Day 1 RECAP

We can't believe day 1 is already in the books! Our day started with a visit from our friends at Bright's Grove Public School as they spoke to some of our pro players and then watched the action between local player Micaala Seth and Tessa ter Sluis (NED). The highlight of the night was an upset by local player Deirdre Bradd as she advances to round 2 action tomorrow with a victory over Jelena Dutina (SRB). Special thanks to all of today's match bloggers for the summaries!

T. Ter Sluis (NED) v. M. Seth [L] 3-0, 11-5, 12-10, 11-5 (18min)
Match report by Brad Fisher
 
Micaala was a bit slow to start in the first game, allowing Tessa to settle into a comfortable rhythm and take the first game. Micaala came out strong in the second game, making some great gets and pushing to extra points before Tessa ultimately went up 2-0.  While Micaala held her own in game 3, Tessa’s found the winning drop on her backhand side and used it to secure a 3-0 victory.
 
C. Fuller (ENG) v. A. Nunez (MEX) 3-0, 11-7, 11-4, 11-5 (34min)
Match report by John Geekie
 
The first game saw some long opening rallies with both players trying to find their length. Chris’ patience paid off, forcing a few errors from Allan. Combined with a few accurate attacks of his own, he was able to close out the first game. In game 2, both players were again looking to extend the rallies. Despite some great retrieving by Allan, Chris’ width and length, coupled with some great drops were just too much for Allan to handle. Game 3 started with some uncharacteristically loose balls from Fuller. Down 4-3, he tightened the ball back up and pulled away to an 11-5 victory.
 
A. Yeong Wai Yhann (SIN) v. C. Giachino [L] 3-0, 11-4, 11-1, 11-1 (14min)
Match report by Micaala Seth
 
Wai controlled the centre of the court from the first point of the match, showing excellent positioning on the T and executing several tight drops. Catherine battled back with some short kills, but Wai caught on quickly, finishing the first with a delicate boast. Wai dominated the second game with some tight length, coming out quickly to an 11-1 victory. In game 3, rallies were improved with Catherine hitting with some more intention. Wai, however, remained in control, taking the match 3-0.
 
C. Gomez (ESP) v. B. Marchesi Petrillo (BRA) 3-0, 11-3, 11-7, 11-6
Match report by Micaala Seth
 
This match pitted two very different styles of play against one another: Christina using a hold and weighted length while Bruna relied on the volley and short kill game. Christina’s game caught Bruna flat footed and saw her scrambling to reach many balls. She took the first comfortably 11-3. In the middle of the second game, there were some fantastic rallies with both girls racing diagonals to keep up. Christina’s accuracy ultimately helped her to win game 2. Bruna started to find her accuracy at the front of the court in game 3 but it just wasn’t quite enough today.
 
M. Fuller (ENG) v. J. Hua (USA) 3-0, 11-5, 11-6, 11-4 (24min)
Match report by Rory Bradd
 
Mark came out strong, taking the first two points quickly. Jason was able to respond and both players exchanged points as they settled into the match. Mark found his rhythm and surged ahead to a 10-4 lead before taking the first game 11-5. Fuller came out strong in games 2 and 3, finding a solid rhythm and making very few errors. He remained focused and accurate throughout the remained of the match, capitalizing quickly on any errors by his opponent. He finished strong and looked ready to move into the next round on Wednesday.
 
D. Bradd [L] v. J. Dutina (SRB) 3-0, 14-12, 11-5, 11-9 (21min)
Match report by Tessa ter Sluis
 
Both ladies struggled to settle into a rhythm and mistakes were noted early in game 1 by both players. The girls traded points but a few key points by Deirdre saw her sneak out the first game in extra points. Deirdre, motivated by her hometown crowd, came out strong in game 2 and Jelena struggled to respond. In game 3, the rallies lengthened with both players trying to move one another around the court. Some great choices by Deirdre and a few untimely mistakes by Jelena saw Deirdre take the match 3-0.
 
A. Serme (CZE) v. H. Delavigne [L] 3-0, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4 (15min)
Match report by Derek Moore
 
The game started at a fast pace with some quick exchanges of points. Anna dictated most points early on, taking the ball early and forcing Holly to the back. Anna continued to move Holly around the court, forcing weak returns that she expertly capitalized on. Anna comfortably wins the match 3-0.
 
M. Nabil (EGY) v. R. Bradd [L] 3-0, 11-6, 11-2, 11-4 (20min)
Match report by Adam Kilner
 
As the first game started, the audience watched with bated breath as the players traded points. Mohamed began to settle into a rhythm and powered past Rory to secure an 11-6 victory in game 1. Game 2 saw Mohamed move Rory around the court. Although he made some incredible gets, Mohamed was always right there waiting for the last shot. Game 3 displayed some great athleticism by both players but ultimately Mohamed was able to take the match 3-0.
 
M. Fung-A-Fay (GUY) v. [WC] P. Jenkins (CAN) 3-2, 7-11, 11-3, 4-11, 11-1, 11-6 (32min)
Match reporting by Michaela Khan & Catherine Giachino
 
The final match of the evening proved to be one of the most exciting of the night. A series of stellar accurate serves in the early points by Paula brought her to an 8-4 lead. Mary struggled to settle into her game, and a few unforced errors allowed Paula to continue her momentum and take game 1. Mary came back on court and was all business, executing some great shots in the front court. Paula, having played mainly a length game in the first, struggled to respond and Mary took the second 11-3. Game 3 started with the players trading points as both started to get used to one another’s styles of play. Paula continued with some great serves and pushed up on the T, leading her to an 11-4 victory. Down 2-1, Mary reverted to her front court game in the fourth, seeming to gain momentum and Paula struggled to find a rhythm. Mary took the fourth game comfortably. The final game of the match started with a series of let and stroke calls as both players tried to move one another around. Mary was able to ultimately take the match 3-2.