The pair had met four times previously, with Englishman Selby losing the first three but winning their most recent encounter last month at the Swedish Open.

It was also a repeat of the 2010 final in which Lincou, then ranked higher than Selby, edged to a four-game victory.

Both players had reached the climax after notable upsets, world No12 Lincou over Egyptian favourite Amr Shabana, the world No6, and Selby over second-seeded Dutchman Laurens Jan Anjema, ranked nine in the world.

It was the biggest Tour final of Selby’s career – and the 29-year-old world No11 from Essex came back from behind in the first game to take an early lead.

But, to the sheer delight of the packed crowd, the match ebbed to and fro – with Lincou drawing level after the second and the next two games shared, leading the contest into a fifth game decider.

“Down 7-2, the crowd began egging Daryl on, but it was becoming clear that Lincou’s earlier attacking work was having its desired effect in slowing Selby down,” explained tournament spokesman Jeff Cullis. “But Selby would never stop trying, making four or five back-wall returns as Lincou pinned him in the back court before taking the point on an unreasonably short backhand drop.

“Selby then hit a beautiful backhand drop from the back court into the straight nick to make it 8-4. From here it was all Lincou, however, as Selby found tin twice on tired shots to end the game 11-4 after 92 minutes. The crowd were again on their feet, showing their thanks for a spectacular final match.”

Selby was quick to sum up the match on Twitter: “Well I take my hat off to the legend Thierry Lincou. He played perfect squash in the fourth and fifth when I thought he was dead on his feet.

“I couldn’t have played too much better and definitely couldn’t have given any more. I am proud to play in that type of match.

“And the crowd were just immense tonight! Unbelievable atmosphere and the people in Halifax are just amazing. What a tournament!”

Lincou, whose remarkable PSA Tour record now reads ’44 final appearances and 23 titles’, was delighted to have successfully defended his 2010 title after being forced to miss last year’s event through injury.

“I am delighted with my performance this week – I had some meaningful wins and I felt really sharp,” said the former world number one and world champion, who arrived in Halifax after reaching last week’s final of the Open de Squash Banque Nationale Groupe Financier in Montreal.

“I think that my form was due for some part to the four big matches in Montreal in hard conditions (bouncy panel courts). It really strengthened my fitness and my mental focus.

“After a poor beginning of the year, I really found my way back, my determination, my fitness and the desire of winning. This was a sweet victory two years after my last one – which was also in Halifax!!

“I am a happy man – and it’s a great early birthday present, as I am 36 in two days!”

RESULTS: PSA International 50 Bluenose Classic, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Final:
Thierry Lincou (FRA) bt [4] Daryl Selby (ENG) 9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5, 11-4 (92m)

In his maiden meeting with former world champion and world number one Thierry Lincou, the No2 seed, fourth seed Richards beat the distinguished 35-year-old Frenchman 11-7, 8-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-5 to lift his fourth Tour title.

The 25-year-old from Surrey reached his biggest ever final after ousting favourite Hisham Mohd Ashour, the defending champion from Egypt, in the semi-finals.

“This was a classic battle between two classy players,” reported tournament organiser Yvon Provençal. “They shared the first two games, with both players doing similar amounts of work. Lincou was moving the ball to the four corners as he usually does and Richards switching from the retrieving mode to attack whenever the opportunity was there.

“In game three, Tom started to take the ball short on a regular basis with many outright winners. By then many thought Thierry was done, but a bad start from Tom in the fourth and solid play from the Frenchman got the crowd thinking the veteran could turn it around as he took the fourth by a significant margin.

“Age caught up with him as Richards still had a lot of gas in the tank,” continued the club’s Director of Squash. “The fifth started with a few winners from Richards and a few mistakes by Thierry that gave the eventual winner a comfortable lead. He was able to close it out and earn his biggest title so far in his career.”

Richards was understandably delighted with his triumph: “Winner winner chicken dinner!” exclaimed the champion via Twitter shortly afterwards. “Scraped a 3/2 win in, absolute pleasure playing the legend that is Thierry!”

