2025 NASH Cup – Day 1 Match Summary

September 24, 2025
2025 NASH Cup - Day 1 Match Summary

Tuesday Match Summary 

Court 2 – 3:00pm – Sofia Mateos (ESP;116) V Xin Ying Yee (MAS;61)

Sofia put on a clinic in the Lightning Matches last night with her soft touch and precise drops. The ranking spread is against her tonight and the two have not met in PSA competition. This is Sofia’s 6th consecutive NASH Cup while it is Xin Ying’s first. Sofia is playing with far more power today, and the rallies are long. Game two has a similar feel to the first and Zin Ying can grind ahead a point at a time. Zin Ying takes the first game 11-8 and second game 11-7. 

Sofia adjusts in game 3 jumping to a 5-1 lead. Her drops are on and it’s making a difference. Xin Ying wors to extend the rallies deeper. 6-3. The similar plating leads to some let and stroke calls as both players seem to favour similar positioning. 7-6. It feels like momentum has changed and Sofia extends to 9-6. She finishes strong. Match is 2-1 Xin Ying.

As game four begins Xin Ying makes adjustments and jumps to an early 5-2 lead. With this gap she is able to better direct the rallies and manages an 11-3 win in the 4th to take the match 3-1. JN

Court 3 – 3:00pm – Perry Malik (ENG;93) V Sambo Todd (ENG;70)

The crowd is expecting a very tight match. Perry is here in his second NASH Cup and it’s Sambo’s rookie year. They have met in PSA competition once with Perry coming out on top. The opening rallies are long as the players feel out the game trying to find any weaknesses. Both enjoy long rallies and many of the winners are tight drops. 7 minutes of play gets us to 5-4 Perry. Sam makes a beautiful save; Perry does a cross drop form the left side and, despite doing the splits to get there Sam can’t get under it. 6-4.

Neither playing is showing signs of fatigue. Perry maintains a steady lead getting up 7-5 and looing for a stroke call that didn’t grab (let). Perry works his way to 9-5. There ar more let calls as both players may be just a hair slower in their movements. Rallies remain long, but there more attempts at winners. 10-8. Sambo takes position and a great straight drive down the right drops before the back wall. 10-9. Perry moves up 2-0

Sam has great length, but Perry is able to keep just a bout everything in play extending the rallies.  Perry extends to a 10-5 lead. A blistering services return is enough to end game 1 11-6.

The 3rd game was watched but not written by this author. It was a battle. Both players showed some fatigue as the match moved through 40 minutes, and Perry made a few more errors. Sambo took full advantage. While it was close throughout Sambo claimed it 11-7 and we move to game 4. There were many spectators betting tis would be a tight 5 gamer and we are officially behind schedule after just one match. 

In the final match Sambo was able to continue his momentum and force some errors but make no mistake. Perry was in it to the end. The 11-5 doesn’t do justice to the intensity of the rallies. A 70-minute opening match!  The crowd already has its money’s worth.

Court 2 – 3:45pm – Finnlay Withington (ENG;96) V Elliott Hunt (CAN;207)

Finnlay returns for his 3rd NASH Cup and Elliott enters as a wildcard in his 2nd appearance. These players have no PSA history. Elliott makes it clear early that despite their difference in rank he has no intention of doing anything but apply pressure. Finnlay gains a lead, but it’s narrow at 7-5. A slight change in approach from Finnlay and it’s 9-5. Elliott is proving he can get to everything which results in some very long rallies but more of them are coming out in Finnlay’s favour. 11-7 in game 1

Elliot gave a great fight, but Finnlay was able to keep control and finish this match in 3.

Court 3 – 3:45 – Helen Tang (HGK;87) V Ally Thomson (SCO;91)

Thomson (SCO; 91) coming in as the crowd favorite playing in her 6th Nash Cup and playing in honour of recently deceased LSRC member, Al Fayad.

Tang (HGK; 87) comes in playing in her first ever Nash Cup.

These two have never faced each other in PSA play.

