WJW Herentals 05
Individuals:
Days One/Two
Day Three Report
Rd of 16 Report
Quarters Report
Semis Report
Finals Report

Teams:
Draw/Results
Day 1 - Pools
Day 2 - Rpt 1
Day 2 - Final
1st KO Round
Quarters
Semis - Rpt 1
Semis - Rpt 2
Finals

 

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But Lorentzen Defeats Au [The Draws]

Mark Allen decided his US team should go for it against Hong Kong rather than rest his best players for tomorrow’s playoff match. While many observers thought that Hong Kong would be too strong – they are seeded two – Allen thought his team had a chance in beating them.

There are parallels with these two teams. A dozen years ago they were on the outskirts of junior squash – the thought of being in the top eight just a dream. But both countries have made solid progress. Four years ago Hong was around 11th and two years ago in Cairo they were up to seventh in the seeding. Now they are a solid number two behind Egypt with a crew of small skillful players who should soon be making inroads on the senior circuit. The US has had a similar story to tell and this year’s seeding of four is the highest they have ever achieved.

Allen started off with his star player – and what a star! – Lily Lorentzen, who duly delivered a 3/0 win over the Hong Kong number one, Annie Au. Lorentzen covered the court with incredible speed always arriving to deliver a troublesome shot for her opponent. While it was no walkover for the American number one, there was never any doubt that she would win. Once again Lorentzen delivered the goods in style and gave her team a winning start.

Kristen Lange had to handle the skill of Joey Chan, which are considerable. Even with her speed Lange was always a step off when it came to handling Chan’s intelligent distribution and shot making. It was 3/0 to Hong Kong and once more the US was involved a third string battle.

I don’t know where Tony Choi, the head squash coach of the Hong Kong Sports Institute, finds his players but even his third string Chiu Ka Kei, another diminutive figure –surely not even five feet tall – played like a seasoned senior. Amanda Siebert put up a spirited fight in the first game pushing Chiu all the way to extra points but just losing 8-10. From then on it was all Chiu who ran through the last two games winning the third 9-0.

This puts Hong Kong in tomorrow’s final – no surprise – against Egypt, while the US will now have to face England for third place.

New Zealand were beaten by Malaysia although 16 year old Joelle King could have well beaten Sally Looi but took her foot off the pedal when comfortably ahead in three games, eventually to lose in five. So the Kiwis will now have to play neighours Australia in the battle for 7th place.

South Africa beat Germany and France beat Wales – again no surprises – so the winners will face off for 9th place while the losers will player for 11th place.

It will be these playoff battles which will almost certainly be the more entertaining matches tomorrow. Despite their skills, I cannot see Hong Kong with a realistic chance of beating Egypt in the final. They will certainly make them sweat but that is about all.