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Malcolm Willstrop
reports
from Doha |
Malcolm Acclaimed
Malcolm has been inducted into
the Sports Coach UK Hall of Fame, in a glittering
ceremony in London (in his absence) ...
Full Story
 |
 “It
is magic for me to win the world championship for myself
and for France for the first time. I am very happy!” |
 “Matches
like this hinge on small margins. I played well, Thierry
played well and perhaps he just played the crucial points
better than me. I am disappointed no to have won, but not
wqith my performance.” |
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| Wed
3rd, Day SIX, the FINALS: |
Men's
World Final
[2] Thierry Lincou (Fra) bt [1] Lee
Beachill (Eng)
5/11, 11/2, 2/11, 11/10(2-0), 11/8 (84m)
 Lee
Beachill and Thierry Lincou appropriately fought out the
World Final, since they are ranked 1 and 2. The Englishman had
looked in the better form during the tournament and Lincou had only
just survived in the semi-final against Graham Ryding. So it was no
surprise when Beachill began well and won the first game thanks to
some unforced errors from the Frenchman.
The second game was odd, as Beachill didn’t settle and Lincou
continued to attack more than seemed prudent, romping away to win it
11/2. Beachill got back on course immediately in the third and again
induced errors from Lincou, as well as adding his own finishing
touches.
The match hadn’t really engaged at this point, which was strange
considering the two players concerned, but the fourth was combative
and exciting. Beachill served for the match at 10/9, but Lincou’s
nerve looked stronger than in the semi-final and he not only saved
it but edged the tie-break to level the scores at two-all.
It was anybody’s guess now who would be the next World Champion and
every raslly was fought for as the world’s leading players vied for
supremacy. Lincou served for the match at 10/7; Beachill saved it,
but tinned a backhand to give the title to the Frenchman.
It was 84 minutes of world class squash with the last two games as
tense as anyone could wish for, even for the neutrals.
Lincou is a deserving champion, having failed narrowly last time,
and Beachill on his showing in Qatar would have been no less so.
It was a fitting end to a World Championships, hosted by
professional squash’s greatest supporters Qatar.
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Thu 2nd, Day FIVE: |
Malcolm Acclaimed
Malcolm has been inducted into
the Sports Coach UK Hall of Fame, in a glittering
ceremony in London (in his absence) ...
Full Story
|
|
Lincou by a whisker
 There
was plenty of tension in the first men’s semi-final and though the
Thierry Lincou – Graham Ryding match didn’t engage in the
same way as the Beachill – Palmer confrontation, the deciding game
was incredibly fraught.
The Canadian had played the glass court well all week and with wins
over Nick Matthew and Peter Nicol, there was no way he could be
short on confidence.
Aided by a series of tins he won the first to six, but as the
dependable world no 2 took the next two 11/3, 11/4, things seemed
back to normal. But Ryding was having none of it and he took a 7-5
lead before levelling the scores 11/9.
Lincou led 3-1 in the fifth, took a bang on the head which bled and
left the court to put matters right – an ill-timed stoppage, since
it was soon 3-all. Ryding continued to attack as he had throughout
the match and reached ten first, before a nervous and now quite
negative Lincou managed to force a tie-break, mainly because of
Ryding’s errors.
The Frenchman won the tie-break 2-0, much relieved, and he will need
to perform better in the final if he is to beat Beachill, who had
played the championship immaculately so far.
He may, however, profit from having got out of jail, since he came
perilously close to exiting.
|
 Rachael
wins the
Sister Showdown
It must be a source of familial
pride that the Grinhams had two girls in the semi-finals. Rachael
is the dominant player at present in the world, but after seven
minutes of the first game the score was one-all. Rachael went to 4-1
and won the game 9/5 after 16 minutes.
Errors, some forced, but mostly unforced, led to Natalie
going quickly from 4-3 down to 9-3 in the second game. The pattern
of the match continued in the same way: well-contested to the point
where Natalie made the error.
Rachael always looked in overall control and certainly always the
calmer of the two, though maybe composure comes with winning.
Natalie always looked the more volatile, the more tense, though
whether she is perhaps only Tommy Berden knows.
Anyway, the world no 1 proceeded to the final without undue alarm. |
Cruel
for Cassie
The second women’s semi-final was one to look forward to, but
unfortunately ended in injury, with Cassie Jackman having to
retire at 2-1 dwon with a breathing problem, the second retirement
in a row in Doha to Vanessa Atkinson.
