Kemp Retires On A High After Kent Open Win from PSA Media June 15, 2014
- England's Jonathan Kemp brought the curtain down on a distinguished
squash career in impressive style by winning today's final of the
Select Gaming Kent Open against top-seeded Australian Steven Finitsis. Kemp delighted the
packed gallery at The Mote Squash Club in Maidstone with a devastating
display of skill in the climax of the PSA Challenger 10 event as he
reeled off a succession of winners into the front corners. Local fans had renamed
the front right area of the court 'Kempy’s Corner' in tribute to the
left-hander's cultured backhand drop shots. However, the
33-year-old No2 seed was forced to battle hard throughout the match by
his tenacious opponent, who frequently matched Kemp’s quality in that
very same corner. The opening rallies
were full of intelligent, patient squash as defending champion Kemp
built a 9-5 lead. Finitsis then enjoyed a purple patch to lead
11-10 before Kemp regained control to nick it 13-11. Finitsis, the
31-year-old World No.50 who is based in The Hague, began the second
game well to lead 5-2. Kemp drew level at 5-5 and 6-6 but
Finitsis won four points in a row to hold game ball. Kemp hit back
again to make it 10-10 but Finitsis hit two quick winners to level the
match. Kemp surged ahead in
the third to lead 6-2 and then 9-4 and although Finitsis recovered to
take four more points, the experienced left hander from Ipswich closed
out the game 11-8. Kemp won the first
three of points of the fourth game and constructed a run of six points
to move within touching distance of his second Kent Open title.
Finitsis fought back to draw level at 8-8 and 9-9, but Kemp won the
final two points to end his career on a positive note. “Once I had made my
decision to retire, I almost felt like pulling out of the tournament –
but I am glad I didn’t," said Kemp, who has rounded off his career with
15 Tour titles from 20 final appearances. "It’s great to go out
on a high like this, and I’d like to thank Steve for making it such an
enjoyable final. I’m glad it didn’t go to five.” As well as receiving
his trophy for a second year, the champion was presented with a special
commemorative shirt with the words “The Kemp Open” on the back (see
image below)! Finitsis added:
“I was trying my hardest to win that match but if I had to lose to
anybody I’m glad it was Jonathan. He’s a great player and I wish him
all the best in his coaching career. This is a great tournament
and all the players are grateful for the way they are looked after. RESULTS: PSA Challenger 10 Select Gaming Kent Open, Maidstone, England 1st round: [2] Jonathan Kemp (ENG) bt [Q] James Earles (ENG) 1-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9 (37m) [5] Ben Coleman (ENG) bt [Q] George Parker (ENG) 11-7, 11-6, 11-6 (54m) Richie Fallows (ENG) bt [8] Khawaja Adil Maqbool (PAK) 11-7, 11-8, 11-8 (24m) [4] Greg Lobban (SCO) bt Tom Ford (ENG) 11-9, 1-11, 11-8, 11-4 (52m) [3] Charles Sharpes (ENG) bt [WC] Steven London (ENG) 11-9, 11-3, 11-3 (32m) [7] Todd Harrity (USA) bt [Q] Michael Harris (ENG) 11-4, 11-9, 11-9 (37m) [6] Declan James (ENG) bt Chris Fuller (ENG) 5-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-6 (92m) [1] Steven Finitsis (AUS) bt [Q] Youssef Abdalla (ENG) 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 (44m) Quarter-finals: [2] Jonathan Kemp (ENG) bt [5] Ben Coleman (ENG) 8-11, 11-8, 15-13, 11-3 (48m) Richie Fallows (ENG) bt [4] Greg Lobban (SCO) 11-4, 10-12, 11-8, 8-11, 11-3 (89m) [7] Todd Harrity (USA) bt [3] Charles Sharpes (ENG) 11-13, 11-8, 2-11, 11-5, 11-9 (67m) [1] Steven Finitsis (AUS) bt [6] Declan James (ENG) 11-5, 11-7, 11-5 (42m) Semi-finals: [2] Jonathan Kemp (ENG) bt Richie Fallows (ENG) 11-8, 11-8, 6-11, 11-7 (41m) [1] Steven Finitsis (AUS) bt [7] Todd Harrity (USA) 11-5, 11-3, 11-6 (38m) Final: [2] Jonathan Kemp (ENG) bt [1] Steven Finitsis (AUS) 13-11, 10-12, 11-8, 11-9 (60m)