RESULTS: PSA International 35 Open de Squash Banque Nationale Groupe Financier, Montreal, Canada

Final:
[4] Tom Richards (ENG) bt [2] Thierry Lincou (FRA) 11-7, 8-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-5

The 42-minute 11-4, 11-5, 11-1 victory over the world No9 from the Netherlands – his second triumph over a higher-ranked opponent in 24 hours – emphatically marks Golan’s comeback from a career-threatening knee injury which took the Spaniard out of the game for eight months two years ago.

“My game plan was to try and get a lead in each game so that LJ couldn’t gain confidence in his attacking shots,” explained the former world No10, currently ranked just outside the top 20.

“I also did a very good job of getting LJ out of the T and keep control of it myself.

“The greatest thing that I was proud of was my concentration,” added the 29-year-old from Santiago de Compostela. “I was able to stay focused all the way through the match and especially at the end of each game.

“This was a very good match for me and a very good win,” exclaimed Golan, whose PSA Tour title tally has now risen to 26.

A despondent Anjema tweeted later: “Lost badly in the final today. This is not how you want to play a final. You don’t want to be flat vs the hurricane. Congrats to BG!”

PSA International 35 Winnipeg Building and Decorating Ltd Manitoba Open, Winnipeg, Canada
Final:
[4] Borja Golan (ESP) bt [1] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) 11-4, 11-5, 11-1 (42m)

Semi-finals:
[1] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt [3] Tom Richards (ENG) 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 (52m)
[4] Borja Golan (ESP) bt [2] Cameron Pilley (AUS) 11-3, 11-8, 11-6 (50m)

Quarter-finals:
[1] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt [Q] Raphael Kandra (GER) 11-2, 11-7, 11-8 (40m)
[3] Tom Richards (ENG) bt Alan Clyne (SCO) 11-7, 11-7, 11-5 (35m)
[4] Borja Golan (ESP) bt Jonathan Kemp (ENG) 11-6, 11-4, 11-9 (42m)
[2] Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt [Q] Shawn Delierre (CAN) 11-6, 9-11, 14-12, 11-5 (75m)

1st round:
[1] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) 11-5, 11-7, 3-11, 11-7 (75m)
[Q] Raphael Kandra (GER) bt Martin Knight (NZL) 12-10, 8-11, 8-11, 14-12, 11-7 (110m)
Alan Clyne (SCO) bt [Q] Anthony Graham (ENG) 9-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-5 (35m)
[3] Tom Richards (ENG) bt Jan Koukal (CZE) 6-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-4 (35m)
[4] Borja Golan (ESP) bt [Q] Steven Finitsis (AUS) 12-10, 11-1, 4-11, 11-6 (60m)
Jonathan Kemp (ENG) bt Thomas Brinkman (CAN) 11-9, 11-6, 11-6 (42m)
[Q] Shawn Delierre (CAN) bt Andrew Schnell (CAN) 11-8, 11-5, 11-8 (60m)
[2] Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt Mohammed Abbas (EGY) 9-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7 (75m)

Qualifying finals:
Steven Finitsis (AUS) bt Arturo Salazar (MEX) 11-3, 11-0 ret.
Raphael Kandra (GER) bt Eric Galvez (MEX) 11-2, 11-4, 11-1 (25m)
Shawn Delierre (CAN) bt David Letourneau (CAN) 11-9, 11-5, 12-10 (40m)
Anthony Graham (ENG) bt Andrew Schnell (CAN) 9-11, 11-8, 11-3, 11-4 (45m)

 

It was the Cairo pair’s eighth Tour meeting in exactly ten years – and not only Shabana’s eighth success but also Ashour’s second successive defeat in the Vancouver event’s final.

But Shabana’s path to victory was not easy.

In the opening game, the 32-year-old former world number one built up a 4-1 lead only to see Ashour draw even at 4-4. Shabana retook the lead but, with unforced errors from both players, it was second seed Ashour who went on to win the game.