Game 1

Tang started immediately, moving fluidly and dictating play early. She built a 3–0 lead with tight drops and forcing a stroke. Thomson responded with a winner to go 1-3 and eventually 2-4, but Tang’s pace and anticipation gave her the edge. At 7–2, Tang was well in control, though Thomson steadied with a couple of points. Despite a late run from Thomson to close within 7–10, Tang finished the game with a crisp forehand smash into the nick, taking it 11–7. Tang’s speed and court coverage were decisive.

Game 2

Tang again jumped out quickly, playing cleanly and keeping errors to a minimum. At 4–0 she looked dominant, but Thomson fought back, capitalizing on mid-court contact and forcing errors to level at 5–5. The rallies grew longer, with both players exchanging tight shots. At 7–7, Tang strung together key winners, forcing Thomson corner-to-corner, and reached game point at 10–8. A precise drop to the right sealed it 11–8, giving Tang a 2–0 lead.

Game 3

Tang’s intensity carried over, racing ahead 6–0 as Thomson broke a string and struggled to reset. The hometown favorite fought back to 6–4 with aggressive boasts and drops, but Tang reasserted control with attacking volleys and clever passing shots. At 10–6, she finished the match with a wide left-wall boast that left Thomson reaching and stumbling. Game 11–6, and the match 3–0 to Tang.

Summary

Tang was consistently the quicker, more aggressive player. She took the ball early, kept Thomson under pressure, and cut down on unforced errors after the opening game. Her control of the middle and ability to change direction decisively proved the difference in a confident straight-games victory.

Adam A.

Court 2 – 4:30 – Margot Prow (BAR;82) V Lauren Baltayan (FRA;71)

Baltayan leapt into a huge lead, but Prow climbed back to 10-10 with disciplined straight work. After all that, a cheeky drop from the back and a nick in the back and Baltayan sneaks it! Very exciting start.

It looked like Prow might pull far away after the way that game finished, but she couldn’t keep that tight straight game locked in consistently, so the rallies are long, and the game is back and forth. Speedy Baltayan keeping the pressure on picking everything up but making a few too many errors and leaving some loose balls, keeping Prow just ahead throughout the game until multiple tight straight shots in a row from Prow sealed the deal. It wasn’t for sure until it was for sure!

Very close third game. Prow’s attack quicker and crisper than Baltayan’s but Prow gave a few errors this game. I to 5-5 it’s neck and neck and it really feels like anyone’s game. If anything, writer thinks Prow has a dicey 1% edge. Crucial errors from Baltayan on well earned loose balls at 5-5 and 5-6 down. This writer snuck away to watch another match and Prow pulled it off while she was away! Legend has it she hit 5 nicks to finish.

The fourth starts with Baltayan absolutely determined. Crunching backhands and precise drops. Prow seems more reactive and less assertive. Writer disappears to watch other court and help clean up a classic Nash Cup beer spill. Comes back to 10-10! Baltayan is rock steady, not missing a beat, and an error from Prow and a perfect length takes the match to 5.

Baltayan rips out to a big lead in the fifth. It’s edgy from there, though Baltayan generally looks the more assertive and positive of the two at this point in the match, with Prow fading a bit. Baltayan ripped a nick at 6-4 up did a ton of retrieving and seemed to wear Prow down before making two errors and succumbing to a back court nick from Prow. At 8-8 Baltayan runs Prow around the court two rallies in a row, the more proactive of the two. The crowd is divided on the final call, a stroke with Prow in the backswing in the back of the court. Writer would have made the same call but wouldn’t enjoy doing it at the end of such a close match! What a match!

– Sam Cornett

Court 3 – 4:30 – Connor Turk (CAN;165) V Jeremias Azana (ARG;75)

Turk vs. Azana. Canada vs. Argentina. If we’re being honest, this might just be a sneak preview of next summer’s World Cup Final in North America. It’s a hot, humid Tuesday afternoon in London, Ontario, and the London Squash Club is already buzzing with anticipation.

Early in Game 1, Azana took control with excellent length and delicate drops, jumping out to an early lead. This reporter, meanwhile, is struggling to follow the live scoring—his work computer has inexplicably flagged the PSA website as “inappropriate content” under the category of “dating.” Strange times indeed.

