Finals - April 24, 2022
Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) vs Rowan Elaraby (EGY)
It was Rowan that found her rhythm and game plan first in this match. She was taking the ball early, finding her length and for the most part stopping Siva from playing her attacking game to its best and forced some errors from her. Rowan took the first game 11/7. In the second game it was Siva’s time to control the game. She found her length, was more patient and pushed up the court. Rowan managed to remain calm and poised but she didn’t use her attacking drive like she did in the first game. The second was the best game for Siva due to her length being deep and consistent so her chances to be creative and attacking in the front were more frequent. Siva has a wonderful hold and flick shot and she used it effectively the most in this game. Siva also chose her moments to go short more wisely than in the first and it really paid off. Siva won the second 11-6. In the fourth game Siva managed to get a 5-3 lead, but once Rowan got her rhythm it was always going to belong to her. She really found her groove and Siva was trying to do too much in the front of the court and ended up losing rallies that she could have won with a different shot choice. Siva was also playing too many angles, hold and flicks at the front and not using her straight and basic shots to get Rowan away from the middle and into the corners. No one can play their best squash if the ball is deep and tight so Siva needed to put more focus on this before the other creative part of her game could flourish. Rowan’s length progressively got better and better and she played with such maturity and focus. You could see it slipping away from Siva as the fourth game unfolded. Rowan went through to get her match ball at 10-6 and the rally ended on a stroke giving her the biggest win of her career!!
Overwhelmed!!! I’m really happy actually. I have been training really hard to come this far. This is my biggest title so far. I wouldn’t have done this without the help of my coach Kika. I think I stuck to the plan today, concentrating on my length as Siva has great hands and is really tricky. So I had to make sure I didn’t give her the opportunity to attack. I think I lost concentration in the 2nd game but I tried to remind myself to hit it hard and deep and it worked in the end. It’s amazing to be here and it feels like home. The crowd is amazing, I think they made a huge difference in the tournament. Actually I want to thank you (Linda). It’s a great tournament and I can’t wait to come back next year!” - Rowan Elaraby
Semifinals - April 23, 2022
Rowan Elaraby (EGY) vs Nadine Shahin (EGY)
The first semi-final of today was between two great, young Egyptian players, world #8 and #1 seed Rowan Elaraby and world #15 Nadine Shahin. They have both only played once before back in 2018 at their Nationals Egyptian Nationals and Nadine won 13-11 in the fifth, so it was going to be very interesting to see how this afternoon’s match was going to pan out. We secretly hoped that it would go down to the wire like the last time they played, as those are the matches that are so incredibly fun to watch. The match started off with Nadine taking control. She looked comfortable and carefree. Rowan however looked a little nervous and couldn’t find her rhythm and went 6-1 down. Nadine was using her legendary kill and was really attacking whenever she could with some great retrieving around the court. Nadine was really twisting turning Rowan and made it hard for her to settle. A true sign of a champion is when a player doesn’t panic and just keeps pushing on and tries to figure out a solution to their situation. Rowan did this and grinded her way back and finally found her length. At 9-9 Nadine hit an error from the back of the court giving Rowan her first game ball. A perfect forehand boast gave Rowan the final point to win 11/9. Yesterday Rowan also played the big points so well right when it really matters. Even though Rowan has a wonderful array of shots to call on, fantastic movement and a calm demeanor, one of her real weapons is her fantastic dying length, and boy did she find it in the second, winning it decisively 11/3. Rowan went from looking edgy to relaxed, poised and confident. Nadine is a great competitor and always fights hard but it seemed that whatever Nadine served up Rowan had an answer. In the third game Rowan took a 9-4 lead but Nadine gave it one last push and managed to win 3 more points before Rowan used a wonderfully disguised backhand trickle boast to give her match ball. The last rally of the match was so long and fantastic and both players left it all on the court with Rowan finally winning it with a wonderful forehand drop and won the third 11-7.
