Hanscom Handicaps Tonight's WSA Weymuller Main Draw First Round
by Bob Hanscom
September 27, 2012 - The $50,000 WSA Carol Weymuller Open qualifying finals took place last night at Heights Casino in Brooklyn, NY, with the final eight women vying for four spots in the main draw.
Here are the final qualifying results and main draw match-up predictions...
Last Night:
Dipika Pallikal Versus Latasha Khan
The Prediction: Once again, we hope Latasha plays well, but this time the up-and-coming #1 from India should prevail, perhaps in four games.
The Reality: As predicted, Dipika Pallikal defeated Latasha Khan in four games.
Comment: Dipika scored nearly every point for both she and Latasha in the third, but took advantage of more opportunities to win points, rather than losing in them in the other three.
Nour El Tayeb Versus Jaclyn Hawkes
The Prediction: With Nour having an easy time of it in the first round - and Jaclyn having to go a tough five, my money has to be on Nour, again perhaps in four games.
The Reality: Jaclyn Hawkes defeated Nour El Tayeb in four!
Comment: We got the game tally right, but didn't pick the winner this time! Jaclyn used the height of the front wall really well - and with her stretching ability, was able to retrieve almost everything Nour through at her.
Samantha Cornett Versus Donna Urquhart
The Prediction: Once again, Donna having an easy first round - and Samantha having to go a long five, the advantage has to go with Donna in four games.
The Reality: Donna Urquart defeated Samantha Cornett in tough a five-gamer.
Comment: Well...we picked the winner, but it was closer than expected! With the #17 player in world competing against #36, this was an expected win for Donna, but Samantha certainly gave it her all.
Alison Waters Versus Amanda Sobhy
The Prediction: Alison, former world #3 is definitely on her come-back trail and will give Amanda quite a run, probably winning in three straight games. We wish our American world junior champion all the best in the match however.
The Reality: Alison Waters defeated Amanda Sobhy in four games.
Comment: Well...we were close on this one, making a good showing, Amanda squeaking out a close third game.
We're now down to the first round of the main draw with some difficult and some not so difficult predictions, all times eastern...
Tonight's First Round Match-Ups
5.30 pm Nour El Sherbini V Camille Serme
The Prediction: Could be a tough one, but with Nour at #5 and Camille at #13, our quick-pick is Nour in four games.
5.30 pm Jenny Duncalf V Dipika Pallikal
The Prediction: Although Jenny hasn't had the greatest results lately, she just may have a bit too much experience for the up-and-coming Indian #1. Jenny in four!
6.15 pm Rachael Grinham V Joelle King
The Prediction: Rachael has been here many, many times! Can't quite see her going out in the first round. Rachael...maybe in five!
6.15 pm Raneem El Weleily V Jaclyn Hawkes
The Prediction: Raneem is playing so well! If she stays patient, she should take the match in no more than four games.
7.00 pm Laura Massaro V Low Wee Wern
The Prediction: Wee Wern will certainly put up a good fight, but Laura is always in there to win any tournament. We think Laura in three.
7.00pm Annie Au V Donna Urquhart
The Prediction: Annie is such a crafty player! Donna will be working hard, but come out second best in perhaps a good four game first round.
7.45pm Madeline Perry V Alison Waters
The Prediction: Alison is playing well and on her way back. Madeline is still world #5, but it could be a great five-gamer with Alison coming through.
7.45 pm Nicol David V Kasey Brown
The Prediction: You can bet Nicol will be coming out strong here in the first round on her way to wanting to avenge her Malaysian loss. Kasey is a great player, but will have to deal with someone on a mission. I see Nicol taking this match in three straight games.
DRAW
Stay tuned!
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