Day 5 - Sunday 8th June
Five days of tremendous Squash and it's all leading up to this day - Finals Day, where the coveted British Open titles are won, and lost.
Women's Over 65. Eight-time British Open Champion Jill Campion (Wales) was looking for another but in her way was National Champion Lesley Sturgess (DYS). Both players showed great athleticism and skill and there was little to choose between them. But Sturgess, looking for her first British Open after a number of finals, found the vital shots. A great win for her.
Women's Over 60. New in the group three time Champion Rose Bamber (AVN) was the player to beat. In the final was a ten time British Open winner in Many Akin (KNT). A very high quality match but Bamber was just the stronger and triumphed in three hard games.
Women's Over 55. Sarah Percy (YKS) had removed the top seed Scotland's Donna Cruikshank and now faced second seed Jillian Lilico (HFD). Lilico produced a wonderfully controlled game and just kept ahead of her opponent. A first major title for the woman from Hertfordshire.
Women's Over 50. An eagerly awaited contest with World Champion Karen Meakins of Barbados chasing a second British Open while England No. 1 Rachel Calver (LEC) already had two. The match had some lovely squash and was very close as you would expect from two class players. 11/9. 12/10. 12/10. and the title to Barbados.
Women's Over 45. Catherine Ruffle (KNT)has been the eminent player in the group and has won the British Open and National titles. She has had the better of Kate Bradshaw, but for this final Bradshaw was playing at a level we had not seen before. Some fantastic squash from both women, but Bradshaw edged home by the slightest of margins. 11/9. 11/9. in the fourth and fifth games! A first British Open for her.
Women's Over 40. Played in a Round Robin format the top two players arrived in the final match unbeaten. The top seed Selina Harper (CBA) already has two British Open titles but Emmeline Gale (SRY) is the current National Champion. Two very good players and they had some great rallies that showed the athleticism of both women, but Gale got the better of the big rallies and took the title in three competitive games.
Women's Over 35. Leonie Holt (WKS) was the defending champion here but England team mate Kirsty West (CHS) was on a high having not only progressed to the final but been nominated at Newcomer of the Year in the ESM Awards. In a superb final that really showed the high level of the Women's game, Holt survived losing a 13/11 third game to go 2/1 down but took the next two for a five game win.
Men's Over 80. A small group of the game's 'Elder Statesmen' played in a round robin Group and the final saw the best two players, former Open and World Champion Chris Ansell (BRK) take on National Champion Allan Whitttow (BUX). Whittow took the first, but Ansell has a renowned touch and shot-making and recovered to reel off the next three with growing confidence. A third British Open Masters.
Men's Over 75. In a repeat of the National Final which he won, Ian Graham (SSX) took on World Masters Champion Larry Grover (HPH). In a very tactical match both players had successes, but it was Graham's mobility that probably gave him the edge as he took a second Open in a very close four games full of intelligent stroke play from both men.
Men's Over 70. In an all Irish final Kyran Hurley the European Masters Champion took on Peter Stephen, a strong left hander who had beaten him in European events twice this season. It was all Hurley for two games but Stephens fought hard through the third but Hurley hung on to take it and the title 14/12. A first British Open for him.
Men's Over 65. Upsets galore in this group! Defending Champion Nick Gollaglee (NOR) went out in the first round to Phil Wakefield (YKS) who also beat 3/4 seed Richard Millman (NOR). Wales No. 1 Jon Evans meanwhile removed Louis Suarez of Andorra the second seed, 12/10 in the fifth, then the giant-killer Wakefield 13/11 in the fifth. In the top half Kevin Connors (MDX) came from two down to remove Scotland Champion and 3/4 seed Robin Ridley but was then removed by a very in form James Ockwell (MDX) who the accounted for National Champion and top seed Allen Barwise (CBA). After all the heroics, Evan's body would not sustain him in the final and he had to concede in the second. A first British Open long overdue for the Middlesex man.
Men's Over 60. Another very competitive group with some big names. William Hosey of Ireland is a four time World Masters Champion and favourite here. The talented Jon Foster, the Winchester pro - a former National Champion stood in his way. Unfortunately for him, Jonas Ulvsback of Sweden, the European Masters Champion made him fight back from two games down and he was depleted for the final. And Hosey was too good. A second British Open title for him, twenty years after his last.
