[6] Patrick Rooney (ENG) 3-1 Bailey Malik (ENG) 7-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-7 (51m)
Interesting match that.
Both have the same style of squash: clean, fair, and fast, looking to lengthen the rallies while attacking to put the opponent under pressure, enough to force them to find the tin and look for a winner.
Patrick sometimes goes for too much – as he doesn’t need to – and allows his opponent to score free points a bit too often. For example, in the 3rd game, Bailey’s 7 points on the scoreboard are freebies, 6 unforced errors and a conceded stroke. By then, the Malik Team Mate was a bit tired, but had he had a bit more gas under the foot, the match could have turned.
Very good performance I thought from the 19 years old Bailey. I was impressed by his poise, his laid-back movement and skills. Once he gets the physical side right, he could create a few upsets pretty quickly.
Nice to see Patrick on court, I hadn’t seem him for a while, and he is one of those players I truly enjoy watching.
Patrick
I usually hit more errors than what I did today, so I wasn’t thinking too negatively about the tin. A lot of my shots were going in.
The first game I could’ve been more attacking, I gave him too many opportunities round the back of the court which is why I got the game I felt.
Then once I started using the front of the court more I was able to get more points on the board. I tried to stay infront of him as much as i could which was a good tactic I thought.
Nice match overall happy with how I played.
