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Tournament Talk: A Gripping Final By Ryan Barnett Reporting November 21, 2003, From Toronto; © 2003 Squashtalk, all rights of reproduction reserved. [also see Martin Bronstein's report]

NO QUARTER WAS GIVEN AT BCE PLACE
The local media previewed Thursday's Jonathon Power versus David Palmer final as having the potential to be "an Ugly Pig Fight." Well Toronto is after all known as Hog Town so I guess you could see where they were going with this. For the 550+ spectators jam packed into BCE Place for the 2003 Pace Credit Union Canadian Squash Classic a fight is not what broke out. This one was an all-out war!

For those in attendance it was one of those matches that years from now will be brought up in conversation as, Remember that Power versus Palmer 5 gamer in Toronto? If you were fortunate enough to have been there you'll nod, smile and reminisce about probably one of the most exciting and perhaps physical squash matches ever played in the Great White North. It was that good.

No quarter asked, none given. This one had all the drama, all the athleticism, all the theatrics, and the local guy came out on top to boot. World number three David Palmer played with the heart of a lion. Canadian favorite and defending tournament champion Jonathon Power played like a man ready to make a serious run back to the top of the PSA rankings.

Let's start with the score line: 15-4, 12-15, 15-8, 10-15, 15-12

This was a match of momentum. Power arrives on court for the opener, the crowd goes wild, he gets pumped and is into it immediately. He jumps out 5-0 and really never looks back. He wins easily 15-4. Nothing really epic about this first game except for Power's play. In a season that until recently, "Has not been that great as I haven't won as many tournaments as I should have," Power served notice that his whole repertoire of shots and the speed at which he plays the game were going to be on full display.

MAN WITH THE CRACKED RIB
David Palmer has been playing all week with a cracked rib, taking physical therapy every day and then gutting it out and earning the wins. Power knew this but was cautious. When I asked him about playing the wounded Aussie Power's response was, "He doesn't appear that wounded to me. He's won every match 3-0, he hasn't dropped a game the entire tournament. I'm not taking anything for granted."

After the 15-4 first game drubbing many figured that Palmer was done and just couldn't compete because of the injury and Power's stellar form. The gentleman sitting beside me commented "Palmer's finished. Two more games and then I'll buy you a beer." As things turned out it would be quite awhile before we made it to the lounge.

In the second game it was Palmer's turn to jump out 5-0. Power rallies to even the score but commits numerous errors, coupled with some questionable decisions from referee Mike Riley and never holds the lead this game. Palmer shows that he is still able to take his game to a higher level and has made some adjustments. Great squash on display. Some unbelievable gets from both players see the crowd cheer and applaud. Palmer stretches things to 13-8 thanks to a pair of No-Let decisions against Power, three strokes, and three Power forced-pressure-errors. He takes the second 15-12 and we now have a best of three.

I would have loved to have overheard what coach Mike Way said to Power. Observing from 15 feet away I could see the passion in his delivery but couldn't hear the words. This third game was punctuated by decisions (31 by my count) and saw the physical side of the pro game surface. The squash was all out attacking as both players were hitting with pace and spraying the ball all over the court. There were two nasty mid-court collisions between the players and both times Palmer got up and favored his calf. When asked about this after the game Palmer replied "I really felt that I was disadvantaged by the way he plays. How many times did he knock me over. He was playing the man and not the ball."

Power who has seen opponents constantly block him this tournament, trying to prevent him from getting any time on the ball, said simply, "I was taking a direct path to the ball. This game was a physical battle, it was tough and there was a lot of running involved. Unfortunately sometimes, if a player doesn't clear there's contact." Power takes the critical third game 15-8 as Palmer shows more and more signs that things are not right as he is constantly stretching and occasionally grimacing in pain. I begin to think beer time is coming soon and tell buddy to save me a seat as I have to get some sound-bites prior to joining him.

INTENSE PHYSICAL CONTACT
More player contact continues and a nasty collision punctuates the early stages of the fourth game and has Palmer grabbing his side. He moves around then punches the front wall in frustration. After the floor of the court is toweled referee Riley says "Let."

Palmer can't believe it and argues.

Riley issues a Conduct warning.

The players continue their display of athleticism as every ball appears gettable especially in Riley's eyes as strokes are not easily given and when he says "Let" both players are shaking their heads and arguing. The crowd is openly disagreeing as well letting their displeasure be known. The score see-saws back and forth and we're tied 6-6. The ball bounces Palmer's way in this game as he gains a 13-9 advantage. More contact between players and the court is once again toweled. Palmer ensures everyone receives full value on this night as he smacks some absolutely beautiful winners with his forehand to win 15-10 and we now have a best of one!

FIFTH GAME NOISE IN BCE PLACE
This fifth game really made the whole entire tournament. What better way to end things then have it go down to the wire? As the players take the court the crowd begins clapping as one and vocally issuing their support for Power. It's point for point to 4-4. Palmer receives a stroke to get to 5-4 and Power can't believe it screaming "You are insane!" at referee Riley. I warned Riley earlier in the week about Power's vocal attack and he was getting it with both barrels now. "Conduct stroke" is the reply and Palmer has a two point advantage. Power fights back and levels at 6.

There are plenty of unforced errors this game but considering it's game #5 I'm amazed that the pace is still what it is. It's absolutely blistering! At 9-9 Power makes a run and establishes the first three point advantage of the game.

This next point is huge. Both players know it and we have the rally of the match. All four corners of the court are visited more than once by each player as this is one serious, serious, exchange. Palmer has an opening, tries to feather in the drop and by the slightest of margins clips the tin. Power has the 13-9 cushion. The players exchange points and at 14-10 it's all but over. Palmer saves two match balls to provide even more drama ... however Power's backhand is there when he needs it most as he puts an exclamation mark on this match nicking out with the drop. The crowd rise and salute both players with a standing ovation that lasts a good two minutes.

THREE OUT OF FOUR
For the third time in four years Power claims the Canadian Classic title. He says, " I would say that I played pretty well. My game is right where I want it to be. I want to remain consistent for the final two events this year and if that happens I can say that it was a good year."

When asked if he thought Palmer was injured, Power said "I could tell that he was hurting so I was trying to make him dig and turn. I was really trying to make him work, stretch out for the ball. I was trying to keep the pressure on him and when I was able to do that he was making mistakes. That's squash."

A dejected Palmer said, "I'm disappointed to lose but considering the problem with my ribs and because of that I wasn't able to play at 100% of my ability I'm happy with the way I played."

In the lounge it was standing room only. I spotted tournament director John Nimick who couldn't have scripted things any better then the way they unfolded this week. Nimick said, "Considering this was the year of transition I'm very pleased with how things have gone. We're going to break even. We sold 105% of the tickets available (meaning not only was the standing area full but so were the bleacher aisles) for the quarters, semis and tonite's final. The Pace Credit Union Canadian Squash Classic was a success and our tournament has really positioned itself to now go forward again into the upper elite ranks of the PSA world tour. Our goal for next year is to get ourselves back to the top 8 within the PSA tour. Probably within a year or two shoot for the tournament to evolve into a Super series event. Having Jonathon come through once again for all the squash fans in Toronto and defend his title was fabulous. It was an amazing final."

The event will continue for the next two years as Pace has signed a 3 year deal. This was an outstanding event. First class all the way.