Men's Over 55. Another event with good international entries and a quality field. World Masters Champion Predi Fritsche of Germany had to overcome Canada's David Sly to book a place in the final while top seed Gavin Roger-Lund, the defending Champion took five games to overcome National Champion Stephen McLoughlin (HPH). The German star took the first two playing superbly but Roger-Lund edged the third 11/9 and managed to stay ahead from there. A five game win for the title.
Men's Over 50. Irish No. 1 David Ayerst was top seed here and was playing very well. He removed the excellent Belgian Cedric Sadin in one semi final while England No. 1 Paul Boyle (BUX) had to contend with the enigmatic talents of defending Champion Nick Staunton of Ireland. Ayerst has played Boyle a number of times and it's fairly even, but here he was in charge and took the title in three, 14/12 in the third.
Men's Over 45. Three time Champion Matt Holland (HPH) has been the top 45 players for the last three years but new in the group, Tim Richards (KNT) a former National over 40 Champion overcame him in five in the semis. In the other half, a newcomer to the Masters, Jonathan Tate (WKS) the pro at Birmingham University, a powerful player had reached the final. In a terrific match Richard's took the first 13/11 but Tate, to the joy of a noisy balcony of his students, took the next three and the title.
Men's Over 40. Peter Marshall (LDN) is a legendary Squash player and one of the best ever produced by England. A former World No.2 he is older than the 40s group that he first won 9 years ago. He didn't drop a game here and although Paul McDonald (LNH) is a very good player, he could not break through the double handed Marshall. He got closer than anyone, but still 3/0 and a fourth British Open Masters for Marshall.
Men's Over 35. Tim Vail (SSX) the top seed is renowned even among top players as something special. He has, like Marshall, played below his age group and continually confounded younger opponents. He met England Captain Jamie Douglas (NLD) in the final who had been playing superbly. He pushed Vail all the way and the 12/10. 11/9. second and third games tells its own story. A great match and fitting climax to the finals. A third British Open Masters for Vail.
An incredible week of Masters Squash at Solihull Arden Club and West Warwickshire Sports Complex. Thanks were given to the host clubs, to the sponsors Dunlop, the PSA, the referees and the organising committee, especially Event Manager Badger Brock. And of course, to the players, some of whom had travelled a very long way for this iconic tournament.
Day 4 - Saturday 7th June
Semi finals day at the British Open Masters and the players competing for that coveted place in a British Open Final. All to play for and the chance of glory if one reaches the Final so lots of passion and commitment from the players throughout the age range.
Women’s Over 65: Top seed and former World Masters Champion Jill Campion of Wales is the favourite here and she put on a convincing performance to beat Maureen Duke of Ireland in straight games playing her customary focused game. In the final she will meet National Champion Lesley Sturgess (DYS) who came through an incredibly competitive match with Lynne Davies of Wales 11-9 in the fifth and coming from two games to one down.
Women’s Over 60: Rose Bamber (AVN) is the favourite in this draw and showed some great form to contain the very accomplished Rina Einy (MDX), a lovely game of squash but Bamber was always a bit better. In the final she will meet another World Masters Champion in Mandy Akin of Kent who overcame former National Champion Hilary Kenyon in a competitive match that swung one way and then the other. A great final is in store.
Women’s Over 55: An upset in the seedings here as England International Sarah Percy (YKS) got the better of top seed Donna Cruickshank from Scotland. Taking the first 11-9 she capitalised on some errors to take a two game lead. The third was an absolute battle eventually Percy squeezing home 18-16 to book her place in the final. There she will meet Jillian Lilico who had a fantastic tussle with the talented all racket player Izzy Bramhall (NOT) and Lilico came from 2-1 down to square the match and then take the final game 13-11.
Women’s Over 50: World Champion Karen Meakins of Barbados is the star attraction in this group and a series of England Internationals are trying to stop her. Christine McMullen (MSY) gave her a test but Meakins was too strong and after a 12-10 first came through in straight games. In the final she will meet defending champion and England No 1 Rachel Calver who will be looking for her third British Open. She was too strong for England team mate and former National Champion Louisa Dalwood (HFD). 3-0 to Calver.