 Although
Jackman was clearly in some difficulty, the the match was very
competitive, with well-sustained rallies punctuated with telling
volleys, predominantly from the English girl. She edged the first
game 10/9 and lost the second to the same score. Although Atkinson
had gone 6/1 up, Jackman levelled at 8-all and had chances to go 2-0
up.
Even though Jackman led 6-2 in the third, she was clearly troubled
and Atkinson recovered to win the game 9/6. Jackman had taken a
3-minute injury break after the second, but she was in considerable
discomfort and reluctantly had to concede.
It was a shame, since the match had much to offer and had already
produced some fine squash. So, Atkinson v Grinham is the Qatar
Classic final. |
Beachill Bursts into World Final
 The
first men’s semi-final was a repeat of the outstanding match at the
recent British Open, Lee Beachill against David Palmer.
The world no 1 began in great style, playing with ease of movement
and studied accuracy. Nothing was that easy, but Beachill won the
first in 21 minutes 11/8, and playing brilliantly he added the
second 11/6.
Palmer takes some knocking over and he came back strongly,
disturbing Beachill’s rhythm and powering in some fine winners.
After 50 minutes of fascinating play Palmer was back in the game,
albeit 2-1 down.
 The
fourth was of an incredibly high standard. Beachill led 7-5, but it
was Palmer who crucially reached 10-8. The tie-break is always in
the players’ minds and Beachill, backing determination with skill,
levelled up and then was the first to match ball. He took the match
with a winner into the forehand corner, hotly disputed by the
Australian, but confirmed good by both marker Jack Allen and referee
Roy Gingell.
Palmer was loath to leave the court, but there was no going back and
Beachill was in his first world final, and on balance of play,
deservedly.
It had been another fine match, greatly appreciated by the crowd.
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Semi-Finals to
Savour
Preview of the semi-finals ...
Thierry Lincou took the last semi-final place when he beat
Anthony Ricketts 3/2. The Frenchman, who is improving as his status
increases, played with easy control to go 2-0 up, without in any way
looking under threat. Up in the third, everything looked routine,
even against Ricketts, but suddenly it was seven-all and then 2-1.
Ricketts continued the recovery to level at two-all, but Lincou
reasserted, as often happens, to win decisively in the fifth.
He will face Graham Ryding, who attacked well in victory
against Peter Nicol. Even so it is hard to go against Lincou, who is
so consistent, in today’s semi-final.
Lee Beachill impressed against James Willstrop and he will
play a repeat of his recent British Open semi-final against David
Palmer. That was a monumental match, which Palmer won narrowly.
The Palmer/Shabana match was uneven, and if Beachill produces
yesterday’s form he will take some beating. It would be a match
which would benefit from Jack Allen’s handling, though I don’t know
who has been appointed. |
Sisters head
to head
The women’s lineup is sisters head-to-head, Rachael and Natalie
Grinham. Apart from the ranking, which indicates Rachael’s
superiority, she looks the calmer and more composes proposition
here.
The second semi-final is between Cassie Jackman, who retains
her form well, and Vanessa Atkinson, who has arrived at this
stage without much ado. She will certainly be fresh, but sometimes
too easy a passage does not work. It should be an interesting and
watchable match. |
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NEW:
EN BREF from Doha:
Malcolm takes time out ... |
|
Malcolm Willstrop reports from Doha |
Quote of the Day:
Alex Gough to Graham Ryding after a few
collisions:
"Considering we are little people, we seem to be getting
in each other's way a lot!"
 |
Second session report
will be available later ...
|
Wed
1st, Day FOUR:
Beachill at his Best
The England, Yorkshire and Pontefract meeting between top-seeded
Lee Beachill and James Willstrop was a quality match with
Beachill at his best. They seem to meet regularly these days - semis
of the English Open, last 16 of the British, both 3/1 to Beachill,
but quality matches. Today, whatever the younger player threw at
him, Beachill returned with controlled interest.
The score didn't flatter Willstrop's efforts and he could have won
the third, but Beachill's injury is clearly behind him and he will
take some beating on this form.
 |
One dream dies ...
 The match of the first half was champion
Amr Shabana against former
champion David Palmer. Shabana began very sharply with Palmer not
settled, and he took a deserved 116, 11.9 lead. However a weak third
game by the Egyptian which Palmer won 11/2 gave the Australian
incentive and he won a more competitive fourth 11/8 to level up.
The fifth, after the unevenness of the first four, had everything.
