Edinburgh Open 2014
by Nick Forrest



Posted January 27, 2014

Friday 24/1/14

The inaugural Edinburgh Squash Open at the Edinburgh Sports Club started today with the first round providing some enthralling matches to whet the appetite of any squash enthusiast.

With the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow approaching shortly there seemed to be an even greater interest for the Open, with a large crowd turning up. They were kept entertained throughout the early afternoon with several closely fought battles and number 10, Daryl Selby-recently just back from the J P Morgan tournament in New York-on court. The tournament attracts players from all over the world, however there was local interest today with Scottish number 2 Greg Lobban in action against Edinburgh University student, Seigo Masuda. Seigo was up against it from the start with Greg finding a perfect length from the start and winning the first 11/1. The second game was a lot better from Seigo, who forced Greg into some long rallies. However, Greg’s quality came through and he won the next two games 11/3.

After the match Greg said: “I played well, a very solid game. I’d seen Seigo play at the Scottish Junior Open a couple weeks ago and knew he was solid but I knew I had the experience to get through.”

Greg, who made it to the Quarter-Finals last year, is looking to take it just one game at a time: “I’ve had a year in the professional game and I think my game has improved, however the competition this year is even stronger so it’ll be tough. I’ve got Joe Lee next and will need to focus on that first.”

Joe Lee, ranked 37 in the world, plays Greg in the next round after an impressive 3.0 victory over the young talented Aberdonian, Chris Shinnie. Chris gave a valiant effort, especially in the first, losing only 12/10. Joe was on fire in the next two games though, winning both 11/2.

Shinnie said: “I played alright but was a bit loose in the last two games and got punished. My legs started feeling heavy. He’s a top player. I didn’t have my head band on, that’s what went wrong!”

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I DIDN’T HAVE MY HEADBAND ON, THAT’S WHAT WEANT WRONG.” CHRIS SHINNIE

Scottish number one and world number 37, Alan Clyne looks to be in good form, beating the impressive Julian Tomlinson from Manchester in straight sets, and winning 11/3 11/3 and 11/5. Julian was full of praise for the Scot: “He was very strong at the front. He was just on to everything. He was on to it so fast, I didn’t know where he was going to go. His backhand is particularly strong. I was happy with the performance.”

Scotland number 3 and Sports Club member, Dougie Kempsell was next to represent the Scottish contingent. With a home support behind him, he hopes to use that energy to his advantage. He said: “I’m looking to at least get to the quarter finals, although it won’t be easy. You get a lot of support from the members and I don’t have the hassle of travelling. The vibe is fantastic. The tournament helps to keep things ticking over with the Commonwealth on the horizon.”

Dougie beat Craig V-Wallace to book his place in the second round, winning 11/1, 11/4 and 11/3. Craig showed spirit for someone still young, but Dougie was onto everything so quickly and Craig struggled to slow it down.

Dougie’s opponent in the next round is fellow Scot, Jamie Henderson, who had to dig deep to fend off the challenge from Steve London. Although Jamie won 3/0, 11/8, 11/7 and 11/9, Jamie kept each game on a knife edge, forcing Jamie to the back with some impressive volleying. Jamie was just too strong though and kept his cool, even during heated spells on court.
Jamie said: “It was good, I’m playing fairly good stuff. I had a game plan which I stuck too and it worked. I eased up a bit in the third but that can often happen. Dougie will be a tough one. I know it’ll be high intensity but I’m looking forward to it.”

2012 finalist, Andy Whipp was pushed by Allan Tasker, who showed some lovely touches to the front of the court which helped him win the second game 11/8. However, Andy is a veteran of the tournament and showed his experience by taking the third and fourth 11/8 and 11/4.

Top seed Daryl Selby took on Colinton Castle’s Chris Grey. Chris was up against it but showed some real ability in the third and last game, losing only 11/7. Daryl had only arrived late the day before from New York having just lost 3/1 to El Shorbagy in the J P Morgan PSA event.

Selby said: “There were only two planes I could have caught to make it in time for this event but I’m glad to be hear. I always enjoy it and it’s great to see Simon and everyone else. Plus my wife and my son Noah have come with me for the weekend and made a trip of it.”

