Jones ends US interest

Final qualifying got under way at the University Club with the USA's top junior prospect Chris Gordon taking on experienced Welshman Gavin Jones.

Chris dominated the first game over a sluggish Gavin, and looked as though he was going to be difficult to beat, but in the second game Gavin came out much more strongly, and controlled the court, easily levelling the match.

The third game was the critical one in the match. Chris opened well and built a lead, but some unforced errors let Gavin back into it to pull level. Chris never gave up, but Gavin always seemed to have an edge on controlling the centre and forcing Chris to move from corner
to corner.

The fourth game continued Gavin's run of steady play, Chris making too many errors as Gavin crept ahead. There was a tremendous rally at 7-3 that had both players playing great squash both attacking and defending, but  Chris was unable to regain the edge and Gavin continued on to take the game 11/5 to clinch the match.

Garner wins a classic

This was a great game, with terrific movement by both players. It all came down to the fifth where Garner was able to fight his way back from 6-2 down to win it.

One of the best qualifying matches you are likely to see,  and worthy of a much better write up than this! Rodriguez is incredibly quick, look for him to be a well known name 
in the future.

Parky in control ... just

In a distinct contrast to the Garner / Rodriguez match, the play here was much more fluid and measured. Simon Parke and Mark Heather both played a well rounded game with excellent control, and early on fell into a good length.

Mark seemed a little lacking in intensity which may have helped give Simon the edge, but both players moved extremely well.

As always though, Simon seemed to be able to get to everything, extending the rallies until Mark was stretched just that bit too far, and managing to avoid any of those hugely entertaining but physically draining monster rallies that we have seen him get sucked into in the past.

After the match Simon was difficult to interview with a Swedish Fish (old-style American Candy) in his mouth courtesy of Alex Gough! "I knew that I was in for a very competitive match. Mark played steadily, and kept relaxed even when I was ahead. "I'm pleased to have kept the match to three games, as two years ago I faced Mark in this same competition and had a very hard time winning."   Simon Parke

Jenson overcomes
Jet Lag

In a quick match, Australia's Dan Jenson overcame Patrick Bedore fairly easily. Jenson was noticeably sluggish (suffering from jet lag and his recent week of playing doubles) but was able to stay on top of the
Canadian.

In the second game, Bedore found some additional confidence, and stretched Jenson out, but the more experienced Australian was able to reassert himself in the third and go on to a victory.

Lincou's Left Luggage   While qualifying continues at the Windy City Open, the big guns are arriving in town. Some with luggage. Some without, reports Kim Tunney. Thierry Lincou, World Number One for the entire year of 2005, arrived in Chicago yesterday ‘sans bagage’, lost somewhere between connecting flights on the Continent and the Great Lakes. Missing baggage, just one of the many difficulties pros endure on the tour, seems to happen with more frequency now ...

Chaloner wins English Clash

In a very even game, Mark Chaloner played the steadier and more error free squash to emerge victorious over compatriot Daryl Selby.

Selby was repeatedly upset by referee's calls that he disagreed with, but didn't let it affect his game.

"I felt comfortable on court, and I'm obviously pleased with my first competitive win of 2006 ..."   Mark Chaloner

Double Quick for Golan

The pundits had this down as a long close match, but it wasn't to be. Golan dominated from the start.

He was just too aggressive and too quick for Lavigne, who is no slouch himself in moving around the court and getting to everything.

"I came into the match planning to just play to a good length and avoid mistakes. I executed the plan well and it worked. "I feel that it may have helped me that I just played on the glass court in Toronto, and so was quickly at home here."   Borja Golan

Kenny Squeezes Through

The final match of the day was fast paced and very hard fought, with qualifying top seed Liam Kenny coming up with the key points against Laurent Elriani.

This probably contributed to the high degree of contact between the players, the large number of lets and disputed referee calls.