Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006

International Press Release 04-April-2006 - Results

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

Subject:

In the first match of the evening, former World Open Champion, and #4 seed, Thierry Lincou of France stepped onto the court against one of his longstanding adversaries, #15 seed Australian, Stewart Boswell who has been steadily climbing back up the rankings after a back injury put him out of action for an extended period. It was Lincou who dominated the early encounters moving Boswell around the court, but Boswell showed flashes of his undeniable squash ability as the two played a series of excellent rallies. Unfortunately the rallies often ended in an unforced error, which in turn caused some confusion amongst the audience who did not want to appear impolite if they applauded after one or other of the two players had just played a bad shot.

The first game appeared even until an exceptionally long rally, with Boswell just in the lead. He lost the rally and promptly proceeded to make 4 consecutive unforced errors to lose the opening game 11-6. Game 2 followed the same pattern with both players displaying their considerable skills, although Lincou generally remained in control, driving Boswell into the back corners and then executing delightful drops shots to take points. Lincou went ahead 2-0 after winning the 2nd 11-7.

Boswell lost the first two points of the third after two marathon rallies, and there was every sign that he was about to crumble, but at this point he proceeded to play inspired squash, rattling off 6 points in a row and putting himself back into contention. He closed out the game with a magnificent drop volley into the right nick.

The initiative seemed to be slipping from Lincou as he fell behind 4-1 in the 4th, but then it was his turn to apply pressure as he fought for every point with no outward sign of fatigue. It was all even at 7 all, and still too close to call until yet another incredible rally resulting in Boswell flinging himself full length in a vain attempt to reach an impossible lob to the back wall. It was his last major effort, as Lincou remained unruffled to take the last 4 points and the match.

In the post match interview Lincou recalled how he and Boswell had risen through the ranks together until the latter's back injury took him out of action for 2 years. Lincou said, "I'm glad he's back and playing well. It was really close. I'm pleased to get through."

When asked about his performance Boswell said, "I played well in patches but there were times when I allowed him to play his own game and then he was too good for me. I played the wrong shots at the wrong time. You've definitely got to think your way through a match better than I did tonight."

If the first match was close at times, it was in stark contrast to the second match of the evening as #4 seed Nick Matthew of England made short work of world #12 ranked Malaysian, Mohd Azlan Iskandar. It wasn't so much that Iskandar played badly, but rather that Matthew was in devastating form on the night. He simply outplayed Iskandar in every aspect of the game, using his height and reach to recover almost everything that Iskandar could throw at him, constantly moving his opponent to every corner of the court, and slowing the game down with perfectly executed lobs. It was match over in 32 minutes as Matthew cruised to victory in three games (11-3, 11-5, 11-2).

Afterwards Matthew admitted that he was "chomping at the bit for a good game and really looking forward to getting on court. I was surprised he was nowhere near his game. It was pretty hot on court and I tried to use height to frustrate him. Sometimes it's good to change the pace and mix it up. The other guy has time to think and sometimes that's not a good thing for him." Matthew will meet Lincou in the next round and when asked about his chances he said, "We always have good games. I've beaten him once and that was here in Bermuda. I have to play as well in the 4th as in the first. I'm feeling relaxed and I really enjoyed the release of energy tonight. I plan to relax tomorrow; maybe run down to the shops on my moped, read a book and go to the beach. This is a great place to visit. Most of the players usually get on the next plane out after getting beaten, but a lot of the guys are staying on here."

When interviewed after the match, Iskandar said, "I'm not feeling at my best, but Nick didn't give me anything tonight. Hat's off to him, and good luck in the rest of the tournament."

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