The standard of play is high and individuals are gunning for results and ranking points. All players who enter know they need to play well here. As seeds fell in all draws it was evident that the pressure to win was taking its toll. All of our juniors played well under the circumstances. Some had some harsh lessons to learn and went home early. Others learned during the event and improved each round.

Karina Tyma won her first match and faced the number 2 seed in her next round. This encounter forced Karina to play some outstanding to test her classy opponent. In the second game she led 10-8 game ball having served, lifted to the back and volleyed with precision. Unfortunately she couldn’t quite sneak the game and eventually lost 3-0 but showed what is possible with strong focus and determination. Karina went on to finish 14th out of 32 with is commendable considering she still has another year left in the under 13’s.

Scott parker produced some excellent squash to come through the qualifying matches to meet 5/8 seed … Scott fared well in the match as he confronted the reality of the next level up. Rallies were longer, more shots were returned and the pace of the rally faster. With more practice to improve ball control and continued technical progress Scott will keep climbing the rakings and take more scalps along the way.

The player of the tournament had to be Peter Joyce. He finished 4th in the very strong under 17 draw. His ¼ final match showed a turning point in Petes squash. He overcame george Parker 3-1 in 75 minutes. The squash was not perfect but on a very hot court with a relentless opponent peter won the mental and physical battle to move into the semi finals. He met the current number 1 Richie Fallows. Pete lost this 3-1 but showed how accuracy and control can bother someone a physically capable as Richie. Pete’s short game had the number 1 seed at full stretch many times. With fresher legs who nows what could have happened…

In the ¾ play off Pete met Lylle Fuller who is very much in form and ranked number 3 in the UK. Previous encounters have seen lylle dominate the match with accurate length and volleys. Today it was Pete who took control and dictated much of the rallies. Both players hit very tight down the back hand wall but continued to hunt for volley chances to apply pressure. Lylle eventually got the win in a very close 3-1 match. For Pete this match was the best of the weekend. The positive movement, volleying and intelligent shot selection was vastly improved and great to see.