MAASTRICHT (Netherlands) Dec 21: All eight top seeds survived through to the semifinals of the Valid Dutch Open Squash Championships in Maastricht - but while the women claimed quarterfinal victories without a single game being lost, all but one of the men had to fight back from behind.
Top-seeded Englishman Nick Matthew twice pegged back compatriot Bradley Ball, the seventh seed, to win 14-15 15-8 2-15 15-13 15-11. His semifinal opponent John Williams, the third seed, was 2-1 down before he overcame compatriot Mike Corren 15-13 10-15 12-15 15-6 15-8.
Domestic interest seemed likely to be extinguished prematurely when fourth-seeded Tommy Berden went 2-0 down against England’s fifth seed Peter Genever. However, the local fans were treated to a brave fightback by the 23-year-old from Almere, who regrouped and ultimately pulled off an 11-15 14-17 15-5 15-7 15-6 victory.
Dutch interest in the women’s event is expected to lead through to the final. Vanessa Atkinson, the top seed from The Hague, dropped just four points in trouncing Danish qualifier Line Hansen - and now meets fourth-seeded Isabelle Stoehr, who crushed French compatriot Corinne Castets 9-0 9-0 9-1.
Pakistan’s interest in the competition ended when seventh-seed England- based Carla Khan went down fighting against Scotland’s second seed Pamela Nimmo in three straight games.
Carla however put up a gallant fight against her much superior opponent but in the end Nimmo proved to be worthy winner.
Results:
Men’s quarterfinals:
Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Bradley Ball (ENG) 14-15, 15-8, 2-15, 15-13, 15-11; John Williams (AUS) bt Mike Corren (AUS) 15-13, 10-15, 12-15, 15-6, 15-8; Tommy Berden (NED) bt Peter Genever (ENG) 11-15, 14-17, 15-5, 15-7,15-6; Adrian Grant (ENG) bt Cameron Pilley (AUS) 15-9, 15-11, 15-10
Women’s quarterfinals:
Vanessa Atkinson (NED) bt Line Hansen (DEN) 9-3, 9-0, 9-1; Isabelle Stoehr (FRA) bt Corinne Castets (FRA) 9-0, 9-0, 9-1; Annelize Naude (NED) bt Sharon Wee (MAS) 9-6, 9-2, 9-3; Pamela Nimmo (SCO) bt Carla Khan (PAK) 9-6, 9-5, 9-6.—WSF