Palmer was now playing with more control, Shabana was sustaining his
attack again. At 10-0 to Palmer, Shabana was injured after a fall,
took a break and then ended a brilliant rally with a superb forehand
volley to earn a tie-break.
It was Palmer though who won the tie-break 2-0 and Shabana's dream
of retaining his title vanished. Palmer's dream lives on, as he
attempts to add another world title to his 2002 victory. On today's
evidence Beachill will have a major say. |
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Rachael vanquishes Vicky
F irst
match on quarter-finals day featured the world's no 1 women player
Rachael Grinham and the improving Vicky Botwright.
Botwright impressed yesterday, and doesn't mind playing the world no
1, but the English girl began slowly and lost the first game 9/0.
But in the second she began to find the rhythm that helped her
beat Linda Elriani.
Grinham though, compact, quick and playing with
variety, still won the game and led 4-2 in the third before
Botwright had her best part of the match. Moving quickly, volleying
well, especially on the forehand, she put her game together to win
the third convincingly 9/4.
Grinham, however, is composed and concentrated and she took control
again in the fourth ant took it comfortably 9/2. She looks well on
course and Botwright is definitely shaping as if she will soon
become a serious challenger at the highest levels. |
Nervous Natalie pulls through
Natalie Ginham seemed quite anxious about the challenge of
Nicol David even when she won the first 9/6, but after the young
Malaysian won the second by the same score she was unable to sustain
her game, losing the third in disappointing fashion 9/0. Grinham
went on to win 3/1, David delivering less than promised. She shows a
lot of promise though, plays honestly, and it is to be hoped she
really breaks into the top levels of the game. |
Round Two Wrapup
The final pair of men's matches on day three saw Anthony Ricketts
beat Olli Tuominen 3/2 to continue his climb back towards
the top. Tuominen has been playing well recently and brushed John
White aside 3/0 in the first round.
For much of the match he looked as if he might cause another upset,
but in the end it was the Australian who proved the stronger to set
up a quarter-final with Thierry Lincou. The world number two
had held off the challenge of his younger countryman Gregory
Gaultier 3/1, admitting to feeling tense at times. They have
played the final of their National Championships more than once, but
this was their first PSA meeting, which added to the occasion.
Ricketts v Lincou will be physical without a doubt and it remains to
be seen if Ricketts can cope with Lincou's accuracy.
PREDICTION:
I'll go with Palmer, Nicol and Lincou, and defer on the
Beachill/Willstrop match!
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| Tue 30th, Day THREE: |
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Beachill in the groove
World no 1 Lee Beachill was first on the glass court against
Joe Kneipp, a player who has caused him trouble, hardly surprising
in view of the Australian's racket skills. The pair of them make
easy viewing, though some of Kneipp's rantings at referees are less
pleasant. Anyway taking on Jack Allen is not a good idea and though
my hearing is still intact, if little else, I cannot always
understand what he is saying.
Beachill won a well-contested first 4-2 on a tie-break and then took
the second and third with gathering impetus, showing no signs of the
injury that has troubled him of late.
He has a last eight rendezvous with close friend (not that close!)
James Willstrop. Despite not wanting to play his clubmate he was
certainly willing him on to win against Karim Darwish. |
Palmer confident
 Adrian
Grant made little impression on David Palmer, looking
increasingly confident these days, and Graham Ryding, after
his close call with Nick Matthew, ended veteran Alex Gough's run
with a comfortable 3/0 victory.
In the all-Egyptian clash the reigning world champion Amr Shabana
had the gifted Mohammed Abbas, who invariably promises more than he
delivers at this elevated level.
Shabana won the first two 11/7, 11/5, dropped the third, but quickly
re-established himself in the fourth to win 3/1. He is currently a
good advert for impending marriage. Long may it last! |
Willstrop wins ex-junior clash
Karim Darwish won the World Junior Title in Milan in 2000 and
James Willstrop followed him in Chennai in 2002. Theirs was a
much anticipated encounter, especially as their matches have
invariably been close. Darwish began like the proverbial house on
fire and was 9-0 with a series of bewildering shots. But Willstrop
weathered the storm and came back to 9-5 before Darwish clinched the
game.