Favourite Shabana again built a substantial lead in the second. Ashour closed the gap but Shabana maintained the lead before drawing level one-all.

After Shabana took the third relatively easily, the fourth – much against the will of the gallery, who were desperately hoping for a fifth – saw only one unforced error difference between the two Egyptians.

Shabana held his nerve and ultimately closed out the match 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 12-10 to notch up the 29th PSA Tour title of his career.

“It was a hard fought, much deserved win for Shabana,” said tournament organiser Paul Marley. “As documented earlier, he started the tournament on shaky grounds as he almost lost a first round match to the 2010 champion Martin Knight and suffered a bagel along the way.

“Maybe that provided much needed motivation, but as the tournament progressed he seemed to gain momentum and confidence in his game and emerged a winner for the second consecutive week.”

Final:
[1] Amr Shabana (EGY) bt [2] Hisham Mohamed Ashour (EGY) 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 12-10 (50m)

Second seed Ashour, the 29-year-old older brother of world No4 Ramy Ashour, reached the final for the second successive year after beating younger opponent Omar Mosaad, the 23-year-old third seed, 11-9, 11-9, 13-11 in 49 minutes.

“Ashour impressed the galleries as he made his way to the Comfort Inn finals last year and in his matches in this year’s event thus far, with his stunning array of deceptive shots that are made with such speed & precision his opponents and his galleries are often left staring in disbelief,” said tournament organiser Paul Marley.

The second semi-final featured top seed Shabana, the winner of last week’s ATCO PSA World Series Finals who is making his maiden appearance in the event – and much younger Tarek Momen, the 2009 runner-up who is making his fifth appearance at the Evergreen Squash Club.

“The stage was set for a classic battle between the young lion, rising in the ranks, competing against the mature lion who has demonstrated that he still has the skills and motivation to continue to play at the highest level and has no intention of abandoning his territory any time soon,” explained Marley.

“The match started out a little slowly, with Shabana winning the first game fairly easily. But Momen seemed to gain confidence, maybe realising that he could compete with his legendary countryman, and the next three games were very competitive and very entertaining.”

Shabana recovered from losing the third game to close out the match 11-6, 12-10, 9-11, 11-9 after 44 minutes to notch up the 43rd Tour final appearance of his lengthy career.

Shabana and Ashour, who is celebrating his 11th Tour final appearance, have met seven times on the PSA Tour over the last ten years – with 32-year-old Shabana boasting a 100% success record.

PSA International 50 Comfort Inn Open, Vancouver, Canada

Semi-finals:
[1] Amr Shabana (EGY) bt Tarek Momen (EGY) 11-6, 12-10, 9-11, 11-9 (44m)
[2] Hisham Mohamed Ashour (EGY) bt [3] Omar Mosaad (EGY) 11-9, 11-9, 13-11 (49m)

England’s defending champion Daryl Selby was the biggest casualty, falling at the first hurdle in one of the longest matches of his career.

Winner of the title both in 2009 and 2011, the 29-year-old world No11 tasted defeat at the Vancouver club for the first time as unseeded Egyptian Tarek Momen recovered from a game down to beat the fourth seed 6-11, 13-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-7 in 105 minutes – gaining revenge for his defeat in the 2009 final.

Momen, the 23-year-old world No18 from Cairo, will now play fellow countryman Mohamed Abouelghar, who became the only qualifier to make the quarter-finals when his US opponent Julian Illingworth retired injured after the third game, with the score standing at 10-12, 11-3, 11-9.

In another marathon encounter which went the full distance, third-seeded Egyptian Omar Mosaad twice had to come from behind to overcome Botswana’s Alister Walker 9-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9 in 95 minutes.

But the most extraordinary clash came at the top of the draw where Egyptian favourite Amr Shabana took on New Zealander Martin Knight. Shabana, the illustrious four-time world champion, arrived in Vancouver fresh from winning theATCO PSA World Series Finals crown after one of the sport’s most talked about matches last week in London.

