Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006

International Press Release 04-April-2006 - Day Results

To: International Media
From: Roger J. Sherratt, Press Officer, Bermuda Squash Racquets Association
Date: 4th April 2006

Subject:

First match of the third day was a much anticipated encounter between World Open Champion, and the new world #1 ranked player, Amr Shabana of Egypt, and the #9 seed, John White of Scotland, one of the hardest hitters on tour and also a former #1 ranked player. White is a frequent visitor to Bermuda and enjoyed strong crowd support, especially as he started in fine style, taking a 4-1 lead in the first game before Shabana began to hit a length on a bouncy court here in Hamilton, Bermuda. Shabana played catch up and eventually managed to overtake White after leveling at 7-7. The first game went to Shabana 11-8.

The situation reversed itself in the 2nd with Shabana taking an early lead to 5-1, and then White hit his stride and played a series of exhilarating shot, and even causing Shabana to make several uncharacteristic unforced errors. Game 2 went to White 11-9 and the Bermuda audience was beginning to sense that White was capable of pulling off a major upset.

They reckoned without Shabana who simply raised his level of play, refused to make mistakes, and played exquisitely gentle drop winners in the nick at every opportunity. This was Shabana at his best as he took White to task and won the 3rd going away 11-2. White was making too many mistakes and seemed to have lost his touch, but after falling behind to 5-1 in the 4th game he made a spirited recovery by keeping to length, but it was too little, too late, and Shabana continued to keep up the pressure and won the 4th 11-6.

When interviewed after the match, Shabana said, "It's always tough playing John White any day because he's so strong and I can't afford to play loose shots. I'm pleased with the win and feeling fresh, so with a rest day tomorrow I look forward to the next round." He added, "It was great to hear I just reached #1 and that is sweet for me. Now my goal is to see how long I can stay there."

World #6 James Willstrop faced off against Canada's top player, world #19 Graham Ryding, now that Jonathan Power has retired. This was a great match from the spectators' point of view. Great shots and great retrieving from both players, perhaps partly due to the difficulty of putting away winners. Willstrop looked to be in complete charge as Ryding made a series of unforced errors when playing drops in the first. Ryding was down 10-2 before he settled down. He then won 7 consecutive rallies to save game point each time but with Willstrop seemingly having problems with his back. The Englishman managed to take game point and then took a 3-minute injury break before stepping back on court.

Willstrop seemed none the worse for his back spasm, and spectators got to enjoy the closest of games, with both playing superbly. Perhaps the taller man was exerting slightly less energy, but either could have won the 3rd until Willstrop scored 4 successive points to take it 11-7. The third game was even closer but Ryding was never able to take the lead, and occasionally made costly errors to fall behind. He fought valiantly but Willstrop hung in to win the 3rd game 11-9 and the match by a score of 3-0, which fails to do justice to a first class encounter.

When asked about the match, Willstrop said, "I thought I played fairly well on a warm court, and I'm very pleased to have won it 3-0. Graham plays well under these conditions, when it's warm and hard to put shots away. He's very experienced and knows how to adapt his game." As for his next round match against Shabana, he commented, "I'm really looking forward to it. I've won matches against him before so I know I can win. But he is the man in form; he has great racquet skills and great strength, and he takes the ball short. I can't wait to get out there. There is a fantastic atmosphere here and I want to play at my best."

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