The young Yorkshireman held his game together from then on, took the
second easily and then led 2-1. A four-love lead in the fourth was
eroded, but he is pretty tough nowadays when he needs to be and he
pulled away again, playing with control to win the match 11/9. |
Nicol resiliant as ever
 But
the performance of the day came from the great Peter Nicol
who, after a season of hiccups, beat his in-form rival Jonathon
Power, fresh from a narrow defeat in the Canadian Classic final,
3/1. Nicol has always shown immense resilience and this would rank
as one of his best achievements in that respect. Power had wiped him
out in Toronto, but after leading 1-0, he could not deal with
Nicol's movement and persistence. In the first round match with
Hafiz, Nicol had hinted at things to come and here the hint became a
reality as he won the next two games well and rounded off the fourth
11/4.
He was understandably elated, as were his England teammates for him. |
THE
FRENCH BATTLE
In the final match of the day Thierry Lincou won, as
expected, aganst fellow Frenchman Gregory Gaultier and now plays
Anthony Ricketts, who beat yesterday's giantkiller Olli Tuominen in
five. |
 Jackman
on form
With Jenny Tranfield unable to play because of the injury sustained
in yesterday's win over Carla Khan, top seeded Rachael Grinham
received a walkover and the first match on Centre Court was between
Cassie Jackman and Annelize Naude, who had put out 10th
seeded Omneya Abdel Kawy 3/1 last night. If Naude had any thoughts
of a greater surprise they were quickly dispelled, as Jackman kept
her deep in the court and gave her no chance. The world no 2 won
with ease and had a comfortable work out for what lies ahead. |
England youngsters impress
Most impressive was the performance of Vicky Botwright in
beating sixth seed Linda Elriani 3/0. The Lancashire lass's mobility
is well known, but she played some delightful squash, attacking
variously, if on accasions at inopportune times.
 However, playing
calmly, she was always in a position to succeed, especially after
winning the second from well behind.
She will be delighted with not just the win, but the manner of the
performance and looks equipped to go on to better things on this
ecidence.
Emphasising
that the old order, in England at least, is being seriously
challenged, Jenny Duncalf, much calmer than yesterday, beat
Fiona Geaves a comfortable 3/0.Another quality youngster, Nicol David,
advanced with a 3/2 win over Irish no 1 Madeline Perry. Having been
2/1 down the personable young Malaysian levelled after a tight
fourth and ran away with the fifth, as Perry had trouble with her
heel. |
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Natalie Grinham beat Shelley Kitchen easily and Vanessa
Atlinson did likewise with Isabelle Stoehr, but Natalie Grainger,
not looking fully wound up physically, was sore pressed by Rebecca
Macree, for whom decisions are an integral part of the game. The
American edged home in the fifth, but the signs are that she will
struggle against Atkinson.
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Not a bad day for
England: Beachill, Nicol and Willstrop all played well, as did
Jackman, Botwright and Duncalf in a nice blend of youth and
experience. David Pearson looked well pleased with events. |
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| Mon 29th, Day TWO: |
Welcome
back Jack ...
 It
is good to have Jack Allen refereeing in Doha - he has
been notable by his absence at recent events. He restores a
top standard of decision-making, firmness of purpose and
discipline, from which the sport can only benefit. |
Quote of the Day
Jenny Tranfield to referee Wendy Danzey, as she strove
to cope with Carla Khan's awkward movement:
"Wendy, please
protect me!"
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Palmer finishes off
David Palmer ended the Sunday 1st round men's matches with a
37-minute defeat of Tommy Berden 3/0, Berden doing his best,
but not helped by having had two five set qualifying matches. Palmer
will now play Adrian Grant, who had disposed of Renan Lavigne easily
enough.
Women under way
Play began in the WISPA Qatar Classic at noon with Rebecca Macree
beating Tamsyn Leevey of New Zealand 3/1. Although Leevey
lost she impressed with the quality of her squash and her excellent,
unfussy, demeanour. She looked as if she might improve her physical
conditioning and if she does, she will be very formidable.
Meanwhile Jenny Tranfield was trying to deal with the
movement of Carla Khan (Pakistan), who moves off the ball
very badly. Referee Wendy Danzey dealt with it all very fairly and
properly and despite a heave collision on match ball which
necessitated a long break, Tranfield was able to resume and win the
match 3/0.
Action began on the Centre Court at one o'clock with the world's
leading woman Rachael Grinham against England's Laura
Lengthorn, who offered what resistance she could without
threatening at all, as the top seed coasted into the second round.
Grinham's all-court game looked suited to the Championship Court.
Cassie Jackman followed Grinham
on the Centre Court and brushed aside the challenge of Australian
Amelia Pittock with ease, 3/0.
