England’s Hinds, Canada’s Sharp Through To PSA Toronto Final
from DailySquashReport.com
August 20, 2011 - #1-seed Joel Hinds of England survived a stiff semi-final challenge from 39-year-old countryman Julian Wellings last night to reach the final of the $5000 PSA Open at the National Squash Academy in Toronto.
Hinds will meet local favorite Dane Sharp, who ground out a 50-minute semi-final win over Scotland’s Jamie Macaulay.
Mike McCue files this report:
(1) Joel Hinds (ENG) bt Julian Wellings (ENG) 11/6, 11/9, 11/7 (48m)
The big question coming into this encounter was if Julian could sustain the pace Joel was sure to impose. The veteran had looked brilliant in his first two matches, a study in classical squash. Balanced movement, playing straight until a loose ball presented itself and then chopping it in straight and short. It was evident from the start that this was going to be a much stiffer challenge though. Joel seemed to be adjusting to the court after seeming a bit unsettled at times yesterday. The first was routine, but the second was well contested. Julian showed that he believed he had a chance when he argued a call (his first words to the referee all tournament) at 8-6 down. He ultimately fought back to 9/10 but Hinds once again showed his class to win the point. The third was more in the mold of the first game. Wellings commented afterward that his legs didn’t feel quite as spry tonight, and something like that can make all the difference when you start to get a little fatigued. Hinds has been steadily improving and certainly deserves his top seeding. Julian should receive a medal for his efforts, reaching a PSA semifinal at age 39!
(4) Dane Sharp (CAN) bt Jamie Macaulay (SCO) 9/11, 11/9, 11/3, 11/4 (50m)
The Scot had played the maximum 10 games to reach the last four while Dane had played the minimum 6. Despite their contrasting paths thus far, Jamie was still bouncing around and swinging the racquet a million miles an hour in the warmup which was an encouraging sign. He quickly went down 4-0 due to a few errors but hit some great short balls and risky nicks in the middle of the game to earn a game ball which he duly converted. His earlier exertions began to catch up with him though as he dropped the second and then the third. Dane was playing his usual high pace and took advantage of the balls Jamie was leaving short or in the middle. He seems to be making the right choices at the right times consistently, perhaps a benefit of his work with legends Gary Waite and Jonathon Power at this very club. Macaulay made an extreme tactical change in the fourth, lifting every single ball to the back. This could be effective on a set of fresh legs, but he just didn’t have the reserves to slow Dane down tonight.
So we are now down to the final...top seed against hometown favourite. What more could you ask for in a tournament?!
RESULTS, $5000 NSA Toronto Open:
Semi-finals:
(1) Joel Hinds (ENG) bt Julian Wellings (ENG) 11/6, 11/9, 11/7 (48m)
(4) Dane Sharp (CAN) bt Jamie Macaulay (SCO) 9/11, 11/9, 11/3, 11/4 (50m)
photos by Meghan McCue
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