What a night!
- Very long matches with 6 going to 5 games
- 8 seeded players out of the draw
- 3 Canadians advance to the quarter finals
We do it all again Thursday….starting with the Jack Fairs Open at 11am EST.
- Court 2 3:00 [4] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) def. Raqayya Salem (EGY) 3-2 – 11-2; 11-6; 12-14; 7-11; 11-7 (61m)
- Court 3 3:00 [5] Haya ali (EGY) def. Malak Samir (EGY) 3-0 – 11-6; 12-10; 11-7 (23m)
- Court 3 3:45 [7] Ronald Palomino (COL) def. Shahjahan Khan (USA) 3-0 – 11-5; 11-5; 11-5 (29m)
- Court 2 3:45 Bailey Malik (ENG) def. [3] Mohamed ElSherbini (SLO) 3-2 – 6-11; 11-9; 11-4; 6-11; 11-3 (58m)
- Court 2 4:30 Zeina Zein (CAN) def. [1] Torrie Malik (ENG) 3-1 – 11-6; 12-10; 7-11; 11-4 (38m)
- Court 3 4:30 Hannah Craig (IRL) def. [7] Saran Nghiem (ENG) 3-2 – 11-9; 11-9; 7-11; 2-11; 11-5 (71m)
- Court 2 5:15 Joachim Chuah (MYS) def. [1] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) 3-1 – 6-11; 14-12; 11-5; 11-6 (48m)
- Court 3 5:15 [5] Nick Spizzirri (USA) def. Victor Byrtus (CZE) 3-0 – 11-4; 11-8; 11-6 (24m)
- Court 2 6:30 [8] Marie Stéphan (FRA) def. Laila Sedky (USA), 3-1 – 11–9, 11–7, 10–12, 11–7 (48m)
- Court 3 6:30 Yasshmita Jadishkumar (MYS) def. [3] Lauren Baltyan (FRA) 3-0 11-6; 11-8; 11-3 (35m)
- Court 2 7:15 [2] Toufik Mekhalfi (FRA) def. Maceo Levy (FRA) 3-0 – 11-8; 11-6; 11-4 (21m)
- Court 3 7:15 Brice Nicolas (FRA) def. [6] Perry Malik (ENG)3-1 – 8-11; 14-12; 11-4; 11-4 (58m)
- Court 2 8:00 [2] Hollie Naughton (CAN) def. Helen Tang (HKG) 3-2 – 12-14; 11-6; 11-9; 13-11 (45m)
- Court 3 8:00 [6] Menna Hamed (EGY) def. Madison Lyon (AUS) 3-1 – 11-7; 11-1; 7-11; 11-4 (32m)
- Court 2 8:45 David Baillargeon (CAN) def. [4] Simon Herbert (ENG) 3-2 – 5-11; 11-8; 11-5; 4-11; 11-4 (48m)
- Court 3 8:45 Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim (PAK) def. [8] Finnlay Withington (ENG) 3-2 – 10-12; 11-2; 11-7; 7-11; 11-9 (54m)
Wednesday Match Summary
Court 2 3:00 Raqayya Salem (EGY) v [4] Rowan Elaraby (EGY)
Could the match of the night be the first one? This write thinks so. Rowan is a 2x former world junior champion facing off against an upcoming rising Egyptian junior. This is their first career matchup.
Rowan came out firing on all cylinders and showed her experience in game 1. Raqayya had a couple or unforced errors and a no let, but she was outclassed losing the first game 11-2.
Raqayya has a nice loose big swing, but her accuracy was not up to Rowan’s quality. We’ll see if she can adjust in game 2.
Game 2 is tighter at the start. Both women have used the working boast well. To this point in the match, Rowan has hit almost no errors which has made Raqayya force it just a little too much so far. This game has also seen quite a bit more contact around the middle of the court. Nothing too dodgy, but don’t quote me as I don’t have my glasses on. The youngster doesn’t seem to shy away from contact. She also has really overused her flicks from the front corners. I count one that’s worked, but not enough counter drops to fool her elder state(wo)man.
Rowan up 2-0 with a hard fought 11-6 game 2 win. A good fight from the youngster and she’s definitely making life uncomfortable out there for Rowan with the amount of contact there’s been.
