CSN: Power Squanders Opportunities in Quarters

Squashtalk news © 2000 Squashtalk

From: Canadian Sport News for Squash Canada
October 13, 2000 POWER SQUANDERS QUARTERFINAL MATCH AT BRITISH OPEN SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIP
by Chris Endemann CSN correspondent BIRMINGHAM, England (CSN)
--Toronto's Jonathon Power won't repeat as British Open squash champion. The Canadian second-seed lost a dramatic quarterfinal to Australia's no. 8 seed, David Palmer 17-16, 15-14, 9-15, 7-15, 15-12, in a match that lasted nearly two hours.

Power squandered five point leads in all three games he lost. "He (Palmer) didn't win the match," said Power. "I lost it. It seems that, whenever I took the lead, I lost focus and played some poor shots. I also had some bad calls from the referee."

Palmer, who also needed five gruelling games to dispatch Toronto's Graham Ryding in the round of 16 put the match in another perspective. "I have never beaten Jonathan before, let alone won a game," Palmer said. "With his talent, I had to change my strategy and I decided to prolong the rallies and tire him out. Tonight, I succeeded."

With Power leading 7-5 in the fourth game, a violent collision with Palmer caused a 17-minute injury delay during which the winded Power threw up. However, he recovered his composure and went on to take that game before running out of steam in the decisive frame as he lost 11 of the last 14 points.

The departure of Power means that the men's draw has been gutted of its marquee male stars as the top seven seeds are eliminated. The semi-finals now has Palmer facing David Evans (no.10) of Wales while Paul Price (no. 14) of Australia meets Marc Chaloner (no.16) of England for the right to contest the final of the most prestigious squash tournament on the tour calendar.

Friday's results at the British Open squash tournament in Birmingham, England: MEN Quarterfinal David Palmer (8), Australia def. Jonathon Power (2), Toronto, 17-16, 15-14, 9-15, 7-15, 15-12. David Evans (10), Wales def. Ong Beng Hee, Malaysia, 12-15, 15-6, 15-13, 15-9. Paul Price (14), Australia def. Alex Gough, Wales, 15-8, 15-11, 12-15, 15-12. Mark Chaloner (16), England def. Alex Gough, Wales, 15-8, 15-11, 12-15, 15-12.

[mens draw]   [women's draw]   [masters draws]

Australia's David Evans is the unlikely giant killer, ousting defending British Open Champ, Jonathon Power. Photo © 2000 Ron Beck, Squashtalk