Alana Miller, Runa Reta in Upsets
May 1, 2004 by Squash Canada, SquashTalk Independent News Service © 2004 

  [finals]

NEW ORDER IN CANADIAN WOMEN'S SQUASH?

Alana Miller - Surprise Canadian 2004 Champion. Photo © 2004 Squash Canada

Alana Miller of Winnipeg and Runa Reta of Ottawa posted upset wins in the women's semifinals on Friday at the 2004 Canadian Squash Championships and will rekindle a rivalry from their junior days in Saturday's final.

Reta, seeded fifth, defeated top-seed and multiple Canadian champion Melanie Jans of Toronto 4-9, 9-2, 9-1, 9-2. The pair met for the first time earlier this week in an exhibition match to promote the tournament, which Jans won in straight games.

''During the week I just felt more and more comfortable on the glass court,'' said Reta, 23, Canada's top-ranked international player at number-34 in the world. ''Tonight I dictated the tempo of the game and I kept the ball tight and deep. I made sure she didn't slow the pace down.''

Miller, seeded third, posted a convincing 9-4, 9-5, 9-5 victory in her victory against second-seed and defending champion Marnie Baizley of Winnipeg.

''This was totally unexpected, I had never beaten her before,'' said Miller, 23, who had lost her three matches to Baizley over the past couple of years. ''But we had a close one in March so I knew it was possible. My short game was really on.''

Miller and Reta met on several occasions in their junior days often in title matches. ''Alana usually beat me in the big matches so I know she'll be ready,'' said Reta.

BERG, RYDING ADVANCE
In the men's semis, top-seed and five-time defending champion Jonathon Power of Montreal retired giving Victor Berg of Vancouver a win while the score stood 12-12 in the first game while Graham Ryding of Toronto defeated Shahier Razik of Toronto.

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