Finals - October 22, 2018
Sarah Jane Perry v Nour El Tayeb
Our 2018 finalists were Sarah-Jane Perry from England. She is the world # 8 playing against Nour El Tayeb from Egypt, who is world #3 and the 2017 US Open Champion. Even though Sarah-Jane lost the third game she came out strong in the 4th taking a 5-3 lead. We were left wondering if Sarah-Jane could take this to a 5th five setter in a row! Each time Sarah-Jane worked hard for a small 2 point advantage, Nour seemed to very quickly whip 2 points back again. The game evened up at 7-7 and with a volley boast error from Sarah-Jane and a lucky scrap off an incredibly tight length, Nour seemly had the gods on her side today. Nour must have felt it was her time as she finished the last 2 points of the match with very impressive volley nicks winning the final game 11-8. Nour El Tayeb managed to win her first Carol Weymuller Open title beating Sarah-Jane Perry (3-1) 11-8, 10-12, 11-6, 11-8 in 50 minutes.
"At the beginning of this season I think I put too much pressure on myself to do better than last year. Being in the top 4 area I was too desperate. When I was interviewed at another tournament they said that I had created a rivalry between me, Nour and Raneem and this put on more pressure. I should have enjoyed it more being in the mix. Then I lost early last week too so I just thought I should enjoy, relax and give it the best I could and this result shouldn’t matter. SJ is very positive and whether she wins or loses she takes more from the match than if she puts pressure on herself.” - Nour El Tayeb
Semifinals - October 21st, 2018
Nour El Tayeb v Alison Waters
The first semi final of today was between world #3 and #1 seed Nour El Tayeb from Egypt, and world #9 and 2014 Carol Weymuller Champion, Alison Waters from England. Alison is the only player in the draw this year to have previously won this tournament and she was also a finalist in 2009 and 2016. Alison gave a big push and still applied some great pressure here and there and hits some great drives, but Nour was on today and she went through to take her place in the Carol Weymuller Open for the first time ever. She won 11-3, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6 in 47 minutes.
“This morning I was studying by watching lots of Alison’s previous matches so I knew how to play her. I think I did play well for the most part. She kept changing her game plan and towards the end of the 3rd, she relaxed and cut down the errors. I think in the fourth, I wanted to start well and be as pumped as possible and I feel that every day here I have played better than the day before. I’m excited to be in the final. I look at it as just another match in a tournament and hopefully I’ll play just that little bit better again!” - Nour El Tayeb
Sarah Jane Perry v Salma Hany
The second semi final match featured world #8 and recent Netsuite Champion, Sarah-Jane Perry, from England and world #15 Salma Hany from Egypt. Considering how exciting and fierce the match was, with plenty of let and strokes thrown in too, Sarah-Jane stayed incredibly calm and collected. This really helped Sarah-Jane to keep her focus, which is obviously vital in an incredibly tight match like this. It was two the strokes against Salma at the very end that cost her the match and Sarah-Jane reached a new mile stone in reaching her first Carol Weymuller final. Sarah-Jane won 15-17, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 in 58 minutes.
"I’m pleased that I got through in the end as her shots were so good and I never felt settled. I knew she had a hard match yesterday so I tried to make it hard. I’m definitely more confident in my fitness than I used to be. Every time I play Nour it’s been 3-2! Hopefully this one will be my one!!” - SJ Perry
Quarterfinals - October 20th, 2018
Joshna Chinappa v Nour El Tayeb
First up on the championship court was #1 seed from Egypt Nour El Tayeb and her opponent, world # 14 from India, Joshna Chinappa. The head to head is 2-1 in Nour’s favor so we will see if Joshna can even things up tonight! Nour won the third game 11-3 and it was only at 9-1 in the fourth game that suddenly Nour looked a tired after one particularly long rally, but she still went through to win the fourth 11-2 and take the match 3-1 (11-4, 4-11, 11-3, 11-2).
"I think my match against Hania gave me a lot of confidence. I played against Joshna a lot in the days before the tournament in practice so I think she started to get hold of how I play. I don’t enjoy it when people read me and she did sometimes and she goes for her great shots. I think I was trying to be prepared for all her shots. I’m excited for the semis” - Nour El Tayeb
Olivia Blatchford v Alison Waters
Second match on court was the between 2014 Weymuller champion, Alison Waters, from England and world # 16 Olivia Blatchford from USA, who’s name graces our board on the wall for the Baird E Haney award that she won back when she was a junior at the Casino. Much like the first match of the afternoon, Alison then continued her subtle control of the match. Too many unforced errors started to creep in from Olivia and Alison started to just get better and better and more comfortable out there. Alison won the third 11-5 and the fourth 11-6. Alison earned her spot in the semi finals winning 8-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-6.