Women’s Over 45: Top seed and National Champion Catherine Ruffle (KNT) seems to be benefiting from the competition in Carlisle and she is playing sensational squash at present. Caroline Hazlewood (OFE) was given very little opportunity and Ruffle powered her way through to the final in straight games. The other semi final was completely different and Kate Bradshaw (HFD), the No 2 seed, and Natalie Lawrence of Somerset played a superb match that was very close and Lawrence went 2-0 up but could not maintain the pace and Bradshaw came back to win in five.
Women’s Over 40: Emmeline Gale (SRY), the No 2 seed, played two matches today and scored a very good four game win over Margaux Pitarch Moros (LDN) winning 11-9 in the fourth. Top seed Selina Harper (CBA) had a solid win over Gemma Barber (DOR) and then Harper also played Moros again with a close first game but then 3-0 to the top seed. Emmeline Gale then took on Gemma Barber and a close 12-10 first game went to the No 2 seed but she proved too strong after that and ran out a 3-0 winner. The final will see Harper against Gale and it should be a very good match.
Women’s Over 35: Defending champion Leonie Holt (WKS) is in awesome form this week and she produced another fine display to get through against a very fine player in Keeley Peacock (ESX). After taking the first, the second was close all the way through but when Holt took it 11-9 the writing was on the wall. 3-0 to Holt. The seedings went to form in the other semi final as Kirsty West (CHS), the No 2 seed, proved to have too much variety in her game for Michelle Knight (OFE) and was never seriously threatened although there were some fine rallies West seemed to come out on top more often than not. A 3-0 to West and a great final in prospect tomorrow.
Men’s Over 80: Another former World Masters Champion is Chris Ansell (BRK) who has just arrived in the Over 80s and is favourite here. He was too accomplished for Ken Reid of Scotland winning 3-0. The other match today saw National Champion Allan Whittow (BUX) outlast Leo Kingston (LNH) in five games with some excellent rallies and shot making from both men. The final match will be Ansell v Whittow and should be a good one.
Men’s Over 75: National Champion Ian Graham (SSX) is carrying all before him at the moment and against Wales No 1 Jon Phillips he weathered the storm and took the vital third game 11-9 for a 2-1 lead before running away with the fourth. His final opponent will be the World Masters Champion Larry Grover (HPH) who is making a habit of beating Barry Featherstone (HPH) in long and very tight matches. This one went to Grover 12-10 in the fourth but it was furiously contested all the way through.
Men’s Over 70: Two excellent semi finals as befits the British Open and Kyran Hurley, the Ireland No 1, managed to just keep ahead of John Hithersay (NHM) but from one all it could have gone either way but Hurley found the shots to clinch the third and fourth. Fellow Irish International Peter Stephens also had his hands full and had to come from 2-1 down against Phil Monaghan of Wales to edge through in five games. It should be a very even final.
Men’s Over 65: James Ockwell (MDX) has been a revelation in this event. Always a fine player but he has obviously worked hard and is in superb form smashing all before him. Allen Barwise (CBA) has been the top player in the age group with a hattrick of National titles but he had no answer to Ockwell’s smooth movement and incisive shots. 3-0. He will meet in the final Jon Evans of Wales, a former National Champion, who ended the remarkable run of Phil Wakefield (YKS). Wakefield was 2-0 up but lost the next two before having a match ball in the fifth at 11-10 but Evans called on all his experience to clinch the fifth 13-11.
Men’s Over 60: Three time World Masters Champion William Hosey of Ireland is the top seed and favourite here but had his work cut out for him to get past Andrew Eilfield, the England Captain. Eventually it came down to a nail biting fourth game but Hosey kept his nerve and got through 14-12 for the win. In the final he will meet second seed Jon Foster (HPH) who had a terrific battle with former European Champion Jonas Ulvsback of Sweden who went 2-0 up before Foster found his way and his range to reel off the next three games in a match with many referee’s decisions.
Men’s Over 55: The defending champion from 2024, Gavin Roger-Lund, was up against the 2023 British Open Champion in Steve McLoughlin (HPH). They shared the first two games and when the Hampshire man saved three game balls to win the third 13-11 it seemed the impetus was with him but Roger-Lund is a very calm performer and reeled back the next two games to win in five. In the final he will meet Predi Fritsche of Germany, the current World Masters Champion. He was able to get on top of David Sly of Canada winning the first two games before Sly struck back to take the third 14-12 but Predi’s big match experience showed through as he steadied himself and took the fourth to book his place in the final.
