she got ahead she kept her shots very deep and won 9-4 to tie the match up.

So at 2-2 it went to the deciding game and it proved to be spectacular. Neither player opened up a significant lead and it went to 8-7 in favour of Hernandez. But before the end Kumar showed her class, saving two match points before she eventually fell.

Margaret Huisman (NED) bt Stephanie Edmison (CAN)
9-3, 9-4, 9-2



There were no easy points in this match as Edmison put up a strong fight.

In the end greater consistency and fewer unforced errors were the difference.

Tara Mullins (CAN) bt Ileana Novelo (MEX)
9-0, 9-3, 9-5



This was a banner day for Tara Mullins as she deservedly advanced to the second round for the first time.

She varied her game to keep Novelo off balance and ran out a solid winner.

Laura Hill (ENG) bt Victoria Chishimba (ZAM)
9-4, 9-0, 9-0



England's Laura Hill started slowly and did not impress in the early rallies but once she hit her stride there was no chance for Chishimba.

This was an emphatic win that will give her plenty of confidence heading into day two.

Orla Noom (NED) bt Larissa Stephenson (NZL) 9-1, 9-6, 9-1



Noom quickly established position and took her shots early. Particularly impressive was her volleying as she dominated this contest from start to finish.

Lauren Siddall (ENG) bt Fernanda Rocha (ARG)
9-3, 9-2, 9-0



In a match that was fast paced Siddall was very effective, introducing some deft volley drop shots to control the contest.

Aisling Blake (IRL) bt Shona Kerr (USA)
9-0, 9-1, 9-3



Despite the score line this was a well-balanced match but two many unforced errors from Kerr cost her at critical times.

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