Tuesday Match Summary
- 15:00 ct2 Raqayya Salem (EGY) bt. Franka Vidovic (CRO) 3-0 – 11-9; 11-9; 11-4 (27m)
- 15:00 ct3 Malak Samir (EGY) bt. Ambre Allinckx (SWZ) 3-0 – 11-8; 12-10; 11-5 (28m)
- 15:45 ct2 Shahjahan Khan (USA) bt.Abbas Nawaz (CAN) 3-0 – 11-8; 11-6; 11-5 (27m)
- 15:45 ct3 Bailey Malik (ENG) bt. Heston Malik (ENG) 3-2 – 11-13; 11-9; 11-13; 11-5; 11-9 (70m)
- 16:30 ct2 Zeina Zein (CAN) bt. Karina Tyma (POL) 3-1 – 9-11,11-7,11-4,12-12 (43m)
- 16:30 ct3 Hannah Craig (IRL) bt. Lialah Mavani (CAN) 3-0 – 11-2; 11-3; 11-3 (19m)
- 17:15 ct2 Joachim Chuah (MYS) bt. Connor Turk (CAN) 3-0 – 11-5; 11-5; 11-3 (26m)
- 17:15 ct3 Victor Byrtus (CZE) bt. Kent Rawlins (CAN) 3-1 – 11-5; 11-7; 8-11; 11-2 (30m)
- 18:30 ct2 Laila Sedky (USA) bt. Iman Shaheen (CAN) 3-0 – 115; 11-2; 11-0 (23m)
- 18:30 ct3 Yasshmita Jadishkumar (MYS) bt. Katerina Tycova (GER) 3-0 – 13-11; 11-5; 11-8 (34m)
- 19:15 ct2 Maceo Levy (FRA) bt Aqeel Rehman (AUT) 3-0 – 11-4; 11-8; 11-7 (28m)
- 19:15 ct3 Brice Nicolas (FRA) bt. Daniel Poleshchuk (ISR) 3-1 – 4-11; 11-5; 14-12; 11-4 (45m)
- 20:00 ct2 Helen Tang (HKG) bt. Diana Garcia (MEX) 3-1 – 11-6; 8-11; 11-2; 11-4 (31m)
- 20:00 ct3 Madison Lyon (AUS) bt.Sofia Mateos (ESP) 3-2 – 11-5; 9-11; 11-3; 5-11; 11-3 (36m)
- 20:45 ct2 David Baillargeon (CAN) bt. Taylor Carrick (BMU) 3-0 – 11-6; 11-2; 11-4 (22m)
- 20:45 ct3 Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim (PAK) bt. Dillon Huang (USA) 3-1 – 11-6; 9-11; 11-1; 11-8 (39m)
Match Summaries
15:00 Raqayya Salem (EGY) v. Franka Vidovic (CRO)
Head-to-Head = none
NC Rookies
Franka and Ruqayya are both in their first NASH Cup and well matched. Raqayya arrived from the USA in the middle of the night but showed no lack of sleep in the opener
Both players are quite strong at finishing around the middle. They both came out hitting with good pace and fighting for those attacking positions. There’s also no shortening up their swings when there’s a loose ball so there’s been a few small clippings. Franka came out strong in game 2 but Ruqayya kept inching her way back to end up tied at 9. Franka closes the game with 2 unforced errors and gifts away a hard-fought game. Franka is right there but hasn’t played the big points well so far. Mentally, that is going to be a tough to fight back from down 2.
Okay, enough of Chris Hanebury. Time to bring in the big guns of match reporting: Stingray Hanebury Esq.
Starting the third game and Raqayya comes out with heavy pace and aggressive movement. Franka is staying in the points and returning shorts but is having trouble keeping control of the mid court. Raqayya’s length and speed on the ball is proving difficult.
Mid way through the game and Raqayya is looking comfortable. She opens the court up a little bit with some well-timed holds. Franka starts to look unsure of a strategy and hits a poor tin, only to recover and the next point play a well constructed rally. But Raqayya is unphased and wins a quick two points to maintain a healthy lead.
As they get to the business end of the game, Franka fights hard, but on a good opening to take the point hits an unforced error and gives Raqayya the match.