I think today I wasn’t finding my drop shots and when I tried to do them in the 1st game she was on them all the time. So I focused on my length game until I found my winning shot at the end of the 1st game. Nadine is great athlete and she has good movement so I had to make sure I moved her around the court to get the best of her. I think this is the biggest final for me so far and I think I’ll just concentrate on my match and not get excited. I’ll wait to see who I am playing tomorrow!” - Rowan Elaraby
Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) vs Farida Mohammed (EGY)
The match started with both players looking a little edgy and nervous. The rallies were quite short and the shots were either winners or errors! Siva managed to do enough in the first to out man oeuvre Farida which is not an easy feat and with a perfect forehand drive and a stroke took it 11-8. Farida has an incredible presence on the court and her power is second to none. Siva is so light on her feet and almost seems to glide around the court. She still have enough power in her games but her strength is more in shot creativity and placement. Siva managed to find the spaces on the court and get Farida out of position. Farida can reach almost everything with one large lunge to you really have to find you corners to expose her. Siva was 9-7 up and Farida got a no let that she didn’t agree with and then promptly hit a volley drop tin off the serve to give Siva the second game 11-7. For the first time in the match this showed some playing immaturely on Farida’s part to go short like that when frustrated. The third game was very exciting but the momentum changed and there started to be more lets and strokes than the previous games. It seemed that Farida’s tactic was to almost sandwich Siva in between herself and the ball to try and get strokes and lets. There was some pushing and shoving and Siva started to get frustrated and lost her focus. Siva’s length was too short and if you give the skillful Farida an inch, she will take a mile! There were many errors in this game and in the end Farida got in front and kept the control enough to win 11-6. We were left wondering if Siva would be able to reset to her usual calmer self that we have seem so far in this tournament. Siva needed to get some patience back in her game. Farida wants to shoot so if Siva can elongate the rallies and keep it tight. Farida very often still goes for the shot and can make some errors. Farida started the 4th really well and get off to a 5-1 lead, but credit to Siva, she dug in and managed to force some errors from Farida. The points went back and forth but finally Siva managed to get a 2 point lead and earn her first match ball. It was in this rally that Farida fell in the front backhand corner and seemed to have a problem with her right hamstring. Farida decided to take the 3 minute self-inflicted injury break which you are allowed to take. Farida decided to carry on with the match at the end of injury break and we were all wondering how she was going to be able to play as she was limping quite heavily when she walked. Farida hit a great backhand drop to get to 9-10, followed by a backhand back wall nick to even up the game at 10-10. It can be very difficult to focus when someone is maybe injured and not moving as well as before, and you could see that Siva was desperately trying to stick to her game plan and not let this affect her. Siva managed to stay with it and go straight through from 10-10 to 12-10 with the help of a no let from the ref. Farida throw her racket in disgust and left the court. Siva gave the crowd a smile as she walked off the court and they cheered her big win, happy to be through to her biggest final to date.
I feel really really happy, this is my biggest final. In February I lost in the semis of a 50K and I’m so happy to make it through. It’s always tough to play Farida. She’s a huge fighter. It was more of a mental game today and I think I did really well to hold one and finish in 4. I’ve played Rowan a couple of times and ever since juniors we’ve been playing and I just hope to stick to my game plan and do my best” - Sivasangari Subramaniam
Quarterfinals - April 22, 2022
Sabrina Sobhy (USA) vs Rowan Elaraby (EGY)
This was the closest contested and most exciting match of the night and during the 4th game there was also a ‘rally of the tournament’ too where the rally was exceptionally long and exciting and Sabrina did a huge dive to retrieve a shot and got back up and eventually won the rally!!! On the next rally Sabrina served and an annoyed Rowan (who probably felt she should have the previous point as she had controlled most of it) put the return of serve straight into the nick!! Boom! So fun to watch!!
"I feel amazing. I’m very happy to be through today. I have played Bines before and I know what a great players she is and I wasn’t expecting any less today! I had gave it everything and more to get through in the 4th. Playing a 5th is obviously worse than winning in 4! For tomorrow, I try not to concentrate on who am playing, just me and the ball. They are both players and either one of them is going to be tough. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s match.” - Rowan Elaraby
Nadine Shahin (EGY) vs Donna Lobban (AUS)
Second match on court was the between world #15 Nadine Shahin from Egypt and her opponent Donna Lobban who is world #30 from Australia. Nadine and Donna have never played before so it was going to be interesting to see who get win their first encounter. Both players started the match using the whole court so nicely and taking the ball in short when they could, not only to try win the rally but to also move their opponent around and not let them settle or find too much rhythm. It was Donna that got the more consistent length in the first game and it gave her some wonderful openings to take the ball in short.
