2009 Comfort Inn Open

2009.01.18

Daryl Selby (ENG) clinched his seventh PSA tour victory over the fast rising Egyptian star, Tarek Momen, in the final of the 2009 Comfort Inn Open, presented by Odlum Brown Limited that was played at the Evergreen Squash Club on Vancouver´s North Shore.

Both had victories yesterday over the top two seeds in the semis and this final was eagerly anticipated due to their contrasting styles. Selby seems to be a "meat and potatoes" player who retrieves extremely well, constantly plays penetrating length and takes few chances. Momen, on the other hand, is also an outstanding retriever but is much more offensively minded and much more inclined to play the risky shot.

The first game was very entertaining and it showcased Momen´s offensive talent. He showed off an array of precise volley drops to each corner from high on his backhand and volley boasts off his forehand that frequently had Selby taking a step in the wrong direction before recovering. Momen´s shots were on the money for the most part and he closed the first game
11–4.

Then both players seemed to get caught up challenging some refereeing decisions to the point where they appeared to lose their focus. Selby seemed to do a better job managing this mental challenge and evened the match with an 11–3 game.

The disagreements with the officiating continued and Selby seemed to better regain his focus. He settled into a nice rhythm and continued his steady, retrieving, length oriented game. Momen, on the other hand, seemed to have lost his way with many unforced errors creeping into his game which proved fatal. As a result, Selby cruised to an 11–2, 11–3 last two games for the 3–1 win and the title.

So, a tip of the hat to a pair of squash players who endeared themselves to the galleries all throughout the tournament — and, who are a real credit to the game. Selby was full value for the win and should feel proud of his accomplishment. As for Momen, the first PSA victory cannot be far away and when that comes one might see an avalanche of victories thereafter.

Looking forward to next year!!!!

The final results:

• (4) Daryl Selby (Eng) def (3) Tarek Momen (EGY)
  4–11; 11–3; 11–2; 11–3 in 63 mins

2009.01.17

Both of the top seeds fell today in semi–final action at the 2009 Comfort Inn Open, presented by Odlum Brown Limited and hosted by the Evergreen Squash Club in North Vancouver.

The afternoon started out very badly for the #2 seed Mohammed Abbas (EGY) as he had to retire at 3–0 in the first game to the beneficiary, Daryl Selby (ENG). Abbas has been bothered with injuries over the past year or so and it was apparent from the opening serve that he was labouring.

This set the stage for a wonderful 63 minute battle featuring the tournament´s 2007 champion and 2008 finalist, Shahier Razik (CAN) and the fast rising 20 year old star from Egypt, Tarek Momen. As is his history, Razik lost the first game 11–5 and then, with the engine warmed up, took the second game 11–6. The pivotal third game was a barn burner that took twenty-seven minutes and featured some of the best retrieving we´ve seen for some time.The players each established that they were capable of reaching every ball that failed to find the nick.

The more offensively minded Momen was successful in stretching Razik with his counter shots and drops off the backhand. But, he paid the price for implementing this strategy by making more unforced errors than he was probably comfortable with and the game was finally decided in overpoints, 15–13, in favor of the young Egyptian. The engine cooled off for Razik in the fourth game and the game was settled in a relatively quick seven minutes, 11–3, earning Momen a 3–1 victory and a place in the finals tomorrow.

The semi–final results are:

• (3) Tarek Momen (EGY) def (1) Shahier Razik (CAN)
  11–5; 6–11; 15–13; 11–3 in 63 mins
• (4) Daryl Selby (ENG) def (2) Mohammed Abbas (EGY)
  3–0 ret.

2009.01.16

The quarter final round of the 2009 Comfort Inn Open, presented by Odlum Brown Limited, was concluded this evening at the Evergreen Squash Club in North Vancouver with all four seeds going through to the semi finals.

The evening started with #4 seed, and world ranked #33, Daryl Selby (ENG) dropping the first game 11–7 to Martin Knight (NZL), a successful qualifier who has had a wonderful tournament thus far. But this long, length oriented game lasted twenty–one minutes, the first indication that this was not going to be an easy match. Sure enough, as the match concluded at the eighty minute mark, the evening´s longest match, Selby´s game strategy and freshness seemed to eventually grind down his tired opponent for the 3–1 win.

The eagerly awaited second match pitted two of the games young lions who are on the rise in the squash world, if the increase in their respective world rankings over the past year is any indication. Vancouver has had a good look at both combatants in the past. Tarek Momen (EGY) has played this event the past two years and Arturo Salazar (MEX) won the Canadian Junior title in 2006 here on the North Shore. Although the match concluded with a 3–0 win for the world #29 Momen, it was no easy task, as the world #51, Salazar, proved to be a very worthwhile opponent. The crowd was thrilled with the frequent displays of quickness, touch and power from both players. We all agreed that we should keep an eye on both these players as they surely are on their way to making a major impact in the sport.