More decisions from the ref to start game 3 along with more clinical attacking boasts from Rowan. Midway through game 3 and I still don’t think Rowan has hit an unforced error. Ruqayya is hanging around and claws back from 5-2 down to take a 6-5 lead.
Rowan’s first error of the match came at 12-12 in the third and her 2nd error gave the game to Ruqayya. Rowan started hitting a little looser and was noticeably agitated by all of the contact. She signed up for a squash tournament and found herself in a football scrimmage. Let’s see if the veteran can refocus and get back on track in game 4.
Rowan starts game 4 with 2 more unforced errors; not what she was looking for. Ruqayya storms off to a quick 7-0 lead. Sometimes squash is more mental than technical. Rowan had a few match balls and a could have been stroke and is now facing an impending 5th and deciding game. Rowan fights back to 7-9 and gets a stroke called against her on an inch perfect volley drive. Raqayya wins game 4 11-7 and now we have a major battle between 2 fierce competitors.
What could have been, should have been, doesn’t matter anymore. Rowan goes up 7-4, Raqayya scraps back to 6-7. Rowan goes up 10-6 and has more match points. And to no members surprise she clinches is with a back wall London Squash metal roll put nick.
Some great, chippy squash and a mental battle Rowan overcame. And not to toot my own horn, but I think this writer was indeed correct, match of the night was this 3pm 5 game thriller.
Court 3 3:00 Malak Samir (EGY) v [5] Haya ali (EGY)
Jay N.
Both Egyptian women at London Squash for the first time. Malak had a great first match and now takes on #5 seed Haya Ali. There are similarities to the styles and they work to 4-4. A tin from Malak and Haya begins to build a lead 6-4. Sofia Navida is reefing this one and so far the players have been accommodating to each other even when there is contact. Stroke on Malak and Haya is up 7-5. First game to Haya 11-6
Both play with more power early in game two and Malak seems to have found some momentum maintaining a slight lead through to 8-6. Haya maintains steady play and closes it back to 8-8 followed by an out of court form Malak. A great cross court and we are 9-9. A near impossible chip across the court from Haya after a long rally elicits a scream of excitement, but then Malak ties it up at 10-10. Haya manages to take it at 12-10 and it’s 2-0 for the match.
Game 3 and Haya is looking to close things fast. She hits a winner out of the gate but then Malak hits some great shots to bring it to 2-2. A great sideway boast and Malak is up 3-2. The side wall boast is working for Malak and she builds a 6-4 lead. The challenge with a shot that’s working is you tend to use it until it doesn’t….this happens as Malak catches a red line tin and, after some quick rallies, finds herself down 9-6. Haya moves onto the quarter finals.
Court 3 3:45 Shahjahan Khan (USA) v [7] Ronald Palomino (COL)
Jeremiah R
Khan opened with a beautifully weighted drop, but Palomino quickly responded and took control, racing to a 5–2 lead. Palomino’s wingspan and reach made it next to impossible to put a ball past him, and he stretched the advantage to 7–2. Khan battled back to 8–5 before a heavy collision caught Ronald on the hip It looked bad, but fortunately no major injuries. Palomino responded perfectly, taking three straight points to close the first 11–5.
Palomino continued to control the middle in the second, combining tight rails with excellent touch at the front to take the lead 6–2. Khan answered with a deceptive crosscourt taxi and feathered backhand drop to pull it close at 7–5, but some traffic through the middle disrupted his momentum. Palomino quickly closed out another 11–5 game, leaving Khan visibly frustrated when conferring with his coach.
Palomino flew out to a speedy 6–0 lead in the third, highlighted by the deadest of nicks. Khan plyed some great gets to entertain the crowd, but Ronald always seemed just one shot ahead, varying his length and keeping constant pressure on his opponent. Khan fought back to 9–5, but Palomino again shut the door, closing the match out with his third consecutive 11–5 game.
Final: Palomino 3–0 Khan — 11–5, 11–5, 11–5
Court 2 3:45 Bailey Malik (ENG) v [3] Mohamed ElSherbini (SLO)
Jay N.