It’s always nice to play those experienced players you know. I think I managed very well given it was the 1st time we played. She’s so experienced and I am the higher seed so I had all the pressure. I think I managed to get my kills well. It’s my first time to make the semis of a 50K so I have no pressure against a top 10 players.” - Nadine Shahin
Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAL) vs Hollie Naughton (CAN)
Siva was literally on fire!! Siva is bouncy, young and fit. She is light on her feet and plays in a wonderfully relaxed way and has the correct percentage of attacking and patience in her game plan. Siva also has amazing variety in her short shots and put holds and flicks on shots that other players do not often do. Hollie is such a strong player in many ways and yesterday she too was using her hold and deception to outwit her opponent, but this evening Siva didn’t give Hollie anything to play with and she seemed to run out of ideas of how to impact her opponent. Siva went through the match in a quick 23 minutes to win 11/5, 11/4, 11/4.
I felt really good on court today. I stuck to my game plan, keeping the balls into the corner and following up in my short game. Hollie is a big fighter so needed to keep to going until the end. I’ve played Olivia once2 years ago and lost in 4 and I’ve never played Farida. Tomorrow there is no pressure on me and I want to play my best and enjoy the game.” - Sivasangari Subramaniam
Olivia Clyne (USA) vs Farida Mohammed (EGY)
This match was similar to the previous match in that Farida controlled the match from start to finish and it was only in the 3rd game that we saw glimpses of the Olivia we know, where she managed to use her great length and short shots as a combination to out man oeuvre her opponent. Farida had the height advantage and used it well, taking the ball early, keeping the pace high and cutting the ball off short at every given opportunity. Farida’s short game was on point tonight with very few errors. It was only when Farida was 2-0 up and 10-6 up that a few errors crept in and Olivia fought back to 10-9. You could feel the excitement in the crowd grow in the hopes that Olivia could push this match beyond 3 games, but alas with stroke at 10-9 match ball Farida took her place in the her first 50K semi-final, winning 11/4, 11/4, 11/9.
It’s my 1st and biggest semi-final so far so I’m really happy. She has so much experience and she’s world #17 and #2 seed in the tournament so I had to be prepared mentally and physically. I’m really happy with the way I played and I looking forward to the match with Siva. It’s the first time I have played Siva so it’s exciting to play new players and great to play someone new.” - Farida Mohammed
Second Round - April 21, 2022
Sabrina Sobhy (USA) vs Ineta Mackevica (LAR)
Sabrina started the first game very impressive hitting some superb shots. She closed out the first game 11-4. The second game Ineta started to find her length and it got a little closer. However, the speed and shots from Sabrina were very accurate and she eventually closed out the second game 11-6. The third game Sabrina got a very good start. The crowd loved seeing Sabrina hit an impressive cross court nick giving her the lead. Eventually she closed out the match comfortably 11-6.
Nerves are always present at the first match of every tournament, so I am trying to keep a very simple game plan. I am happy with the win and looking forward to tomorrow's match". - Sabrina Sobhy
Rowan El Arraby (EGY) vs Akansha Salunkhe (IND)
Rowan started the match very decisively and managed to control the T from the first point. Akanksha fought hard but she wasn’t patient enough and took Rowan in short too soon. Rowan won the first 11-3. Rowan played with great variety in her shots and at the beginning of the second game Akanksha was too impatient and didn’t wait for her openings. Mid game was when she played three incredible shots and started to look more settled and having some fun on the court. Just as we thought that Rowan had lost some of her rhythm she burst through with three amazing shots in very short rallies to get to game ball and won 11-7.The third was similar to the first and Rowan made no errors and Akanksha didn’t quite get her length tight or deep enough to get Rowan in the back. Rowan won the third 11-3 to go through to the quarter finals.
