Eindhoven (NLD) – The Individual event of the World Junior Championships continued yesterday at the host venue Squash Time. Here is Team Manager, Janet MacLeod’s thoughts on the fourth day of competition.
“Day 4 -Wednesday – was a day that the proverbial ducks would love. Torrents of rain and wind kept everyone inside the buildings. Just as well as some amazing squash was happening here in Eindhoven on Day 4 of the World Junior Squash Championships
Eindhoven (NLD) – The Individual event of the World Junior Championships continued yesterday at the host venue Squash Time. Here is Team Manager, Janet MacLeod’s thoughts on the fourth day of competition.
“Day 4 -Wednesday – was a day that the proverbial ducks would love. Torrents of rain and wind kept everyone inside the buildings. Just as well as some amazing squash was happening here in Eindhoven on Day 4 of the World Junior Squash Championships
Semi Final Day for the main round saw 4 Egyptians girls facing off against each other for the final frame. Meanwhile, Grace had her third match of the tournament against the German Nele Hatschek. The German started strong and took full advantage of some loose balls and won the first two games 11-8. However, Grace was just getting warmed up – both physically and mentally and was able to come back and win the third game by the same score, 11-8. In the fourth game, the German seemed to be favouring a leg and was really challenged to move when Grace sent her forward. Grace took the fourth game 11-6. In the fifth, it was quite obvious that Nele was not playing the way she could, and again, Grace was able to take full advantage and won the fifth 11-4 to move into the semi final of the plate.
Chloe played her first match of the day against Swiss Céline Walser. Chloe was hitting it with good authority and sending her deep and won 11-5. In the second game, Céline started to challenge and take advantage of some of Chloe’s decision making, but Chloe was able to hold her and win 11-7. Chloe went into the third with confidence and won it decisively 11-3.
Grace and Chloe were on track to meet each other in the Finals of this round if they could get by their next opponents. Grace drew a tough opponent in Tinne Gilis from Belgium, the upset 5/8 seed from an earlier round. Grace fought hard to keep Tinne moving but too many errors on her drop shots gave Tinne too many opportunities to stay ahead. Grace lost the first two games 3-11, 5-11. Grace was up 8-5 in the third game and the momentum seemed be to shifting, but then the experience of the European came through and Tinne won the next 6 points to take the final game 11-8.
The final match for the Canadian girls was Chloe versus Elena Wagenmans from the Netherlands. Chloe played well in the first game and won easily 11-3. Elena came out strong in the second game and looked to force and take advantage of some lose balls and decision making of Chloe. The third and fourth game is when the match and mental toughness we have been waiting for from Chloe arrived. Chloe ran down every ball that Elena hit and was patient and strong on all her own balls. Chloe won the 3rd and 4th games 11-6, 11-8 respectively.
Chloe will play Tinne Gilis of Belgium in the World Junior Individual Plate final at 1pm local time. Look for Chloe to come out ready to give it everything she’s got!”
UPDATE: Chloe took on Gilis this morning in a thrilling 5 game battle. The two juniors traded games, with Chloe coming back from being down 1-0 and 2-1 to knot the match at 2-2. In the 5th game, the 5/8 seed from Belgium marched ahead of the Canadian, winning the Plate Final 3-2 (13-11,7-11,11-8,7-11,11-6). What an exciting match! Great job Chloe and great job to all the Canadian girls for their performances in the Individual event. The Finals of the Main Draw go later today, as Diego Elias looks to build off his bronze at the Pan Am Games in the Men’s Final. In the Women’s Final, it’s a battle of Egyptians, as Habiba Mohamed goes up against countrywoman Nouran Gohar.
The Team event starts tomorrow and Canada will be represented by Chloe Chemtob, Maddie O’Connor, Sophie Mehta and Grace Thomas.
Stay tuned for more information!
Go Canada Go!
For full event information, visit http://wsfworldjuniors.com/