As tournament host it’s the job of this writer to be non-bias….as the billet for the Malik family I’m allowed to harbour a preference. No effort will be made to hide this in my writing. These are both great players in the NASH Cup for the first time.
Bailey picks up 2 great points to start the match started but Mohamed is patient. He was once a much higher rank, and you can see his patience on court. 2-2. If Mohamed was watching the brothers play yesterday, he knows Bailey can get just about anything and is unlikely to wear down. 4-2. Mohamed is the tournament’s #3 seed, currently 52 in the world but has been ranked as high as 15th. Rallies continue to be very long and patient. At 5-3 Bailey looks like he may have rolled an ankle slightly. He shakes it off, but the next few points could be telling. No issues with movement, but a stroke call and it’s 6-3. 10-4 and Mohamed takes a quick break for broken strings. Two exceptional well paced shots that fall short of the back wall and we are 10-6, but a front winner ends the first game.
While this writer took on other responsibilities for the remainder of the game he continued to watch the incredible action. Bailey found another gear. He continued with the exceptionally tight play he displayed against his brother on night one and was able to push the more experienced El Sherbini. A tremendous win for the young player.
Court 2 4:30 Zeina Zein (CAN) v [1] Torrie Malik (ENG)
This is a tough round of 16 match for both players as we have Zein as a former Nash Cup Champion in ’22 against Torrie Malik who is a former Nash Cup Finalist in ’24. One of these players will be very disappointed with an early exit from the tournament.
In the first few points of the match, the crowd has seen a few tins from both players, a few strong winners and it is obvious that both players are looking to find their footing and find some advantage. At 5-5 in the first game, Malik is looking to find her length and use her power while Zein is looking to use her speed and court coverage. Very quickly, Zein hits a couple of great shots and forces the issue to jump out to a 10-5 lead and wins the game 11-6.
The second game has some back-and-forth squash with some great winners to get to 5-5 … again. This writer is wondering who will take advantage in the business end of the game. Malik hit a few strong lengths and Zein hit a couple of front court shots to get to 8-8. At 10-9, Malik went for a drop winner that caught tin to give Zein some life to get back to 10-10. Zein used that momentum to take the second game 12-10 and a 2-0 lead.
The crowd is wondering if Malik can find her footing and get back into this match. Early on in game 3, Malik leads 4-2 forcing Zein into a few miscues. A poor boast and two straight unforced tins by Malik gives Zein the edge at 5-4. Some back and forth squash by both players, get the match to 7-7.
Very quickly Malik hit good length for a point, gets an easy stroke call and then two strong drives for winners to take the game 11-7 to get back to 1-2 in the match.
Game 4 starts with Zein moving her opponent around the court and mixing great length to the front and back of the court and she jumps out to a commanding 6-1 lead. Zein is looking to seal this match up and Malik is working really hard to not let this game slip away easily. At 7-4, Zein played a punishing rally pushing Malik back to front and side to side to quell the push and to gain a 8-4 lead. The next few points were over quickly, and it our former champion to move on winning 11-4, and 3-1 in the match.
Court 3 4:30 Hannah Craig (IRL) v [7] Saran Nghiem (ENG)
Adam A This was a dramatic five-game match with Craig taking the first two tight games, Nghiem completely changing the momentum in Games 3 and 4, and Craig recovering impressively in the fifth.
The first game was extremely even, with much of the play developing through tight backhand exchanges down the left wall. Both players mixed power with touch, and there were several stroke/let decisions as they battled for position. Craig created a small cushion at 8–6 and reached game ball at 10–7, but Nghiem fought back to 10–9. Craig then produced arguably the shot of the game — a superb backhand winner into the nick — to take it 11–9.
Game 2 followed a similar pattern. Craig started quickly at 2–0 and gradually built leads of 5–2 and 7–4, using a good mixture of length, boasts and changes of direction. Nghiem kept fighting back and levelled at 8–8, but Craig handled the closing points better. At 10–9, she finished the game with a hard forehand winner down the right wall, taking another 11–9 game and a commanding 2–0 lead.