"I’m feeling fresh. I played here a few years ago and I was so young back then. I think I came here this time with more experience and lots of things learned. I have never seen her play before yesterday and I was expecting a good match as Akanksha played a good match yesterday. I’m happy I’m through in 3 and looking forward to tomorrow’s match.” - Rowan El Arraby
Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) vs Nadine Shahin (EGY)
The young Fayrouz Aboelkheir made a great impression in her match yesterday. Today she was up against fellow Egyptian and number 3 seed Nadine Shahin. During the first game points got exchanged equally until 5-5. Nadine hits very powerful strokes and she eventually ended up winning the first game 11-7. During the second game Fayrouz got to a very promising start getting a 4-1 lead. However, Nadine showed determination fighting back getting a 7-4 lead. Fayrouz showed some great holds and shots but it was Nadine who closed out the second game with a fade cross court drop 11-7. Again, the third game was close with intense rallies. At 7-7 there was a long really where Nadine showed her experience and won this crucial point. With Nadine's powerful hitting she managed to also close out the third game 11-7.
It is mentally tough because all these youngsters are so eager and hungry to win. I had to use my experience, I felt that all the pressure was on me since I am the higher seed. I am happy to hold my nerves and eventually close the match out in 3 games. - Nadine Shahin
Donna Lobban (AUS) vs Karina Tyma (POL)
In the first Donna was just too consistent for Karina with Karina going short too soon, though she has some fantastic unexpected shots up her sleeve. Donna won 11/5. In the second Donna managed to still keep the T more than Karina. Karina was playing with almost an all or nothing attitude, with some outstanding winners but also some unnecessary errors along the way, giving Donna the chance to accumulate too many easy points. Donna took the last point of the second game 11/6 with a perfect backhand volley drop. The third game was a great fast paced squash but Karina made a few too many tactical errors allowing Donna to come through 11/5 to earn her place in the quarter finals.
I’m really happy with that. I felt I went out and tried to play my game and be confident. I felt good out there. I watched her last night and I had never seen Karina play before. I felt she played some errors but I felt I was controlled and maybe it wasn’t her best game but I felt I played well. I have seen Nadine play plenty of times and it will be nice to play someone different. I’m looking forward to the challenge of it.” - Donna Lobban
Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAL) vs Marina Stefanoni (USA)
A very promising match between two of the best CSA college squash players. Sivasangar Subramaniam started off very impressive winning the first 9 points in a row. Luckily for Marina she started to find her length and made an impressive comeback to 9-6. However, Siva ended up closing out the first game 11-6. The second game Siva was playing some very good squash. Her ability to hold and mix up the pace was impressive. The crowd was staggered by her magnificent playing style and she finished the second game with a beautiful hold to make it 2-0 (11-4). The third game was very interesting. Marina started to play some great squash and it was very close. The crowd got larger and more animated and Marina seemed to thrive on this. However, Siva took the lead by 2 points (8-6) and it looked like she was about to close out the match. However, Marina had different plans and she managed to win the third game 11-8 by hitting a couple of good shots and by some errors from Siva making the scores 2-1. The fourth game Siva was looking very determined and she started of leading 5-1 not making any errors. Siva’s movement and power were eventually too much for Marina and she ended up winning the fourth game 11-5 winning the match 3-1.
"I felt good on court today. I was up in the third but I got a little rushed but then in the fourth game I got my focus back. Marina is a really steady player and I feel if you are leading you need to keep the momentum going. - Siva Subramaniam
Hollie Naughton (CAN) vs Nicole Bunyan (CAN)
Hollie played great match today with wonderful variation in pace, thoughtful shot choices and very few errors, especially in the third game. Nicole fought hard but did not manage to get her length consistently deep or tight enough to stop Hollie staying in control. In the last rally of the first game Hollie did some amazing retrieving from Nicole great shots and ended up winning 11-8. The second and third games followed a similar trend with Hollie controlling the pace and adding some hold to her shots when she arrived early on the ball. Hollie went through to win the second 11-5 and third 11-7 for a quarter final spot.