The third match of the evening featured the #2 seed and world #30 Mohammed Abbas (EGY) against the #5 seed and world #40, Julian Illingworth (USA). Abbas appeared very tentative in losing the first game 11–4 as Illingworth seemed to have total control. But the second game seemed to be the decider as the two big men had a major collision late in the game which left them both sprawled out on the floor. We were concerned that one, or both, might need medical attention. In due course they gingerly regained their composure and the game ended with a 15–13 win for Abbas. The control then seemed to swing to Abbas as he finished off the match 11–2 and 11–7 for the 3–1 win in seventy–seven minutes.

The final match of the evening saw crowd favourite, and our #1 seed, Shahier Razik (CAN) start off slowly — this must be part of his DNA — to lose the first game to successful qualifier Campbell Grayson (NZL). As Grayson had upset his highly favoured countryman last night, and thus seemed to be brimming with confidence, the crowd seemed concerned that their favourite son was in for a rough night. But, in typical Razik fashion, he slowly but surely extended each rally and forced his younger opponent to every conceivable corner of the court, over and over again, resulting in a relatively easy 3–1 victory.

So, Razik continues to keep Canada´s hopes high; but, one has to realize that the Egyptians must be looking to sweep the table in tomorrow´s semi final matches.

This evening´s quarter final results are as follows:

• (1) Shahier Razik (CAN) def (Q) Campbell Grayson (NZL)
  3–11; 11–5; 11–4; 11–2 in 48 mins
• (2) Mohammed Abbas (EGY) def (5) Julian Illingworth (USA)
  4–11; 15–13; 11–2; 11–7 in 77 mins
• (3) Tarek Momen (EGY) def (8) Arturo Salazar (MEX)
  11–7; 11–4; 15–13 in 51 mins
• (4) Daryl Selby (ENG) def (Q) Martin Knight (NZL)
  7–11; 11–7; 11–0; 11–3 in 80 mins

2009.01.15

The first round of the main draw of the 2009 Comfort Inn Open, presented by Odlum Brown Limited, was concluded this evening at the Evergreen Squash Club in North Vancouver with seeds prevailing in all but two matches.

New Zealanders Martin Knight and Campbell Grayson rose from the ranks of qualifiers this evening to record impressive victories over their highly favored rivals.

In what many thought was the match of the night, Martin Knight, ranked #79, prevailed over his countryman, #41 and the tournament´s #6 seed, Kashif Shuja, in a thrilling 5 setter over 75 minutes. Knight raced out to a two game lead only to see Shuja claw back the next two games in overpoints. The deciding game was 11–3 and it seemed that the younger Knight had too much gas in the tank on this day.

Campbell Grayson, ranked #65 in the world, beat #46, and the tournament´s #8 seed, Jorge Ferreira (MEX) in three straight games. Grayson seemed to be the more confident player throughout the 40 minute match with Ferreira looking a little tired in the later stages of the match and only briefly showing the form his seeding indicated.

A contender for the match of the night pitted the fast rising Mexican star, and former Canadian Junior Champion, Arturo Salazar, who just turned 21 earlier this month, against the many times Irish Champion, Liam Kenny, who is approximately a decade older. On this day, youth and speed were served as Salazar was full value in a very impressive 3–1 victory.

Another very entertaining match was an all USA affair. The tournament´s #5 seed, Julian Illingworth, ranked #40, received a serious scare this evening as he dropped the first game to his countryman, Gilly Lane, who is ranked #86 and was a successful qualifier. Illingworth came back nicely to win the second game and then survived a very competitive overpoints win in the third which many thought was the turning point in the match. Illingworth was outstanding in the fourth to win the match 3–1.

This was also a day in which three of the four Canadians were eliminated by significantly higher ranked players. Shawn Delierre, #53, fell in straight sets 3–0 to the number three seed Tarek Momen who has improved his ranking from #52 in this event last year to #30 this year.

Robin Clarke, #82, put on a very determined, gritty performance but fell 3–0 primarily, it seemed, to the shotmaking and court control of his more seasoned opponent, the number two seed, and #27, Mohammed Abbas of Egypt.

And #272 Daniel Sibley saw his luck turn against him this evening as he was easily beaten 3–0 by #35 Daryl Selby (ENG) in 37 minutes.

So, the Canadian banner was left to the tournament´s #1 seed, Shahier Razik, the world ranked #26 player. He won this event in 2007 and was a finalist in 2008 and, as you might imagine, is a crowd favorite. As expected, he came through with a victory in what turned out to be an injury shortened match with his opponent, and successful qualifier, Adil Maqbool (PAK). Unfortunately, in the early stages of the first game, when he was indicating that this could be a very competitive match, Maqbool strained his ankle and, despite a gallant effort to continue, he had to retire early in the second game.

The squash is brilliant and the enthusiasts can hardly wait to see what gets served up on menu tomorrow.