Nghiem responded strongly in the third. After an injury timeout early in the game, she established a 6–1 advantage and began controlling more of the rallies. Craig mounted a serious comeback, closing to 7–8 with some excellent volleying and attacking play, but two no-let decisions against Nghiem were followed by Craig eventually finding the tin. Nghiem took the game 11–7 and stayed alive.
The fourth was completely different. Nghiem came out firing, winning the opening four points and taking the ball much earlier. Craig briefly responded to make it 4–2, but Nghiem’s increased pace and attacking intent appeared to unsettle her. Nghiem reeled off the next six points to reach 10–2 before finishing with a simple forehand drop. 11–2 Nghiem, and suddenly a match Craig had led 2–0 was headed to a fifth.
The deciding game showed an impressive reset from Craig. Nghiem made the first error, and Craig moved ahead 2–0 before Nghiem responded to level at 2–2. From there the rallies became increasingly physical and tactical, with tight play down the left wall, changes of direction and several obstruction decisions. At 5–5, Craig made the decisive move. A stroke against Nghiem put Craig ahead, and she followed it by applying pressure at the front. An Nghiem tin and further obstruction helped Craig stretch the lead to 9–5.
At 10–5, the players produced a huge rally featuring retrievals, drops and repeated scrambling at the front of the court — a fitting conclusion to a match that had swung dramatically in both directions.
Overall: Craig’s ability to regroup after losing the fourth 11–2 was the defining feature of the match. Nghiem was at her best when she stepped forward, took the ball early and increased the pace, particularly through Games 3 and 4. Craig ultimately regained her composure, returned to tighter length and better front-court pressure, and took control of the fifth after 5–5 to secure the 3–2 victory.
Final: Hannah Craig def. Saran Nghiem 3–2
Games: 11–9, 11–9, 7–11, 2–11, 11–5
Court 2 5:15 Joachim Chuah (MYS) v [1] Auguste Dussourd (FRA)
Mark M
We have the number 1 seed from France, Auguste Dussorde taking on Joachim Chuah from Malaysia. Game 1 begins with Dussourd playing simple squash (a lesson this writer needs to take to heart), playing straight length, good width and getting to 6-1 without too much stress. Chuah is trying to counter but looks to be on his back foot early. After a few long rallies, it is 8-3 for Dussourd and he’s looking to end this. An unforced tin and a loose shot by Chuah gives Dussourd game ball. After a couple more points, the Frenchman finishes game 1 at 11-4 to take a 1-0 lead.
Game 2 continues as Game 1 started with Dussourd pushing his opponent to the back corners with punishing length, good width and deft lobs. As the game progresses, Chuah is looking more comfortable, looking very light on his feet and trying to counter with some quick crosses, drops , quick boasts and generally mixing up his shots. Game 2 is even at 7-7, with Dussourd trying to find his early dominance and Chuah trying to counter and play his game. Dussourd finds some space, and forces his game for a few points to get to 10-7 looking to take a strangle hold on this game. Chuah with a great drop, then a great trickle boast up front followed by a weak tin from his opponent to level this at 10-10. Some great back and forth squash with some winners and some tin levels it at12-12. Chuah wins the next two gruelling points to take game 2 14-12 and levels the match at 1-1.
After a quick shawarma for this writer while watching game 3,
i can report the following. That game was quick, it was over before the shawarma was eaten. Overall, the match has shifted, Dussourd looks tired and on his back foot while Chuah was pressing hard, quick and on his front foot and quickening the pace as much as possible. 11-5 for Chuah to take a 2-1 lead.
The crowd is realizing they may be watching the second number 1 seed fall in consecutive matches here and lots of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as Chuah’s retrieval skills are on full display. After jumping out to a 5-0 lead, Chuah is looking to wrap this match up as his speed a quickness may be too much for Dussourd. Dussourd gets a couple points back, but it may be too much for him at this point as Chuah looks like he has found his rhythm and found his style. Dussourd serving at 3-7 realizing that he needs to put a stop to the relentless attack from Chuah. Back and forth for a few points, and it is 5-8 with Dussourd serving. A quick side-out, a stroke and a tin gives Chuah the game at 11-6, taking the match 3-1.