Regardless, Azana maintained his dominance throughout the first game, closing it out in 9 minutes with an 11–7 win to take a 1–0 lead in the match.

Looking to level the score, Turk capitalized on a few unforced errors and a lucky nick in the back corner to jump ahead 5–2 in Game 2. Azana battled back to 5–6, but a third tin of the game stalled his momentum. Turk settled in, forcing Azana to work hard for every point. At 9–7, Turk hit a brilliant crosscourt to earn game point, and after a grueling rally, Azana’s fourth tin of the game handed the Canadian the game—match tied at 1–1.

With the crowd fully behind him, Turk looked to ride the momentum. Azana, however, had other plans. He upped the pace, cutting off shots early and mixing winners with a few more tins. At 5–6, Azana strung together a series of impressive plays—a great shot, a Turk tin, a deep length, and a quick front-court nick—to take the game 11–5 and go up 2–1.

The crowd began to wonder if fatigue was setting in for the Canadian. Azana jumped out to a 3–1 lead in the fourth, but Turk responded with urgency, leveling at 4–4 and then hitting a spectacular front-court nick to go up 5–4. Both players dug deep, knowing the match hung in the balance. At 7–7, Azana played two brilliant rallies to take a 9–7 lead. After a long, demanding exchange, a stroke against Turk brought up match ball. Turk regained serve at 8–10, but couldn’t withstand another perfect length from Azana, who closed out the match 3–1 to advance to the Round of 16.

Court 2 – 5:15 – Ronald Palomino (COL;68) V Liam Marrison (CAN;142)

Game 1 goes to Palomino 11-6

Game 2 – Palomino starts with two fine drop shots for winners. Followed by an error from Liam. 

It is soon 6-2 for Palomino, whose reach and speed allow few balls to go by. Final score 11-3 for the Columbian.

Game 3 – neither player shows any sign of fatigue. Palomino continues to dominate with fine drop shots and long reach. Marrison is pushed to the limit by retrieving deep shots and short drops. The score is soon 4-2 for Palomino. Then 8-5, and finally 11-7 for Palomino who continues to show finer drop shots and the ability to cut off almost all returns before hitting back wall. 

Final score 3-0 for Ronald Palomino.

Court 3 – 5:15 – Alina Bushma (UKR;67) V Lucia Bautista (COL;95)

This match got heated quickly. From the opening rallies, let calls, no-lets, and strokes were flying—almost every point seemed to involve a decision. Both players appeared frustrated: with themselves, each other, and the referee. Spectators couldn’t help but wonder if the officiating would become a decisive factor.

Bautista started strong, jumping out to a 6–3 lead with some clever, composed squash. Bushma settled in and clawed back to take a 9–8 lead, only to hit a tin. Another contentious let call followed, leaving both players visibly upset. After a few high-quality exchanges, Bushma held her nerve and closed out Game 1, 11–9.

Would Game 2 continue with the referee in the spotlight? A large no-let collision on the very first point suggested it might. Bushma took an early 4–2 lead, but Bautista responded well, leveling the score at 6–6. Thankfully, the match began to settle, with fewer interruptions and cleaner rallies. Bushma found her rhythm and played solid squash to take the second game 11–7.

In Game 3, Bushma looked determined to finish the job. Both players traded points early, reaching 3–3, but Bushma began to assert control. Her combination of deep length, sharp pace, and timely drops proved too much for Bautista. Bushma closed out the game 11–5, sealing a 3–0 victory and booking her spot in the Round of 16.

Court 2 – 6:30 – Nga Ching Cheng (HKG;93) V Emilia Soini (FIN;64)

Game 1 – Soini wins the first serve. And second. Errors all around and it is 3-3. Drop shots are hitting tin for both sides. Accuracy improves and it is 6-5 for Cheng. Rallies aren’t long and the score is soon 10-8 for Soini who takes the next point with a lob to win 11-8.

