Fallows wins West of Ireland

West of Ireland Open 2019 : FINAL

[1] Richie Fallows (Eng) 3-0 Nathan Lake (Eng)  11-4, 11-5, 11-8 (35m)

Top seed Fallows wins all-English final

David Noone reports

A packed house in Galway for the final, rightfully so after the squash that both players had produced all week.

Richie had a slightly smoother run and was likely to be fresher than Nathan, who had a monster 83-minute semifinal..

From the start it was evident that as long as Richie could control the middle of the court he would dictate. Nathan dug deep, as you’d expect from the seasoned pro, but the first two games escaped him rather quick.

In the third he sparked a bit, pushing his trusting straight length to better effect. He got in front, attacked well but Richie was able to match him. Slightly too good when it mattered, Fallows closed out the third and the match. An impressive display today and all week. He follows in the footsteps of Ali Farag, Simon Rosner and many more top talented players to win this event.

He was well supported by the juniors all week, testament to his likability off the court.

A great week of inspiring squash played in great spirit. A huge thanks to the sponsor and all involved.

Previous WOI events

SEMIS : Top two through in Galway

David Noone reports

A big day of squash in Galway Lawn Tennis club today. Some of the pros were kind enough to spend time with local juniors, inspiring for so many of them! Three squash events operating, junior club champs, west of Ireland graded event and most importantly the big semi finals which didn’t disappoint.

[1] Richie Fallows (ENG) 3-0 [4] Patrick Rooney (ENG) 

The crowd were definitely hoping to see a few more games in this match, quality exchanges but Fallows pushing harder to take the important points.

Some frustration from Patrick in the dying few rallies, he would definitely have liked to squeeze the 3rd and test himself further.

Richie will be fresh for his opponent, Nathan Lake, who may struggle to recover after his marathon.

[2] Nathan Lake (ENG) 3-2 [3] Sebastien Bonmalais (FRA)

Seb got off to a lightening start, hardly allowing the ball reach the back wall. He was certainly pushing the pace, volleying everything!! Nathan was up to the task, they traded points for two games.

The third took a turn as Nathan looked to be struggling.. He somehow managed to find a second wind, clinging on to get the 4th.

All odds were against him in the 5th but he showed how important experience is at the top level, fighting point by point to 9-9. Then it’s anyone’s match.

Seb was so athletic, so quick. Brilliant to watch. Couldn’t quite hold off the tenacious Englishman, winning it in 83 minutes.

QUARTERS : Top four seeds through to semis

David Noone reports

[1] Richie Fallows (ENG) 3-1 Mark Fuller (ENG) 

What seemed to be a straight forward enough first two and a half games for Richie turned into quite a battle. A great come back from Fuller to take the third, pushed all the way in the fourth but fell at the business end hurdle. Some lovely squash from both, Fallows will be happy to have avoid a fifth game hustle …

[4] Patrick Rooney (ENG) 3-0 Harry Falconer (ENG) 

Patrick carried on from where he left off yesterday, in control of all areas. Never looking too troubled by the young Englishman he cruised into the semifinals with some beautiful delays on his shots. Pulled off a few ‘slow boast winners’ too, always a treat to watch.

[3] Sebastien Bonmalais (FRA) 3-1 [7] Robert Downer (ENG)

A really enjoyable match from a spectators point of view, maybe not so much fun on the court as they both worked incredibly hard!! Not one decision to be made the whole match, great example for the onlooking juniors.

Quality squash, high intensity and sublime shot making from both. Sebastian’s class and athleticism seeing him through.

[2] Nathan Lake (ENG) 3-0 Aqeel Rehman (AUT) 

Steady squash from the Cheltenham pro, solid technique and strong movements allowed him to control the middle of court. Commanding line hitting with enough control to hold and break down the Austrian’s rhythm. Second seed safely through to the semis.

Round TWO

David Noone reports

Richie Fallows 3-0 Nick Wall

A 1pm start in Galway, not the best time to gather a crowd for a match that promised fireworks. The match up didn’t disappoint. A 3-0 victory for Fallows, close in the 2nd and third but Richie always looking the more likely victor. The quality definitely ramped up as the match went on, Nick showing off his talent in a few firey exchanges but the top seed is through to the quarter final..

Mark Fuller 3-1 Abhay Singh

An upset to the seedings in the second match of the day.. A testing match with long and patient rallies. The third game saw far too many errors from the Indian player, Fuller happy to capitalise and close out the game. He carried his momentum into the 4th, an impressive performance to get into the quarters.

Robert Downer 3-1 Joseph White 

A battle of attrition between these two, great quality in parts with serious athleticism on display. Could have went either way, Robert, the higher seed sealing his place in the next round..

Sebastien Bonmalais 3-0 Enzo Corigliano 

Exhibition style squash from the flamboyant French men. A treat to watch, one sided contest though..

Patrick Rooney 3-0 Hugo Varela 

Beautiful flowing squash from the Liverpudlian player allowed him to control the points when it mattered. A very close 1st, more expressive 2nd and 3rd but ultimately too good from Patrick.

Harry Falconer 3-1 Sean Conroy 

Really enjoyable match for the spectators. All the will of the crowd not enough to see the Irishman through.. Inspiring squash for the juniors, enviable for the seniors. A potentially impressive comeback for Sean in the 4th, 10-6 match ball down, could have pushed a 5th but unfortunately didn’t.

Aqeel Rehman 3-0 Farkas Balazs 

Disastrous start for Farkas, luggage not coming off the plane (second time this month) for the Hungarian.. Bad prep for a hard match against a hungry Aqeel. Never comfortable for Farkas, clinical from the Austrian!

Nathan Lake 3-0 Miles Jenkins 

A little bit argy bargy in parts, tough squash with really good ball control from both. Nathan showing a bit more resilience, a bit more experience.