15:00 Ambre Allinckx (SWZ) v Malak Samir (EGY)
Head-to-Head = none
NC #2 (2022); NC Rookie
Both players came out very strong in this opening match with Malak jumping to a 4-2 lead . The shots are tight down the walls and long lasting. Both wait patiently to capture the other out of position. Malak has an edge in the early going but Ambre is keeping it tight. 7-5. Both players have great patience and smooth movement. Malak buries two in a row and it’s9-5. Ambre has a huge reach and uses it to get close, but on dig goes above the line ending the first.
The first game is about learning something about your opponent. This is the first time Ambre and Malak have faced off in the PSA and we will see what they learned. Ambre appears to have turned up the aggression favour power. This is working when she can stay in front. Malak responds with low hard drives. Both players catch more tin in game two as they bring their kill shots lower and lower. As the game progresses it’s all about the winners. No more errors. Two balls slide under Ambre’s racquet and Malak takes game 2.
Ambre has been close in both games but finds herself down 0-2. She picks up the first point on a long rally but lets the next 2 go 1-2. Malak has some great shot making and a sharp boast drops tight. 2-4. The Sleeman buckets at the front don’t offer what one would hope – just towels – they take a quick break. Ambre picks up a point but then a couple of unforced has her in a difficult hole. A vicious final rally and the match goes to Malak.
15:45 Abbas Nawaz (CAN) v Shahjahan Khan (USA)
Head-to-Head = none
NC Rookie, but JFO #3; 2nd NC (2024)
15:45 Bailey Malik (ENG) v Heston Malik (ENG)
Head-to-Head = Bailey 1-0
Both NC Rookies
Malik Squared
As PSA entries shifted in the days leading up to the tournament matches shifted. The Malik brothers – Bailey and Heston; age 20 – have ended out facing each other in their first NASH Cup appearance. They have played once before in PSA competition but have a lifetime of training together and this should be a very interesting match. Cheering will be the other Malik siblings Perry and Torrie who are watching closely.
Good length to the back by both and we are 2-2 staring things out. This writer has no bias as he is hosting all four Malik’s. 3-3. The “go to” shot is down the left wall in a rally that has to have been 40 shots before Bailey tries to end it with a soft sidewall boast and catches tin. 4-3 Heston. An incredible rally of drop shots with a stroke call on Heston brings us to 5-5. The anticipation of shots is fun to watch. 8-6 Bailey. Heston fights back and its 8-8. Great rallied. Great winners. 9-9. It will shock nobody that this is going to extra points. 10-10….11-11…some question about a ball being down but the rally pushes on and Heston wins 13-11. Unlike most players who leave court for their respective corners the bothers choose to share a bench as they use their 2-minute break.
The Makil siblings all have great length and the ability to boast expertly off the ball wall. This come into play early in game two and it’s 2-2 when there is a collision on court. Bailey appears to have jarred his back and they take a few moments to shake it off. 4-2 Bailey after play resumes. Heston has an incredible back hand volley drop from the high left to the front right corner. For the second time this game he uses it to claim a point. 5-3. Bailey builds a lead to 8-5 but a series of drops and a wonderful hold/drive from Heston brings it to 8-7…and then 8-8. We could be going deep again! Baily gets to 10-8 but Heston is hanging in. 10-9. An unfortunate tin brings the match to 1-1.
Match two and its clear we are going to be behind schedule already. Hopefully this will allow the streaming issues currently being experienced to get solved. This is a match that deserves to be watched. Both players miss early shots to get to 1-1. The pace has shifted with a little more touch and some attempted drops that don’t quite hold. Bailye 4-2 and Heston is ready to go back to length and power. 4-3. More and more winners or attempts are them and we are 5-4 Bailey. Both players are clearing just a little less leaving narrower corridors for shots and more contact during the rally. 6-6 and with the match on court 2 over the crowd is growing. Excellent drop. 7-6 Heston. Bailey appears to be conserving his movements and in recent rallies Heston is doing more of the running.12 consecutive rail shots on the left and Heston catches tin on an attempted winner. We are 9-9 and going the distance again. Heston makes a diving shot but it leaves him on the ground. Bailye takes advantage. 10-9 Bailey…..10-10….again….some tight play by both and we are 11-11. A nick off the back wall gives Heston a 12-11 edge . Big point. Great aggressive cross by Heston and its 2-1.