Men’s Over 50: Ireland No 1 David Ayerst is top seed here but found himself 1-0 down against the mercurial skills of Cedric Sadin of Belgium. Ayerst is a seasoned performer though and managed to stay ahead in the next three to book his final place in four close games. In the final he will meet an old adversary in Paul Boyle (BUX), the England No 1, who coped with the talented Nick Staunton of Ireland, the defending champion, and after losing the first 12-10 took control of the match to take the next three.
Men’s Over 45: Top seed Matt Holland (HPH) has won the last three British Open Masters Over 45s and has a superb record but newcomer Tim Richards (KNT) is new in the group and had other ideas. In a game that saw both players at full stretch all over the court Richards just found the edge and prevailed 11-6 in the fifth in 50 minutes. In the final he will meet Jonathan Tate (WKS) who ended the run of Wiltshire star Adam Giles who had removed the No 2 Armin Hameed of Germany in the last round. In a match full of powerful hitting Tate just had the edge finishing the stronger and taking the third 11-9. 3-0 in 36 minutes.
Men’s Over 40: Peter Marshall is a true legend of the game and the former World No 2 is still playing sensational squash. He first won the British Masters Open Over 40 event in 2016 and has won it three times in total. Pasquale Ruzicka of Germany is a fine player with a great range of shots and is very mobile but Marshall is at a different level and gave him nothing. 3-0 to the double hander. In the final he will play Paul McDonald (LNH) who played his customary powerful game and crafted an excellent win. After dropping the first game he started to dominate the rallies and in spite of a wholehearted effort from Jason Varrie (OFE) it was a four game win for the Lancashire man. It will be interesting to see how he copes with Marshall tomorrow.
Men’s Over 35: Tim Vail (SSX) has been an exceptional player for many years and first won a British Open Masters Over 35 title in 2018. With a wonderful range of shots and reading the game superbly he controls the pace and energy of younger opponents. David Allman (AVN) is very fast and fit but Vail prevailed in three hard contested games finding the right shots and some nicks to turn the tide in his favour. His final opponent will be Jamie Douglas (NLD), the England Captain, who played very well to contain the very talented Warwickshire champion Chris Hall who came into the event with a fitness issue but Douglas performed superbly well to pressure his opponent into errors and was 2-1 up when Hall had to retire from the match. Douglas will have a different kind of game tomorrow in what should be a superb final.
So the finalists are decided after days of incredible squash and we have reached the finals for the iconic and coveted British Open titles. Play will start on Sunday at 10.00am at Solihull Arden SC and as always spectators are welcome to watch some wonderful age group squash.
Day 3 - Friday 6th JuneDay 3 and the heat rises at Solihull Arden for Dunlop British Open Masters. All the seeds are in action and the going is getting tougher. Some great Masters Squash from the Men and Women in all the age groups competing for a place in the semi finals.
Women’s Over 65: Maureen Duke of Ireland had another great battle with Wendy Norris of Wales and in a match when there was never more than a couple of points between them, won 15-13. She will now meet former World Champion, Jill Campion of Wales. There was another five game match as National Champion Lesley Sturgess (DYS) came through against Sian Johnson of Wales. She will now play Lynne Davies of Wales, the number 2 seed.
Women’s Over 60: Top seed Rose Bamber (AVN) has only qualified for this age group this week and looked in superb form against Polly Woodward (CHS) winning in three games. In the semi final she will meet Rina Einy of Middlesex and formerly Belgium who was too good for Tamsin Bennett (SRY) the National finalist. In the other half, Hilary Kenyon (CHS) continued her good form in a straight games win over Jackie Gregory (ESX). In the semi final she will meet former World Champion Mandy Akin (KNT) who was too experienced for Julie-Anne Pegram (SFK).
Women’s Over 55: Donna Cruickshank of Scotland is the favorite here and calmly removed Sue Smith (DYS) in straight sets to set up a semi final with Sarah Percy (YKS) who did the same to Wendy Hiscox (LDN). In the other half Izzy Bramhall (NOT) got past Alison Goy, also of Nottinghamshire, but with two of the games going to 12-10 it could have been a different result. Bramhall will meet Jillian Lilico the number two seed in the semi final who quickly removed Deborah Rogers (DYS) in straight sets.