Game 2 – Soini wins the first two points with superior accuracy. Cheng comes back to make it 3-3. The players play a similar game with neither one faster or more accurate. It is 9-4 for Cheng, then 11-4 as Soini puts together a string of mistakes. 

Game 3 – Both players continue to move well but it seems to be a match of errors with Cheng making fewer than her opponent. Cheng is up 7-4 and hits tin. Then Soini hits tin. 9-5 for Cheng, then 10-5. Finally, Cheng hits an overhead reverse to win the match 11-5. 

Game 4 – more errors and short rallies and it is tied at 2-2.  Cheng takes the lead at 5-4 and loses the point with Soini’s cross court boast. It is tied at 6-6.  And tied again at 8-8. Cheng takes the next point with a boast, followed by an error from Soini. Then a shot Soini can’t retrieve. Cheng wins 11-8.

Cheng wins the match 3-1.

Court 3 – 6:30 – Viktor Byrtus (CZE;116) V Matthew Lai (HKG;82)

From the outset, both players were feeling each other out—testing lengths, drops, and crosscourt to gauge reactions. It was a clean start, with no calls or unforced errors, and the rallies were crisp. As the score reached 6–6, Byrtus began to assert control, winning a few key exchanges to lead 9–5. Lai responded with two strong points to close the gap to 7–9, but Byrtus hit a sharp crosscourt to earn game ball. The pace intensified, and Lai fought back to level at 10–10, pushing the game into extra points. A let call at 11–10 gave Byrtus another chance, and he delivered with a wide shot that Lai couldn’t return—taking Game 1, 12–10.

Lai came out firing in Game 2, energized and aggressive. A few let calls—including one controversial decision—helped him build a 4–2 lead. Byrtus responded, leveling the score at 7–7, but Lai strung together three quick points to reach game ball at 10–7. He closed it out 11–7, tying the match at 1–1.

Game 3 was pivotal, and both players knew it. Byrtus had a few calls go against him early and struggled to keep his composure. Lai led 5–3 as another let call frustrated both players. Byrtus continued to engage the referee, visibly agitated. Despite the tension, he fought back to 5–5. Lai remained composed and surged ahead to 10–5. A no-let call ended the game, giving Lai an 11–6 win and a 2–1 lead in the match.

The fourth game began with a conduct stroke against Byrtus—leaving the crowd puzzled. Was this a continuation of the frustration from Game 3? At 2–1 for Lai, a brilliant rally ended with a wicked crosscourt winner, pushing him to 3–1. The game was physical, with frequent contact and decisions falling to the referee. Byrtus found a groove, using a lob to the back corner to take an 8–6 lead. A tin from Lai and a nick brought it to 9–7. A no-let call gave Byrtus game ball. Lai responded with two strong rallies to reach 9–10, but a series of let calls—three in a row—preceded Byrtus finally closing out the game. We were headed to a fifth.

In the decider, Byrtus looked determined to finish the match, but the crowd wondered if Lai had another gear. The score was tied at 3–3 before Byrtus hit a great length and a sharp drop to take a 5–3 lead. A controversial pickup followed by a no-let call gave Byrtus a 6–4 edge. Another disputed pickup and let call added to Lai’s frustration. At 9–5, both players knew the next point was crucial. A no-let call gave Byrtus match ball. Lai fought back to 6–10, but a tin from Byrtus and a final crosscourt winner sealed the match.

Byrtus wins 3–2 and advances to the Round of 16. No doubt, whichever player lost would have felt hard done by some of the calls—but it’s the Czech who moves on.

Court 2 – 7:15 – Sanjay Jeeva (MAS;72) V Onaopemipo Adegoke (NIR;169)

Game 1 – Adegoke (Ad) wins the toss for firs serve. But hits tin on the first volley. Both players move fast. Sanjay takes the lead at 7-4. A great drop shot from Ad to make it 7-5. Soon tied at 7-7. After a little contact between the two fast moving players, it is 9-8 for Sanjay. Stroke called on Sanjay
Soon 10-10. Many shots up and down the wall for long rallies. Then 11-11. After 12-11 Sanjay wins an interference call to win 13-11.