All the contact led to some first aid work between games and a longer than usual break…and perhaps a break for a commentator beer…but here we go for game 4! Bailey jumps to a 2-0 lead before losing control of his racquet in the 3rd rally and missing a deep boast attempt. 2-2. Heston with a tin followed by a perfect boast and its 3-3. The ability to reach tight drops and then flip the ball back has the crowd completely invested. A power flash has knocked out all streaming briefly and the court lights flickered briefly breaking up play. Bailey gained control of the game brings the match to 2-2. Power is apparently out in much of the city as storms roll in.
Bailey jumps to a 2-0 lead in game 5. Both have great holds, but deceiving a brother is tough! Bailey catches tin and it’s 3-3. Both look very sore as we slide deeper and deeper into game 5. 7-6 Heston after two perfect drops by Heston in the front left corner. A missed drop and we are 8-8. Heston was everywhere but Bailey made the winner. 9-8….9-9 as Bailey completes a rally with his hand. Then one of the most amazing rallies this crowd has seen ends in a collapse into the back corner and the need to towel up the floor. 10-9 Bailey…and it ends 11-9.
16:30 Zeina Zein (CAN) v. Karina Tyma (POL)
Head-to-Head = none
Zeina 2022 Champion ; NC#3; Karina NC #4
16:30 Hannah Craig (IRL) v Lialah Mavani (CAN)
Head-to-Head = Hannah 1-0
Both NC rookies
A slow start to the first game for the Canadian Lialah Mavani in he first NASH Cup appearance, originally from Vancouver and in her last semester at McGill. She helped run the Junior girl’s clinic for women’s squash week at London Squash yesterday.
Having only played a handful of PSA events she got the jitters out early but fell 11-2 in the first game to strong play from Craig. Long rallies tightened the game up in the second for a bit but a similar result again for Craig winning that game 11-3. Craig pushed through to a 3-0 win but good experience for the young Canadian with a bright future.
17:15 Connor Turk (CAN) v Joachim Chuah (MYS)
Head-to-Head = none
Connor NC #6; Jojo rookie
First game started out tight, 3rd match of the night on court 2. We have Jaochim Chuah and Connor Turk facing off for the fist time ever. First game, Turk, despite limited sleep, started out strong taking an early lead against the youngster leading 4-2. Joachim responded attackingly and dominated the rest of the first game, closing it out 11-5. His use of the front court was taxing and impeccable use of a perfected counter drop allowed Joachim to stroll through the rest of the first.
Entering the 2nd game, it’s the same story. Joachim putting major pressure on Turk with the fast pace of play, winning most of the points in the front of the court. Once again Joachim finishes the second game 11-5 with ease.
Third game starts off intense with a couple of back-and-forth battles. As the game progresses into 4-2 Joachim seems to float around the court weightlessly as Turk seems to barely hang on. Playing defensive squash, Turk struggles to find any opportunities to apply pressure. 7-2 It seems his fate is sealed as Joachim sails through the third with winner after winner. 11-4, The crowd gives a round of applause as the 22-year-old walks off the court, head held high with another 3-0 win under his belt. Onto the next against number one seed all the way from France, Auguste Dussourd.
17:15 Victor Byrtus (CZE) v Kent Rawlins (CAN)
Head-to-Head = none
Viktor NC#2; Kent rookie, but JFO #2
While there is no full write up it should be noted that this was 17 year old Kent Rawlins first PSA World Tour event.
18:30 Laila Sedky (USA) v Iman Shaheen (CAN)
Head-to-Head = none
NC Rookie; NC #5
18:30 Katerina Tycova (GER) v Yasshmita Jadishkumar (MYS)
Head-to-Head = none
NC #3 (2024); NC Rookie
The first game is a strong back and forth battle. Both women playing great squash, getting the ball deep into the back court and finishing most rallies in the front. Katerina from Germany taking control of the final points as she dominates the middle court. The first game is tied 10-10 as they move aggressively into extra points. Yassshmita gets an advantage 11-10 up and wins the rally with a properly deserved stroke to win the first 12-10.