Women’s Over 50: Karen Meakins of Barbados is the outstanding player in this event and is World Masters Champion. She played a powerful match against former National Champion Linda Pritchard (SPE) winning 3-0. She will face Christine McMullen (CHS) in the semi final after she overwhelmed Libby Montgomery (HFD) in three games. Louisa Dalwood (HFD) took the first two games 12-10, 13-11 against former National Champion Sarah Parr (BRK) and ran out a four game winner to set up a semi final against England No 1 Rachel Calver (LEC) who after two comfortable games dropped the third and got home 12-10 in the fourth.
Women’s Over 45: 2023 Open Champion Catherine Ruffle (KNT) is again favourite here and started off convincingly with a 3-0 win over Ali Hewitt (NHM) to secure her semi final spot. There she will meet Caroline Hazlewood (OFE) who came from 2-1 down in a very competitive match against Natalie Townsend (WKS) to win in five. Natalie Lawrence (SOM) took a very tight two game lead against Kate Fuller (SFD) winning 11-9, 16-14 before clinching the third to get her semi final spot against Kate Bradshaw (HFD) who overcame a determined challenge from Helen Knowles (OFE) before winning in straight games.
Women’s Over 35: Leonie Holt (WKS) is the top seed here and she eased past Francesca Whyte (HPH) to reach the semi final. There she will meet Keeley Peacock (ESX) who had a severe test with Jodie Hodgkins (WMD) with all four games being hotly contested. In the other half of the draw Michelle Knight (OFE) was too good for Carina Miles (DVN) as was Kirsty West (CHS), the number two seed, against Sara Gardner (LEC). They will have a very competitive semi final.
Men’s Over 80: This group of the elder statesmen of squash is being played in a round robin group. Top seed and former British Open Champion Chris Ansell (BRK) got his first match in the Over 80s going with a 3-1 win over Leo Kingston (LNH) having dropped the first game but coming back strongly to win the next three. Meanwhile number two seed National Champion Allan Whittow (BUX) proved to be too mobile for Ken Reid of Scotland winning through in straight games.
Men’s Over 75: Top seed and National Champion Ian Graham (SSX) took no time in establishing himself in the tournament with a straight games win over Scotland’s David Bissett. He will now meet Jon Phillips the Wales number 1 who was too good for Paddy Butler (SSX) winning in four games. World Masters Champion Larry Grover (HPH) was too accomplished for Bryan Francis (MDX) and in spite of a spirited comeback in the second game, Grover went through in four. In the semi final he will meet his opponent in that world final in Barry Featherstone (HPH) who had the edge over Alex Sinclair of Scotland and in spite of some great rallies, Featherstone was always in charge.
Men’s Over 70: Top seed Kyran Hurley (IRL) was too strong for England captain Robert Houldsworth (LNH) winning 3-0 and in the semi final will meet John Hithersay (NHM) who was too lively for John Goodrich (SFK) in his return after injury. In the other half Peter Stephens (IRL) came through against newcomer in the group Rob Ballingall (BUX) in four games and he will meet Phil Monaghan from Wales who got through after defending champion Stuart Hardy retired injured.
Men’s Over 65: Top seed and National Champion Allen Barwise (CBA) reasserted himself after a close match yesterday and overwhelmed Jan Zimdhal of Sweden in straight games. In the semi finals he will meet James Ockwell who was on blistering form to end Kevin Connors run in the event in an all Middlesex clash. In yet another upset former National Champion Jon Evans of Wales held his nerve to edge home against number two seed Lluis Suarez of Andorra, 12-10 in the fifth. In the semi finals he will meet the surprise of the tournament so far Phil Wakefield of Yorkshire who continued his giant killing with a superbly taken four game win over Richard Millman (NOR), 12-14 13-11 12-14 13-15. It doesn’t get closer than that.