Game 2 – Sanjay wins first four points. Next two points to Ad. Error by Ad. \let called with several collisions taking place. 6-4 for Sanjay. Ad hits tin. Stroke to Sanjay whi is up 8-4. Ad hits tin and it is 9-4. A great reverse boast gives Sanjay 10-4 who then hit tin. Then 10-6. Finally Ad hits high above the rear glass. Sanjay wins 11-6.

Game 3 – Collision in the first point, awarded to Ad. Then “no let” called on Seejay who is up 2-0 before hitting tin. Soon 2-2 after many let calls and collisions. Then 4-2 for Ad. Stroke called on Ad who is up 6-3. Ad seems to be losing the let and stroke calls. Soon 7-6 for Ad. Then 9-6 for Ad after he wins a stroke call. Ad hits tin … 9-7. Ad out paces Sanjay and it is 10-7. Then 10-8 as Ad hits tin. Sanjay wins the next call and it is 10-9. Then 10-10 as Sanjay puts one in the back corner deep. Sanjay takes next point with a rear wall roll-out. Then 11-10 for Sanjay. Another collision and controversial call. Two let calls followed by a stroke call in Sanjay’s favour who wins 12-10.

Sanjay wins 3-0.

Court 3 – 7:15 – Sin Yuk Chan (HKG;75) V Nikki Todd (CAN;228)

The sentimental crowd favorite, Nikki Todd (CAN), a veteran of many Nash Cups, stepped onto the court once again at the London Squash Club. The crowd buzzed with hope—could she summon some magic and pull off an upset?

Chan came out with a clear strategy: push the pace and extend rallies, knowing that the longer the exchanges, the more she could wear down the Canadian. With Chan up 6–5, the momentum began to shift. She strung together a few key points and closed out Game 1, 11–7.

Game 2 picked up right where the first left off. Todd worked hard to shorten rallies and go for winners, but Chan’s relentless retrieving and a few untimely tins from Todd gave the Hong Kong player a quick 11–5 win in just five minutes.

The crowd rallied behind Todd with chants of “Go Nikki!” as she returned to the court for Game 3. Todd responded with some early lobs to control the pace, earning a 4–2 lead. But after reading a drop perfectly, she hit tin—followed by a quick winner from Chan to level the score at 4–4. Chan then pulled ahead 8–5, looking to close out the match. A few more rallies and Chan had match ball. Todd attempted a drop but found the tin again, ending the match.

Chan wins 3–0 and advances to the Round of 16. Despite the loss, Todd’s grit and the crowd’s support made for a memorable evening.

Court 2 – 8:00 – Zeina Zein (EGY;119) V Toby Tse (HKG;77)

Zeina Zein returns for the first time since she won the NASHN cup in 2002 and we get to see what a few years at Princton have done for her. Her rank is a little lower, but this may be because she has focused on her studies versus the PSA….but now we refocus. Toby is at London Squash for her first NASH Cup and as a billet of Adam Arbus is automatically liked.  The match gets off to a tight start with Toby getting up 5-3. Having been watching for 17 years it’s amazing how much more physical the women’s game has become. Neither competitor is tall, but both have great power. Zeina pulls it back to 6-6- with some great shots. Zeina recognizes a downed ball and it’s 7-7. This is VERY different than the men’s games. Toby hits a lose ball and immediately recognizes the stoke 8-8.

A couple of strong rallies and 9-9. Great battle. Fun to watch. Toby hits a winning for 10-9. And then one more….11-9 for Toby in the opener.

Liam Marrison and Adamm Lilly have the broadcast booth, meaning it’s likely worth listening to this match online. The second game starts with a short rally and Zeina catching tin followed by a stoke call in the second rally. 2-0 Toby. The officials are in the balcony meaning that some low shots can’t be seen. The third rally looked like a down ball on Zeina but play goes on with Toby winning the rally 4-0. Zeina is struggling to get in front of the rally. Toby catches in and we are 7-2. A tin by Zeina followed by a perfect drop by Toby and 9-2. Another sharp drop and then Zeina hits a great lob in one rally and a beautiful drop in the next two. 10-5. Toby falls a step off and Zeina takes control forcing a few errors. 10-7. A high ball on the right wall (rare) and a tin puts us 10-9. Toby pulls out a great cross drop to end game 2 11-9. It didn’t feel like a tight game, but it sure ended up as one. Zeina showed she can be in this. We’ll see what comes in game 3.