The second game starts how the first ended, with a back-and-forth battle stretching into all corners of the court. Yassshmita eventually begins to take control, opening up a 7-3 lead. Using all four corners and some excellent deception in the front court, Yassshmita closes out the second 11-5 to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
The third game begins close, with Katerina coming out looking to increase the pace and put Yassshmita under pressure. Yassshmita handles the change of pace well, staying composed in the early stages. After being tied at 7-7, Yassshmita pulls ahead to 10-7 with incredibly consistent squash and some outstanding retrieving. Yassshmita closes out the third 11-8, winning the first head-to-head match between these two.
19:15 Maceo Levy (FRA) v Aqeel Rehman (AUT)
Head-to-Head = Maceo 1-0
NC Rookie; NC#2 (2023)
19:15 Brice Nicolas (FRA) v Daniel Poleshchuk (ISR)
Head-to-Head = 1-1
NC Rookie; NC #2 (2016)
The first game kicks off at a high pace with both players hammering the ball to the back of the court. Both players trade short hard kills back and forth for the first few points of the match. Daniel hailing from Israel pulls ahead taking advantage of Brice’s errors in the front court and moving him around with more variety. Daniel takes the first 11-4.
The second begins with Daniel punishing Brice in the front court while Brice fights back with tight length. As the game progresses Brices drops begin flowing. The second is heating up with players firing roll out nicks back and forth, the score is 4-4. Brice begins to separate himself with his physicality proving to be a dangerous force, thus far hitting 2 tweeners and a dive up 8-4. Brice takes the second 11-5 as Daniel seems to be slowing after the pressure applied in the second. The games are tied 1-1.
The third starts up as both players begin opening the court up and getting more aggressive. The game continues with Brice pulling ahead after forcing Daniels errors through constant retrieval, 8-4. Daniel fires back to 10-10 and starts working Brice to all 4 corners but Brice fights and pulls through with a roll out nick to close the game 14-12.
The fourth opens up quick and begins to resemble the end of the third with both players going nick for nick. Just as the third, Brice pulls ahead though the middle and goes up 8-4. Daniels really starts to wear out as Brice pours It on sending him corner to corner and takes the fourth 11-4. The Frenchman wins in 4: 4-11, 11-5, 14-10, 11-4.
20:00 Helen Tang (HKG) v Diana Garcia (MEX)
Head-to-Head = none
NC Rookie; NC#5 (2023)
Helen Tang at 17 takes on 5-time NASH Cup competitor Diana Garcia of Mexico. The two are well matched. What Helen lacks in size she makes up for in aggression. Diana has a very patient game. The crowd is thin as the game starts as they have been captured by the men’s match on court 3 (Daniel and Brice) as it finished the crowd shifts back. Helen builds a lead and takes the first game 11-4.
One always wonders about the coaching between games. Helen has her coach with her; Diana is relying on another player. Whatever was said Diana jumps to a 4-2 lead early in the game and seems to have a better feel for Helen’s game. Helen gets some spin on the ball and closes the gap. We shift to 8-8. Some great foot work and a low cross court give Diana a 9-8 lead. Helen ties it with a critical cross court but then catches tin and it’s game ball. A stroke call and it’s 1-1 in the match.
Three short winners in game 3 from Helen and she gains control of the game. From a spectator side it looks like strategy….and it’s working. 5-0. Diana lengthens the rallies and gains some points, but gets caught at the back glass. 8-2. An exceptionally long rally ends the game. 2-1 Helen.
Diana is going for winners but seems a step off. Helen is moving her around and waiting for the right opportunities. Helen’s shots to the back court take some interesting bounced and Diana needs to be there early to do anything with them. They often spin down. 7-2 Helen. Diana slams a serve into the corner. 9-3….9.4…. Helen takes the match.
20:00 Sofia Mateos (ESP) v Madison Lyon (AUS)
Head-to-Head = none….outside of the opening Lightning Matches
NC #6 (in a row); NC Rookie
While there is no full write up for this match it started where yesterday’s lightning match finished. The two are exceptionally well matches and battled deep into the 5th game before Madison came out the winner.
