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SquashTalk>News >Semi finals [last update was 10-mar-01 ]

WISPA Munich Open 2001 - Sarah Fitz-Gerald Reporting

Leilani over an over-energized Grainger, Fitz-Gerald rolls over Bailey

Squashtalk News © 2001 Squashtalk
By Sarah Fitz-Gerald for Squashtalk © 2001

Photos © 2001 Munich-squash-open.de

WOMEN'S MUNICH OPEN SEMIS - IN STRAIGHT GAMES

[SquashTalk Munich Open DRAW and Coverage]

The semi final matches today showed the top two seed rolling over their opponents. It was a display of stronger squash, but probably left the spectators wishing for a closer battle - which they can expect in the final tomorrow.

As I said earlier, Natalie Grainger arrived in Munich looking totally fit and ready to do battle. As she took the court against world #1 Leilani Joyce, it became evident that Natalie wanted the match too much - she began quite nervously and seemed to almost have too much energy and drive. Leilani played steadily and strongly and Natalie began making a series of unforced errors, due to her tension.

It gave Leilani an easier straight game road to the final than had been anticipated.

In my match against Tania Bailey, I felt complete in focus and strong, and never really gave Tania a chance to get into the match. I didn't want to give her that chance, because I know how dangerous she can be once she gets on track. Tania didn't really do anything wrong or make any errors, but I kept her back in the court and made enough winners at the right time to keep the advantage.

Tomorrow's final will be a great opportunity for me to see how far I've been able to come since my disappointing losses in the British Open and World Open.

Semi final results: [see draw sheet]

Leilani Joyce def Natalie Grainger 9-5, 9-2, 9-7
Sarah Fitz-Gerald def Tania Bailey 9-2, 9-3, 9-0