But the world No8 dropped the first game, then struggled to win the second before losing the third 11-0 - suffering the first ever whitewash game loss in his entire career!

Knight, ranked 30 places lower, was unable to exploit his unexpected advantage however as Shabana regrouped to close out the match 5-11, 12-10, 0-11, 11-5, 11-3 after 53 minutes to take his anticipated place in the last eight.

1st round:
[1] Amr Shabana (EGY) bt Martin Knight (NZL) 5-11, 12-10, 0-11, 11-5, 11-3 (53m)
Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt [Q] Joe Lee (ENG) 11-6, 5-11, 11-4, 11-6 (62m)
[Q] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) bt Julian Illingworth (USA) 10-12, 11-3, 11-9 ret. (29m)
Tarek Momen (EGY) bt [4] Daryl Selby (ENG) 6-11, 13-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-7 (105m)
[3] Omar Mosaad (EGY) bt Alister Walker (BOT) 9-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9 (95m)
Olli Tuominen (FIN) bt [Q] Adrian Waller (ENG) 11-4, 11-13, 11-4, 11-7 (49m)
Mohd Ali Anwar Reda (EGY) bt [Q] Amr Khaled Khalifa (EGY) 6-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 12-10 (65m)
[2] Hisham Mohamed Ashour (EGY) bt Shahier Razik (CAN) 7-11, 11-7, 11-7 ret. (40m)

Canada has previously hosted the Women’s World Team Championships on three occasions – in 1981, 1992 and, more recently, in Edmonton, Alberta, in 2006.

World Squash Federation Chief Executive Andrew Shelley indicated: “I know from my own inspection that the facilities at White Oaks would be hard to beat anywhere, so we are set fair for a great staging to accompany the warm Canadian welcome that the visiting teams from across the globe will certainly receive. Bring on 2014!”

2014 Women’s World Team Championship tournament director Mark Sachvie, who has been the Club at White Oaks Racquets Director for the past 25 years, commented: “Hosting the WSF Women’s World Team Championship is a wonderful opportunity to profile Canada’s top female athletes and, at the same time, act as a showcase for women’s squash.”

Squash Canada’s Executive Director Danny Da Costa added: “We are honoured to partner with Squash Ontario and The Club at White Oaks to host this world championship in Canada in 2014. We are excited to showcase the great game of squash, and also to promote the advancement of women’s sport not only in Canada but around the world.”

The women’s game has seen considerable growth over the past few years with over 70 professional tournaments on five continents on the women’s professional tour.

The Club at White Oaks, part of White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa, is a 5 star / 4 diamond facility located in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Niagara region has become an international travel destination, and is recognised as one of the world’s finest centres of viticulture. Situated in the heart of this region, White Oaks has garnered a reputation as being one of Canada’s premier sporting facilities and has hosted several high-profile squash events, including the Canadian Junior Open, Canadian Squash Championships as well as several PSA & WISPA events.

The 2012 WSF Women’s World Team Championship will be held in Nimes, France, from 12-17 November.

In the men’s final, top seeds Team Australia, comprising Damien Mudge & Ben Gould, fought back from 2/1 down to defeat Team England, the No2 seeds featuring John Russell & Clive Leach, 15-7 13-15, 12-15, 15-5, 15-9 in a 105-minute marathon showcasing the power, finesse, unbelievable retrieving and athletic ability with which the men’s hardball game has now become synonymous.

Stephanie Hewitt & Seanna Keating produced a dramatic and popular upset for the hosts in the women’s final by beating top-seeded Team Australia, featuring Narelle Krizek & Natarsha McElhinny, 7-15, 11-15, 15-7, 15-11, 15-12.

“It was an exciting match that displayed the best of women’s doubles squash and highlighted why the women’s game has grown so much over the last few years,” said event spokesman James Hewitt.

