Grainger Wins, Khan Loses
Feb 4, 2005, by Tony Brown, Vassar College Sports, Reported to SquashTalk,
SquashTalk Independent News Service © 2005 all Rights Reserved;

Madeline Perry Upsets Fiona Geaves    [Main Draw]

Natalie Grainger (l) beat Pam Nimmo in straight games in the quarters (Photo © 2005 by Stockton Photo Inc)

The veteran of the tourney, Fiona Geaves of the UK, was left behind by an inspired Madeline Perry this evening in Poughkeepsie NY, as the talented Irishwoman reached the semi finals of the Vassar Class of '32 Tourney.

Meanwhile, USA's Latasha Khan wasn't able to match the full-court game put forth by Isabelle Stoehr, while Natalie Grainger from Washington DC advanced as the #1 seed.

Natalie Grainger (USA) defeated Pamela Nimmo (Sco) (9-4, 9-3, 9-7).
The tournament favorite, Grainger, ensured passage to the semifinal round by varying her strokes, thus keeping Pamela Nimmo off balance. After the first set reached 4-4, the differing pace and lobs produced a breakthrough for Grainger and she took the first 9-4. Staying concentrated, she kept up the pressure and was 2 sets up before Nimmo had re-grouped. In the third set, Nimmo rallied magnificently from 6-1 down and led 7-6 before eventually falling 9-7.

Omneya Abdul Kawy (Egy) defeated Laura Lengthorn (Eng) (9-5, 9-7, 0-9, 9-6).

Omneya Abdel Kawy's Deception was too much for Laura Enghthorn. (Photo © 2005 by Stockton Photo Inc)

Omneya Kawy produced two sublime sets to take a 2-0 lead. The great thing for the spectators was that Laura Lengthorn was also playing some outstanding squash. The rallies were of the highest quality and it was thrilling to watch. Just towards the end of the second set, one sensed that Lengthorn might have grabbed the initiative. She won some excellent points and, although losing 9-7, looked dangerous. She confirmed that by shocking Kawy and grabbing the third set 9-0. In the fourth, Lengthorn led 4-1, then 6-4. The match seemed destined for 5 sets. But credit Kawy for her mental toughness as she clawed her way back and then closed out the match 9-6.

Isabelle Stoehr (France) defeated Latasha Khan (USA) 3-0 (9-6, 9-5, 9-6).

Isabelle Stoehr Advanced. (Photo © 2005 by Stockton Photo Inc)

These two players had never met previously, but both came to the court with clear game plans. Isabelle Stoehr was as nimble footed as ever and played some excellent shots that forced Khan around the court. It was an absorbing contest as both players struck the ball hard and points were evenly played. Khan, by her own admission, never seemed to get into a rhythm as she had done when winning the day before. The third set reached 6-6, but the last 4 points slipped away from the American as Stoehr advanced.

Madelaine Perry (Ireland) defeated Fiona Geaves (England) 3-0 (9-5, 9-0, 10-9).
Ireland's Madelaine Perry put together the perfect match to upset the world's number 12 ranked player Fiona Geaves. Perry, with a world ranking of 14, used some excellent shot selection and kept pace on the ball. This was in direct contrast to Geaves who favored a slower pace reliant on shot making. The crowd was taken aback when the first set went Perry's way 9-5. But there was a real buzz in the air when Geaves fell behind 2-0 after an emphatic 9-0 second set. The third provided some nail-biting rallies as Geaves came back from 6-0 down to lead 7-6. She then saved 2 match points before finally succumbing 10-9.

Madeline Perry kept Fiona Geaves on the defensive. (Photo © 2005 by Stockton Photo Inc)

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