"I was disappointed to lose that 1st game after being 7-4 up. I think that I sat back a bit and got passive and she took the game to me at the end of the 1st. I started to mix it up more and stretch her and she made some errors. Really pleased to be into the semi’s against Nour tomorrow. We played last time in El Gouna and she won so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in tomorrow!!’ - Alison Waters
Tesni Evans v Salma Hany
The third match of the evening was between Tesni Evans world #12 from Wales and Salma Hany the world #15 from Egypt. Salma and Tesni both walked around the court before shaking hands, one in shock and excitement to have won, and the other with disappointment to have lost out by such a close margin, especially after being 2-0 up. It just shows that a match is never over until that last point in won, and that staying positive and fighting until the end are absolutely vital!! Salma won 3-2…..10-12, 6-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-9.
"I can’t believe it, the first 2 games I thought I was playing well but I was too passive. I didn’t have the belief in me. After the 2nd game I looked at my phone and there was text from my mum saying ‘You can still do it!”. I kept fighting and every time I felt tired or though I couldn’t do it I visualized her saying to this to me and I that extra push! I am very lucky to have a great support with me. Obviously my team mates and my coach from when I was 5 years old, Ashraf Adel and my friend as well. I coach back in Egypt Ahmed Effat and my family and friends who are back home. I kept fighting knowing they were watching me on the streaming from the other side of the world. I did it for them. I just want to thank Tesni for a great match. I always enjoy playing her, she’s a great player and we always tend to have tough battles together” - Salma Hany
Sarah Jane Perry v Amanda Sobhy
Last up on the championship court, but certainly not least was England's world #8 Sarah-Jane Perry and USA’s Amanda Sobhy who is currently world #18. It’s hard to, but if you can wrong foot Amanda and make her start to move one way and then go the other, she has a little clink in her amour, probably due to her Achilles injury and still not being fully strong in one leg. Sarah-Jane managed to start doing more of this and her drives were deeper and tighter, coupled with some awesome short shots. As the match went on Sarah-Jane became more composed and accurate and Amanda’s previously perfect form started to crumble. Sarah-Jane won the 4th 11-5 and went through the fifth in the same manner taking the final game 11-4. Sarah-Jane won 8-11, 10-12, 11-9, 11-5, 11-4.
"At first it was going alright and then she started picking me off. I was being quite predictable and she is too good to do that. I gave myself a bit more of license to play and be creative. 1-0 down and 9-5 down isn’t the best way to start a match, but I’ve had some good comebacks in the last year and I’m more confident in my fitness. I started to stretch her and she started to make errors. So I dug in and told myself to be solid……and it worked!! For the semi final tomorrow, Salma was playing SO well today so bring it on!!!!!” - SJ Perry
Second Round Bottom Half - October 19, 2018
Tesni Evans v Zeina Mickawy
First on the Championship court was world # 12 from Wales, Tesni Evans and Egyptian Zeina Mickawy who is world #35. Tesni and Zeina have only played once before this two years ago, with Tesni winning in an incredibly close 3-2 match, so we’ll see what tonight’s match will bring. Tesni has a great hold that makes her opponent pause before moving to the next shot and it take it takes its toll on your opponent later in the match if you have the ability to do that. The score was even until 7-7 and then a couple of great shots from Tesni and errors from Zeina, and Tesni came through to earn her spot in the quarter finals 11-8, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8.
"I’m really happy to come through that match and win. I felt a little bit flat so I was constantly trying to fire myself up. Too many loose balls and to be fair she’s far too good to do that to including my serves. All credit to her for playing really well and pushing me. I know I have to play a lot better if I’m to go any further in this tournament. For my quarter final match, whoever I play I’m sure will be tough. Julianne has been playing really well and Salma is always tough and we’ve have some good matches. I’m looking forward to it!” - Tesni Evans
Salma Hany v Julianne Courtice
Second match on the championship court was between Salma Hany from Egypt who is world #15 and her opponent Julianne Courtice who is English and is ranked #46 in the world. They have never played before so it will be a fun match to see each player figure out their opponent’s style and tactics. The third game was close with the points going back and forth and even until 6-6. Similar to the third game it was at this time that Salma pushed hard and made it so hard for Julianne to get into a rhythm and take control, even though Julianne was playing some fantastic squash. Salma squeezed through the third game with a ‘no let call’ to take the match in three…. 11-4, 11-7, 11-9 in 29 minutes.
