British Nationals 2016


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LATEST | DRAWS HISTORY | Masters

REPORTS & RESULTS BY ROUND                                              Click here for  Masters EVENT

Preview

Qualifying

Round One

Quarters

Semis

Finals

 

Latest

 

DRAW

British National  Championships 2016
National Squash Centre, Manchester, England
Men's Draw
Round One
Thu 11th
Quarters
Fri 12th 
Semis
Sat 13th 
Final
Sun 14th
[1] Nick Matthew (ENG)
11/6, 11/9, 11/4 (32m)
Chris Ryder (ENG)
Nick Matthew
11/6, 11/6, 11/4 (31m)
Adrian Waller
Nick Matthew
11/4, 11/4, 11/7 (40m)
Daryl Selby
Nick Matthew
11-2, 6-11, 11-3, 11-3 (50m)
James Willstrop
[5] Adrian Waller (ENG)
8/11, 11/5, 11/8, 11/6 (52m)
Nathan Lake (ENG)
[3] Daryl Selby (ENG)
11/6, 12/10, 11/6 (44m)
[Q] Richie Fallows (ENG)
Daryl Selby
9/11, 11/7, 11/13, 11/4, 11/8 (82m)
Greg Lobban
[6] Greg Lobban (SCO)
11/2, 11/8, 11/2 (30m)
Tom Ford (ENG)
[Q] Joel Makin (WAL)
11/9, 13/11, 11/9 (47m)
[7] Declan James (ENG)
Joel Makin
11/7, 7/11, 11/5, 11/5 (61m)
Chris Simpson
Chris Simpson
11/5, 8/11, 8/11, 11/7, 11/8 (82m)
James Willstrop
Ben Coleman (ENG)
11/7, 11/3, 9/11, 13/11 (72m)
[4] Chris Simpson (ENG)
[Q] George Parker (ENG)
11/6, 9/11, 11/5, 12/14, 11/6 (68m)
[8] Joe Lee (ENG)
George Parker
1/11, 11/6, 11/9, 11/7 (59m)
James Willstrop
[Q] Adam Murrills (ENG)
11/9, 11/6, 1/11, 11/8 (39m)
[2] James Willstrop (ENG)
 British National  Championships 2016
National Squash Centre, Manchester, England
Women's Draw
ROUND 1 QUARTERS
 
SEMIS
 
FINAL
 
[1] Laura Massaro (ENG)
11/3, 11/2, 11/6 (23m)
[Q] Georgina Kennedy (ENG)
Laura Massaro
11/5, 11/4, 11/3 (30m)
Victoria Lust
Laura Massaro
11/4, 11/2, 11/3 (30m)
Tesni Evans
Laura Massaro
11-2, 11-5, 11-4 (24m)
Alison Waters
[6] Victoria Lust (ENG)
11/5, 11/2, 11/9 (29m)
[Q] Alison Thomson (ENG)
[3] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
5/11, 11/6, 11/7, 12/10 (40m)
Fiona Moverley (ENG)
Fiona Moverley
11/8, 9/11, 11/6, 5/11, 12/10 (58m)
Tesni Evans
[7] Tesni Evans (WAL)
11/4, 11/4, 11/6 (37m)
Millie Tomlinson (ENG)
[Q] Rachel Chadwick (ENG)
11/9, 11/8, 11/6 (23m)
[8] Sarah Campion (ENG)
Sarah Campion
9/11, 11/4, 11/4, 11/7 (37m)
Jenny Duncalf
Jenny Duncalf
13/11, 11/7, 8/11, 5/11, 11/9 (56m)
Alison Waters
Leonie Holt (ENG)
11/4, 11/3, 11/3 (22m)
[4] Jenny Duncalf (ENG)
[Q] Julianne Courtice (ENG)
11/7, 11/5, 11/2 (29m)
[5] Emily Whitlock (ENG)
Emily Whitlock
11/4, 11/6, 11/4 (33m)
Alison Waters
Deon Saffery (WAL)
8/11, 11/9, 11/5, 11/9 (35m)
[2] Alison Waters (ENG)

REPORTS                                                                              Click here for  Masters EVENT

Finals

Massaro dominates to take third title

World #1 Laura Massaro justified her top seeded with a comprehensive straight-game win over Alison Waters in the women's final, the pair's fourth meeting at this stage.

A quick start saw the top seed lead 5-0 and the pattern was set, Massaro dominating the rallies, Waters unable to make much of an impression on the play or the scoreboard as Massaro raced to a two game lead.