Men’s Over 60: Top seed and double World Masters William Hosey of Ireland again showed his class as he beat Simon Spencer (NOT) 3-0 after a close first. In the semi final he will face Andrew Eilfield (HFD) who came through a terrific battle against England team mate Darren Withey (BUX) and from 2-1 down survived a 13-11 fourth before taking the fifth. In the other half Jonas Ulvsback of Sweden showed why he was won the European Masters Individual title by beating Alex Betts (MDX) in five gruelling games. He will now meet the talented Jon Foster (HPH), the Winchester professional and former National Champion, who was always just ahead of John Parkes (WOC).
Men’s Over 55: Gavin Roger-Lund (BUX) was back to his efficient self and gave no quarter to Nick Dyer of Wales progressing in straight games. In the semi final he will meet an old adversary in National champion Stephen McLoughlin (HPH) who was too good for Yawar Abbas (DCL) winning in straight games. In the other half 3/4 seed David Sly of Canada showed his class in a straight games win over England star Sam Hanbury (SSX). He will have an interesting semi final against the accomplished German number 2 seed Predi Fritsche who was just too good for Nigel Rowe of Wiltshire.
Men’s Over 50: Top seed David Ayerst of Ireland had an extremely competitive three game win over England player Joss Hargrave (LEC) as the scoreline 11-9 12-10 11-9. shows. Some great squash from both players. Meanwhile Cedric Sadin of Belgium emerged victorious in an action packed match with another England star, Matthew Stephenson (YKS) winning 3-1. In the other half second seed and England number one Paul Boyle (BUX) eased through against Andy Marsh (SOM) and will face the exquisite talents of Nick Staunton of Ireland who gave some revenge for a Nationals loss to Wayne Beglan of Surrey winning through 3-1 to book his semi final slot.
Men’s Over 45: Matt Holland (HPH) is rightly the top seed and has been the dominant player in the 45s. He continued his run with a beautifully crafted 3-0 win over Allan Walton (WKS) moving smoothly and hitting the right shots. In the semi he will meet a very good player in Tim Richards (KNT), himself a former National Champion and new in this group, who put together a clever match to keep his opponent at bay and run out a straight games winner. A good semi final in prospect. In the other half of the draw there was a major upset as Wiltshire star Adam Giles proved that all his hard work is paying off as he removed an excellent player in Armin Hameed of Germany, the number 2 seed in a match of ferocious hitting and high pace. Giles clinched the third 16-14. He now meets Jonathan Tate (WKS) who had a see-saw match with Paul Wallace (ESX) with Tate winning in five games to clinch his semi final spot.
Men’s Over 40: With his pedigree you don’t expect any less than a superb performance from Peter Marshall (LDN) and against a very good player in Alex Preston (BUX) he produced another sublime performance. 3-0 to Marshall and a place in the semis. His semi final opponent will be Pasquale Ruzicka of Germany who had a very tight match with Dale Diment (AVN) and from one game all got home 11-9, 13-11 in 46 minutes taking the match in four very well contested hard games. Second seed Paul McDonald (LNH) had another top class match against Julian Wollny from Germany with the German volleying everything in range and going 2-1 up before McDonald managed to gain some traction at the front of the court and getting through 11-8, 11-8 for a five game win in 50 minutes. In the semi final he will meet Jason Varrie (OFE) who came through in yet another excellent match beating Ross Kneller (YKS) in four very competitive games including a dive in the fourth that kept him in the rally and won the point. Sensational stuff.
Men’s Over 35: It’s only when you see an excellent player being comprehensively beaten that you realise how good a player really is. Ryan Atherton (LNH) is a very good player but he was dismantled by top seed Tim Vail (SSX) who is on course for a third British Open 35s title in spite of being well over the age group. In the semi he will meet David Allman (AVN) who upset the form in a high octane, high speed match with Gbenga Adeyi (BFD) edging home in each of the three games that took 40 minutes. Sensational athleticism from both players. In the bottom half of the draw second seed Chris Hall (WKS) showed his class against John Welton (AVN) and in spite of wholehearted effort from his opponent eased through in straight games. His semi final opponent will be Jamie Douglas (NLD) who recovered from a very slow start to impose his game on his opponent Oliver Hudson (CHS) and winning through in four.
So a terrific day of squash with wall to wall action and some superb skills, some triumph and heartbreak but the stage is set for some fantastic semi final match ups tomorrow. Spectators are welcome at Solihull Arden SC and West Warwickshire Sports Complex.
