2011 KL Open WISPA first round recap

The 2011 KL Open began in a highly entertaining fashion as the top ranked women on the WISPA World Tour took the courts today at Bukit Jalil National Squash Complex. 


There were a few surprises in the women's competition, as #2 seed Jenny Duncalf of England has withdrawn due to injury. 


For more details we have match reports below.

Nicol David bt Sarah Kippax 11/8, 11/8, 11/8 (39Min)

Nicol David looked solid as Sarah Kippax brought her game and made a match of it. Playing her trademark patient, consistent, physical squash, David continues her march toward another KL Open title with a victory over Kippax whom qualified after playing sound squash all week long. David moves on to face Kasey Brown of Australia.

Kasey Brown bt Laura Massaro 11/8, 7/11, 11/9, 15/13 (65Min)

In an upset, Kasey Brown of Australia staved off the newly crowned and in-form British National Champion Laura Massaro in a hotly contested first round encounter. If you think about it, Massaro hasn't lost this year. Its unfortunate for both players that this was a first round match as both players would go deep into the tournament had the seedings been evenly distributed throughout the draw. The typical positive out of such a match - getting used to the court and such - doesn't even apply as we turn to the glass court. Regardless, it was a tough draw and a laborious match. 


"Having played in the World Teams helped," said Brown, referring to having some insight into Massaro's game. Her physique and defensive game kept the match going and in the crucial points in the fourth was able to stay strong, "I've done a lot of training under Rod Martin and I'm feeling as fit as ever," said Brown. "Having a tough match prior to playing Nicol [David] well, she'll punish you," Brown continued. "I'm feeling pretty good and I hope to do well tomorrow. Brown faces Nicol David in a second round matchup.

Alison Waters bt Raneem El Weleily 11/6, 13/11, 11/9 (35Min)

Alison Waters looked strong and is a formidable force. "I had a plan, but I never got to it," shared Raneem El Weleily afterwards. "I wasn't patient. When I had an opportunity, I took it, and thats not what I wanted to do. She deserved the win." Weleily said. Waters will be in fantastic shape with the quick win heading into an encounter with Australia's #1 Rachael Grinham.

Rachael Grinham bt Low Wee Wern 11/5, 11/4, 6/11, 9/11, 11/6 (70Min)

Rachael Grinham secured her spot with strong first round showing against Low Wee Wern of Malaysia. "She [Low] runs everything down and makes you dictate," said Grinham afterwards. Grinham was comfortable with making Low work around the court, jumping out to a 2-0 match lead and was in control.


"Then I had an awful start in the third... just didn't get back into it," said Grinham. In the fourth it looked like it was all over as Grinham jumped out to significant leads, "then I became frustrated with the refs and I lost several points in a row. Then in the fifth, she [Low] started to cramp, so I told myself I wouldn't go for anything stupid and she never stopped trying to retrieve," Grinham said. Grinham moves on and will face Alison Waters of England.

Madeline Perry bt Samantha Teran 15/17, 11/4, 11/8, 11/6 (72Min)

"I'm very happy with the way I played. She's beaten me that last few times we've met," said, Madeline Perry, Ireland's top squash player. The first game was a long battle and Perry was looking frustrated in the process. 


 "I played right into her hands: longer, rhythmic, fast paced rallies," commented Perry. But the tempo had taken its toll on Teran, as well, whom had already played two matches. After the first, Perry was not seriously threatened. "I'm happy to move and I look forward to tomorrow," said Perry. Perry faces Joey Chan of Hong Kong in a second round clash.

Joey Chan bt Omneya Abdel Kawy 11/5, 12/10, 11/7 (32Min)

"I am feeling increased pain in my thigh, but I don't want to take anything away from Joey. She beat me," shared a humble Omneya Abdel Kawy as she sat on the ground icing a purple spotted thigh. Joey Chan was convincing in her victory, but she has looked fast and strong from the outset of qualifying. 


 "I know she has an injury so I was thinking this is my chance," said Chan. "This is my first time making the quarters which is helpful to my ranking, but also gives me confidence as I prepare for tournaments in Canada and America," gleened a happy Chan. She moves on face to face Ireland's Madeline Perry.

Camille Serme bt Delia Arnold 7/11, 11/9, 11/8, 11/7 (70Min)

After an uncharacteristically error prone first game, Camille Serme of France was able to take the game to Delia Arnold whom was feeling the effects of her first round match. "I'm fatigued from yesterday," said Arnold. "But Camille had a slow start. She just became stronger as the match progressed and played very well," continued Arnold. 


 Serme was looking strong once a perceived confidence was restored. "I became more confident. I mean, I couldn't play any worse... I know I was nervous and I don't know why." Serme struck the ball cleanly and consistently thereafter, playing a solid offensive game and backed it a complementary defense. Serme moves on to face Annie Au of Hong Kong.

Annie Au bt Heba El Torky 10/12, 11/1, 11/6, 8/11, 11/3 (60Min)

Sadly, the squash faithful in KL missed watching an elite player with the unfortunate withdrawal of second seeded Jenny Duncalf from a lingering groin injury sustained in Chennai at the World Cup, Hebal El Torky stepped in as lucky loser from qualifying to take on Annie Au. Torky took advantage and got things rolling quickly playing at pace, eventually snatching a very close first game.


"Heba came out strong and played very fast... a fast pace. I played into her hands," Au commented afterwards. From there it was clear Au intended on playing solid defense and using length to find her opportunity and the patience bore fruit time and time again with errors from Torky's racket. Torky didn't submit and took the fourth before fading fast in the fifth. 


 "After the first I slowed down the pace and really sat back and waited for the opportunities," continued Au. "Its the first time I'm advancing to the second round here in KL, I am very happy!" Au takes on Camille Serme in a second round encounter.

--Will Mather