Court 3 5:15 Victor Byrtus (CZE) v [5] Nick Spizzirri (USA)
Jeremiah R.
Nicholas Spizzirri came out sharp, playing focused, disciplined squash and forced Viktor Byrtus into errors from the outset. The Czech struggled to settle, finding the tin too often as frustration grew. Spizzirri confidently cruised through the opener 11–3.
Byrtus righted the ship in the second, trading points with Nicholas to reach a 6–6 tie. The American quickly grabbed the next two, and despite some contentious calls rattling both players, Spizzirri maintained his composure. Two late tins from Viktor helped Nicholas close out the game 11–6.
Another fast start put Spizzirri ahead 4–0 in the third. Traffic through the middle allowed Byrtus to claw back a couple before an entertaining stretch saw both players tin boasts and Viktor fire a brilliant crosscourt into the nick. A seeming stroke resulted in a let and added to Byrtus’ frustration, but Spizzirri stayed composed, forced errors with pressure, and finished the job 11–6, to take the match in three.
FInal: Spizzirri 3-0 def. Byrtus (11–3, 11–6, 11–6)
Court 2 6:30 Laila Sedky (USA) v [8] Marie Stephan (FRA)
Felix H
What began as a tightly contested opening game developed into a compelling four-game battle at the NASH Cup, as France’s No. 8 seed Marie Stéphan used her experience and court awareness to overcome a determined challenge from American Laila Sedky.
Stéphan took the opening point, but Sedky quickly settled into the match. The players traded points through the early stages, with both showing an ability to attack from the front of the court. At 5–5, Sedky began to find success with well-placed attacking boasts and opened an 8–5 advantage.
Stéphan, however, remained composed. Her experience became increasingly apparent as she worked her way back into the game, drawing level at 9–9. With the game hanging in the balance, Stéphan closed it out 11–9.
The second game followed a similar pattern. Both players had established their length, and the rallies became increasingly physical as they battled for control of the T. Stéphan began to impose herself, using precise cross-court shots and well-disguised drops to put Sedky under pressure. From a narrow early exchange, Stéphan opened a 7–2 lead and eventually moved to game ball at 10–6.
Sedky refused to go quietly, narrowing the gap to 7–10, but an untimely error into the tin handed Stéphan the game and a commanding 2–0 lead.
With Sedky facing elimination, the third game produced the match’s biggest momentum shift. The American responded with renewed attacking intent, finding success with a forehand kill and a back-wall nick to move ahead 4–2. She continued to attack with well-placed boasts and eventually established a 9–7 advantage.
The tension increased as both players contested several decisions around the centre of the court. Sedky appealed for a stroke at 9–7, but the referee awarded a let. Stéphan capitalized on the opening, drawing level at 9–9.
Sedky then earned game ball, only to lose the next point, sending the game to 10–10 and requiring a two-point margin. The American held her nerve, winning the next two points to take the game 12–10 and extend the match.
Stéphan’s reaction was unmistakable as she left the court visibly frustrated, setting up an intriguing fourth game: could Sedky capitalize on the momentum swing? The answer was ultimately no—but not before another closely fought contest.
Sedky lost the opening point after a contentious “no let” decision, and the physical demands of the match were beginning to show. Long rallies and repeated battles around the T were taking their toll on both players, while neither was entirely satisfied with several refereeing decisions.
At 6–6, a “yes let” decision allowed Sedky to draw level and kept the American within striking distance. But once again, Stéphan’s experience proved valuable at the critical moments. She read Sedky’s intentions well and repeatedly placed the ball away from her opponent, moving to 9–7.
Sedky was unable to find another comeback. Two unforced errors into the tin handed Stéphan the final points, and the Frenchwoman closed out the match 11–7 in the fourth.
Stéphan advances with a 3–1 victory, but the scoreline doesn’t fully capture the competitiveness of the match. Sedky repeatedly demonstrated the attacking ability to trouble the No. 8 seed, while Stéphan’s composure, shot selection and experience allowed her to prevail when the games reached their decisive stages.
For Stéphan, the challenge now is to carry that hard-earned momentum forward. For Sedky, the match offered plenty of evidence that she can compete with a seeded player and force the issue with her aggressive style.
