ISS Canary Wharf Classic, London England Squash Racquets

BARRINGTON WINS PHYSICAL BATTLE

Mohamed El Shorbagy / Alex Gough Canary Wharf Squash

Unseeded Englishman Joey Barrington produced the first upset on the opening day of action in the ISS Canary Wharf Classic when he despatched Finland's fifth seed Olli Tuominen in a brutal first round battle in the 5-star PSA Tour squash event in its fifth year at the East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf, London.

The 28-year-old from Glastonbury in Somerset played a solid tactical game against the world No16 from Helsinki, concentrating on keeping the ball tight down the backhand wall of the all-glass court at East Wintergarden. A simmering contest was littered with stoppages caused by bodily contact and both players seemed constantly on the brink of stepping across the boundaries of acceptable physical behaviour.

Ultimately, the quality and accuracy of Barrington’s disciplined approach paid dividends as the son of squash legend Jonah Barrington clinched his 11-6, 6-11, 11-10 (2-0), 11-8 victory in 68 minutes to book a place in the last eight against fellow countryman Lee Beachill.

LIGHTS GO OUT ON SHORBAGY

Teenage squash sensation Mohamed El Shorbagy produced an electric performance to rattle No.6 seed Alex Gough in the first round of the ISS Canary Wharf Classic in London tonight. The 17-year-old Egyptian fought back from two games down to take the game to a fifth but the Welsh veteran regained control to clinch victory after 67 minutes.

Shorbagy began in nervous fashion and the 20-year age-gap was evident as the vastly experienced Welshman forced his young opponent into a string of errors. Shorbagy suddenly shed his nerves and began to find a rhythm. He maintained his composure to win the third game despite a brief hold-up when the court lighting failed. The Egyptian’s confidence was soaring and he powered his way through the fourth game with a succession of dazzling winners. The crowd were willing him to continue in that vein but the lights went out on his bid to cause a shock result as Gough regained control in the fifth game, wrapping it up 11-5 as a tired looking Shorbagy struck the tin too many times.

A relieved Gough said: "He is a future world champion for sure. I have played him before, so I knew what to expect. He's got phenomenal talent and he's also got a lot of guts, and that's the main thing."

Shorbagy, a student at Millfield School in Somerset, revealed that his coach, squash legend Jonah Barrington, had offered him some sound advice earlier in the day. He said: "He told me not to play junior squash and I was very happy with how I played against such a very experienced opponent as Alex. He is a fine player and I am very happy with how I played on the glass court. This is a fantastic experience for me and I am sure I can learn a lot from it."

WILLSTROP TURNS ON THE STYLE

Willstrop v Krajcsak Canary Wharf Squash

There were not problems with the power system in the second match as James Willstrop's brilliant squash and dazzling smile lit up the East Wintergarden. The reigning Canary Wharf champion played with all the flair, composure and confidence of a man on top of his game. Willstrop looked relaxed and enjoying his work as he dealt solidly with the challenge posed by determined Hungarian Mark Krajcsak to win in straight games. Krajcsak started strongly and led 5-1 in the opening game before Willstrop began to impose his authority and won 10 of the next 11 points. Krajcsak again led 4-2 in the second before the No.2 seed took control.

Willstrop’s flair and love of the adventurous was evident as he delighted the crowd with his shot-making in the third game, but Krajcsak refused to roll over and put together a run of five points to lead 9-5. However, he was not allowed another entry into the scorebook as Willstrop tightened up, regained control and reeled off six points in a row, winning several points with outrageous flicks and feints that were beyond the reach of the diving, acrobatic Krajcsak.

Willstrop said: “I am very happy with the way I am playing at the moment. Winning four important tournaments in such a short space of time is a wonderful feeling. “This is certainly the best phase of my career and I hope it continues for the next few days.”

Krajcsak said: “It is always a pleasure to play guys like James. He is such a fantastic player. I had a tough match yesterday in the qualifying final and someone like James makes you work incredibly hard to try to stay in the game.”

BEACHIILL WINS BRITISH BATTLE

Lee Beachill overcame some fierce resistance from fellow Englishman Chris Ryder to surge through to the second round. Ryder, the Herts No.1 who is based at Wolverhampton, gave as good as he got for much of the match but Beachill’s quality shone through when it mattered most. The first game was level pegging until Beachill turned the screw and stepped up his game. Ryder competed willingly in some long and punishing rallies during the second game but it was usually Beachill who had the final say. The pattern continued in the third and former world No.1 Beachill concluded a comfortable victory in 37 minutes.

Ryder admitted the transition from club courts to the glass court at Canary Wharf was a tough one to make. He said: “It’s a big step up from playing on tradition plaster courts for two days in qualifying to playing on the glass court. It takes a while to get your line and length and someone like Lee is one of the best in the world in that department.”

Beachill said: “I am happy to be back on court so soon after my recent operation and making the final of the National Championships in Manchester was a real bonus. My long-term plan is to keep the body in good shape and to continue challenging the younger guys for as long as I can. I’m not worried about being world No.1 again but as long as I’m playing well and competing then I shall be more than happy. But I shall definitely not be playing when I’m 37 years old like Goughy. That’s just crazy!”

SQUASH ON THE BIG SCREEN

The ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic has brought the presentation of top-class squash to a new level with another spectacular innovation at this week's tournament at the stylish London venue. A massive plasma screen is sited above the glass court inside the East Wintergarden and furnishes spectators with action replays and dramatic close-ups of the players, plus a full range of tournament stats and commercials. Gone are the days of a few dozen spectators huddled above the back wall of a concrete squash court, straining their necks to get a view of the action in the back corners. The East Wintergarden offers top-class corporate hospitality for spectators who enjoy wining and dining their city clientele, plus a VIP Bar for the squash fans who like to moisten their throats while cheering on the world's leading stars on court down below.

ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic, first round:
East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, London

1st round (lower half of draw):
Joey Barrington (ENG) bt [5] Olli Tuominen (FIN)                       11-6, 6-11, 11-10 (2-0), 11-8 (68m)
[3] Lee Beachill (ENG) bt [Q] Chris Ryder (ENG)                          11-8, 11-4, 11-5 (37m)
[6] Alex Gough (WAL) bt [Q] Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY)           11-5, 11-8, 4-11, 3-11, 11-5 (67m)
[2] James Willstrop (ENG) bt [Q] Mark Krajcsak (HUN)               11-6, 11-7, 11-9 (30m)

Radar Gun Top Speeds:
Beachill 105mph; Ryder 101mph.
Krajcsak 126mph; Willstrop 125mph

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