DSR Handicaps Tonight's Men's US Open Qualifying Finals
from DailySquashReport.com
October 5, 2012
Stephen Coppinger (RSA) v Martin Knight (NZ)
Both players are 28 years old. Coppinger is ranked 20 places higher at #25. In their only meeting last year, Coppinger won in a long four. Look for the same.
Coppinger 3-1
Matt Karwalski (AUS) v Shahier Razik (CAN)
Karwalski is coming off a nice, convincing win over Zac Alexander. Razik got banged around and cut in his win over Yasir Butt. Razik's veteran experience should prevail unless at age 34 he has trouble recovering from his first round.
Razik 3-1
Alan Clyne (SCO) v Omar Abdel Aziz (EGY)
Aziz righted the ship just in time in the fourth against gritty Shawn Delierre. Clyne was less tested against US college star Todd Harrity. The Egyptian has the momentum edge.
Aziz 3-2
Aamir Atlas Khan (PAK) v Julian Illingworth (US)
This could be good. Illingworth is ranked 28th, with Khan at #40. Khan did reach a world #14 ranking three years ago as a precocious 19-year-old, but hasn't played against substantial international competition this year. Both players come into the US Open having won PSA Challenger events. Khan did a nice job putting away Finland's Mustonen in the first round qualifier, while Julian was untested against US teenager Dylan Murray. If he keeps his nerves in check, Illingworth should come through.
Illingworth 3-2
Cesar Salazar (MEX) v Joe Lee (ENG)
Admirable competitive effort from Salazar to slip past Marwan El Shorbagy 11-9 in the fifth. Great match, with both players diving all over the court. Lee came through a monster 151 minute battle against Chris Simpson, but the Mexican won't be denied here, after one of the best wins of his career.
Salazar 3-2
Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) v Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
21-year-old Gawad is ranked #31, 25-year-old US-based Cuskelly #32. Both had relatively easy first rounds. Gawad beat Cuskelly in three in February's NAO. This one will be close.
Gawad 3-2
Max Lee (HKG) v Gregoire Marche (FRA)
Both players' rankings hover in the high 30's, and both cruised in their first round qualifiers.
Marche beat Lee last year in the British Grand Prix but Lee has played a fuller fall schedule, which may be an advantage.
Lee 3-2
Siddharth Suchde (IND) v Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
Suchde dominated Joe Russell while Rodriguez won a tight three-gamer over the always-dangerous John White. Suchde has a lot of talent but Rodriguez's play and confidence are at a career high, and he won't be denied here.
Rodriguez 3-1
Full Draw
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