Court 3 6:30 Yasshmita Jadishkumar (MYS) v [3] Lauren Balatyan (FRA)
Game 1 – Balatyan v. Jadishkumar at London Squash, game starting about 40 minutes late due to the length of some previous matches. I the early going of this game, Balatyan has hit some weak shots, made some mistakes and does not look as comfortable as her opponent. Jadishkumar looks more comfortable early taking a 8-5 lead. Some great length from Jadishkumar pushing her opponent around the court allows her to take a 10-5 lead for game ball. After a weak boast from Baltayan, Jadishkumar makes her pay, taking the point and takes the game 11-6 for a 1-0 lead.
Game 2 – Early in this game, we have seen some lets, no lets and some strokes. This writer knows enough about squash that it isn’t good when both players are frustrated. Jadishkumar has settled early, taking a 5-2 lead. Baltayan looks frustrated, she needs to get back to focussing on squash and not the ref. At 4-8, Baltayan fell and had a let called. This is a big moment, she needs to settle and play her game to level this match or she faces a huge mountain to climb. Baltayan is focussing on good length, particularly the backhand corner and she levels the game at 8-8. After a winner, and two straight stroke calls, Jadishkumar takes game 3, 11-8, to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
Game 3 – Baltayan has started game 3 as she did in the second half of the last game, aggressive and forcing length to her opponents backhand. Jadishkumar is doing an impressive job at soaking up the pressure and putting her opponent in awkward spots on the court and she takes a 5-2 lead. She can sense the victory, Jadishkumar is pushing the pace and looking strong here, getting the game to 9-3. The last few points include a great front drop, a tin and a nice winner give Jadishkumar a really solid 11-3 win, and 3-0 in the match versus the 3 seed.
Court 2 7:15 Maceo Levy (FRA) v [2] Toufik Mekhalfi (FRA)
Felix H.
The all-French matchup between Levy and second-seeded Toufik Mekhalfi brought together two Nash Cup rookies with contrasting levels of experience coming into the event. Mekhalfi entered the match as the seeded player and with a 1–0 advantage in their head-to-head record, while Levy was looking to make his mark on his first appearance at the Nash Cup.
From the opening exchanges, it was clear that both players were comfortable moving the ball into all four corners of the court. The first game was played at a fast pace, with long rallies interspersed with moments of attacking brilliance. While Levy looked to construct rallies with a longer swing, Mekhalfi generated considerable power and accuracy from a notably compact swing, allowing him to take time away from his opponent.
Game 1
Mekhalfi served first and took the opening point, but Levy quickly responded to make it 1–1. The players remained virtually inseparable through the early exchanges, reaching 2–2 and then 3–3 as both demonstrated the skill to exploit every corner of the court.
The momentum began to shift midway through the game. Levy put a ball into the tin to give Mekhalfi a 6–3 advantage, and a nearly identical unforced error soon extended the lead to 8–4. Levy responded with a hard-fought 90-second rally, although he eventually put the ball out of bounds. He immediately followed that mistake with an impressive backhand nick, but Mekhalfi continued to control the scoreboard, moving ahead 10–6.
Mekhalfi then gave Levy a brief opening, wasting two game balls with consecutive tins. He recovered on the next opportunity, however, taking the first game 11–8 in a fast-paced and highly competitive contest.
Game 2
Mekhalfi again established the early advantage, serving from the left side to his fellow Frenchman. The contrast in their techniques became increasingly apparent. Mekhalfi generated significant pace and accuracy from a very short swing, while Levy’s more extended swing appeared to give him a different rhythm and approach to constructing rallies.
Mekhalfi used clever ball placement at the front of the court to establish a 5–2 lead, before a deep drive down the left wall put Levy under considerable pressure. Mekhalfi continued to dictate the game, combining power with precise placement to extend his advantage to 8–4.
Levy was unable to find the sustained opening he needed to turn the game around. Mekhalfi reached 10–6 and, unlike at the end of the first game, converted his opportunity immediately, finishing the game with a well-executed back-wall nick.
With Mekhalfi now two games ahead, Levy needed to find a way to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm and create more time and space on court.
