The weather couldn’t have been better (for relaxing by the sea), average temperatures outside hitting the high 20’s, on court they averaged 30-35 degrees. At times it felt like playing squash in a sauna, not a typical playing experience for anyone in the UK!
Rachel Calver British Open WO50 Champion, Former WO45 National and British Open winner
RC v Melanie Lowe (Ger) 3-0 (11-4,11-4,11-3)
RC v Suzanne Swan (Ire) 3-1 (9-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-5)
RC v Melanie Kreisel (Ger) 3-0 (12-10, 11-7, 11-9)
First rounds are always a bit nervy but Rachel managed to navigate the first 3 matches to reach the semi-final against the no 3 seed from South Africa.
RC v Linda Shannon (S.Africa) 0-3 (10-12, 7-11, 6-11) Semi-Final
Despite not playing her best squash all week Rachel struggled to deliver the game plan needed to get through this match. There were definitely opportunities to make the score more competitive but on the day the basic game plan was not good enough. Credit to Janet who chased everything and created her opportunities.
RC v Janet Byrnes (S.Africa) 1-3 (11-3, 13-15, 8-11, 8-11) 3-4 Play-off
It’s never the match you want to play after losing a semi final, despite some last minute court changes and organisational discrepancies Rachel started off strong, winning the first game convincingly. The second game became more competitive and scrappy both players having opportunities to take the game, with the South African eventually taking it 15-13. The third and fourth games continued in a similar vein, remaining close throughout with the South African taking the Bronze medal 3-1.
James Bowden Former MO35 National and British Open Winner
JB v Marco Antonio Chavez Cruz (Mex) 3-0 (11-6, 11-2, 11-2)
JB v Mohamed Rizal Abdul Kadir (SG) 3-0 (11-2, 11-2, 11-4)
JB v Michael Fiteni (NZ) 3-0 (11-5, 11-5, 11-5)
JB v Jerome Serusier (Fra) 3-0 (11-3, 11-6, 11-6)
Being no2 seed can sometimes weigh heavy but James demonstrated right from the first match why he was seeded no2, taking his first 4 rounds with 3-0 victories. James was clinical and convincing, leaving his opponents bemused as to what to do especially with his backhand drops which glued themselves to the side wall. James settled well with the warm courts, adapting both his front court and back court games with ease. After the warm up James looked like he had just come out of a shower, luckily Jackson was on hand as support team with towels and hydration.
JB v Neil Macarron (Ire) 3-1 (11-7, 7-11, 11-4, 11-6) Semi-Final
Brutal is the word to describe this game. Macarron a well renowned quality player brought his A game, definitely the toughest test for James so far but he out matched Macarron in every department winning 3-1 in 45 minutes. Macarron complemented James after by saying he had to change his game to try to win but just couldn’t get close enough whatever he did.
JB v Christian Drakenberg (Swe) 0-3 (2-11, 8-11, 7-11) Final
Achieving his seeding James knew he had the game to make this match very uncomfortable for Drakenberg (ex-professional, world ranked top 50). Due to an unprecedented outcome in one of the other quarter finals where both players sustained independent injuries within a couple of rallies, Drakenberg received a walkover in his semi-final. While James had, had a physical and mental battle, Drakenberg received a bye, going in to the final a much fresher player. This showed as he took the first game 11-2, James dug deep and getting more comfortable with the glass court pushed Drakenberg in the second and third games. James had literally given everything but came away buzzing from the whole experience with his Silver medal, Second in the World MO45.
It was a fantastic experience, both were grateful to be part of such a fantastic event, making new friends and catching up with old friends. Special mention to Ben Griffiths, an old Leicester Junior now based abroad who also played in the MO45. It was a nice surprise to catch up with him, hopefully will see him on a Leicester squash court next summer when he’s visiting.
Extra special mention to Jackson Bowden, who not only organised both Leicestershire players, he ensured water and supplements were on hand at all times. Despite some very early starts he not only joined in warm up practice sessions with both players, he was also requested as a hitting partner from several other competitors needing a hit… Jackson may have spent more time on court than his Dad! He definitely earn’t his several pan au chocolate, he may have had for breakfast!?