Martin Knight and Evan Williams have picked up titles at tournaments in Auckland and Palmerston North respectively.  The two Kiwis have made the most of some court time on home soil, during a break in their busy schedules on the PSA men’s world tour.

It caps a good weekend for the pair, who were both named on Friday in a four strong Kiwi line up for June’s World Team Championships in France.

Knight showed his class with a commanding victory at the Herne Bay Open in Auckland.  The 29-year-old showed no signs of the injuries that have plagued him recently, taking out the title with a four game victory over another New Zealand team member, Paul Coll, in the final.

Knight had earned his spot in the title decider with straight games victories in all three of the previous rounds, but was forced to fight back from a game down to beat Coll, who has been in superb form for the past 12 months.  The 20-year-old grabbed the first game 11-8, but Knight bounced back to claim an 8-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-6 victory.

Meanwhile, Williams was untouchable at the Dwyertech Services Palmerston North Open, winning all four of his matches in straight games, including an 11-4, 11-9, 11-5 victory over Zac Millar in the final.

The four strong line-up is the same quartet who represented the country in Germany two years ago, led by world number 44 Campbell Grayson.  The New Zealand national champion is a consistent performer against players in the world’s top 50 and will be making his fifth appearance at the World Champs in the kiwi team.

Joining Grayson is Martin Knight, another player who has consistently been in the top 50 in the world.  Currently ranked at number 48, Knight is also making his fifth appearance at the World Champs.  The 29-year-old has been hampered by injuries in recent times, but is currently injury free and was in good form at a PSA World Tour event in Malaysia recently.

The other two players in the squad are making their second appearances in the team, after their debuts in Germany in 2011.  Evan Williams is currently ranked 85th in the world, climbing more than 40 places in the past year. Williams has spent the last 12 months competing and training in South America and England, which has resulted in a vast improvement in his experience, knowledge and ability, in turn producing some top draw performances against players in the world’s top 50.

Likewise Paul Coll is a young player on the improve.  The youngest member of the team at just 20 years of age, Coll is an exciting prospect for the future having climbed more than 60 places in the past year to be ranked at number 102 in the world.  In the past 12 months he has come close to beating players ranked in the world’s top 70 and earlier this year claimed his maiden PSA World Tour title in Australia.  He is currently undefeated both internationally and domestically in 2013.

The team is the strongest New Zealand can field, in the absence of former team member Kashif Shuja, who was unavailable for selection.

The World Team Championships will be held in Mulhouse, France from June 9-15.

NZ Team (world ranking in brackets)
Campbell Grayson (44)
Martin Knight (48)
Evan Williams (85)
Paul Coll (102)

The under 19 boys division saw the top four seeds make it through to the evening semi-finals. Zac Millar finished local  hopes in the quarter finals defeating SquashGym’s Regan Smith 3/0. Third seed Ben Grinrod had a hard battle against fifth  seed James Cooper grinding out a four set win. Todd Redman of Hawkes Bay was in control against Chris van der Salm up  2/0 but surprisingly lost the third but recovered to win a tight four setter. Second seed Jonny Barnett cruised pass seventh  seed Ben Calvert.

In the evening semi-finals Zac Millar was dominate against Ben Grinrod winning     4/ 11,  11/4, 14/12,  11  /7 to make it through to  Sunday’s final. The other semi-final was a tight four set match between Todd Redman and Jonny Barnett. Redman played  attacking Squash going drops and his shots and put pressure on Barnett who failed to respond. Millar will play Redman in  tomorrow’s final at 2.30pm.

Rebecca Barnett has powered through to the Girls under 19’s final where she will meet 14 year old Ellie Epke. Epke who is  playing up two age groups will look to create history as she will be the youngest winner of the junior national title.

Scott Galloway will play Max Trimble in the under   17’s final having not dropped a set. He will be a huge favourite to take  the title tomorrow. The under 17 Girls saw an upset in the semi-finals with third seed Juee Bhide defeating Paris  Dalrymple-Mortleman in the semi-final and she will now play top seed Hayley Hughes in the final.

The top two seeds in the Boys under 15’s will meet in Sundays final with Sam Sayes and Rios Moleta each having not  dropped a set. New Zealand Rep Abbie Palmer will take on Anna Hughes in the Girls under 15 final.

An all SquashGym final in the Girls under 13’s will see Kaitlyn Watts play Courtney Trail for a National title. This is sure to  draw a large crowd on their home courts.