Aberdonian Jamie Jacobson, just came up short against David Wardle in a terrific 3/1 match. Jamie kept his opponent moving but David showed great energy and ability at the front, constantly putting pressure on his opponent and taking it 11/8, 11/13, 11/4, 11/4.

Number two seed and world number 21, Adrian Grant took on local member Jacques Laas. Commonwealth gold medallist in Delhi 2010, Grant took a while to warm up, largely thanks to some wonderful play from Laas, who refused to be intimidated by his opponent’s credentials. The first game in particular was something Laas can be proud off, losing only 11/9. Grant though showed what a machine he is by getting everything Laas had to offer back at frightening speed and took the next two 11/2 and 11/7.

The match of the first round was Club coach Simon Boughton versus Phil Nightingale in a five set classic. Simon’s great length and ability at the front of the court seemed to take Phil by surprise and Simon took the first two games 11/5 and 12/10. Simon started to tire though with Phil pushing Simon to the back and forcing him into a few unforced errors. Phil showed great tenacity, clawing back to two each winning 12/10 and 11/9. The large crowd were going nowhere and knew the final game could go either way. It looked as though Simon would take the match, as he raced to a 9/5 lead. However Phil was not deterred and came back, getting to every tight shot Simon hit. In the end Phil won it with a shot to the back, cue applause from the gallery. 11/9 in the fifth.

Simon said: “I just switched of when I gained that lead. It was a tough match and I could of possibly taken it another day.”

The ladies were up next and I struggled to see much of the matches due to being blocked by a large crowd which had started to gather. One to watch for the future, 14-year-old Egyptian, Habiba Mohamed took on equally talented youngster Georgina Kennedy in the first round. It took a while to get the game to start with the referees insisting both players wore goggles, as is the common protocol in Scotland for players under 18. Once it got going though it proved to be a great match. Habiba took the first two games 11/3, 11/5 and looked comfortably hitting the ball with more power than some men I’ve seen play. However, Georgina dug deep and deserved to win the third 13/11. The final game was a close one too, but the Egyptian came away with a 12/10 victory.

The second round started later in the day and more fans were flowing into the club, coming down straight from work. Chris Leiper had the unforgiving task of tasking on Daryl Selby. Chris will be proud of his performance as he pushed Selby harder than many would have expected. Chris said: “It was great just to be on court with Daryl. It gives me confidence to know I didn’t look completely out of place. I just need to get fitter.”

The match of the night went to Andy Whipp and Scot, Kevin Moran. The match went to four sets, and Kevin played a great first game, taking shots early and coping well with Andy’s power. Although Andy won the next three games, it could quite so easily gone either way, especially the second where Kevin looked comfortable for most of the match, only losing 11/9.
Assistant Scottish coach, Stuart Crawford was up against Adrian Grant. Grant won 3/0, but Stuart didn’t seem out of place, hitting some perfect drop shots and forcing Grant to play his best. In the end, Grant’s fittest looked to have given him the edge, with Stuart running court sprints for large parts of the match.

The great news for fans was that the quarter final on Saturday had three of Scotland’s best, with Dougie, Alan and Gregg all progressing.

SATURDAY
On this drenched day, there was no better excuse but too come down and watch some squash. Whilst the heavens opened up outside, inside the ladies of the WSA event were getting ready for their quarter-finals. On first was a French battle, with number one seed, Coline Aumard against Cyrielle Peltier. Coline played a very professional match, hitting a great length and making few errors. She won 3/0 and looks good going into the semi-finals later today.

Another French player, Laura Pomportes will be her opponent, having beaten Czech, Olga Ertlova in four sets. It was a tough match, which got heated at points, with several referee calls questioned. Laura victory guarantees France will be represented in the final.

Lily Taylor has had a fantastic tournament so far and kept up her form, defeating Nada Elkalaawy in three sets. Nada seemed to struggle to find her rhythm and Lilley was quick to take advantage.