The third was more competitive, but Massaro still had the edge, closing out the match in under half an hour.

"Alison wasn't at her best today, but I thought I played well and I'm absolutely delighted to get my name back on the trophy," said Massaro.

Matthew makes it eight

Nick Matthew already held the record of seven National titles and, appearing in a recond ninth final, he extended that to eight as he beat James Willstrop in their fifth final.

The top seed was dominant in the first game, putting Willstrop under relentless pressure as he took the lead. Willstrop fought back well from 2-4 in the second to level the match, but was under the cosh once more in the final two games as Matthew regained control.

At 9-2 in the fourth there was a particularly brutal rally which Willstrop somehow managed to win, to his own and the crowd's delight, but it was only a short stay of execution.

"It's always tough to break James down," said Matthew, "but the court was a bit deader than in previous days and he was maybe feeling yesterday's five-setter by the end. I 'went to Coventry' in the second but managed to get back on track.

"The Nationals is a great event, always improving with new things coming along like the U21s and two glass courts, and it's unbelievable and an absolute honour to have won it eight times."

Quotes:
Laura Massaro: "Alison wasn't at her best today, but I thought I played well and I'm absolutely delighted to get my name back on the trophy."

Nick Matthew: "It's always tough to break James down but the court was a bit deader than in previous days and he was maybe feeling yesterday's five-setter by the end. I 'went to Coventry' in the second but managed to get back on track. The Nationals is a great event, always improving with new things coming along like the U21s and two glass courts, and it's unbelievable and an absolute honour to have won it eight times."

 

Semi Finals

The finalists were decided on day five of the British National Championships at the National Squash Centre in Manchester.

Alison Waters reached a ninth Nationals final as she came through a five-setter with familiar adversary Jenny Duncalf in the first semi-final – and their 8th Nationals meeting. She set up a fourth Nationals final against Laura Massaro, who demolished Tesni Evans in straight games. Dominant from the start, Evans could never get on terms as Massaro kept a firm hold on the match and score line throughout.

Two time champion and second seed James Willstrop made it through to an eighth Nationals final after coming through a hugely entertaining five game battle with Chris Simpson. He faces Nick Matthew, whose performance against Daryl Selby was almost as dominant as Massaro's. The seven-time champion dominated the first two games and led 9-3 in the third before Selby mounted a serious challenge. It sets up a fifth Nationals final between the two old adversaries.

It was semi-finals day in the Masters event as an amazing thirty finalists were decided. There were a number of shocks throughout the 15 semis.

In the Mens O40s, Danny Massaro, set up a final with fellow Lancastrian, Nick Taylor after overcoming Simon Parke who retired injured in their semi at a game down.

Lee Scott (Yorks) continued his fine run of form in the Men’s O45s as he defeated 3/4 David Youngs (Norfolk) in the semi having earlier ousted top seed, Yawar Abbas. He faces Nick Brown (Cambs) who saw off the conqueror of the second seed, Stuart Summers (Hamps) in four games to book his place in Sunday’s final.

The Men’s O60s will feature a surprise finalist, Duleep Adhihetty (Midd), who held off 9/16 Rob Ballingall to book his place on Sunday.

The Men’s O65s served up another pair of surprises. Scotland’s Jim Dougal booked his place in Sunday’s final after seeing off Howard Cherlin (Midd) in four games. Cherlin had defeated the no.2 seed, Derek Collins, in the quarter finals to set up the tie. Dougal will be joined by Peter Smith (Bucks) who upset the seedings by defeating the 3/4 Barry Featherstone (Hamps) in four after earlier dumping out the top seed, Ian Graham.

Claire Roscoe (Cheshire) continued her giant killing ways in the Women’s O40s, adding the scalp of the second seed, Amanda Warren (Lancs) to the 3/4 and 5/8 seeds she claimed earlier in the event in four games.
In the Women’s O50s, Rose Bamber (Avon) shocked the second seed, Fiona McLean (Scotland) in straight games to set up a tie with three time champion, Mandy Akin (Kent).

Quotes:

Alison Waters :
“It's a funny old game, Jen played really well and came back well from two nil down. I knew I had to start the fifth well or I wouldn't win, so I'm happy I managed to do that."

 

 

Laura Massaro:
“Alison and I have grown up together playing National finals, from Under 12 right through to this final a few times. I think we're both better players for it, so it should be a good match ..."