Once again the two top seeds will play each other in the Boys under11’s with Kobe Fleming meeting Glenn Templeton. Top  seed Anika Jackson will play qualifier Sam Harding.

The finals begin with the under11 ’s from 10.45am and finishing with the under 19’s at 2.30pm.

Top seed Corren prevailed in a hard-fought encounter against second seeded Kiwi Evan Williams that went the full distance.

Williams got off to a flying start being up 7/1 in the first game before Corren fought back to square it 7/7 but Williams steadied to win first game. The next two games went to Corren with Williams making a few errors on the crucial points. Williams then fought back strongly and took a commanding lead of 6/2 in the fourthth, Corren wasn’t able to close the gap and Williams took that game quite easily 11/3 to take it to a final game decider.

The fifth was a battle all the way with a number of long rallies and let calls. Corren had match ball at 10-9 but a no let tied the game right up at 10-10. Corren managed to take the victory with the next two points, a stroke call ending the match at 12/10.

The victory marks 38-year-old Corren’s 43rd PSA title in 61 final appearances (out of 112 events played!), and his sixth success in 2012.

Tournament Page: www.squashsite.co.uk/2009/henderson2012.htm

Christchurch has won the bid to host the 2013 World Squash Federation AGM in October next year.  A who’s who of squash officials from around the world are expected to attend, including WSF President Nagasamy Ramachandran as well as vice presidents Heather Deayton, Mohamed El Menshawy and Chris Stahl.  There will also be a couple of significant attendees from New Zealand in former WSF Emeritus President Susie Simcock and former WSF vice president Gerard DeCourcy.  Up to 50 countries are expected to be represented.

New Zealand has a proud history in squash administration, as one of the founding members of the International Squash Rackets Association (now the WSF).  The country has a reputation for delivering very successful and high quality squash events, backed by experienced and extremely capable people, who have also been part of the bid for the AGM.

Squash New Zealand CEO Jim O’Grady hails from Canterbury and is thrilled Christchurch has been given the opportunity to host such an important event.

“Christchurch has previously hosted two World Championships with great success.  The city has the personnel and the experience to successfully stage the World Squash Federation annual general meeting and an event of this calibre will have a very positive effect on a sporting community recovering from the recent devastating earthquakes”.

Squash New Zealand has received high powered support for the bid, with Sport NZ CEO Peter MisKimmin and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker providing written submissions for the tender document.  Both reiterated Jim O’Grady’s thoughts on the positive impact the event would have on the Christchurch people following the earthquakes.

Jim O’Grady says the overall support for the bid has been fantastic.

“Sport NZ, local government, Canterbury Tourism, Sport Canterbury, business sponsors and the Canterbury squash community have all rallied to the cause which is outstanding”.

The World Squash Federation AGM will be held in Christchurch from October 23-26, 2013.

Disappointment for New Zealand squash star Joelle King.

The world number 13 has fallen just short of adding another WSA World Tour title to her resume, beaten in a five game thriller by England’s Alison Waters in the final of the Matamata Open.

King twice fought back from a game down to be level at 2-all at one stage, with the fifth game decider promising to be a nail biter.

Cheered on by a partisan Waikato crowd, King pushed Waters all the way, but the former world number three weathered the storm to grind out an 11-5, 8-11, 15-13, 7-11, 13-11 in a grueling 83 minute encounter.

It is the fifth WSA title Waters has claimed since returning to the court earlier this year after recovering from a serious knee injury.

Massive match today. Alison did unbelievably well to back up three days in a row, three matches over an hour!

She did well to stick in in the end when Joelle had matchballs in the fifth and kept her composure well.

Joelle was unlucky today but played well all tournament and can be very proud of her effort … she gave it everything.

Very happy with how the tournament went….was an absolute pleasure having all the girls here and I know everyone at the club thought they were all fantastic.

Kylie Lindsay, Tournament Director

The world number 13 is through the final after a convincing straight games win over fellow Kiwi Jaclyn Hawkes. Fourth seeded King started strongly, taking the first game with ease, and never took her foot off the gas as she racked up an impressive 11-2, 11-8, 11-5 victory in just over half an hour.

“Pleased to get through in three, Jax has been playing so well all week. The job isn’t done yet, looking forward to playing tomorrow in front of a home crowd !!!!!”

