Yehia Overcomes Frankcomb
By Beth Fenwick, Squashtalk Independent News; © 2005 SquashTalk LLC

Karim Comeback Frustrates Frankcomb
Egyptian qualifier Karim Yehia fought back from two games down to upset Australia's fifth seed Aaron Frankcomb in the first round of the Baltimore City Squash Open in the USA. Yehia had fallen behind through two games of error-plagued squash, but in the final three frames, he mounted an inspired comeback, moving Frankcomb constantly to all four corners of the court. As Frankcomb began tiring, Yehia gained energy and the win.

The New York-based 29-year-old won 3-11 5-11 11-4 11-6 11-7 to set up a surprise second round match against top seed Alister Walker.  The English favourite despatched Australia's Wade Johnstone 11-9 11-6 11-5. Johnstone, an assistant pro at the nearby Meadow Mill Club, produced some excellent squash for his the supporters who had come over from Meadow Mill.

A last-minute withdrawal by Canada's sixth seed David Phillips allowed Dylan Patterson to provide unexpected local interest in the main draw as 'lucky loser'.  However, the New York-born 24-year-old lost 11-6 11-4 11-5 to Colombian Bernardo Samper, who progresses to meet England's fourth seed Alex Stait. Samper applied constant pressure throughout the match.  Patterson was forced to play “catch up” as Bernardo started each game fast and built quick leads. Samper hit an array of volley kills and Patterson was unable to apply enough pressure.

In another highlight match of the evening, Sam Miller was just able to overcome Reggie Schonborn of Trinity College, In a long close contest full of extended rallies and cagey squash, the player’s alternated games and fortunately for Miller it was his turn once the fifth came round!

Baltimore City PSA Open         [Main Draw]

RESULTS:        Baltimore City Squash Open, Baltimore, USA
1st round:
[1] Alister Walker (ENG) bt Wade Johnstone (AUS)        11-9, 11-6, 11-5
[Q] Karim Yehia (EGY) bt [5] Aaron Frankcomb (AUS)    3-11, 5-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-7
[3] Gavin Jones (WAL) bt Mike Corren (AUS)                11-6, 11-9, 11-6
[7] Sam Miller (ENG) bt [Q] Regardt Schonborn (RSA)    11-9, 8-11, 11-4, 4-11, 11-4
Bernardo Samper (COL) bt Dylan Patterson (USA)          11-6, 11-4, 11-5
[4] Alex Stait (ENG) bt Lucky Odeh (NGR)                     11-6, 11-4, 11-5
[8] Ian Power (CAN) bt [Q] Arthur Gaskin (IRL)             11-7, 11-5, 5-0 ret.
[2] Ben Garner (ENG) bt [Q] Jesse Engelbrecht (ZIM)     11-10 (3-1), 11-6, 6-11, 11-5

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