James Willstrop:
"What a really enjoyable way to play squash. Really enjoyable if a bit uncomfortable at times, all credit to Chris for making it a really good match. It's great to be playing well and winning, I can't wait for tomorrow now ..."

 

 

Nick Matthew:
“I knew Daryl's good patch was coming," said Matthew, "I'm just glad I'd got to 9 in the third before it came! It's a nice feeling for James and I to get to another final, there's a lot of competition from the younger players now who think it's their time, hopefully I can hold them off for another year or two."

 

Quarter Finals

Tesni wins a thriller as top seeds secure semi-final places

The afternoon quarter-final session saw three former champions book their places in the semi-finals.

First up was Jenny Duncalf against Sarah Campion (formerly Kippax), both playing their 16th Nationals and meeting for the fifth time. Campion started the better, but once Duncalf found her stride she recovered to win in four games, making it five wins over Campion and reaching the semi-finals for a 10th time.

"We seem to play each other every year," said Duncalf, "but when I first saw the draw I did think 'who is that'! She came out really well and made it hard work for me. It's great to see her back on court but I'm happy to make it through to another semi."

Her opponent in the semis will be another familiar face after second seed Alison Waters saw off the challenge of Emily Whitlock in straight games, dominating the second half of each game to reach an 11th semi-final.

"I wasn't taking anything lightly, we have different styles of play which always makes it interesting," said Waters., "we could both maybe do with taking some of each other's game! I felt I played well and I'm happy to get off in three."

Duncalf and Waters have met seven times in the Nationals, Waters winning five with Duncalf's two both coming in the only finals they've contested.

The fourth and fourth seeds also made it through in the men's matches, Chris Simpson and James Willstrop both winning in four games in just on the hour mark. Simpson ended the run of Welsh qualifier Joel Makin while Willstrop recovered from a game down to beat U21 finalist George Parker.

"Joel's had some great wins and when I saw his results I knew it would be tough," said Simpson, "he was reading my shots better than I was reading his for the first two games, it took me a while to get into it."

Willstrop, and the large crowd, were impressed by Parker's skill and determination. "He made me work really hard for that," admitted the two time champion. "The atmosphere is building here already, it's going to be buzzing at the weekend," predicted Willstrop.

In the evening quarter-final session top seeds Nick Matthew and Laura Massaro eased through to the semis with straight game wins over Adrian Waller and Victoria Lust, both matches taking half an hour.

Matthew, looking to extend his record haul of titles to eight, is taking it a step at a time: "There's two matches to go and I'm not thinking past tomorrow - ten years ago I wouldn't have believed I could win seven times, and I'm not as quick as I was but I do have more of a brain in me to make up for that!"

Massaro was happy with her match: "I thought I played well, getting stronger as the match went on. Vicky's improved a lot so to win in three is never easy. I was disappointed not to win last year as top seed, SJ played so well, but having done so well on the PSA tour I'd really like to get my name on the trophy again," said Massaro, champion in 2011 and 2012.

Massaro will meet Wales' Tesni Evans, who saved a match ball in the final game of a tremendous five-setter against Fiona Moverley to reach the semis for the first time.

"I'd never played her before and I never want to play her again!" joked Tesni. "It was a really good match, butI was so nervous in the fourth and fifth I don't know how I won it," added Evans, "I just stuck in and thankfully it came off in the end."

Matthew will face Daryl Selby, who survived a long, but thoroughly entertaining encounter with Scotland's Greg Lobban, twice coming back from a game behind to finally secure the win with Lobban running on fumes at the end of the decider.

"Matches like that are the reason I started to play squash," said Selby. "It was great fun, there was some really good quality headless stuff in there, it makes for a good match. The battle was good, it was fair and Greg did himself and Scotland proud.

"Playing Nick again will be tough, he's obviously playing well, but I played pretty well there so hopefully it will be another good battle."
 

First Round

Two qualifiers through to Men's quarters

The men's matches started with an upset as Wales' Joel Makin, making his first appearance in the main draw, continued his impressive from in qualifying to beat seventh seed Declan James in three tough games. "I was behind in all three games so I'm very happy to win that one in three," said Makin.

Makin now meets fourth seed Chris Simpson in the quarters after the Guernsey man survived a strong comeback attempt from Ben Coleman, winning in four games. "I played really well for two and a half games, then took my foot off the pedal for a couple of points and he really took advantage," said Simpson. "His shots were really going in, and the end of the third and fourth games were tense, I was dreading having to play a fifth."

