Men’s $6k Women’s $2k PSA Challenger, 15-17 Jul, Crawley, England
Day TWO : the women’s event concluded as Georgina Kennedy continued her run of form, beating Torrie Makin in the semis and Grace Gear in the final.
The men’s final saw second seed Richie Fallows beatBen Coleman to take the title.
Day ONE : A busy Day One in Crawley, which saw plenty of early upsets in the men’s event while the women’s event went mostly to seeding.
Joe Lee took out top seed James Willstrop to join 2/3/4 seeds Richie Fallows, Ben Coleman and Rui Soares in the last four while Georgina Kennedy and Torrie Malik – Sumner’s older sister – both upset seeds to set up a women’s semi. Top seed Alicia Mead faces Grace Gear in the other women’s semik.
Willstrop heads Sumner Malik Memorial seedings
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event, which will be held at K2 in Crawley, England, is allowing only those living in the United Kingdom to participate in the Challenger 10 and 3 level draws.
Despite being a former World No.1, there are no expectations ahead of the Sumner Malik Memorial for James Willstrop, top seed, as the Englishman returns to the Tour for the first time since the end of 2020, following a lengthy six-month break since his last appearance on the circuit, his first event since the passing of our beloved Malcolm Willstrop, his dad.
“There’s a little bit of trepidation in all honesty. I have no idea what it is going to be like but I am looking forward to just having a game of squash to be honest. I am keeping myself quite light about it, I just want to enjoy having a game. There is no pressure, I am too old for that,” Willstrop said.
“Pressure is not part of the deal at the moment. After what we have been through with Malcolm, it puts everything into perspective. I just want to enjoy playing the game.
“Dare we say it, we can try to get on with things and start playing squash tournaments again, that is reason to celebrate and to be happy. I am not going to get wound up as I am untested and untried at the moment. I am not flying at the moment so just to get out there and play is precious for me. There aren’t any expectations to be honest.”