Day 2 - Thursday 5th JuneThe second day of the Masters sees the big seeds starting their campaigns and another full day of competitive squash in prospect.
Women’s Over 50: In a superb match former National Champion Linda Pritchard (SPE) scraped home 11-9 in the fifth against Jane Armstrong (WKS) and as a reward meets the formidable No 1 seed Karen Meakins of Barbados. Libby Montgomery (HFD) won 3-0 against Laura Northeast (ESX) and now faces 3/4 seed Chrissie McMullen (CHS) in that quarter. Sarah Parr (BRK) had a close match with Debbie Locke (WKS) winning 3-1 but two of the games she won went into extra time and she will now meet Louisa Dalwood (HFD). England International Kate Smith (YKS) was too good for Sam Mueller (BUX) and as a reward meets her England Captain and No 1 Rachel Calver (LEC).
Men’s Over 75: Dave Bissett of Scotland recovered from a game down to win 3-1 against David Rose (BRK) and earned a shot at top seed and National Champion Ian Graham (SSX). In an upset of the seedings Paddy Butler (SSX) came from 2-1 down against Wales International Stephen Evans to win in five. He will meet Wales No 1 Jon Phillips. World Masters Champion Larry Grover (HPH) eased past John Culverhouse (KNT) and will meet England player Bryan Francis (MDX). Alex Sinclair of Scotland overcame Robert Keilmann of Germany to win the right to play former champion Barry Featherstone, the No 2 seed.
Men’s Over 70: Defending champion Stuart Hardy (WLT) was not very convincing dropping the first game to Geoff Walton (CHS) before asserting himself and winning in four. He will next play Wales International Phil Monaghan who came through against Mike Quartley who could not finish the match due to injury. In an upset against seedings Rob Ballingall (BUX), new in the group, beat Alan Mackenzie (WKS) in three close games and he will now meet Ireland International Peter Stephens who was too strong for Joe Mc Auley (DCL). Top seed Kyran Hurley of Ireland looked in ominously good form as he removed Richard Lowe (WKS) without a fuss.
Men’s Over 65: National Champion Allen Barwise (CBA) had his hands full against the powerful Stephen Edmondson (CBA) and had to recover from 2-1 down to win an attritional five game match to set up a quarter final against Jan Zimdahl of Sweden who used his reach well to overcome the tenacious Alan Thomson of Scotland. James Ockwell (MDX) was in fine form to dispatch to Alan Borrill (LCN) after a very close first game and will now meet county colleague Kevin Connors who shocked Scotland No 1 Robin Ridley, the 3/4 seed, and came back from 2-0 down to win in five. In the bottom half Richard Millman (NOR) proved too clever for David Lalor of Ireland and will now meet Phil Wakefield (YKS) who had removed the defending champion in the first round.
Men’s Over 60: Top seed and double World Champion William Hosey of Ireland had to contend with a very fired up Marvin Rust (HFD) who competed well but lost out. Hosey will meet Simon Spencer (NOT) who had a fine five game win over Marc Aldridge (SRY). Darren Withey (BUX) was too mobile for Steve Calvert (NLD). In the bottom half Alex Betts (MDX) came through against Nigel Bacon (ESX) to set up a much anticipated match with Jonas Ulvsback of Sweden who had a close encounter with New Zealander Tony Griffin with the first two games going into overtime. One of the best matches of the round saw John Parkes (WOC), a former Open Champion, win through in four high quality games against Mark Sealy of Barbados. He will have to play second seed Jon Foster (HPH) who had too much for Paul Clark (WLT).
Men’s Over 55: Defending champion Gavin Roger-Lund (BUX) was out a lot last season but returned to his winning ways here to overcome Courtney Downing (SPE) in straight games and will now meet Wales player Nick Dyer. 2023 champion Steve McLoughlin (HPH) came through his match and will now meet another former champion in Yawar Abbas (DCL) who proved to be too skilful for Rob Vivian (LEC). In the bottom half David Sly of Canada booked his quarter final by beating Dave Weston (BRK) 3-0 after a tight first and now meets England star Sam Hanbury (SSX) who coped with the shot making skills of Steve Dodridge (BRK). Nigel Rowe (WLT) probably had the match of the round and edged past Karl Hardy (CHS) 14-12 in the fifth in an action packed game. His reward is the second seed Predi Fritsche of Germany who looked very good defeating Nick Derbyshire (BRK) in straight games.