There was another upset, another qualifier making progress in his first main draw appearance, as George Parker came through a tough five-setter with Joe Lee. "I played well for the most part," said Parker, "I got dragged into his medium paced game and lost my length in parts, but when I managed to up the pace I got the time I needed to capitalise on any opportunities. My short game needs to be better to worry the top guys but I'm really pleased to make the quarters."

Parker's opponent will be two-time champion and second seed James Willstrop, who ended the run of local favourite Adam Murrills in four games. "All credit to him in the third," said Willstrop, "he played well and really took it to me, but I managed to get back in control in the fourth. It's been a funny year," added Willstrop, who missed last year's event with injury," a few steps forward then a few back, but the Nationals are always a great event, we all want to do well here."

There were no upsets in the evening session as Nick Matthew, Adrian Waller, Daryl Selby and Greg Lobban progressed as expected.

Matthew beat Chris Ryder - who injured himself halfway through the third but completed the match - in straight games, the seven-time champion expressing a desire to extend his record: "Chris a very clever player, he's so fluid with his movement, I hope his injury isn't bad. "It's such an honour to hold the record of titles, but 8 sounds a nicer number than 7!"

Waller came from a game down to beat Nathan Lake. "He started well and it took me a while to get into it," admitted the fifth seeded left-hander. "I almost came back in the first but after that I was more comfortable, although he made it tough all the way."

Lobban became the sole Scottish representative in the last eights as he beat Tom Ford in three, and Selby won his all-Essex match with qualifier and U21 finalist Richie Fallows in straight games.

Moverley knocks out defending champ

Two-time champion Jenny Duncalf kicked off women's proceedings on the new show court with a straight-games win over Leonie Holt. "I've played here so many times so I'm very relaxed here, but it's always good to get a tournament started with a win," said Duncalf, starting her 16th straight Nationals campaign. "The venue looks great and having two glass courts for a Nationals is special.

Another familiar Nationals face made a welcome return as Sarah Campion (formerly Kippax) made it through to the quarters for an eight time as she beat qualifier Rachael Chadwick in three. "It feels GREAT to be back," said Campion, who missed last year's event through pregnancy. "I'm absolutely loving being back on court, it's so refreshing."

Four-time champion Alison Waters recovered from a slow start in which she was a game and 8-4 down to Wales' Deon Saffery, to win in four games. "She came out firing," admitted Waters, "she's a skilful player and was putting me under a lot of pressure. I was a bit nervous, it took me a while to settle but I was pleased with how I came back."

Waters will now meet Emily Whitlock, the fifth seed who beat qualifier Julianne Courtice in straight games. "We hadn't played each other for ages," said Whitlock, "not since junior times, so when I saw the draw I was pleased to have the chance to play her again. I'm looking forward to playing Alison, we have different styles and it makes for an interesting game."

The evening session started with what turned out to be the only upset of the day, but it was a massive one as unseeded Fiona Moverley took down defending champion Sarah-Jane Perry, the third seed, in four games.

Perry started well enough taking the first, but Moverley struck back to take the lead and had two match balls at 10-8 in the fourth. Perry dug in to save those in long rallies, but on Moverley's third chance Perry hit the tin and her reign was over.

"I'd forgotten she was defending champion, but we had a tough five setter here last year," said Moverley," so I wanted to see if I could get my revenge. I tried to play safe on match ball but she played them well, I've never been so glad to see a tin as on that last point!"

The final three matches saw comfortable wins for Laura Massaro, Tesni Evans and Victoria Lust as the quarter-finals were settled.

Massaro beat rising junior Gina Kennedy, who struggled with her accuracy but earned praise from the world #1: "She has real talent, runs everything down and fights hard," said Massaro. "That got me a long way towards the top so she's halfway there already"

Evans made it two Welsh in the quarters for possibly the first time ever (to be checked) as she beat Millie Tomlinson in straight games. "I'm happy with how I played and really pleased to be in the quarters for the first time," said Evans, "Joel's win earlier gave me a boost."

Lust completed the round with a three-game win over another English junior qualifier, Alison Thomson.
 

Qualifying complete

It was two more rounds of qualifying as the Under and Over 21s battled it out for places in the main draws. That started at noon with both Glass Courts in use for the first time.

There were a number of upsets, and some marathon matches too, in the third qualifying rounds, then it was on to the qualifying finals in the evening.

