Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006

International Press Release 02-April-2006

To: International Media
From: Roger J. Sherratt, Press Officer, Bermuda Squash Racquets Association
Date: 2nd April 2006

Subject:

This year’s Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006, presented by Logic and hosted by Endurance, got underway on a gloriously sunny day at the BSRA courts in the Parish of Devonshire, and on the all glass court in the City of Hamilton, with 7 matches played and no major surprises for the top seeds.

Canadian, Graham Ryding caused the only seeding upset of the day when he dispatched Finland’s Ollie Tuominen #14 seed, 3-1 (11-6, 8-11, 12-10, 11-6), while fellow Canadian, Shahier Razik had his compatriots on the edge of their seats as he gave a tough account of himself against #6 seed James Willstrop of England, pushing Willstrop hard throughout the match, and taking the 2nd game, before succumbing to a 3-1 defeat (11-6, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8). Both of these matches were played on the BSRA court and after the match Willstrop said, “I’m very pleased to win because Shahier is very dangerous on a bouncy court like that one. The court doesn’t suit my game and I’m happy to have it over and done with.”

Scotland’s John White had barely stepped off the tarmac at Bermuda’s International Airport after a long journey from New Zealand, before stepping on court against the ever improving young Egyptian, Mohammed Abbas, who displayed both his deft touch and foot speed around the court. White won the first game 11-7 but then lost the next two before finally hitting his stride, racing through the 3rd 11-1. He served for the match at 10-6 in the 5th and then proceeded to lose 3 points in a row before taking it and the match 11-9 in 72 minutes.

World Open Champion, Amr Shabana, played imperiously during his encounter with England’s Joey Barrington, cruising to a comfortable 3-0 win (11-5,11-6,11-6), as did Stewart Boswell of Australia with an almost identical 3-0 win (11-6,11-5,11-6) against England’s Bradley Ball. It was not the best of days for England’s young players, as Adrian Grant lost 3-0 (11-3,13-11,11-6) to former World Open champion, Thierry Lincou, who is beginning to show flashes of past brilliance - definitely a man to watch during the latter stages of the tournament.

But last minute replacement, world ranked #36 Mark Chaloner put up a spirited fight against in-form #9 seed Nick Matthew, taking the first game 12-10 after Matthew had game ball at 10-9. It looked to be all over when Matthew took the next two games 11-2, 11-6, before Chaloner staged another great recovery from 9-7 down in the 4th to serve for the game at 11-10. One unfortunate unforced shot in the tin gave the impetus back to Matthew who played two immaculate drop nicks in the front left corner and it was game over. Great credit to Chaloner, however, for a fine performance to end the first day’s action here at the Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006.

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