Lincou Wins First Superseries Finals Title
By Tom Maidment, SSF Press Officer    [Also Read Colin McQuillan's Squashtalk report]
May 14, 2004 All content © 2004 Squashtalk
[last update was 14-may-04 ]

Joe Kneipp ran out of magic after the first game in tonight's finals (photo © 2004 Fritz Borchert)

France's Thierry Lincou, the No.1 Seed, tonight won his first Brit Insurance Super Series Finals title at London's Broadgate Arena after his opponent, Australia's Joe Kneipp, broke all three of his rackets before the end of the second game, forcing him to play out the remainder of the match with two rackets borrowed from spectators.

Kneipp, who was making his debut at the Finals, broke his first string in the opening game - which he won 2-0 in a tiebreak - and two more in the second game, exhausting his own supply.

"I came with three rackets for the match and thought that would be enough," said Kneipp who, at world No.12, was lowest ranked player in the tournament. "Once I started having to use different rackets my confidence just went. I was beginning to tire physically in the third game anyway and a combination of that, the rackets and Thierry playing so well spelt the end for me."

Joe Kneipp ran out of magic after the first game in tonight's finals (photo © 2004 Fritz Borchert)

Kneipp broke his final string on game point of the second, which Lincou took 11-9, and from then on the Frenchman took complete control, winning the next two games 11-2, 11-1 with a near faultless display.

Lincou was thrilled to win his first major tournament after finishing runner-up here in 2002 and taking third place last year. He said: "I feel sorry for Joe. Even though it was a tough match he didn't deserve to finish like that. He was getting angry with all his rackets breaking, but that wasn't my fault!

"I'm really, really happy. It means a lot to me having lost so many finals. This is my first win in a big tournament and to do it in front of my parents and my coach is the best feeling. Having come so close in 2002 and finishing third last year, this tournament really means something to me and I'm delighted to win it today."

After exhausting his supply of Klip rackets and then borrowing a Prince and a Dunlop, a disappointed Kneipp joked: "I guess I'll be seeking payment from three different racket sponsors!"

THE BRIT INSURANCE SUPER SERIES FINALS, BROADGATE ARENA, LONDON

Final Result:
Thierry Lincou (Fra) bt Joe Kneipp (Aus) 10-11 (0-2), 11-9, 11-2, 11-1 (58 mins)

Special Offer! Get the SuperSeries Videos 2003, 02, 00 produced by Jean De Lierre including the great '03 Nicol-Power match.