Ryding Masters Matthew
 The
first men's match of the day on the Championship Court saw England's
Nick Matthew against Canada's Graham Ryding, an
intriguing prospect. Matthew has had back problems, but began
sharply, leading 5/1 and 10/4 before winning the first 11/6.
He began well agan in the second, leading 4/1, but it was Ryding who
fought back strongly to level matters. Following the pattern and
reasserting himself with positive play Matthew soon led 6/1 and 9/5
in the third before winning the game 11/7. Although the Englishman
called the tune marginally in the fourth, Ryding ended the game well
to level the scores.
At five-all in the decider it was anybody's match, but the Canadian,
whose calmer disposition stood him in good stead, drew away in the
later stages to win 11/6.
Another Upset for Olli
Upsets are guaranteed on the PSA tour these days, and John White,
who has enjoyed success in Doha went down 3/0 to Olli Tuominen,
whose form has been very much on the up in recent times. The outside
courts probably aren't ideal for White, but he finished tamely and
the Finn would have won wherever the match had been played.
He now faces Anthony Ricketts, whose recovery from injury is
gathering momentum with a comfortable win over Ong Beng Hee.
Nicol v Power again
Peter Nicol looked sharp and incisive against the talented
Egyptian, Mohammed Essam A Hafiz, and he is sure to make a
better showing against in-form Jonathon Power than he did in
Toronto. The pair meet tomorrow in the last sixteen - almost
unthinkable! Power beat Dan Jenson in an attractive match to
move into the second round.
Another major player, Thierry Lincou, proceeded without fuss beating
Bradley Ball and he will meet fellow countryman Gregory Gaultier who
survived by the skin of his teeth 11-9 in the fifth, after Jonathan
Kemp had led 2-1. There is much at stake for both of them, but
Lincou's excellent current form should be enough.
Back to the women
After the conclusion of the
men's matches the women's first round resumed. Tania Bailey,
like Kemp, was on the verge of a major upset when she led Natalie
Grainger 5-2 in the fifth. She didn't get home, but as she
recovers from her problems of the last few years, she will be
heartened by extending Grainger.
Vicky Botwright staved off challenge from Tegwen Malik
in the second game to win the third easily. She now plays Linda
Elriani in a match of some interest.
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| Sun 28th, Day ONE:
First Round Under Way ...
The first eight matches in the
split first round got under way today with Joe Kneipp against
young but experienced qualifier Moh'd Azlan Iskandar and an
all-Egyptian clash between the talented pair Wael El Hindi
and Mohammed Abbas.
 Iskandar
had a fine junior career and looks to be on the right track
recently, but against the in-form Kneipp he made crucial errors at
very much the wrong times.
Kneipp is a skilled racket user and seems to be moving well this
season. He played some fine shots and always looked the winner,
which he was 3-0.
The Egyptian match disappointed. El Hindi had a long five set final
qualifier and maybe that told on him, or perhaps it was the pecking
order imposing itself. In the event it wasn't the contest it
promised to be and Abbas, who has done well in Doha before, ran out
a comfortable winner.
The other two afternoon matches produced two English winners.
Adrian Grant, despite being behind on occasions, disposed of
Renan Lavigne, who ran hard, as he always does, in a 3/0 defeat.
James Willstrop won the other match, beating Rodney
Durbach convincingly 3/0 after a well-contested first game in
which the South African led 7-2.
On to the Glass
After the official opening
ceremony action will commence on the show court when top seeded
birthday boy Lee Beachill will play Italian no 1 Davide
Bianchetti, Amr Shabana will take on Mark Chaloner
and David Palmer faces qualifier Tommy Berden, who
played two five-setters against Ben Garner and Alister Walker to
reach the first round. Hopefully he will have freshened by tonight.
Injuries open up the race
Several leading players have
come to these championships under the shadow of injury: a scan which
showed no further problem for Beachill's leg problem will be an
encouragement to him; David Palmer has had a shoulder injury, and
Nick Matthew's back has been playing up.
Men's PSA squash is open enough these days, so add injuries to the
mix and anything might happen.
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Something
to prove ...
Several of the main players have something to prove, Power and
Ricketts seem to be going well and Ong Beng Hee found some
form in Pakistan. There are
certainly some interesting matches.
End of the road
for Omar ...
The popular Egyptian Omar Elborolossy is apparently retiring
after this World Championship. Gentlemanly and well liked, he will
be missed on the tournament scene and everyone wishes him well.
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