Two different semifinals, both fiercely fought and captivating in their own way.

In game one Shelley Kitchen of New Zealand went head to head with England's Laura Lengthorn, a repeat of their matchup at last week's Texas Open. In the other, Egypt's Omneya Addel Kawy faced England's Tania Bailey. The first match was feisty, argumentative at times, and all about power and speed. The second match displayed contrasting styles with angles and pace.

Kitchen versus Lengthorn was a very tight affair and no quarter was asked or given.  Shelley Kitchen is an extremely powerful player. Her shots have velocity and penetrating length. But Laura Lengthorn matched her opponent and did a wonderful job of retrieving seemingly impossible positions.

Game one could definitely be described as a cat and mouse affair as both players tried to vary their game and catch their opponent off-guard. Then Kitchen took control and started putting in short winners and frustrated Lengthorn to a degree. In game two it was all Kitchen as she maintained her good short game. It looked as if the New Zealander would breeze through to the final. But Lengthorn adjusted and in the third game adopted a strategy of lobbing the ball high and deep that resulted in some short volley mistakes from Kitchen.  All looked set for a typical Lengthorn comeback after she won the third 9-2. The same tactic might well have worked in the fourth but Lengthorn seemed to lose some height to the lobs and this allowed Kitchen to once again gain the initiative.

Tania Bailey blasts past Omneya Abdel Kawy. (photo © 2006 Carlisle Stockton)

The second semifinal was all about Tania Bailey's power, athleticism, and fitness versus Omneya Addel Kawy's shot placement. Bailey was intent to keep the Egyptian in the backcourt and not allow her the opportunity to control the "T". It meant that the rallies were long and varied as both players made great shots and the up-tempo pace suited Bailey. It seemed that even when Omneya made great angled shots that looked like winners, Bailey was there to make the return.

In the end the more consistent shot making of Bailey won the day.

Vassar Class of '32 WISPA Open Results:
Semi Final
Tania Bailey (ENG) defeated Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) 3-0.  9-1, 9-1, 9-3
Shelley Kitchen (NZ) defeated Laura Lengthorn (ENG) 3-1.  9-1, 9-3, 2-9, 9-3

Thursday         04/13/06        6.00 pm Final