In the women's draw there was success for Gina Kennedy, Alison Thomson, Rachael Chadwick and Julianne Courtice, while the men's qualifiers were Richie Fallows, Joel Makin, George Parker and Adam Murrills.

They'll all be in action in the main draw tomorrow, while Fallows, Parker, Kennedy and Thomson will all make it to the weekend when they will play the U21 finals.

It's the opening day in Manchester, qualifying started at noon, and the National Squash Centre - including the two glass courts - is ready for a week of intense squash action.

Split Qualifying

For the first time qualifying is split into two sections, Under and Over 21, with two places in the main draw available from each - the Under-21 draw is played out in full, with a final at the end of the week.

Most of the men's top seeds in both sections received byes in the first round, and were in action this evening against the afternoon winners.

There were no major upsets - in fact no upsets at all as all the seeded players won through to Wednesday's third round.

In the women's qualifying there were just three preliminary matches today, finalising the last eight in each section who will play two rounds tomorrow.

Wednesday sees the start of the Masters events, and both glass courts will be in use for the qualifying competitions.
 

Preview

Local Hopes Fiona Moverley & Yusef Forster Granted Allam British Open Opportunity

With the biggest names in the world of squash set to descend on Hull, England on March 19 for the Allam British Open, the prestigious PSA World Series tournament dubbed the ‘Wimbledon of Squash’, two local East Yorkshire players have been given an unmatched opportunity by England Squash to test themselves against the world’s best.

After returning to the PSA World Tour in 2015 after a five-year absence Beverley-native Fiona Moverley, the World No.39 who plays at the Hull and East Riding Squash Club, has been awarded the women’s Wildcard which sees her granted an automatic place in the tournament’s main draw while 17-year-old Chanterlands Avenue club member Yusef Forster has been awarded a place in the men’s qualifying competition - which will be played at the University of Hull.

For Moverley, who left the sport in 2010 for financial reasons before taking up a role with the Hull School Sports Network, the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage in squash in her home-town is a dream come true.

“The Allam British Open is the tournament I've been looking forward to the most this season because the opportunity to play on my doorstep in front of friends and family is amazing,” said the 29-year-old.

“I love being on the tour and am very positive about my game right now. It was actually the British Open that confirmed my decision to return to the tour so it will always hold a special place in my heart.

“I have been performing well this season and having a home crowd is really important to me. The British Open is the tournament that everyone wants to win and being able to pull off a first round win for those who support me would be very special.

“Squash is growing in the city and thanks to Dr. Allam (tournament title sponsor) having the British Open really gives the sport a boost. I have huge affection for my local city and the people in it so I'll be doing it for them as much as myself and I’m hoping there will be a lot of local support behind me.”

Joining Moverley as tournament Wildcard in the men’s draw is Guildford’s Tom Richards, the World No.24, while for Forster, grandson of title sponsor Dr. Allam, the opportunity to compete against the top male players on the planet offers the next challenge in a bourgeoning career.

“My aim is to try and get through to the second round,” said the County U17 champion who, after beating the Dutch and Canadian number one juniors, was the highest placed unseeded player at January's British Junior Open.

“I think I will have a chance of getting through the first round - I’m not sure about the second. I’ve played a few professionals before and this year I have really focussed and made improvements in my game.

“I’ve been playing squash since I was about six or seven and if it wasn’t for my Grandad, my Mum and my Dad, I probably wouldn’t be where I am now - they have always supported me in my squash.

“Playing in front of Grandad (Dr. Allam) makes it more fun as well so I’m really looking forward to the tournament and I hope there will be a lot of people there.

“The British Open is a huge tournament and it would be like having Wimbledon in London and not going to watch it. This is the squash equivalent, a sport’s biggest tournament, and it’s here in Hull.”

The 2016 Allam British Open, PSA World Series tournament, takes place in Hull, England from Saturday March 19 - Sunday March 27. Qualification rounds will take place at the University of Hull on March 19-20 while the main draw action will be played at the Airco Arena from March 21.
 

 

HISTORY

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Results by Age Group

Men's Results
Results Open In A New Window

Over O35 Over O40 Over O45 Over O50 Over O55 Over O60 Over O65 Over O70 Over 75
 

Women's Results
Results Open In A New Window

Over 35 Over 40 Over O5 Over 50 Over 55 Over 60 Over 65
 
Results Courtesy Of Squash Info