NEW YORK, Jan 14: In a sensational climax to the first international squash circuit event of the New Year, third-seeded Australian Natalie Grinham claimed the women’s title and Canadian qualifier Shahir Razik took the men’s trophy in the Marsh & McLennan Apawamis Open.

Grinham, the Netherlands-based 24-year-old from Toowoomba in Queensland, won her maiden WISPA World Tour title in convincing style - first despatching the USA’s top-seeded world No3 Natalie Pohrer in straight games in the semifinals in just 20 minutes after overcoming an 8-0 lead by Pohrer in the first game, then outgunning England’s Rebecca Macree, the No2 seed, 9-0 9-5 5-9 9-1 in the emotionally-charged 55-minute final.

She was playing in only her third WISPA final, and the first for almost two years - while Macree, the world No9 from London, was celebrating her 21st final appearance.

The all-Canadian men’s final produced an even more dramatic upset as qualifier Razik, the 25-year-old world No40 from Toronto, beat experienced fifth-seeded compatriot Graham Ryding, the Pan Am Games champion also from Toronto and ranked 18 places higher, 15-11 12-15 15-12 15-10 in 90 minutes.

Razik had earlier overcome fellow qualifier Davide Bianchetti in the semifinals after showing his promise in the first round where he dismissed top-seeded Welshman Alex Gough.

Razik’s victory marks the fourth PSA Tour title of his career, and a memorable win over his Canadian rival to whom he has lost at least three times in recent National Championships.

RESULTS:

Men’s semifinals: Shahier Razik (CAN) bt Davide Bianchetti (ITA) 12-15, 15-8, 15-10, 15-7; Graham Ryding (CAN) bt Olli Tuominen (FIN) 15-7, 14-17, 15-11, 15-8

Final: Shahier Razik (CAN) bt Graham Ryding (CAN) 15-11, 12-15, 15-12, 15-10 (90m)

Women’s semifinals: Natalie Grinham (AUS) bt Natalie Pohrer (USA) 10-8, 9-4, 9-1; Rebecca Macree (ENG) bt Stephanie Brind (ENG) 9-2, 9-4, 9-0

Final: Natalie Grinham (AUS) bt Rebecca Macree (ENG) 9-0, 9-5, 5-9, 9-1 (55m).—WSF