Game 3
Mekhalfi continued to apply pressure from the outset. He was consistently hunting the volley, looking to take time away from Levy and prevent him from settling into longer rallies. The tactic paid immediate dividends as Mekhalfi moved into an early 3–1 lead.
As the game progressed, Mekhalfi’ s ability to anticipate and attack the ball became increasingly evident. His compact swing appeared to make his intentions difficult to read, while Levy’s longer swing potentially gave Mekhalfi additional information about the direction of the shot.
The result was another controlled performance from the second seed. Mekhalfi extended his advantage to 8–4, and following another lengthy rally, Levy put the ball out of bounds. Mekhalfi closed out the third game 11–4 to complete a straight-games victory.
Final: Mekhalfi def. Levy 11–8, 11–6, 11–4.
For Levy, the match provided a challenging introduction to the Nash Cup against a seeded opponent who combined power, accuracy and an aggressive volleying game. For Mekhalfi, the victory demonstrated his ability to maintain pressure and adapt his attacking game as the match progressed, securing a convincing first Nash Cup win.
Court 3 7:15 Brice Nicolas (FRA) v [6] Perry Malik (ENG)
Head-to-Head = 0:1
NC Rookie / NC #3
Court 2 8:00 Helen Tang (HKG) v [2] Hollie Naughton (CAN)
Stingray
Wow. Talk about an event of upsets so far. But you know what’s not upsetting? Stingray Hanebury Esq. reporting on this match. That’s right. Stingray’s back, and he’s ready to relay to you some of what happened – and some that didn’t (creative license).
The match starts with a few quick points. No one seems overly comfortable yet, but Hollie takes the better of it and gets an early lead. Tang spends the first few points behind Hollie and doesn’t seem to know how to change it up.
Hollie, looking calm, simply plays the points out and keeps a decent lead in the first. But midway through the game, Tang picks up it up starts to show more confidence in her positioning. She ties the game 9-9.
Tang looks determined into the end of this game. She’s comfortable now and she and Hollie have some good rallies with the control going back and forth. But in the end, Tang takes it with a few clutch shots.
This intermission is brought to you by Sleeman. Or Sapporo. Or whoever the beer sponsor is for this event. Stingray just drinks the beer. He doesn’t ask who’s brewing it.
Second game starts and Stingray realizes that he might have access to Jay’s actual laptop. Going to take a quick break now to email his doubles partner, on his behalf, and let him know that he’s moving on to someone who can better appreciate how good his backhand his.
The second game gets a bit scrappy. Neither player seems capable of being consistent enough to take control for more than a point.
The points keep going back and forth. Tang hits a fantastic drop in the front right to win a point, only to have Hollie do the same on the right from a volley position. This goes back and forth again but Hollie starts to get the better of it. She wins the second game with a quick counter drop in the front left.
Stingray isn’t sure that people are actually reading these write ups, so to test this theory here’s a bitcoin address with 0.0000001 bitcoin on it. If anyone’s reading this, good on ya.
37NEbJw4Sury6abTTDenzUZX
Okay so back for a fun third game now. 1-1. Hollie with the clear momentum advantage, but she needs to come out strong this game and follow it up.
Tang gets a 5-3 lead int the third game and hollie is doing her best to turn it around, but an unforced error tin gets it to 6-3. A few points later, Hollie decides to take full advantage of the London Squash club back court “members bounce” and hit an ace serve. Nice.
The game continues to be very tight. Neither player gets more than a point or two ahead, which the crowd loves. Tang gets a 9-8 lead, but Hollie says “nope” and ties it 9-9 an then wins the next to get 10-9 game ball. Both player seem to recognize that whoever wins this game is likely to win the match (“duh”, says the readers). Hollie prevails and wins the second game.
The crowd at the club is loving this match. The beer is flowing. Stingray Hanebury Esq. is up multiple beers in wagers. Could this night of squash get any better? Oh, I bet we’re about to find out.
Fourth game starts and the crowd is on the edge of their seats. They’ve talked for years about getting larger seats just for this moment, but it hasn’t happened. Come on, Jay, let’s spend some of that budget on the bum cushions.