20:45 Taylor Carrick (BMU) V David Baillargeon (CAN)
Head-to-Head = none
NC #2; NC#8, 2023 Champion
No PSA record for these two is a bit shocking, but both know the London Squash courts very well. Taylor is looking to boost his rank into the top 75 and have a shot at the Olympic inclusion spot; David had surgery last year and is climbing the ranks. If he can return to top 40 he will make the draw of 24 for the final Olympic spaces in 2028.
Open game rallies are long as each seems ot hope the other will make a mistake. Taylor picks up points but David moves to an 8-5 lead. Both playing well. A pair of strokes on Taylor and we are 10-5. Having watched so many international players tonight our Canadians seem much more deliberate in their movements, and this can be both a strength and a weakness. 10-6. David draws Taylor into the right wall and takes the game with a light cross to the back left corner.
David’s game is strong and Taylor is in tough in this one. Match goes to 2-0.
20:45 Dillon Huang (USA) v Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim (PAK)
Head-to-Head = none
NC #3; NC Rookie
Both players have great length and shooting. Opening game could have gone either way but Huzaifa maintained and edge.
After Huzaifa took the first game the pace slowed in game two and Dillon is able to pull back from 0-3 to 3-3 much to the disgust of the player coaching Huzaifa. Both players end long rallies with tin and we are 4-4. They are actively shifting from slow deep lobs to short drops looking to catch the “flat foot”. 5-5. Interesting to see Dillon wearing goggles. Mandatory for U-19, but rare for those older. 6-6. This final match of the night is proving to be a tight one. 8-7 Dillon following a tin. A great cross by Dillon has it 10-8. A very long rally and a perfect set up sent into the tin makes the match 1-1.
The 3rd game jumps to 1-1 before Huzaifa breaks a string and needs to change racquets. Some low shsrp cross courts and a pair of errors form Dillon and we are 6-1. Not sure what has changed, but Huzaifa seems to have more control of the court positioning and it’s allowing for some holds and drops that leave Dillon watching. Dillon lets the final points go and we are onto game 4.
Dillon jumps to a lead in game 3 finding new pace and gaining front position consistently. His shots are better and it’s 5-3. The variance of shots and speed is great. The rallies are surprisingly short versus other games. 7-5. After a huge dig from Huzaifa makes it close a stroke call moves use to 8-6. Two into the tin and it’s 8-8. Huzaifa moves it to 10-8 and looks to end it. A great closer and Huzaifa moves on.
Other notes:
- Thank you to all who supported Western Women’s squash and their fundraising efforts.
- A preview of tomorrow’s matches will be sent in the morning….the evening starts at 3pm EST with both courts featuring all Egyptian matches.
Wednesday’s Schedule
- 15:00 ct2 Raqayya Salem (EGY) v [4] Rowan Elaraby (EGY)
- 15:00 ct3 Malak Samir (EGY) v [5] Haya ali (EGY)
- 15:45 ct2 Shahjahan Khan (USA) v [7] Ronald Palomino (COL)
- 15:45 ct3 Bailey Malik (ENG) v [3] Mohamed ElSherbini (SLO)
- 16:30 ct2 Zeina Zein (CAN) v [1] Torrie Malik (ENG)
- 16:30 ct3 Hannah Craig (IRL) v [7] Saran Nghiem (ENG)
- 17:15 ct2 Joachim Chuah (MYS) v [1] Auguste Dussourd (FRA)
- 17:15 ct3 Victor Byrtus (CZE) v [5] Nick Spizzirri (USA)
- 18:30 ct2 Laila Sedky (USA) v [8] Marie Stephan (FRA)
- 18:30 ct3 Yasshmita Jadishkumar (MYS) v [3] Lauren Baltyan (FRA)
- 19:15 ct2 Maceo Levy (FRA) v [2] Toufik Mekhalfi (FRA)
- 19:15 ct3 Brice Nicolas (FRA) v [6] Perry Malik (ENG)
- 20:00 ct2 Helen Tang (HKG) v [2] Hollie Naughton (CAN)
- 20:00 ct3 Madison Lyon (AUS) v [6] Menna Hamed (EGY)
- 20:45 ct2 David Baillargeon (CAN) v [4] Simon Herbert (ENG)
- 20:45 ct3 Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim (PAK) v [8 Finnlay Withington (ENG)