Court 5 attracted an almost sold out crowd for Habiba versus Czech Lucie Fialova in what was the match of the quarters. It took five games for the match to be decided with Habiba pulling of an impressive victory and showing experience beyond her years. The match though swayed back and forth between the two and Lucie won the first 11/8. Habiba found her rhythm though and showed she can strike a ball as well as any, hitting some tight forehand shots which helped her seal the second 11/2.  After Habiba scraped through the third 11/9, most thought that would be it, however Lucie showed great character to win the fourth 11/9. That game seemed to take it out of her though and Habiba took advantage, winning the final game 11/5.

In the men’s quarter, we were treated to some quality squash, in particular, Greg Lobban produced an epic performance to defeat the odds and beat number 37 in the world, Joe Lee. Greg looked in trouble after the first, going down 7/11. Joe was looking good, hitting some great shot to the front on the backhand. However, the turning point came in the second after a brutal rally which Joe seemed to come of worse. Greg was finding rhythm and his forehand volley drop was impeccable. It was a war of attrition at times in the second game, both players not prepared to concede the game and re-group. It was Greg who came away victorious though, edging it 14/12. Joe looked tired from then on and his consistency started to go. It seemed Joe had accepted the third wasn’t his long before going down 11/3. However, he picked himself up for the fourth and final game, trading points with Greg in the early stages. Again, Greg seemed to get stronger as the game wore on and inspired by the partisan crowd came away with an 11/6 victory. It was much deserved, having recovered from the shaky spell in the first. Afterwards, Greg seemed buoyant, but was fully aware that he needed to re-focus as he faced Adrian Grant in the semi’s, who looked in unstoppable form, defeating Andy Whipp in straight sets. Adrian, who has already won the open before was made to work hard in the first game, with Andy taking him all the way to 13/11. However, Adrian’s conditioning meant he was able to re-charge instantly and won the next two games with relative ease.

Alan Clyne put in a solid performance against the tall Darren Lewis, winning in straight sets.

Dougie had the hardest challenge of any, coming up against Selby. Dougie has a bright future ahead of him in squash and his display against Selby-although not enough to get a game-will give him huge confidence, pushing Selby in the third to an 11/9 score line. At one point in the third, Dougie had the crowd, and Selby applauding an instant kill nick at the front left court, which brought a roar from young Scot. Dougie was pleased to have played well and could so easily have taken the final game on another day. I’m sure they’ll play again soon.

On to the Semi-finals and this was where things would really start to heat up. An all French semi-final was up first, with number one seed, Coline Aumard versus Laura Pomportes, who looked impressive in her 3/1 victory over Olga Ertlova. Coline looked in control from the start, and took the first two games rather emphatically, with her low cross court shots in particular gaining her lots of points. However, Laura was spirited and was much better in the third and could have maybe won it. However, despite her opponent’s improvement and also an injury towards the end of the game, Coline was able to record the win 12/10 in the third. The injury will be of particular concern to Coline going into the final tomorrow. It didn’t seem at first that there was much wrong, as she went for a shot at the front. However, after she let out a scream in pain and fell to floor clutching her ankle, you could tell all was not right. When I spoke to her afterwards you could see the pain etched on her face. Coline said: “I’m not sure I’ll be able to play. I have no idea what happened. This is the first time I’ve injured it.”


The second semi so two promising youngsters in 17 year-old Lily Taylor against 14 year-old Habiba Mohamed. Despite a tough five setter against Lucie Fialova in the last round, Habiba showed no signs of tiredness, playing some fantastic squash, putting Lily under considerable pressure with her combination of power and touch. Habiba won the first 11/6. Lily picked her game up in the second and started to frustrate the Egyptian, taking the pace out the game. Habiba was not to be rattled though and would more often than not put any loose ball away. Lily’s frustration was evident in the third, and her focus was possibly hindered as a result. Habiba took the final game 11/6 and looked in confident mood after the game. Habiba said: “I’m really happy, this is the best match I’ve played all tournament. I felt a lot more relaxed and started to play a lot better. I won’t to win tomorrow and be the youngest person again to win a WSA event, having won the title three months ago. I’ve never played Coline before but I’ve watched her games and I’ve got some tactics for it.”