Joelle King

Her opponent in the final is the resurgent Alison Waters from England.  Waters is on the comeback from a serious knee injury, but looked none-the-worse-for-wear in a marathon five game victory over fifth seeded Malaysian Low Wee Wern.

The former world number three twice bounced back from a game down to win 9-11, 11-7, 11-13, 11-7, 11-5 in a grueling 78 minutes.

“Pleased to win a tough five setter with Wee Wern today!

“She played really well and I had to dig deep to get it back after being 2-1 down!

“Really pleased to be in the final and looking forward to playing Joelle tomorrow.”

Alison Waters

King will be keen to avenge the one and only time the two finalists have met on tour, with Waters winning in straight games back in January 2010.

Tournament Page: www.squashsite.co.uk/2009/matamata2012.htm

Episode 1: Manawatu to Music

Joelle King has retained the women’s title, after a thrilling victory over fellow professional Jaclyn Hawkes in the final.  The world number 12 started well, winning the first game 11-3, but Hawkes was soon back on level terms after claiming the second 11-9.  The two New Zealand teammates then went blow for blow in the crucial third, with King just nicking it 16-14.  That game proved decisive, with 23-year-old King maintaining her momentum to close out the match 11-3, 9-11, 16-14, 11-5.

However, Martin Knight has failed to defend his title in the men’s competition.  Knight has been beaten in straight games by second seed Campbell Grayson, who reclaims the title he won in 2010.  Grayson proved far too good on the day, sweeping to a comfortable 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 victory.

With the completion of the individual event, the players will now represent their provinces in the teams event starting tomorrow.

However, both face one last major hurdle before retaining the titles they win in 2011, with second seeds Jaclyn Hawkes and Campbell Grayson also through.

Joelle King has yet to drop a game in the tournament, confirming her title credentials with an 11-4, 11-5, 11-4 victory over rising star Megan Craig in the semifinals.  Craig had earlier upset 4th seeded Amanda Landers-Murphy in the quarters.  Jaclyn Hawkes also looks to be in good form, making light work of her opening three matches.  However, the world number 19 was pushed to four games by third seed Kylie Lindsay in the semis, prevailing 11-7, 11-2, 9-11, 11-2.

Meanwhile, Martin Knight had to work hard to earn his place in the final, battling to a four game win over 4th seeded Kashif Shuja.  The world number 46 dropped the first game, but bounced back to win 9-11, 11-0, 11-7, 11-4.  Campbell Grayson was also given a run for his money by third seed Evan Williams, going a game down before recovering to win 9-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-5.

The men’s open final is at 1:30 on Sunday afternoon and the women’s is at 2:30.

Solid starts for defending champs

Joelle King and Martin Knight have made solid starts to their title defences at the New Zealand National Squash Championships in New Plymouth.

King has made light work of her opening two matches, crushing Central’s Elizabeth Cook 11-1, 11-0, 11-3 first up, before racking up an 11-1, 11-6, 11-6 victory over Waikato’s Alana Sincock.  It was a similar situation for the other top four players in the women’s draw, with Jaclyn Hawkes, Kylie Lindsay and Amanda Landers-Murphy all yet to drop a game at the tournament.

Knight also won his two matches in straight games, although it was a close call in his opening clash.  The world number 46 downed Auckland’s Michael Blanchard 11-8, 17-15, 17-15, but was then more convincing in an 11-4, 11-5, 11-4 second round win over Wellington’s Shane Johnston.  Like the women’s all four seeds have had few problems in the men’s draw, although fourth seed Evan Williams was taken to four by Canterbury’s Andrew Ellis in the opening round.

Shuja dominated from the outset with some outstanding deception particularly down the forehand side as well as playing  error free Squash. He took the first set 11-5. Williams then came out blazing in the second to gain a 7-3 lead. Williams hit a  number of winners playing an aggressive style of Squash. He took the second 11-7.

The crucial third set was neck and neck and the key moment came when the score was 7 all. Shuja played a forehand drive  which Williams went across to cut off. He asked the referee for a let but the call was ‘no let’. The referee judged that he  was to late getting across which resulted in a heated exchange between Williams and the referee. The next two points  resulted in Williams hitting two tins to allow Shuja to get to 10 -7. Shuja then slotted a classy nick to take the third set.

The fourth set once again saw some entertaining Squash with some long rallies. Williams ultimately made too many  mistakes, particularly at the front of the court. Shuja’s experience came to the fore as he played intelligent Squash taking  the fourth set 11-6 to clinch the match and the title.

