Semi-Final ROUNDUP

Lots of squash today with the start of the amateur draw and two of the men's matches going the distance. Some upsets in the men's draw to see the #4 and #8 seeds making it to the finals for a chance at a trip to Chicago. Tomorrow's finals will be Cornett/Villard at 4pm and Mustonen/Khan at 5pm.

Photo Credits to Emily Nutson.

[1] S. Cornett (CAN) v. [3] E. Villard (FRA) 3-0, 11-5, 11-5, 12-10 (28min)
Match report by Ally Thompson
 
Cornett starts strong, finding her corners as Villard struggles to find length. Cornett’s attacking game is strong and she jumps to a 9-5 lead. A few unforced errors from Villard see Sam take the first 11-5. Both players start the second hitting their targets in the back corners. Villard was creating opportunities but making errors while Cornett was steady and patient. Quality squash from both players but Cornett’s patience ultimately pays off and she takes the second 11-5. Villard fights back from the start of the third game, taking the ball in short and pulling ahead to a 4-0 lead. A few unforced errors by Cornett see Villard keep the lead for a bit before the strong and steady Cornett comes back to win the third game and the match.
 
[8] H. Mustonen (FIN) v. [5] M. Yanez (MEX) 3-2, 11-7, 11-9, 6-11, 9-11, 11-9 (56min)
Match report by Juan Camilo Vargas
 
A solid start from both players with Mustonen looking a bit sharper and more accurate in the first few points. Yanez with a few unforced errors in the match but steps up and proceeds to hit a few clear winners in the middle of the game. Mustonen continues to apply pressure with good pace and length which helped him to win the first. A quick start from both players in the first with both hitting some great winners. Yanez was more consistent and smarter in his shot selection but Mustonen regroup and game back to tie it 7-7. Incredible athleticism by both players with some epic pick-ups. Mustonen was more calm and his experience showed in the last three points of the game.  Yanez wasn’t ready to quit and began hitting his corners in game 3, taking a commanding 7-2 lead. Mustonen struggled to anticipate the shots. Yanez continues to be determined, taking game 3 and keeping the dream alive. Again in game 4, Yanez starts strong and hits some decisive winners, taking a 7-2 lead again.  Mustonen shows signs of looking tired but pushes through some brutally long rallies late in the fourth. Yanez keeps the pressure on and again keeps the dream alive, winning the fourth 11-9. Mustonen with a strong and steady start to the game but Yanez stepped on the gas and changed the momentum at 3-3 before losing focus. Mustonen plays smart and takes an 8-5 lead. Both players seem tired but keep fighting and putting good pace on the ball. Mustonen’s patience pays off in the end as he wins the fifth 11-9. According to Mustonen, it is all of the chopping wood he’s been doing in training (he still hasn’t broken a smile, so we aren’t sure if he is serious…).
 
[4] L. Turmel (ENG) v. [2] N. Todd (CAN) 3-0, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9 (34min)
Match report by Holly Delavigne
 
Turmel came out tryng to establish pace and power while Todd sticks to her signature lobs and timely drops. Todd keeps her drops tight to the side wall. Sam Cornett is muttering under her breath throughout the game but goes silent when Todd serves out to give Turmel game ball. A mistake by Todd gives Turmel game 1. Todd comes out in game 2 holding and hitting straight to keep Turmel on her heels. Both girls looking for the boast in this game and winning a few rallies here. Todd finds herself down 7-3 and 9-4 before making a surge of perfect legnths. Turmel answers with a tight forehand drop, taking game ball. Todd controls the rally and fights off the first game ball but the gap proves to be too big and Turmel is able to take the second 11-8. In the third game, Todd’s lobs just get higher and higher, pushing Turmel to the back and giving Todd time to reclaim the T. Some perfect lengths and roll-out nicks from both players as they trade points. Todd aces a signature lob serve to make if 7-6. Turmel is loving the volley drop when she can find it and we have ourselves a battle. Some incredibly long rallies and unbelievable athleticism in the second half of the third with both players stretching hard into all four corners. 9-9 and Todd makes an unbelievable get in the front right corner. She is slow to get up and takes a medical time-out. The crowd is quiet. Todd returns to the court but it is clear she is unable to move well. A true trooper, Todd lines up to return Turmel’s final two serves but is really unable to finish the match. An unfortunate end for both players after such an incredible display. Turmel is looking sharp and strong to move into tomorrow’s final.
 
[4] S. Khan (PAK) v. [1] R. Peter (SUI) 3-2, 6-11, 11-4, 11-4, 5-11, 11-5 (51min)
Match report by Micaala Seth
 
The match began with tight rallies from both players. Khan moved smoothly across the court despite his tall opponent. Both players finding the forehand drop and trickle boast early. Peter gains more control in the middle of the game, using his reach to cut the ball of early. He surges ahead to an 11-6 lead. In the second game, Khan adjusts and begins hitting lower and harder lengths and keeping the ball tight to the side walls. He uses a low cross effectively to move Peter around and take away his volley. The strategy works for Khan and he takes the second 11-4. We have ourselves a battle. A lot of interference and a number of calls early in the third as both players work to adapt their strategies. The game has a very high intensity feel and both players are hitting tight drops but also retrieving well, scraping them off the side wall. Khan finishes with some delicate drops and wins the third 11-8. Peter comes out with a hold in game 4, catching Khan off guard. He combines this beautifully with a tight, straight drop and pushes the match to the fifth. Khan needs to find his tight length if he is going to beat Peter. Khan begins showing some hold for the first time in the match and gets sharper with every point. Peter tries to find his volley again but Khan’s accuracy in the front court is just too much and he is able to take the match 3-2.