Men’s quarter-finals:
[1] Ben Gould & Damien Mudge (Australia) bt Imran Khan & Khayal Khan (Pakistan)
15-9, 15-8, 15-10
[3/4] Greg Park & Preston Quick (USA) bt Willie Hosey & Michael Pirnak (Canada)
15-9, 15-10, 10-15, 15-11
Mark Chaloner & Jonathan Smith (England) bt [3/4] Matt Jenson & Paul Price (Australia)
14-15, 15-13, 15-13, 15-13
[2] John Russell & Clive Leach (England) bt James Hewitt & Fred Reid (Canada)
15-11, 12-15, 15-12, 15-12
Semi-finals:
[1] Ben Gould & Damien Mudge (Australia) bt [3/4] Greg Park & Preston Quick (USA)
15-8, 15-8, 8-15, 15-9
[2] John Russell & Clive Leach (England) bt Mark Chaloner & Jonathan Smith (England)
7-15, 15-12, 15-12, 7-15, 15-12
Final:
[1] Ben Gould & Damien Mudge (Australia) bt [2] John Russell & Clive Leach (England)
15-7 13-15, 12-15, 15-5, 15-9 (105m)

Women’s quarter-finals:
[3/4] Emily Lungstrum & Dana Betts (USA) bt Karen Jerome & Rebecca Hazell (Canada)
15-8, 15-9, 15-8
[3/4] Amy Milanek & Dawn Gray (USA) bt Marcia Sier & Adriana DiMauro (Canada)
15-6, 15-12, 15-13
Semi-finals:
[1] Narelle Krizek & Natarsha McElhinny (Australia) bt [3/4] Emily Lungstrum & Dana Betts (USA)
15-9, 15-14, 13-15, 15-14
[2] Stephanie Hewitt & Seanna Keating (Canada) bt [3/4] Amy Milanek & Dawn Gray (USA)
9-15, 15-13, 15-9, 8-15, 15-14
Final:
[2] Stephanie Hewitt & Seanna Keating (Canada) bt [1] Narelle Krizek & Natarsha McElhinny (Australia)
7-15, 11-15, 15-7, 15-11, 15-12

Unseeded, the former world No2 ousted the fourth seed, then the No2 seed, before coming up against New Zealander King in the climax of only her seventh Tour event since the birth of her son Kieran last May.

Grinham, currently ranked 32 in the world, played flawless squash to overcome world No14 King 11-6, 11-7, 14-12 to claim the 15th Tour title of her career – but her first since winning the New Zealand Open in August 2009.

“I’m playing really well and looking forward to Caymans,” said the new Atwater Club champion, who next competes in this week’s Cedrus Investments Cayman Islands Open. “I’m glad Joelle’s out of the qualifying as we could have played each other again tomorrow.

“I’m just looking to keep improving this year building up for the World Open in September.”

King, a double medallist in last year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi, added: “I came up against a better player today but I’m happy with my game and looking forward to the next three weeks.

“I feel I am heading in the right direction and I’m excited about the next two events.”

Final:
Natalie Grinham (NED) bt [3] Joelle King (NZL) 11-6, 11-7, 14-12

The 34-year-old from Lithgow in New South Wales reached the final of the PSA World Tour International 35 event atCalgary Winter Club in Calgary after holding off the challenge of rising Swiss star Nicolas Mueller in four games.

Dutchman Anjema, ranked 12 in the world, had to overcome Omar Mosaad in the other semi, beating the world No16 from Egypt also in four games.

But the final was the standout match of the championship in its second year – in which Palmer, a four-time British Openchampion and twice World Open champion, recovered from 2/1 down to topple Anjema 11-7, 5-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-6.

“It was a phenomenal final and the highlight of our event,” exclaimed event spokesman Ian Park. “The two players had a fiercely competitive match, but above anything else it was the classiest match that I have ever seen.

“These two players, along with player referees, were amazing representatives of the game and promoted squash in the best possible light.”

It was a sensational conclusion to his Calgary campaign for the now US-based Palmer, who had already extended his record as the current player with the most appearances in PSA Tour finals by reaching his 54th.