Joelle King continued her domination of the Women’s Open defeating Kylie Lindsay in three straight sets. Lindsay was  under pressure from the outset with King’s athleticism around the court and ability to retrieve any shot. Lindsay is a known  shot maker and took the second set right to wire losing it 15-13. In the third game she continued to go for her shots but  made too many areas and King wrapped it up in straight games.

Williams to play Shuja in Final

Wellington’s Evan Williams caused a major upset in the semi-finals of the Manawatu International Squash Classic/Central  Open today defeating number one seed and World number 77 Mike Corren of Australia in a tough five set match.

In a feisty encounter with both players questioning a number of the referee’s calls, Williams the much lower ranked player  got on top early grabbing a two sets to one lead. The experienced Corren fought back to take the match into a deciding  fifth set. Williams out lasted Corren in the fifth set making it through to tomorrow’s final.

In the other semi-final, Palmerston North’s Kashif Shuja downed Christchurch’s Paul Coll in a long four set match. Shuja’s  experience shone through as Coll pushed him hard the entire match.

Williams will be on high going into tomorrow’s final and may start a slight favourite given the form he has shown this  weekend.

The Women’s open has gone to plan with world number 12 Joelle King set to play world number 46 Kylie Lindsay. Both had  straight set wins in today’s semi-finals. King will be hard to topple tomorrow in the finale of the women’s draw.

Corren defeated local Palmerston North player Joseph Watts in three straight sets. Watts fought hard in front  of a home crowd but was out classed by the World number 77. Shuja also cruised through to the semi-finals  defeating Christchurch qualifier Andrew Ellis who caused an upset last night defeating Japanese visitor Ben  Takamizawa Harris. Shuja was pushed 13-11 in the first but managed to dominate the next two and win in  straight sets.

The closest quarter final was Wellington’s Evan Williams against Pakistani player Naseem Khan. In an often  tense and fiery encounter, Williams went one up but Khan fought back to level one all. Williams then came  back to win the next two sets to take the match 3-1 in 44 minutes.

The fourth quarter final saw former New Zealand junior number one, Paul Coll dispatch Australian Tim Cowell  in three easy sets in under 25 minutes.

In the Women’s Open, World number 12 Joelle King, put on a ruthless performance in her first round against  Paris Dalrymple-Mortleman She allowed her opponent only three points in the match in a powerful display.  Second seed and World number 46 Kylie Lindsay was also untroubled in her first round match against  Wellingtons Jennifer Conayne. King will now play Palmerston North and Central number one Danielle Fourie in  this afternoon’s semi-finals. Lindsay will have fellow Waikato player Emma Millar.

The top two seeds Mike Corren (Australia) and Kashif Shuja (Palmerston North) are through to the quarter  finals but Corren was pushed at times by Auckland’s Alex Grayson who managed to sneak a set of him.  Grayson was offered a wild card by tournament organisers as he is on the comeback trail from a serious knee  injury he suffered last year. He proved worthy of this pushing the tournament favourite for parts of the match.  Shuja had an easier opening match defeating Lance Beddoes from Auckland in three straight sets.

Another Palmerston North player Joseph Watts is also through to the quarter finals after defeating Jamie  Skiffington (Rotorua) in straight sets. Watts now plays top seed Corren in what should draw a big crowd  tomorrow morning at his home Club.

Third seed Evan Williams (Wellington) was not troub led in defeating Palmerston North qualifier Regan Smith.  Williams now comes up against Pakistani Naseem Khan who upset the higher ranked Luke Sims of Australia in  straight sets.
Thursday night qualifier Mike Pittams (Auckland) al most pulled off an upset taking Australian Tim Cowell to  five sets in the match of the round. Cowell was up two games to one but couldn’t close it out in the fourth with  Pittams taking it 13/11.

With the match poised at 8/7 in the fifth Cowell was able to kick on and finish Pittams  11/7 to progress to the quarter finals.
The upset of round one was Christchurch qualifier Andrew Ellis defeating Japanese player Ben Takamizawa  Harris who is ranked 199 in the world. Ellis defeated Pakistani Suleman Khan in qualifying on Thursday night  and continued his good form to upset the much higher ranked Japanese player.
Tomorrow’s quarter finals get underway at 11.00am with the semi-finals tomorrow evening from 5.00pm.