This evening's results are as follows:

• (1) Shahier Razik (CAN) def Khawaja Adil Maqbool (PAK)
  11–6; 4–0 (ret – injury)
• (2) Mohammed Abbas (EGY) def Robin Clarke (CAN)
  11–6; 11–9; 14–12 in 50 mins
• (3) Tarek Momen (EGY) def Shawn Delierre (CAN)
  11–9; 11–6; 11–3 in 22 mins
• (4) Daryl Selby (ENG) def Daniel Sibley (CAN)
  11–3; 11–7; 11–2 in 37 mins
• (5) Julian Illingworth (USA) def Gilly Lane (USA)
  6–11;11–6;12–10; 11–6 in 48 mins
• (Q3) Martin Knight (NZL) def (6) Kashif Shuja (NZL)
  11–6; 11–2; 12–14; 10–12; 11–3 in 75 mins
• (Q2) Campbell Grayson (NZL) def Jorge I.B. Ferreira (MEX)
  11–4; 12–10; 11–4 in 40 mins
• (8) Arturo Salazar (MEX) def Liam Kenny (IRL)
  11–7; 9–11; 11–7; 11–6 in 50 mins

2009.01.14

The qualifying rounds of the 2009 Comfort Inn Open, presented by Odlum Brown Limited, were concluded this evening at the Evergreen Squash Club in North Vancouver and Canada, as expected, came up empty.

For the most part, the results reflected the seedings with the exception of the all-USA match in which world ranked #86, Gilley Lane, defeated his countryman, #76 Christopher Gordon, 3–0. Gilley seemed to be the more patient, steadier player and Gordon obliged by making more than his share of unforced errors.

The remaining three matches featured Canadians competing against far higher ranked players and the results went true to form. #167 David Glass, who was probably feeling the effects of a 70 minute match the night before, did win a game against #69 Adil Maqbool (PAK) although the match never seemed to be in doubt.

#79 Martin Knight (NZL) took #272 Dan Sibley (CAN) for a grand tour of the entire court many times over and #65 Campbell Grayson completed a fine New Zealand evening by dispatching #150 Tyler Hamilton (CAN) in 34 minutes.

However, Dan Sibley's night ended on a positive note as he won the "Lucky Loser" draw which had to be held due to a late main draw withdrawal. This means that Sibley is placed in the main draw and faces the #35 player, and the tournament's number four seed, Daryl Selby (ENG).

So Canada's hopes in the main draw matches, which start tomorrow, Thursday, at 6:00pm, now rest in the hands of three of Canada's National Team members, #1 seed, Shahier Razik, #9 seed, Shawn Delierre, #11 seed, Robin Clarke and the "Lucky Loser"draw winner, Dan Sibley.

Go, Canada, Go!!!!

This evening's results are as follows:

• Gilly Lane (USA) def Christopher Gordon (USA)
  11-6; 11-7 11-10 (4-2) in 48 mins
• Martin Knight (NZL) def Dan Sibley (CAN)
  11-5; 11-3; 11-8 in 45 mins
• Campbell Grayson (NZL) def Tyler Hamilton (CAN)
  11-6; 11-5; 11-3 in 34 mins
• Khawaja Adil Maqbool (PAK) def David Glass (CAN)
  11-7; 6-11; 11-6; 11-5 in 33 mins

2009.01.14 15:23

We have had a main draw cancellation this morning - Yasir Butt (PAK), our 7th seed, is out due to "visa" issues.

So the "lucky loser" draw tonight takes on some additional significance as that player will go into the main draw as well as tonight's winners.

2009.01.13

It was "Canada Day" at the opening round of qualifying play at the 2009 Comfort Inn Open, presented by Odlum Brown Limited, with five Canadians participating in the three matches and three Canadians moving on to play in the final round of the qualifying matches tomorrow starting at 6:00pm at the Evergreen Squash Club on the North Shore.

Four matches are scheduled for tomorrow with the prize being the four winners participate in the main draw matches starting on Thursday.

But, back to "Canada Day".

The first match of the evening went according to the player's world ranking as #150 Tyler Hamilton (CAN) beat #208 Justin Todd 3–1 despite Todd winning the first game 11–8 and holding a commanding 7–3 lead in the second game.

The second match pitted #272 Daniel Sibley (CAN) against #153 Colin Ramasra with Sibley in control for the entire match in a 3–0 upset win.

And the final match, and easily the match of the day, saw the hard hitting, offensive minded #167 David Glass (CAN) edge out the very determined & steady #120 Andrew McDougall (CAN) 3–2 in a very exciting 70 minute match.

The question is — can the Canadian lads make it into the main draw as their opposition stiffens significantly tomorrow evening. They all play against opponents whose world rankings are at least fifty percent lower.

But they know they will have the home crowd on their side.

This evening's results are as follows:

• Tyler Hamilton (CAN) def Justin Todd (CAN)
  8–11; 11–9; 11–5; 11–7 in 30 mins
• Daniel Sibley (CAN) def Colin Ramasra (TRI)
  11–8; 11–5; 11–3 in 24 mins
• David Glass (CAN) def Andrew McDougall (CAN)
  11– 8; 1–12; 11–2; 8–11; 13–11; in 70 mins

2009.01.12 09:39

The amateur draw is now available on-line.

2009.01.09 10:03

The final court closing schedule is now available on-line.

2008.12.16 10:34

December 2008 Letter from Paul Marley regarding the entry list, draw, and sponsorship & volunteer opportunities.

The complete entry list, and preliminary draw (with dates and times) are also available via the Draw tab/page.

2008.10.20 15:36

September 2008 Letter from Paul Marley regarding the tournament and sponsorship & volunteer opportunities.