The fourth game starts to get scrappy. A bit of interference in the mid court and a couple of lets. Then Hollie seems to get past it and wins a few points in a row, only to lose a big point
In the middle of the fourth game, a spectator’s chair collapses and he is on the floor. From the excitement? From the thrill of the game? Or from some very cheap chairs? Who is this commentator to judge.
Tang gets up to a 9-8 lead but Hollie says “not today” (or tonight, it is late in the evening, after all) and ties it. Then next thing you know it’s 9-10 and a fantastic rally leads to Hollie tieing it up. She wins the next point and it’smatch ball. Yes, “smatch ball” that wasn’t a typo. It’s a thing we say here in London, Ontario aka the second best London.
Tang comes back and ties it up, but Hollie surges back and then wins the following point to take the match 3-1.
Court 3 8:00 Madison Lyon (AUS) v [6] Menna Hamed (EGY)
Head-to-Head = none
NC Rookies
Court 2 8:45 David Baillargeon (CAN) v [4] Simon Herbert (ENG)
Head-to-Head = 2:2
NC #8, 2023 Champion / NC #2 (last in 2021; Current UK Champion)
Wow, wait? Another Stingray Hanebury (Esq. The first of his Name) match reporting? Yeah, that’s right. Buckle up, get your reading glasses on, and prepare to feel the electric energy of an amazing match from the seat of your toilet. Yeah, that’s right, I know where you are reading this from right now. It’s kind of gross, but at the same time, it’s your own space. No one is bothering you. And, frankly, after those hot chicken wings you had last night, you can probably hang out here for another hour before anyone says a word. Enjoy this time. You’ve earned it.
Butt, seriously, eat more fibre.
Anyways, the first game is a great display of squash. Both players seem to always looking to volley or take the ball in short. David hits a few more unforced errors than Simon and it starts to slip away from him. The game progresses and near the end it looks like Simon is comfortable, but David doesn’t take advantage of this to hurt him. Simon wins the first game.
Okay, I know it has been a game in “Stingray time”, and while you’re there sitting on the toilet it’s probably been just a few minutes, but maybe it’s time to stand up and stretch out those legs, eh? No? Okay. Well at least give a flush and start fresh.
Second game and Simon is looking even more comfortable. David is pushing him at moments but at the key moments he’s hitting an unforced error or letting Simon off the hook.
Mid game and David starts to form a comeback combined with Simon seeming to lose focus. David gets back to 5-4 an then a no-let gets it to 5-5. The crowd was mixed on the no-let call, but then Leppi (a Sarnia legend) asked what a let was and then said no, so we all agreed with him because he’s buying the beer tonight. Sapporo, please.
A few questionable calls happen but it affects both players so in theory no blood, but eventually it seems to affect Simon more and David, way more steady, takes the game to tie it up 1-1.
Okay, seriously. It’s been two games. Get off the toilet. Medically it’s bad for you to sit on a toilet for that long. Also, people are starting to wonder about why you’re in there for so long. Was it the spicy chicken wings? Maybe you’re now a celiac? Either way, the whispers are happening.
The next game is a mixed bag. A lot of great shots followed by unforced errors. It turns out that Simon is the one who seems to hit more errors. David is looking very steady and happy to let Simon give him points.
David locks down the rest of the game and makes nearly zero mistakes. The wins the game and takes the lead to go up 2-1.
The next game is the highest intensity yet. Both players are hunting for the ball and trying to maintain dominance of the mid court. There are a few points where Simon looks tired but then he shows that he’s ready to go and takes it back and gets a lead 9-4. Next point he has a great volley straight drop and the following point David seems to give up on it and it’s 2-2.
Wow, fifth game. GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT. What a match so far. Words do a poor job of describing the quality. And yet, Stingray is here trying.
David starts the game on a tear getting up 5-0. Not looking good for Simon.
Simon says he needed a point and he gets one, and then another, but David says “you shall not pass these points”, which no one here understood because he said it in French and, despite what you may have heard about Canada, we are not entirely fluent.
David continues to run away with it and gets up match ball. He takes the next point to win the match and keep the Canada men’s team going.
Court 3 8:45 Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim (PAK) v [8 Finnlay Withington (ENG)
Write up pending
