Hinds Into Toronto PSA Semis Over Letourneau In 83 Minute Battle
from DailySquashReport.com
August 19, 2011 - Top-seed Joel Hinds of England survived a grueling 5-game battle with Canadian David Letorneau last night to advance to the semis of the $5000 PSA Open at the National Squash Academy in Toronto.
Hinds will be joined in today’s semi-final action by Jamie Macaulay of Scotland, Dane Sharp of Canada and Julian Wellings of England.
Mike McCue files this report:
(1) Joel Hinds (ENG) bt David Letourneau (CAN) 10/12, 11/3, 11/8, 9/11, 11/8 (83m)
The tournament favourite was not tested yesterday, while Letourneau was taken to the limit. The first game was very close all the way and Dave was matching Joel’s athleticism and pace with good racquet work. From 8-all it seemed likely that the more experienced player would march right on to 11, but the Canadian held his nerve and eventually snuck the two point lead he needed. The ball cooled down a fair bit in the second and Joel started placing the ball into the four corners with devastating pace and accuracy. The third was a bit closer but he still held sway. He is particularly accurate from the backhand front corner, keeping the ball straight both short and long. Dave managed to stay within reach and won the fourth despite legs that seemed to be tiring. Fifth games are a bit of a lottery, especially on this court, but Hinds took the all important early lead and did not relinquish it despite the obvious tension near the end.
Jamie Macaulay (SCO) bt Thomas Brinkman (CAN) 11/8, 11/9, 8/11, 9/11, 11/6 (72m)
Thomas was coming off a massive win last night, and it can sometimes be difficult to back up a big performance the next day. Jamie had barely survived against Max Blouin and felt confident he would be better tonight. The Scot came out at a high pace and intensity as usual, and Thomas couldn’t find the same form from last night. Two games can get away from you quickly on the glass court, but the Canadian dug in and made it a battle by winning the third. Keeping the momentum he forced a fifth game and a complete comeback seemed likely. Two games apiece and a semifinal berth on the line brought out desperation in both players, and the pace actually seemed to increase in the decider. Jamie thrives in this environment and won five straight points from six-all. Full credit to both guys for an awesome effort (as evidenced by some of the pictures!).
Julian Wellings (ENG) bt (Q) Lyall Paterson (SCO) 13/11, 11/1, 11/1 (26m)
Everyone was anxious to see how Julian would back up his win yesterday, and needless to say he did not disappoint. The first game was tight all the way, and there were hints that Wellings might struggle at this higher pace. Lyall held game balls but Julian employed his experience to stay steady and take the game. This turned out to be of huge importance as Lyall never came to terms with the match after that point. A large majority of the points were won with simple deft drops from the Englishman. He produced a masterclass in the last two games, and after two five setters in a row Lyall didn’t have the reserves to pressure him. Wellings is into the quarters and hasn’t even spent an hour on court yet! The big question will be how he handles an even higher level of pace and quality of hitting when he takes on Joel Hinds tomorrow.
(4) Dane Sharp (CAN) bt Matthew Serediak (CAN) 11/5, 11/5, 11/5 (38m)
These two have played countless times over the years and recently Dane has been getting the better of these encounters. He is looking super motivated for his home tournament and has been very businesslike. The early rallies were probing and physical (two words that don’t often go well together), mostly to the back of the court at a high pace. Dane was tracking everything down and sending it back with purpose and was soon a game to the good. The second and third followed almost identical patterns, but Matt was unlucky not to make more of an impression on the scoreline. Dane-like Wellings- is into the final four without having been sternly tested yet.
RESULTS:
(1) Joel Hinds (ENG) bt David Letourneau (CAN) 10/12, 11/3, 11/8, 9/11, 11/8 (83m)
Julian Wellings (ENG) bt (Q) Lyall Paterson (SCO) 13/11, 11/1, 11/1 (26m)
(4) Dane Sharp (CAN) bt Matthew Serediak (CAN) 11/5, 11/5, 11/5 (38m)
Jamie Macaulay (SCO) bt Thomas Brinkman (CAN) 11/8, 11/9, 8/11, 9/11, 11/6 (72m)
photos by Meghan McCue
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