Anjema Wins, Atkinson Loses
May 22 2004, SquashTalk Independent News Service © 2004
[ Dutch Open WISPA Draw ]   [Dutch Open PSA Draw] 

Vanessa Atkinson was searching for answers against Natalie Grinham photo © 2004 Haagsche Squashdagen

Holland's womens' squash star, Vanessa Atkinson, couldn't overcome the whirlwind all-around squash from Amsterdam-based Aussie Natalie Grinham, as Grinham advance to a potentially exciting showdown with world #1 Cassie Jackman, who defeated Linda Charman in straight games. In a repeat of last year's final, 26-year-old Grinham came back from a game down to beat Atkinson 6-9 9-3 9-0 9-5. Despite playing on her home club courts, world No3 Atkinson had no answer to the speed and power of the younger of the two Grinham sisters.

In the other all-English semi-final, top seed Jackman was too strong for fourth seed Linda Charman. Jackman won 9-1 9-7 9-1 to return to the Dutch Open final for the first time since losing to New Zealand legend Susan Devoy in 1991. In the 2004 climax, the 31-year-old from Norfolk will be looking to record her sixth successive WISPA World Tour win over Grinham this year.

Gavin Jones shocked the crowd with an enervating five game conquest of Italian star and number one seed Davide Bianchetti, while local favorite Laurens Jan Anjema put himself to win the tournament at his home club with a strong four game victory over Stacey Ross.

Thing weren't going Bianchetti's way in today's Dutch Open Action. photo © 2004 Haagsche Squashdagen

In a sensational match which produced the most dramatic finish possible, Gavin Jones fought back from 1/2 down in the other semi-final to overcame the Italian No1 Davide Bianchetti 15-13 5-15 7-15 15-1 15-14 to celebrate his first appearance in a PSA Tour final.

Laurens Jan Anjema delighted the Dutch crowd by reaching the men's final. In his home club, the 21-year-old beat unseeded Englishman Stacey Ross in four games. The third game proved crucial, with 'LJ' sneaking it 15-12. From there he went on to take the match 15-11 8-15 15-12 15-5.

RESULTS: Dutch Open Squash Championships, Caeser Sports, The Hague, Netherlands

Men's semi-finals: [complete results]
[4] Gavin Jones (WAL) bt [1] Davide Bianchetti (ITA) 15-13, 5-15, 7-15, 15-1, 15-14
[3] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt Stacey Ross (ENG) 15-11, 8-15, 15-12, 15-5

Women's semi-finals: [complete results]
[1] Cassie Jackman (ENG) bt [4] Linda Charman (ENG) 9-1, 9-7, 9-1
[3] Natalie Grinham (AUS) bt [2] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) 6-9, 9-3, 9-0, 9-5

Laurens Jan Anjema was the story of the evening for the Dutch fans.  photo © 2004 Haagsche Squashdagen

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