David Palmer Beats Wael El Hindi 11-9 In The Fourth To Capture 2012 PST American Open
from DailySquashReport.com
L to R: Phil Wilkins, David Palmer, Wayne Reuvers, Wael El Hindi
April 30th, 2012 - Four-time British Open champion David Palmer prevailed over Wael El Hindi in a contentious four-game encounter yesterday to nail down the 2012 PST American Open title in Tuxedo Park, New York.
The final tally was 10-12 11-9 11-5 11-9.
PST Media files this report:
David Palmer (Australia) beat Wael El Hindi (Egypt) 3-1 in a one hour nine minute match to win the 2012 Pro Squash Tour American Open. The tournament was played at the corporate headquarters of LiveTechnology in Tuxedo Park, NY.
The pace of play was furious throughout the match with both players hurling their bodies, on several occasions, to pick up shots by the other. And on occasion, both players collided with one another, which resulted in one being less than pleased with the referee's decision.
"This afternoon's match was a perfect finish to a brilliant tournament," said PST Commissioner Joe McManus. "Phil Wilkins (promoter) and his team at LiveTechnology deserve our tour's gratitude for planning such a magnificent event."
From the opening frame, the need to fight for every single point was evident. Mr. Palmer's spirit was a little too strong early on as he received a conduct warning from tournament referee Edwin Lennox for dissent. Despite the tension directed toward the referee, the players appeared to be respectful and even friendly with one another on court.
Game one went to Hindi in a tie breaker 12-10. Game two went to Palmer 11-9. However, Hindi didn't leave the court immediately at the end of game two as he considered challenging a decision by the referee that did not go his way. He ultimately accepted the decision and the result of the game.
In game three, Palmer played fewer drop shots and was effectively working the ball deeper in the court. This worked well for him as he closed out this game relatively quickly 11-5.
Hindi returned to the court with inspired play in game four to the delight of his fans who were hoping for a fifth game. Trailing 8-9 in the game, he may have been "hard done" on two successive rallies. In the first, Hindi believed Palmer played the ball on a double bounce. Upon speaking the referees and challenge officials, they could not be sure of the call and Palmer expressed that he himself was unsure. Because of the referee's unsighted situation, the referee ordered the rally to be replayed, to Hindi's dismay.
The very next rally saw Palmer turn at the back glass and hold his shot. The referee again ordered the rally to be replayed. However, Hindi may have had a good argument that Palmer's turn was not necessary. Regardless, the rally was replayed. Maybe, the squash gods were watching as Palmer tinned an easy shot in the ensuing rally and the game was level at nine all.
The next rally showed Palmer hurling his body to the back wall to retrieve a Hindi drive. A few shots later, Hindi appealed to the referee for the point because of interference but his appeal was denied. Hindi challenged the call but the challenge officials agreed with the referee's decision and the point was warded to Palmer.
At championship point, a Palmer drive to Hindi's backhand was enough to close out the match and give Palmer the title.
Both players have qualified to compete in this coming week's PST World Championships in Detroit. And this afternoon's match could easily be a harbinger of the finals in a week's time.
David Palmer accepts his trophy from Wayne Reuvers, CEO of LiveTechnology
Pre-match reception
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