David Palmer, John Rooney Into PST Cleveland Championship Match
from Tour Media
November 19, 2011 - John Rooney looked destined for a fourth consecutive loss to reigning PST Champion Bradley Ball. In game 1, Ball jumped out to a 6-0 lead and then 9-1. Rooney was walking around the court shaking his head and talking to himself to try and find a winning rally. Ball, however, never let up or looked comfortable as he cruised to an 11-2 opening frame win.
Rooney turned the tables in game 2 and jumped out to his own 7-0 and 9-1 leads and cruised to an 11-5 win. Ball was clearly frustrated on court and used each of his three challenges to the referee's call without one being overturned.
Game three was very spirited. Ball seemed to have forgotten that he had no challenges remaining and continued to lobby for decisions. Rooney also appeared frustrated, but only at himself. Play was deadlocked at 6-6 when Ball found some rhythm and moved ahead to 10-7 and closed out the game 11-8.
Rooney recovered in game four and was able to avoid unforced errors that plagued him earlier in the match. Ball continued to look more and more frustrated and received a conduct warning for salty language. Rooney now looked comfortable and was using increasing numbers of lobs and drops to counter Ball's power. It worked as Ball was unable to set up winning opportunities like he so often does. Game 4 to Rooney 11-7.
Game 5 was a constant battle between two of PST's best. Rooney continued to lob and drop. And although Ball never looked right in game 5, he kept finding a win to stay in the game. Rooney lost two match balls at 10-8 and it again looked like Ball would beat Rooney for the fourth time. However, Rooney managed to construct two fine rallies and closed out the match with a 12-10 victory in game 5.
In post game remarks, Ball said "I made a critical mistake using up my challenges early in the match and it caused me to be tense and tentative. Any time I get on court with John [Rooney], it's a tough match. All credit to him."
The young Egyptian gave Palmer a handful today as he faced Mohamed El Sherbini for the first time ever. Palmer, ever the solid veteran, looked strong throughout the afternoon match. However, Sherbini was able to hold close to the two-time PSA World Open Champion. Sherbini, in fact, held three game balls in game four but was unable to take advantage of the 10-7 lead to force a game 5. Palmer, who has a well-know history of coming back when his opponent is at game or match ball, won the final five rallies and the match.
Palmer teased PST Commissioner Joe McManus in his post-game interview saying, "Joe, you told me he was 'ok' on the court. He is far better than ok. I wasn't quite expecting such a challenge from him. It was a great match, and I enjoyed being on court with Mohamed."
The Cleveland Classic is being hosted by the Cleveland Skating Club, one of Cleveland's great jewels. Head squash pro Ray Lindsay is overseeing the event, which is featuring the PST debut of David Palmer, who left the PSA last week to join the Pro Squash Tour.
Semi-Finals:
John Rooney (Ireland) beats Bradley Ball (England) 2-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-7, 12-10
David Palmer (Australia) beats Mohamed El Sherbini (Egypt) 11-7, 8-11, 11-4, 12-10
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