Sole Seed Simpson Progresses In Calgary
by Howard Harding
21 January 2012 - England's Chris Simpson, the sole seed in the last eight of the Talisman Energy Bankers Hall Club Pro Am, progressed to the semi-finals of the established PSA World Tour Challenger 10 squash event in Calgary after beating home hope David Letourneau in straight games at Bankers Hall Club.
The defending champion was in fine form and demonstrated once again that his game really can match up against whatever style is thrown his way.
Second seed Simpson defeated Letourneau, a 22-year-old from Calgary playing in his hometown in front of family and friends, 11-7, 11-7, 11-6 in 46 minutes.
The British Channel Islands-born 24-year-old will now meet another Calgarian Andrew Schnell, a straight games winner over his older brother Graeme Dobson Schnell.
"There have been many memorable matches in the history of this tournament as well as many much anticipated matches here too," explained tournament organiser Bob Ballinger. "This was one that was very highly anticipated, due in large part to the fact that the brothers were playing in their hometown as well as that many in the crowd had watched them play numerous local tournaments over the years.
"No doubt the heavy favourite was the younger Schnell but some wondered how he would handle playing not just his brother and great friend, but doing it on such a big stage....the reward to be a berth in the semi finals here.
"The match was much like others with these two - Andrew being able to dictate play most of the time with long rallies and great retrieving by both players. With their father nervously looking on and their mother just too anxious to even come and watch them it was Andrew who secured his spot in the semis," concluded Ballinger after the 11-7, 11-7, 11-1 victory.
England giant-killer Charles Sharpes maintained his fine run in the event. After ousting the top seed on day one, the 19-year-old progressed to overcome fellow countryman Lewis Walters 9-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-8 in 93 minutes.
"That gives Sharpes a total of three hours and seven minutes of court time in his two matches," added Ballinger. "There was never more than a three-point difference at any time between these two before Sharpes was able to string a crucial run from 6-6 in the fourth game to take a 9-6 lead which he rode to 11-8 in the final game."
Sharpes will now face Leo Au, the world No87 from Hong Kong who beat Australian Scott Arnold 9-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-5.
RESULTS: PSA Challenger 10 Talisman Energy Bankers Hall Club Pro Am, Calgary, Canada
Quarter-finals:
Charles Sharpes (ENG) bt Lewis Walters (ENG) 9-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-8 (93m)
Leo Au (HKG) bt Scott Arnold (AUS) 9-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-5 (55m)
Andrew Schnell (CAN) bt Graeme Dobson Schnell (CAN) 11-7, 11-7, 11-1 (41m)
[2] Chris Simpson (ENG) bt David Letourneau (CAN) 11-7, 11-7, 11-6 (46m)
Semi-final line-up:
Charles Sharpes (ENG) v Leo Au (HKG)
[2] Chris Simpson (ENG) v Andrew Schnell (CAN)
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