Good, yeah!! I was feeling a bit dead and nervous this morning but I just tried to stick to my plan, talk my way through it. I have been struggling a bit with my performance recently so I had to go back to basics and focus on what I do on the court and not my opponent. This court rewards good length so I started from there. I’m excited to get playing again tomorrow and try to focus on what I need to do and be happy with my overall performance.” - Hollie Naughton
Lucy Beecroft (ENG) vs Farida Mohammed (EGY)
A very interesting matchup. Farida Mohamed started off hitting the ball very powerful but also making some mistakes making it a close first game. At 7-6 there was some controversy with the referee about the score and things between Farida and the referee got a little bit heated. Lucy Beecroft managed to hit some great tight shots while Farida hit many winners from Lucy’s serve. Eventually, Lucy had a game ball at 10-9. After a long rally she had a big chance to finish up the game but unfortunately for Lucy she hit the tin. Eventually, Farida managed to win the first game 13-11. The second game was as tense as the first and it took a very similar course. Lucy got a 9-7 lead and it looked like she was going to close out the second game making it 1-1. Again, Lucy had a game ball at 10-9 but made a mistake at this crucial time. Farida used Lucy’s mistake in her favor and fought back to win the second game again 13-11. Both the first two games could have gone either way but Farida showed determination to get this 2-0 lead. It’s always a steep hill to climb when you are 2-0 down so it was going to be interesting to see if Lucy could push hard again in the 3rd. In the third game Farida got of a good start hitting unbelievably powerful strokes. Lucy showed her skill and fighting spirit but eventually it was not enough to win the third game. Farida closed out the last game 11-7. Overall, it was a very entertaining match. 3-0 (13-11/13-11/11-7).
The court is different; it is dead and fast at the same time. I felt better on court than during practice. The first round you always try to get into the mood of the tournament. I am not happy with the way I played but I am happy with the character that I showed and that I finished each game. I am looking forward to build up from this point.” - Farida Mohammed
Olivia Clyne (USA) vs Hana Moataz (EGY)
The match was full of fast pace, exciting shots and both players vying for the T and covering the court amazingly. Neither player could afford to offer up a loose ball as their opponent would take full advantage of it. Olivia stayed in front the whole match by going 1-0 up and then 2-1, but she struggled to keep patient enough and not force the short shots. This is when she would make mistakes and give Hana a glimpse of the win. Hana won the fourth 11/8 leaving us wondering if Olivia could stick to her game plan enough to stamp out her skillful and resilient opponent. Olivia had some wonderful home support and crowd really started to cheer her on. Olivia rose to the occasion and finally came through in fifth to win 11-8. Olivia left the championship to the whooping, whistles and cheering and a big smile on her face!
Honestly it’s just nice to win a match! It’s been a rough couple of months and a win is a win. Just happy to play tomorrow and have another match back to back. Hana is a great player with lots of potential and one hell of a head of hair! It’s almost better when it’s hard and then you are ready for hard the next day.” - Olivia Clyne
First Round - April 20, 2022
Akanksha Salunkhe (IND) v Tong Tsz-Wing (HKG)
They have both played a couple of months ago and Tsz-Wing won in an incredibly close five setter. Tonight’s match was equally exciting and was definitely the match of the night as it was so closely contested as one of the two matches that went down to the wire. Akanksha started the match really well and got a good lead in the first, but then made a few errors giving Tsz-Wing an entry way back into the game. Akanksha also had to stop for a bleeding knee, but she came through to the win the first 12-10 with an incredible dying boast. Akanksha took the second game 11/4 playing wonderfully precise and consistent squash.
“I’m still running on adrenalin! It’s so awesome to win. It’s my first win in a 50K and beaten someone so highly ranked. I felt really excited to play. I played her recently and I lost 12/10 in the fifth so it felt really good to get my revenge! I definitely have no pressure tomorrow. I’m looking forward to getting on court with Rowan who’s so good and learning from her.” - Akansha Salunkhe
Ineta Mackevica (LAT) v Julia Le Coq (FRA)
In the first game Julia was in control moving Ineta in short and taking an early lead, Julia won 11-8. Julia was error prone at the start of the second game giving Ineta a 4-0 lead, but after there was some great consistent play from both players and Ineta won 11-5. Ineta kept the pressure on in the third and fourth games, controlling the T and taking the ball early and went through to win 11/4, 11/5.