The game plan in #3 for Zeina seems to be to send it dep and this works to a degree. Toby’s drop shot is vicious and should be avoided. 3-1 Zeina. She has the western men’s varsity team members coaching her. The moment Toby is up front she drops it and it’s hard to beat 4-3 Toby. At 4-4 Zeina does the splits to try and reach a ball on the right wall….5-4 Toby. The 2025 NASH Cup features three returning champions and this on is on the ropes. 7-4. Toby is focused hitting low drives down the wall leaving little space. 8-5. Some long rallies. Real crowd pleasers. 9-6. Zeina adds a pair. 9-8. A great boast from Zeina and we are 9-10…again. A third 11-9 win for Toby…and the 2025 NASH Cup is back on time (something only the host would worry about).

Court 3 – 8:00 – Tomotaka Endo (JPN;111) V Cesar Salazar (MEX;80)

A tour veteran and a Nash Cup regular, Cesar Salazar made yet another appearance at the London Squash Club. Both players are over 30, and as one cheeky observer (whose name rhymes with Barry) put it, this was a battle between two cagey veterans.

Game 1 featured steady, back-and-forth squash, with both players trading points to reach 6–6. As the game entered its business end, a long rally ended with Salazar smashing the ball into the tin. But at 10–10, Salazar pounced on a short ball to hit a winner, followed by a tin from Endo. Salazar took the opener 12–10

Game 2 picked up where the first left off—gritty squash and full-court coverage from both players. Salazar edged ahead 5–3, helped by a few unforced errors from Endo and some sharp returning. Endo fought back to 8–9, but a tin gave Salazar game ball, and he finished with a slick reverse boast to win 11–8 and take a 2–0 lead.

In Game 3, Endo needed to push the pace to counter Salazar’s retrieval skills. The score was even at 3–3, and the crowd was loving the high-quality squash. Both players continued to trade points, reaching 6–6. Could Endo mount a comeback? Or would Salazar close it out while conserving energy for the next round?

The rallies were long and tactical, with lobs and deep lengths stretching both players. At 9–7, Salazar won a punishing rally to earn match ball. Endo, looking exhausted, hit tin on the next point, giving Salazar the game 11–7 and the match 3–0.

Salazar advances to the Round of 16, showing once again that experience and grit go a long way.

Court 2 – 8:45 – Marta Dominguez (ESP;57) V Niki Shemirani (CAN;186)

Matra is in her 3rd NASH Cup and Niki is in her 2nd. They have no PSA history against each other. Niki is one of only two Canaidan’s left in the draw…so we’ll see if Hollie Naughton can get some company.

The early rallies are deep as each players tries to learn the others game. Marta has the experience, but Niki is staying tight. 4-2 Marta. As the rallies progress Marta seems to gain some patience. She drives the ball deep until she finds an opportunity. 6-3. Niki\’s game is steady, and she goes for winners when they are possible. 7-5. A great hold from Marta with a drive down the left wall. 8-6.

The left wall seems to be working for Marta. Most of her points have been coming here. 10-6. A great drop and game 1 to Marta.

Matra has to be happy with game one and is unlike to shift her approach while Niki will be looking for an edge. Interestingly it’s Niki who pushes for the left wall rally and it works 1-0. A rare tin from Marta in the front right. 3-1 Niki. Despite the left wall working for Marta in game one it’s Niki’s strength in game two. 6-1. The rallies have become more physical. Niki hits a great boast. 7-2. A huge rally of boasts and drives ends with a perfect hold by Niki with a drive down the right wall. 8-2. Matra regroups and hits a winner, but Niki responds with another 9-3. There are very few errors in this game. Another perfect drop by Niki. 10-3. A great hold by Niki and game 2 ends 11-4 Niki. The match is 1-1.