Hopefully Coline will recover quickly by tomorrow afternoon and we can see what should be a classic. It’s a tough one to call as both girls are playing at the top of their games. Coline will have to be at her best to halt the youngster as she seeks to become the youngest WSA winner for a second time.

The men’s semi followed shortly after and a large crowd were not left disappointed with the quality on display from both matches. First up was the impressive Greg Lobban, who looks to certainly have stated a case for being one to watch in a few years, such have been his performances these last few days. A largely Scottish support were desperate to see Greg beat the odds again and take down the powerful Adrian Grant. The first game went close as the crowd urged Greg on. Greg looked to have taken his form from the last game into this one, gaining an impressive lead early on. However, Adrian started to show why he made it into the top 10 in the world, winning the first eventually 11/9. Greg came back in emphatic fashion in the next game. Everything seemed to be clicking for him, even a drop shot in the middle of the court, as unorthodox as it was, seemed a good shot. Greg was taking everything early and had noticeably cut out the errors which appeared occasionally last year. The third was always going to be decisive and Greg almost took it, moving into a favourable lead. However, Adrian just kept plugging away, recovering every good shot Greg had and taking it 11/7. Greg’s tough match in the quarter’s had also possibly taken its toll, as he started to look slightly off the pace (still rapid for everyone in the stand). In the final match, Greg gave everything he had left, however, Adrian seemed the much fresher and started to capitalise on the few loose shots Greg made. An impressive 11/4 win in the fourth and final game ensured Adrian’s place in the final. Greg received a warm reception from the crowd who will look forward to seeing how much farther his game has come on next year. Judging by today, we can expect big things.
Another Scottish semi-finalist was up next, this time Scotland’s number 1, Alan Clyne had the tough task of Daryl Selby to handle. Clyne got off to a rocky start, struggling to cope with the tight shots down the wall and Selby’s volleying. Selby made most of his shots look effortless and the crowd became concerned that Clyne would not recover after losing the first 11/4. However, the first game seemed to ignite Clyne and his game improved vastly in the second. Those difficult shots in the first he struggled with were now being returned with power. His backhand drops were of particular nuisance for Selby. Clyne’s retrieval skills, a feat he is renowned for, was especially impressive, and Selby seemed to be taken aback. One shot in particular pleased the crowd; as Selby played a cross court down the middle from the front, Clyne was able to adjust his body and hit a perfect drive down the wall. Although Clyne lost the second 11/7, you could sense the confidence rising in him. Clyne took the third 11/9 in a game filled with lung bursting rallies. You would be forgiven in thinking these two players had thee lungs. Although the crowd had a huge respect for Selby, the majority were urging Clyne on, hoping to see the ultimate comeback. It certainly looked on in the start of the fourth game with Clyne gaining an impressive 6/3 lead and Selby looking tired. However, the man from Essex pulled of some incredible shots and showed why he seems to be continuously making it to the latter stages of all the major events. The final match ended 11/6 to Selby but it was one of the finest semi-finals witnessed at the Edinburgh Open. Selby’s victory seems even more impressive when you consider he’s just come from a gruelling tournament in New York and has had very little sleep. His performance proved why he is one of the finest British squash players ever. As for Clyne, it was a great pleasure to see him perform at the Edinburgh Open, and the whole of Scotland will be cheering him on at the Commonwealth.

After his match Clyne said: “Once I got the first out the way I started to get my eye in and play well. I thought I had him in the fourth and got a good lead but he hit some good shots and seemed to just keep going. There’s a few tournaments to go but then all focus will be on the Commonwealth”

Sunday
The final day had arrived and after 63 games and 10 rounds over 3 days we were left with just four. In the ladies final, top seed and world number 38, Coline Aumard, was up against the highly promising 14 year-old, Habiba Mohamed, who holds the title as the youngest WSA tour title winner.

The main talking point before the match was whether Coline would be able to play following her ankle injury from Saturday’s semi-final. The good news was that Coline was prepared to give it a go after strapping her ankle.

However, the injury was worse than expected and Coline was unfortunately forced to concede the match after going down 11/4 in the first.