Men’s Over 50: The top seed here is David Ayerst, the Irish champion, and he eased through against Julian Beckett (WLT) and will meet an England player in Joss Hargrave (LEC) who came back from 2-1 down against Ashley Sandyford-Sykes (MSY). Matthew Stephenson (YKS) was too good for Mark Steeden (KNT) although he dropped the first game he will now meet Cedric Sadin of Belgium, the 3/4 seed, who outclassed Chris Stanley (DVN). The quixotic Irishman Nick Staunton showed all his skills to take out Atif Siddiqi of Pakistan in straight games. He had an easier time than his opponent Wayne Beglan (SRY) who had a battle royale with England team mate Adam Dominey (IOW) winning 11-9 in the fifth in a brutal match. Andy Marsh (SOM) scored a fine straight games win over Chris Lynam (HFD) to set up a quarter final with second seed, Paul Boyle, national champion, who beat Jason Burgon CBE in 4.
Men’s Over 45: Matt Holland (HPH) has been the dominant player for the last three years collecting British Opens and National titles. He got his campaign under way with a straight games win over Chris Bartley (SRY). In his quarter he will play Alan Walton (WKS) who scored a fine 11-9 in the fifth win over Nick Freer (MDX). Meanwhile there was a bit of an upset as Haroon Rashid (WKS) put out Mick Biggs (MDX), a 5/8 seed, in 4 games. Former National Champion Tim Richards (KNT) put paid to Charlie McCall’s tournament. In the other half, Jonathan Tate progressed at the expense of Paul Johnson (BRK). Adam Giles (WLT) continued his fine form and the new England International reached the quarters against Kristofer Anwar (MDX).
Men’s Over 40: legendary Peter Marshall (LDN), a former World No 2 and one of the greatest players to come out of England, showed his class against Gary Nisbet (HFD) with a straight games demolition. He will have harder work against Alex Preston (BUX), a former Over 35 champion, as he got past Alex Mayle (SRY) in three good games. Pasquale Ruzicka of Germany found a way to nullify the skills of Matt Bolt (NOR) and controlling the game beautifully won in four. He will next meet Dale Diment (AVN) who outplayed Neil Cross (NOR). Jason Varrie (OFE) continued his fine form with a win over Simon Rodwell (BRK) and will meet Ross Kneller (YKS) who beat Stephen Davies (BFD) in 3 straight. Second seed Paul McDonald (LNH) booked his quarter final slot and was 2 up against Tony Webb (SRY) before injury ended Webb’s match. McDonald will meet the powerful German Julian Wollny who took out George Shoulder (IOW) in four.
Men’s Over 35: Tim Vail (SSX) is a two time British Open Masters 35 Champion and top seed here. With some sublime skills he is the man to beat. Matt Walker (DYS) could not find a way to do that and went down 3-0. He will next face Ryan Atherton (LNH) who got home 11/9 in the fifth in a very entertaining match with Stephen Thompson of Wales with both players absolutely flat out. The 3/4 seed in the top half is Gbenga Adeyi (BFD) and he beat Richard Underhill (NOT) 11/9. 12/10. 12/10. Very competitive. The other 3/4 seed is Jamie Douglas (NLD) and he despatched Damian Burgess of Wales. In the bottom half, no.2 seed Chris Hall (WKS) the Solihull & Arden pro is favourite for the final but has some challenges before that.
A fantastic day of Masters Squash and the matches are just getting tougher. Along with a full plate programme the British Open Masters Quarter Finals will all take place tomorrow with some of the very best players in the various age groups competing. Spectators are always welcome at Solihull Arden SC. Play starts at 10.00am.
The Dunlop British Open Masters supported by the PSA started at Solihull Arden Squash Club and the West Warwickshire Sports Complex in the West Midlands. From an initial registration of nearly 300 players, most of the mens groups were in action today and already there has been some fantastic squash and some startling upsets.
So Thursday’s matches will see the higher-seeded players entering the battle and there are some fantastic matches in prospect. Spectators are very welcome at both Solihull Ardern Squash Club and West Warwickshire Sports Complex where some of the events will be played.