The broadcast commentary for this game is Jen Layman (i-club celebrity) and Will Harris (plays for University of Toronto). There coverage suffered zero down time between games keeping listeners entertained the full 120 second…..and we’re back.

Niki is ranked 186 globally while Marta is 57th. Niki was also a last-minute entry following a late withdrawal. She is proving she belongs. 2-2. An error by Niki and a perfect drop by Marta and it’s 4-2 Marta. Niki is a member of Canada’s NexGen squad and showing why. 6-4 Marta, followed by another great drop by Marta 7-4. This remains a game with very few errors and Niki catches marta going the wrong was with a hard cross.  7-5. Matra builds a gap to 10-5. Matra drills a low cross to end it 11-5 and gains a 2-1 lead.

Marta comes out strong in game three jumping to a commanding 4-0 lead.  She’s driving deep and forcing some lose shots. 7-1. Marta is all power now trying to push the ball back. Niki takes advantage when she can get in front, but this approach is working. 9-3. The match ends 11-3 Marta.

Court 3 – 8:45 – Joe White (AUS; 98) V Dillon Huang (USA; 115)

Jose Blanco is off to a great start in game 1. Length is dialed in, hitting each corner with purpose and precision. Joey is reading each shot well and taking the ball very early, cruising to a comfortable lead to start game 1. Dillon is struggling for answers, currently getting worked like a small Filipino child in an apple factory. Dillon after being down 6-2, seems to be easing into the match and starting to find his targets and finesse a few winners. In the end Joey was too solid, making very little errors and putting Dillon under more pressure to secure a 1-0 lead in games.

Dillon has started this second game with a much better mentality and gameplan. He is starting to take the ball in short more making Joe commit to some harder movements. The Australian understands Dillon is gaining confidence and momentum and has ramped up the pace and continues to move his T position higher. Despite an aggressive push from Joe, Dillon has weathered the storm and put together some very solid rallies to scrap to an 8-7 lead. To quote Dutch Vanwyngaarden in the crowd “oh wow, that’s dusty” as Joey hit a frame trickle boast winner to get to 9-8. A crushing blow to Dillon, never quite recovered mentally and quickly loses game 2 after that 11-8.

Dillon is starting off game 3 very solid. After being 2-0 down he seems to be playing more relaxed and free, starting to hit a few more winners. Just as momentum seemed to be swinging in his direction Joey rips a crosscourt nick of the serve flatter than a pancake. Despite an outrageous winner from Joe, Dillon has kept his head on straight and is starting to make Joe move into all four corners. Forcing a few errors out of Joe after some relentless pressure, Dillon finds himself up 9-6. Following this lead with a few saucy drop winners, Mr. Huang takes game 3 with a chance of turning this match around.

Start of game four and the ball seems to have died off quite a bit, favouring Dillon. Joe is starting to make some aggressive and heavy movements into the front of the court.

Writer change….

Joe is starting to look a little fatigued, going for some more high-risk shots. Currently getting rewarded, but a sign of things to come potentially. As predicted, the mighty has fallen. Errors have crept in and it appears a rest game may be in order, to send himself for a fifth game.

A very quick error from Dillon starts game five, both players look nervous. Both players have settled in, and it seems to be we have a war on our hands. Nothing like a fifth game without controversy, some very questionable gets are leading to some heated debates with the ref between points. A will to win has surfaced here from both players and they seem to be picking up balls that were winners in the last 4 games. Dillon has put together a great sequence of rallies to gain a 5-2 lead. Joe is feeling it physically, while Dillon has jumped up in energy. After a very saucy trickle boast a member yells “how do you like them apples?!” as Dillon goes up 6-2. Dillon is digging deep into his bag of tricks here and looks to be pulling away with this fifth game. Dillon broke Joe down in the end with an impressive display of mental resilience for a solid 2-0 comeback.

Nash Cup Round 2 matches start at 3pm EST tomorrow…..

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