WISPA San Francisco International Challenge: Qualifier

By Ron Beck © 2000. San Francisco 05/19/2000

First San Francisco WISPA event draws qualifiers worldwide

Create a fine tournament in a great city and they will come: The inaugural WISPA San Francisco International Challenge drew the heart of the WISPA players and a varied complement of qualifiers, each with their own goals and motivations.

Traveling from England, top junior players, off a winning European Junior season, Carla Khan and Dominique Lloyd Walter came all the way to San Francisco to begin their WISPA careers. Neither player qualified but they were still smiling on Thursday evening.

Taking a break from her medical school studies, Danish #1 woman player, Ellen Petersen successfully qualified over American Shirin Kaufman.

Melissa Vacca and Laura Keating, members of the Australian Institute of Sports, came as part of a strong Australian contingent, coached by Geoff Hunt. Both Vacca and Keating qualified.

Marnie Baizley of Canada, coming off of her second place finish in the Canadian Nationals, successfully qualified in a closely contested four game match against Dominque Lloyd Walters.

QUALIFIER RESULTS TUESDAY:

Laura Keating (Aus) def Natalia Menue (Spain) 9-4, 9-1, 9-0

QUALIFIER RESULTS WEDNESDAY:

Ellen Petersen (Dk) def Shirin Kaufman (USA) 9-3, 9-4, 9-0
Melissa Vacca (Aus) def Carla Khan (Eng) 9-5, 9-7, 9-5
Laura Keating (Aus) def Ivy Pochoda (USA) 7-9, 9-0, 9-3, 9-7
Marnie Baizley (Can) def Dominique lloyd Walter (Eng) 9-6, 10-8, 5-9, 9-6

Main Draw starts Thursday ]

Interested in watching and learning from the best? Great women's squash videos have just been made available: The Eye Group has produced the complete Women's British Open Final in a well filmed, well produced, and interesting contest. Jean Delierre has made available a video of the 1992 Women's World Open final between legendary Susan Devoy and (at the time) up coming Michelle Martin. Devoy won the match and retired that same day.