Final:
[2] David Palmer (AUS) bt [1] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) 11-7, 5-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-6

It was the pair’s sixth Tour meeting in the last six years, with the 28-year-old from Kuala Lumpur boasting a 4/1 lead. But third seed Ashour has enjoyed the best phase of his career since their previous clash in March 2009, and now boasts a career-high world No17 ranking – just four places below Iskandar.

After the first two games were shared, second seed Iskandar moved ahead after winning the third.

“To start game four, it was all Iskandar as he quickly mounted a 6-2 lead as Ashour’s aggressiveness was causing many of his shots to clip the tin,” said event spokesman Jon Boody. “Over the next three points, Ashour was awarded a stroke and hit two off-speed backhand winning drives to pull within one point at 5-6. A crosscourt slam from Iskandar put the score at 7-5.

“The next two rallies were dominated by Ashour to tie the game at 7-all. With the score even, Iskandar took control of the game as his unrelenting retrieval abilities contributed to long rallies over the next four points which ended in a front left corner kill shot and three Ashour balls into the tin.”

Iskandar’s 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7 victory in 53 minutes gives the Asian champion the 14th Tour title of his career – but his first in Canada.

Final:
[2] Mohd Azlan Iskandar (MAS) bt [3] Hisham Mohd Ashour (EGY) 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7 (53m)

Lane, a qualifier from Philadelphia, made his breakthrough in the previous round when he ousted highly-rated EgyptianMohammed Abbas, a former world No13.

But the 25-year-old world No66 was unable to reproduce his giant-killing prowess against second seed Mohd Azlan Iskandar – though it took the world No13 from Malaysia 44 minutes to beat the US number two 11-6, 11-5, 11-3.

“Early in the third game, Lane appeared to have tweaked something in his left leg and began limping around with a painful expression,” explained tournament spokesman Jon Boody. “Iskandar sensing control, brutally moved Lane around the court with tight drops and pounding drives. Lane scrambled about retrieving, digging, and even diving at a couple of balls to sustain the rally, but it was doing little to either tire Iskandar or present an opportunity to score any points.

“Iskandar scored eight unanswered points to close the game 11-3 and the match 3/0.”

Unseeded Illingworth, winner of a record six US national titles, removed top-seeded Dutchman Laurens Jan Anjema in the previous round in his maiden win over the world No11.

The New Yorker’s next opponent was Hisham Mohd Ashour, the third from Egypt who is enjoying the form of his life. Illingworth, ranked 40 in the world, pushed world No17 Ashour to two lengthy tie-break games – but it was the 28-year-old from Cairo who ultimately emerged triumphant after 72 minutes, winning 14-12, 11-9, 14-12.

Illingworth was full of praise for his Egyptian opponent: “His length is really good, his width, his cross-courts,” explained the 27-year-old afterwards. “He hits all those flashy winners, but he sets them up with good width.”

Semi-finals:
[2] Mohd Azlan Iskandar (MAS) bt [Q] Gilly Lane (USA) 11-6, 11-5, 11-3 (44m)
[3] Hisham Mohd Ashour (EGY) bt Julian Illingworth (USA) 14-12, 11-9, 14-12 (72m)

Khan had to be at her best in the opening round, where the indefatigable 37-year-old from Seattle fought off a spirited attack from former Canadian rival Melanie Jans. The former world No25 from Vancouver, also 37, was making her first Tour appearance since February 2007 – and, after qualifying, took Khan the full distance before the top seed began her advance to the final.

Indeed, Khan’s opponent in the climax was second seed Alana Miller – the favourite’s fourth Canadian opponent in the event.

The defending champion took the opening two games, but Winnipeg-based Miller fought back to draw level.

Khan kept her composure, however, and closed out the match 11-8, 11-7, 12-14, 2-11, 11-7 after 58 minutes to win the Vancouver title for the third time in four years.

The triumph takes world No29 Khan’s career WISPA title tally to seven, from 15 final appearances.