“I feel good. I’m really happy with my performance today. The last tournament didn’t go as I wanted so I came to this feeling a little disappointed with the last two. I just thought I won’t let this tournament go, it always brings out the best in me. I knew I would find my game as I always enjoy playing in this court in Brooklyn Heights. So I took the advantage that I would play my game and go for every shot. I’m glad I went through today and looking forward to play Tes tomorrow” - Salma Hany
Sarah Jane Perry v Nele Gilis
The third match on court starred #2 seed from England Sarah-Jane Perry and Belgium’s Nele Gilis who is world #33. Sarah-Jane recently won the Netsuite Open in San Fran so she has been playing great squash and feeling good about her game. Sarah-Jane is up 1-0 in the head to head, but Nele is looking very fit so maybe she can sneak a win this time. In the third game it was Sarah-Jane that got the 4-1 lead and even though Nele gave 100% effort and played some great squash, Sarah-Jane looked like she finally found her rhythm and played some great volley boasts to out maneuver Nele. Sarah-Jane went through to win the match 11-8, 11-7, 11-5.
"I feel like I’ve been here for ages! It’s a week since the US Open and this tournament started two days ago! It took me a while to get into the pace. She started really well, actually, she started well in every game and I managed to keep it solid and pull away a bit. Nele has had some really good results recently so I wasn’t taking her lightly. She’s definitely improved since last time we played. I haven’t played either of my potential opponents for a while, but I like it here so I’m looking forward to it” - SJ Perry
Amanda Sobhy v Victoria Lust
The final match of the evening on the championship court was between Victoria Lust, who is world #13 from England, and USA’s Amanda Sobhy who is currently climbing back up the rankings after her Achilles injury 18 months ago. Amanda is ahead 5-0 in the head to head, so I’m sure that Vicky is looking forward to the opportunity to put a score on the board. This was the longest, most competitive and entertaining match of the evening. Eventually Amanda got her second chance at match ball and there was a referee decision that Amanda felt was a stroke to her, but she got a let, but in the next rally Amanda did eventually win on a stoke. Vicky was very unhappy to lose on a stroke after such an incredibly hard fought match but Amanda came though 11-8, 13-11, 9-11, 12-10 to play Sarah-Jane tomorrow win the quarterfinals.
"I’m a little gassed!! I think I got my steps in today!!! We just played last week and she doesn’t give you anything. I knew what I was in for but it was still really tough. I was annoyed that I lost the 3rd game as I really wanted to close it in the three, but I am really happy to have won the 4th. The crowd was awesome, it was a lot of fun. Really vocal, which I LOVE! For the quarterfinal, I need to recover, as I’m going to run a lot again tomorrow! SJ and I haven’t played since February so it should be good. We both have fair battles.” - Amanda Sobhy
Second Round Top Half - October 18th, 2018
Joshna Chinappa v Mariam Metwally
This match was between the world #14 Joshna Chinappa from India against her opponent Mariam Metwally world #22 from Egypt. Mariam started to look incredibly tired and even leant on the back wall in the middle of one point before Joshna played the winning shot of the rally! Joshna pushed on through to take the fourth game 11-5. Joshna won 11-3, 6-11, 11-8, 11-5.
“A bit relieved! I lost to her the last 2 times in America, actually! Obviously she’s very good and tricky. I had to keep it out of her hand as it was there it was a flat winner! At times I felt I got stuck into playing her game and then I went to straightening it up towards the end of the 3rd and all of the 4th. Next I play the winner of Nour and Hania and they are both lethal! I’m looking forward to playing either!” - Joshna Chinappa
Olivia Blatchford v Hollie Naughton
The first of the evening matches at 5.30pm was between USA’s Olivia Blatchford who is world # 16 against Canadian Hollie Naughton who is world #38. Hollie kept hustling and was refusing to let the match go. She dug deep but Olivia managed to come out with some great shots just when she needed them the most! Olivia eventually squeezed through and won the match 13-11 on a lovely nick to win in four. 7-11, 11-6, 11-8. 13-11.
"I’m happy to be through - skin of my teeth out there! I don’t think that I lead in any game! She played well. I just felt amongst many bad decisions, I made good ones at crucial times in the match. Honestly, I think when you go into a match feeling good sometimes it ends up not being so good, but when you make it through, it’s good. It’s one of those matches when you get through and you have learned a good lesson, but without having to pay the tuition. I had the coolest cheering section with my dad, the Casino members, City Squash kids and my best friend. I’m just happy to be back here. I see my name on the wall (from when I was young playing here) and my dad’s name and it’s special, it’s a great community. It’s a family here!!” - Olivia Blatchford
Alison Waters v Rowan Elaraby
The second evening match on the championship court was between Alison Waters world # 9 from England and Rowan Elaraby, the world #35 from Egypt. The English tour veteran went through the fourth game in a comfortable style 11-4 to take Ali into the quarter finals on Saturday. 11-9, 13-11, 11-13, 11-4.
