World #48 Julian Illingworth Beats #45 Jonathan Kemp to Win PSA Challenger in Toronto by Howard Harding 16 November 2013
- US squash star Julian Illingworth claimed his first win over Jonathan
Kemp for more than four years when he upset the third seed from England
in a thrilling five-game final of the Squash Revolution Toronto Cup to
clinch the PSA World Tour Challenger 15 title in Canada's largest city
Toronto.
After matches were
played in various venues across Toronto, the event reached its climax
at the city's Badminton and Racquet Club.
"Jonathan came out
very strong and took a close first game by using more variation and
positive play to the front court," explained club spokesman Johnny
Potmesil.
"Illingworth however
came back strong and began to really stretch out the rallies working
Jonathan all around the court. Despite amazing retrieval and some
beautiful nicks, Julian's attrition and ability to absorb Jonathan's
attacking play earned him the next two games for a 2/1 lead.
"Jonathan however was
not done yet. Despite the amount of retrieval and hard work of the last
two games, Kemp came out very aggressively taking every ball much
earlier and taking the ball in short at will! His aggressive volleying
and front court game proved too much and Kemp takes the fourth 2/2!!
"The decider was a
close affair with Julian playing some relentless length, forcing errors
out of Kemp's racquet for an early 5-3 lead. Kemp however responds with
more fierce drops and nicks and brings it level to 7-7. After some
incredibly long rallies which caused gasps from the crowd the game was
tied at nine-all.
"A tired error then
gave Julian match ball and after a succession of lets Julian takes the
match 11-9 celebrating his third PSA title of the year. What a
brilliant tight match and amazing squash from both competitors!"
The win marks the 12th
PSA World Tour title of eight-time US champion Illingworth's career -
and his first win over Kemp since March 2009.
RESULTS: PSA Challenger 15 Squash Revolution Toronto Cup, Toronto, Canada