1st round:
[1] Latasha Khan (USA) bt [Q] Melanie Jans (CAN) 11-4, 6-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-2 (48m)
[8] Samantha Cornett (CAN) bt Imelda Salazar Martinez (MEX) 11-2, 11-5, 11-7 (21m)
[4] Nicolette Fernandes (GUY) bt Thaisa Serafini (BRA) 11-9, 11-6, 12-10 (30m)
Milou van der Heijden (NED) bt [7] Stephanie Edmison (CAN) 12-14, 8-11, 11-8, 11-2, 11-9 (48m)
[6] Carolyn Russell (CAN) bt [Q] Karina Heredia Gonzalez (MEX) 11-3, 11-3, 11-3 (16m)
[3] Miranda Ranieri (CAN) bt Genevieve Lessard (CAN) 11-9, 11-3, 12-10 (22m)
[5] Alexandra Norman (CAN) bt [Q] Ivonne Diaz (MEX) 11-1, 11-6, 11-4 (22m)
[2] Alana Miller (CAN) bt [Q] Nayelly Hernandez (MEX) 11-6, 11-4, 11-1 (19m)
Quarter-finals:
[1] Latasha Khan (USA) bt [8] Samantha Cornett (CAN) 11-8, 8-11, 11-5, 11-7 (37m)
[4] Nicolette Fernandes (GUY) bt Milou van der Heijden (NED) 12-10, 11-7, 11-6 (30m)
[6] Carolyn Russell (CAN) bt [3] Miranda Ranieri (CAN) w/o
[2] Alana Miller (CAN) bt [5] Alexandra Norman (CAN) 11-7, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9 (41m)
Semi-finals:
[1] Latasha Khan (USA) bt [4] Nicolette Fernandes (GUY) 16-14, 11-6, 11-9 (34m)
[2] Alana Miller (CAN) bt [6] Carolyn Russell (CAN) 11-9, 11-3, 11-8 (25m)
Final:
[1] Latasha Khan (USA) bt [2] Alana Miller (CAN) 11-8, 11-7, 12-14, 2-11, 11-7 (58m)

The second-seeded 27-year-old faced surprise opponent Hisham Mohd Ashour, the third seed from Egypt who upset Dutch favourite Laurens Jan Anjema in the semi-finals.

It was Anjema, the world No15 from The Hague, who defeated Selby in the finals of both the National Bank Financial Group International in Montreal and the Manitoba Open in Winnipeg earlier in the month.

But a determined Selby, ranked 12 in the world, took on the 27-year-old from Cairo with only one thing on his mind – title success.

And after surviving a tie-break first game, the England international from Essex took control to carve out an impressive 12-10, 11-4, 11-7 victory in 45 minutes.

The title triumph brought to an end a hugely successful visit to North America in which he boosted his number of PSA Tour final appearances to 14 and his titles total to nine.

“It was a great end to the tour,” said Selby afterwards.  “And it hopefully gives me a good chance to be in the top ten at the end of the month.

“But I’ve got Canary Wharf to look forward to first!” added the new champion.

Selby is eighth seed in this week’s ISS Canary Wharf Classic and will be keen to maintain his winning momentum on home soil in this 5-star PSA Tour event at Canary Wharf in London.

The Essex man faces Egypt’s world No25 Tarek Momen in the first round tomorrow (Monday) before a likely clash with England team-mate James Willstrop, the world No4 and a three-time winner of the title, in the quarter-finals.

Final:
[2] Daryl Selby (ENG) bt [3] Hisham Mohd Ashour (EGY) 12-10, 11-4, 11-7 (45m)

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Semi-finals:

[3] Hisham Mohd Ashour (EGY) bt [1] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) 4-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 (51m)
[2] Daryl Selby (ENG) bt [4] Shahier Razik (CAN) 11-7, 11-4, 11-6 (45m)

Anjema Upset Takes Hisham Into Calgary Final

Laurens Jan Anjema’s bid to win three successive PSA World Tour squash titles in Canada came unstuck when the Dutchman was beaten by Hisham Mohd Ashour in the semi-finals of the Calgary Winter Club Rocky Mountain Open, the $30,750 3-star event at Calgary Winter Club in Calgary.