“I started out feeling stressed as I was favorite and did not know my opponent. I ended up finding my rhythm and relaxed and found my advantages. I have not thought about my match tomorrow but I look forward to it.” - Ineta Mackevica
Karina Tyma (POL) v Tessa Ter Sluis (NED)
Both players in this match went for a lot of attacking shots in the front and the rallies were kept short and sweet. The match was exciting and there were some wonderful displays of very quick accurate hands even under severe pressure. There were no attempts to lengthen the rallies and every time a glimpse of an opening appeared, one or the other player would go for a winner! The match was even at 1-1 and it was the third game that sealed the deal and Katrina let out a celebratory scream as she squeezed the third 12-10. Karina went on to take the fourth 11/7 and won the match 3-1.
This is a big win for me. The 2nd biggest actually. I felt pretty smooth out there. Tessa is quite difficult to play as she doesn’t give you any rhythm. I felt pretty string and I felt mentally up for it and I think that is what pushed me over the line. I’m excited to play Donna tomorrow. It’s going to be a bit different as she is a leftie. I’m really excited about getting the experience and playing these higher ranked players.” - Karina Tyma
Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) v Ka Yi Lee (HKG)
Ka Yi played a very steady and consistent match, but it was the young Egyptian that came through to win 3-1 using an array of creative winners and great lengths to force her opponent deep.
“I feel great and very happy with my performance. I kept my focus well after the third game and I was very happy that the last game was quick! I have played Nadine before and I lost 3-1 so it will be a very tough match.” - Fayrouz Aboelkheir
Lily Taylor (ENG) v Nicole Bunyan (CAN)
Lily unfortunately caught a stomach illness and has been unwell for the last 2 days leaving her very weak for her match. Taking nothing away from Nicole’s win, but this match was not the competitive match that we all expected. It is always a shame when a player gets injured or ill during a tournament and this was Lily’s first trip to NYC. We hope that Lily recovers soon and can maybe at least see a little of NY before she leaves.
“I was trying to length the rallies. I could tell that Lily wasn’t quite right from the beginning. I was trying to get into it and get some good rallies going but Lily was hanging back and I ended up almost feeding her shots to T off from! I am happy to get through, a bit unexpected as Lily is a solid player but she was clearly under the weather today. I play Hollie tomorrow and I lost to her in the semi in Canada last week, so I am excited to have another crack at her!!” - Nicole Bunyan
Marina Stefanoni (USA) v Sana Ibrahim (EGY)
Marina went 2-0 up in this match and was definitely the more consistent and focused player, finding her targets in the back. It was in the third that Marina started to make some errors and Sana was the player that was more consistent and steady and she won 11-4. In the fourth it was still Sana that controlled the game and after Marina accidently hit Sana on the thigh, Sana was even mmore aggressive in her play and took the fourth 11-7. Marina got her game back in the fifth but it was a battle until the end and Marina squeezed the win at 11-8 in the fifth.
"I feel great. I’ve never played this tournament before so it’s really nice to play and win the 1st round. I thought I played well. Sana takes advantage of all opportunities so I had to be very tidy and I fought hard. I’ve had a couple of 5 gamers recently so it’s nice to know that I can push to the end. I am excited to play Siva tomorrow. I played her in college Nationals in the semis and lost in 3 but towards the end it was close, so I am excited for a rematch.” - Marina Stefanoni
Hana Moataz (EGY) v Nadia Pfister (SUI)
Hana started the match on fire and completely in control, dominating the T and keeping Nadia under the thumb. All credit to Nadia, at 2-0 down she came out in the third forcing herself forward on the court which enabled her to volley and take time away from Hana. Hana also looked as though she had taken her foot off the gas after winning the first 2 games relatively comfortably. Nadia played an array of wonderful shots and took the third 11/4 in a pretty decisive manner. The fourth was a great game that stayed even all the way through until Hana grasped last few points just when it really mattered to win 3-1.
"I am really happy. I haven’t played a professional tournament in a while. I have only played college squash recently so I’m excited to be back playing on tour, I am senior now at college. Nadia is a really good player, I haven’t played her before and I’m really happy I got through. I’m really excited to play Olivia. I have played her for about 5 or 6 years, so I’m really looking forward to it.” - Hana Moataz