"Yeah, Just happy to get through the match. I had never played Rowan before. I’m pleased with how I played the 4th well, I managed to find my corners really well. Pleased to be in the quarter finals. It’s great to be back here in Brooklyn!”- Alison Waters
Nour El Tayeb v Hania El Hammamy
The last match on court this evening was between World #3 and 2017 US Open Champion Nour El Tayeb from Egypt. Her opponent was young and talented Hania El Hamammy the world # 19. In the third and fourth games Nour managed to apply more pressure and keep the ball just that bit further away from Hania. Hania was starting to look a little tired and some errors started to creep in where they had previously been winners. Nour kept tapping her temple with her finger as if to say ‘keep focusing’, and she certainly did, she went through to take the third and fourth games 11-6, 11-6.
“I think that Hania is the best young player out there, I have massive respect for her. I love her character and fighting spirit. I have watched her grow up and her work ethic is amazing. I feel that if she becomes world #1 at some stage I will be very happy. I don’t know how many more times I will continue to beat her!! I am very happy to win. I felt sad last week after losing early. I feel very happy to have dug in.” - Nour El Tayeb
First Round - October 17th, 2018
Milou van der Heijden v Hollie Naughton
The first matches started at 5.30pm and the match on the east court was between from Milou van der Heijden the world # 36 from the Netherlands and her opponent from Canada, Hollie Naughton, who is currently world # 38. Milou tried to vary and pace and get control of the T, but Hollie was taking the ball too early and pinning Milou in the back. Hollie came through in the relatively comfortable 3-0 after a close first game….11-9, 11-5, 11-4.
"I feel good overall! I played well. I played her last week and lost 3-0!! So I knew I had to play well and relax. Last week I was jittery and put pressure on myself.” - Hollie Naughton
The second 5.30pm match on the west court was between world #49 South African Alexandra Fuller and young Egyptian player Zeina Mickawy, who is ranked #35 in the world. Zeina controlled the first 2 games, not allowing Alexandra to get in front, but in the 3rd Alexandra pushed hard, volleyed more and managed to take it down to the wire, but eventually losing out 13-11. Zeina went through to the second round winning 11-5, 11-4, 13-11.
Amanda Landers-Murphy v Julianne Courtice
The 6.15pm match on the east court was Amanda Landers-Murphy, world # 37 from New Zealand against England’s Julianne Courtice, who is the world #46. This earned Amanda the 3rd game 11-9 and also pushed Julianne in the 4th, but Julianne just managed to clinch it 11-9. Julianne won 3-1…..11-4, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9.
“Relieved!!! I’m just happy to finish it off. I’ve had so many times getting close to these players and just not quite getting through.” - Julianne Courtice
The second 6.15pm match on the west court was between Egyptian Rowan Elaraby who is world #27 and Canadian Nikki Todd who is ranked #49 in the world. When Nikki didn't keep the ball tight Rowan was able to put the ball away as she has great touch, but there were still some great and challenging rallies and Rowan came through in the end 3-1…..11-5, 13-11, 13-11.
Hania El Hammamy v Haley Mendez
There was a very enthusiastic crowd at 7.00pm on the championship court when home grown Haley Mendez, at her career high of world # 43, played Egypt’s Hania El Hammamy who is only 18 years old but already ranked world #19. It was the longest match of the evening and Haley should be very proud of her performance tonight. All the Heights Casino members are very proud of her and her fantastic accomplishments so far.
"It’s my first time to play against Haley. She’s a good volleyer so I tried to stay away from her volley. She pushed me to play some loose shots and I was a little stuck behind her, but I am happy to be through.” - Hania El Hammamy
In the first 7.00pm match we had Belgium’s Nele Gilis who is world #33 playing against wild card Canadian Nicole Bunyan who is currently ranked 63 in the world. Nele is incredibly athletic and used her movement around the court so Nicole had to work hard for any rallies that she won. Nele came through 3-0…..11-9, 11-1, 11-9.
Amanda Sobhy v Danielle Letourneau
The 7.45pm match on the east court was between American and world #18 Amanda Sobhy against Danielle Letourneau who is world # 41 from Canada. Amanda played a great and clinical match this evening and even though Danielle gave 100% effort and played some lovely squash, Amanda was just too good. She made barely any mistakes and was so focused and relentless. Amanda won 3-0……11-6, 11-2, 11-5.
"Not bad, considering this is my 3rd tournament in a row! I had world teams in China, Netsuite in San Fran and the US Open in Philly. Other girls have done the same, but with me spending all last year out (injured) mentally it’s a bit of an adjustment for me.” - Amanda Sobhy
The 7.45pm match on the west court was between Egyptian Mariam Metwally who is world #22 and her opponent Tinne Gilis from Belgium who is world #47 and Nele’s younger sister. In the fourth Tinne played well and managed to get forward on the court and dominate some points, but Mariam pushed hard and eventually came through 11-8 to take her place in the second round tomorrow against Joshna Chinappa the world #14 from India.