“He played like he can,” said the five-time Dutch national champion on Twitter after his first championship defeat this year.  “One match too many for me:  Oh well, I had a good run.”

Third seed Ashour, the older brother of world number one Ramy Ashour, is widely-regarded as one of the game’s most dangerous opponents.

The 27-year-old from Cairo recovered from a game down to topple top seed Anjema, the world No15, 4-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 in 51 minutes.

The unexpected win takes Ashour senior to the seventh Tour final of his career – but his first for a year.

The world No23 will face Daryl Selby, the second seed from England who battled to his third consecutive Tour final in Canada when he dashed local hopes by beating Canada’s fourth seed Shahier Razik 11-7, 11-4, 11-6.

The 45-minute win was Selby’s third in a row over the 32-year-old from Toronto on his home soil – but the first in straight games.

The 27-year-old world No12 from Essex – now hoping it will be ‘third time lucky in Canada’ – is celebrating the 14th PSA final of his career, where he will be meeting Ashour for the first time.

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1st round:
[1] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt [Q] John Rooney (IRL) 11-1, 13-11, 11-4 (35m)
Stephane Galifi (ITA) bt [6] Aaron Frankcomb (AUS) 6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 1-11, 11-9 (90m)
[3] Hisham Mohd Ashour (EGY) bt Andrew McDougall (CAN) 11-9, 11-4, 11-8 (34m)
[8] Eric Galvez (MEX) bt [Q] Matthew Giuffre (CAN) 11-5, 16-14, 11-7 (44m)
Gilly Lane (USA) bt [5] Martin Knight (NZL) 11-5, 11-7, 12-10 (14m)
[4] Shahier Razik (CAN) bt [Q] Zac Alexander (AUS) 11-9, 11-3, 11-3 (41m)
[Q] Clinton Leeuw (RSA) bt [7] Campbell Grayson (NZL) 3/2
[2] Daryl Selby (ENG) bt Jan Koukal (CZE) 11-5, 2-11, 11-9, 11-9

Quarter-finals:
[1] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt Stephane Galifi (ITA) 11-5, 11-8, 11-6 (41m)
[3] Hisham Mohd Ashour (EGY) bt [8] Eric Galvez (MEX) 11-0, 7-11, 11-3, 11-3 (35m)
[4] Shahier Razik (CAN) bt Gilly Lane (USA) 11-9, 11-5, 11-4 (43m)
[2] Daryl Selby (ENG) bt [Q] Clinton Leeuw (RSA) 11-9, 12-10, 14-12 (33m)

Seeds Safely Through In Calgary

After a cull of three seeds in the opening round of the Calgary Winter Club Rocky Mountain Open, order was restored in the quarter-finals when the top four seeds prevailed to reach the semi-finals of the $30,750 PSA World Tour squash event at Calgary Winter Club in Calgary, Canada.

Unseeded Gilly Lane ousted fifth seed Martin Knight in the first round, but the US number two was unable to repeat his run in the next when Canada’s fourth seed Shahier Razik defeated the 24-year-old from Philadelphia 11-9, 11-5, 11-4.

Razik, the 32-year-old from Toronto now in his third successive Tour semi-final on home soil, will face second seed Daryl Selby.

The Englishman beat South African qualifier Clinton Leeuw 11-9, 12-10, 14-12 to set up his third meeting with the Canadian in two weeks.

Dutch favourite Laurens Jan Anjema will take on third seed Hisham Mohd Ashour in the other semi.  Anjema, looking for his third Tour title in a row in Canada, dismissed Italian Stephane Galifi 11-5, 11-8, 11-6, while Ashour knocked out Mexico’s No8 seed Eric Galvez 11-0, 7-11, 11-3, 11-3.