[ Draw Sheets from the Atlanta WISPA event ]

Notes from the Fuzzy Peach Pro Am:

... American Demer Holleran Played with tremendous confidence in Atlanta. Although some of the WISPA players may have written off Demer by now, her strong performance in the USSRA National Open should have tipped them off that she was playing with confidence and in good form. Demer appeared to have prepared herself by getting into the best shape that she has been in in recent memory. In the process, she showed a reasonably strong international field that the American women are still serious contenders, and determined to move up.

In Demer's semi she out-played her opponent #2 seed Karen Hargreaves of England so severly that the last two games of that match were over in less than ten minutes 3,0,0. In the final Maha Zein (#1 seed/Egypt) played well and unlike Demer had been tested and taken to five by 4^th seeded Lisa McKenna of Scotland in the other semi final match 2,4,(7),(9),4. With the Final tied at one all it looked as if it was to be close. Slowly but surely, though, Demer began to tighten up her game and strengthening her resolve which led to a rare victory for an American women in a WISPA event.

US JUNOIR GIRLS coaches Ben Desombre and Aidan Harrison decided to use this event as a pivotal training event for their team in their preparations for going to Europe later this summer. They created a training oportunity out of the tournament - having international talent on hand for the junior girls to play against and then watch. And play and watch they did with training sessions and match play crammed into each day. For the girls, it was both challenging and motivational. The girls impressed everyone there with their determination and attitude. There is a good bet that they will do well in Belgium in the summer.

For the WISPA players, the Atlanta hospitality was exemplary and ensured the likely return and possible upgrading of this women's pro event for next year. The squash community as a whole in Atlanta did a fine job of hosting all the women. In particluar, the Concourse clubs new head pro Chris Lang impressed everyone with his attention to detail, and postivie approach. The hosting families the Alikhans,Hardies,Quibells,Shaves all deserve credit for assuring the return of the womens pro tour next year.

The Amateur events were also interesting, with Diniar Alikahn winning the mens open over club pro Chris Lang in four. Chris got by Aidan Harrison in the semis due largely to an injury default.