A jammed crowd took their seats, many of them having played in the amateur graded events throughout the weekend and were now looking forward to relaxing with a drink and watching some quality squash. Simon Boughton, the tournament organiser for the last 13 years, welcomed everyone and introduced both players. After a brief warm-up on the show court-which due to a combination of spectators and all the squash this weekend, seemed to resemble something closer to a sauna- we were off.
Habiba started at great pace, forcing Coline to twist and turn with deep cross courts to the back. With each twist Coline grimaced and you could tell she wasn’t able to move her full range. However, Habiba remained disciplined, not allowing her opponents injury affect her own game and continued to play some great shots. Coline plugged away, but after going 8/2 down she had already effectively conceded the match. Habiba won the game 11/4 and Coline did what was best for her long term health and conceded due to injury.

Much respect must go to Coline, for even attempting to play. Congratulations though to Habiba, winning her second WSA world tour. Habiba said: “Thank you, I’m delighted to win a WSA tournament again and I would like to come back next year.”
I’m sure we can expect to see big things from her in the future. Hopefully we will see both these players playing each other at next year’s Edinburgh Open and they can give us what I’m sure will be a closely fought contest.

With the ladies match finishing abruptly, many of the spectators filled up their glasses before the men’s final started at 4pm. In the final were Adrian Grant and Darly Selby, both England Internationals and former Edinburgh Open winners. Selby has been coming to the Edinburgh Open since he was 19 and won last year’s tournament against Tom Richards, whilst Grant beat Saurav Ghosal to win the open in 2010. These two have played each other on many occasions and the crowd expected a closely fought contest. What they got was a pulsating encounter, with rallies that seemed to last for days. In the end Selby was able to retain his trophy, beating Grant 3/1.

Selby said: “It was one of the toughest finals here I’ve had. I would like to thank everyone at the Edinburgh Sports Club for putting on another great event. I knew I had to win the fourth or that was it.”

The opener was nip and tuck to 4/4 before Grant gained a sizeable 8/5. However, Selby seemed to turn on the gas and brought it back to 8/8. Grant was playing well, but was making one too many unforced errors and Selby was able to win the first 11/8.

The second game was filled with excitement and controversial referee decisions which both players disputed. Although the players must not enjoy some of these decisions, it certainly adds to the suspense of the match. Again, Grant started the stronger, picking up incredibly tight shots but Selby kept the score-line close at 5/4. Just like the first, Grant lost a large amount of points in succession and despite playing well will wonder how he lost 11/5. Most of the crowd expected Selby to complete the hat trick, especially when he went 7/4 up in the third. However, a resurgence in from Grant made sure the fans were left on the edge of their seats as he clawed points back in succession to gain a 9/7 lead. Selby brought it back to 9/9, in a sequence which included a rally which contained over 40 shots. Grant then escaped a stroke decision, much to the bemusement of Selby who argued with the referee that his shot was blocked. He had previously been given a “no let” decision as he tried to reach a drop shot from Grant, which may have added to the frustration. Grant wasn’t to be distracted and won the third 11/9 much to the crowds delight in a guarantee of an extended final. . It was certainly the least Grant deserved, having put so much into the match thus far. The third game seemed to have taken its toll on Grant as Selby raced to a commanding 8/2 lead, with Grant making several errors. Not too long after Selby was 10/4 up with five match balls. However, Grant never gave up and kept going all the way to the end, pushing Selby to the back of the court with some deep cross courts and forcing him into errors of his own. Grant brought the game back to 10/8 and the crowd were now swinging towards a Grant victory. Selby kept his cool though and with a hard drive to the back of the court won the game and sealed the match.

It was one of the finest Edinburgh Open matches witnessed and the sold out crowd showed their appreciation with a standing ovation. The trophy ceremony followed which brought a conclusion to a fantastic weekend. It was great to see so many Scottish internationalists make it to the latter stages. We witnessed some great squash and look forward to next year which promises to be another exciting Open. Thanks to Simon Boughton, who organises the tournament and works effortlessly. The event wouldn’t be what it is without him. 

Finally it was important to mention how sad we were all to hear of the passing of Ken Gibbs. Ken was passionate about the sport and put in hours upon hours referring many top games. He was a joyous person with a permanent smile on his face and will be sadly missed.







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