NOTICIAS
Octubre 17. PSA Miguel Rodríguez (Col) - Arturo Salazar (Mex) 10-12,12-10,11-5,11-7 (65m)
The two best altitude players were the protagonists of the final of the Ecuador Squash Open; where the Colombian Rodriguez conquered his second title in Ecuador, the 4th PSA title in a row and his 16th career title after playing an exquisite match.
The final was extraordinary and vibrant. The two initial games were defined by a tie break that left the players and the crowd without air. The first ball of the match lasted about 3 minutes, showing the tonic the match was going to have. The rallies were admirable because the players combined a varied display of balls with constant pressure. Both players had consistent killer shots but both players picked up every single attack from one another in any corner of the court. Salazar had the lead in the first two games but Rodriguez forced the tie break definition and lost the first game. In the second game he obtained a partial parity that would be the breaking point of the match. The match so far had lasted 50 extenuating minutes. Rodriguez attacked constantly in the third game and Salazar played exhausted and with no reaction to respond against the Colombians strategy. By the fourth game, luck was on the Colombians side; the Mexican tried to close the difference but the match was already in Rodriguez’s hand. Rodriguez portrayed his best game with an impeccable strategy and conquered his 16th PSA title in his 5 years as a professional.
The Brazilian Serafini wins her first WISPA title.
WISPA Thaisa Serafini (Bra) - Milou Van der Heijden (Ned) 13-11,11-6,11-9 (30m) The Brazilian Serafini won her first WISPA title after defeating the Dutch Van der Heijden in an outstanding final. The first game was highly disputed, although of constant the initial mistakes as a result of nerves from both players. Van der Heijden was leading the game, when Serafini found her rhythm and tied the game after losing 4-9 and forced a tie break. She then became more secure and precise, especially by attacking with back hand drops after anticipating with volleys. The Dutch seemed tired in the second game, while the Brazilian started building her triumph with attack and speed. On the other hand, Van Der Heijden became imprecise with her drops that are her best shot.
The final game was very emotive, and although the Brazilian took the lead with her drop shots and constant lengths and cross courts, the Dutch gave her final effort to fight for the match. She began to risk and was on the edge of conquering the game 9-10 but unfortunately a bad shot caused a stroke that finished the match. Serafini became the winner of the Ecuador Squash Open and proved to be an example of discipline, constancy and maturity.
Octubre 16. Serafini and Van der Heijden in WISPA final. Rodriguez and Salazar in PSA final in Quito.
WISPA Thaisa Serafini (Bra) vs Nayelly Hernández (Mex) 6-11,11-7,11-6,11-4 (31m). More consistent and with a stronger endurance, the Brazilian Serafini conquered a place in the WISPA final after implementing a highly strategic game plan. She played insecure in the first game; she even gave a 0-5 lead, meanwhile Hernandez attacked, varied her game with precise shots and won the first game. For the second game Hernandez was consistent but Serafini began to get in tone and tranquility and gained advantage over her opponent who lost strength by the end of the game. The Brazilian played with tight lengths and drops on the right side that eventually wore the Mexican. In this way, Serafini passed on to the next round of the Ecuador Squash Open.
PSA Arturo Salazar (Mex) vs Sthefane Galifi (Ita) 11-4, 11-7,11-8 (31m) Very focused, the Mexican Salazar with great patience and pressuring rhythm passed to the final of the Ecuador Squash Open after the Italians unforced errors were persistent. Galifis errors became frustrating, and as a result the lack of precision gave a 2-0 lead to the Mexican. It was only until the third game that the Italian managed to impose his exceptional game, and after an 8-8 score he once again became frustrated after a doubtful shot that only provoked more errors from him. As a result, Salazar entered the final of the Ecuador Squash Open; tournament he won in 2008.
WISPA Milou Van der Heijden (Ned) vs Ivonne Díaz (Mex)11-6,4-11,12-10,11-9 (33m) It was the combination of a mill metric precision in front of the court plus the outstanding security to attack that gave the Dutch Van der Heijden the match against the strength and delivery of the Mexican Diaz. In the first game, Van der Heijden anticipated constantly and played successive drive drop shots that gained her the advantage. Nonetheless, for the second game the Mexican started to move the Dutch all round the court with strong cross courts and lengths tying the match. The best game was the third because it was very tight, with minimum errors, highly intense and was only resolved in the end when Van der Heijden pressured with cross courts. In the fourth game, the advantage became clear when the Dutch gained security once again leading 9-6, but the Mexican Diaz gained strength and tied the score to 9 all. Despite of this effort an unfortunate stroke gave the much deserved match to the Dutch.
PSA Miguel Rodríguez (Col) vs César Salazar (Mex) 11-8-11-5,11-6 (33m). The Mexican played with high standards, attacking the ball from every corner but encountered an inspired Colombian who thanks to his reaction capacity anticipated and picked up every attack made by the Mexican. The first game was the tightest; the Colombian was clear, proposed the rhythm and generated brilliant balls that they were lifted by the Mexican. Nonetheless, the difference was made when the Colombian controlled the long rallies. The second game displayed a wide variety of shots from the Mexican, but Rodriguez picked up with brilliance every single ball from the Mexican causing frustration and exhaustion by him. By the third game, Rodriguez had a 6-0 lead but Salazar reacted, he gave his all but it was insufficient against the effectiveness of the Colombian who reached his second final of the Ecuador Squash Open.
October 15. Second round PSA/WISPA
WISPA Ivonne Díaz (Mex) vs Karina Heredia (Mex) 11-5,11-9,11-4 (24m)
After a rough beginning, the smallest in height but with a consistent and secure game, the 23 years old Mexican, Ivonne Diaz managed to relax and force errors from her rival, the Mexican Heredia who played anxious and couldn’t find the way to attack. For the second game, Heredia, 29, played focused, controlled her attack and gained advantage, but Diaz came back and attacked with strength and won the game. With this advantage, Heredia’s disappointment was evident and lost the match against Diaz.
PSA César Salazar (Mex) - Marck Krajsack (Hun) 6-11,11-2,11-5,11-1 (42m) The Mexican started the match with no rhythm and lost the first game to Krajsack. Nonetheless, the next consecutive games she managed to pressure his opponent with long cross courts and lengths combined with killer drop shots that eventually frustrated the Hungarian Krajsack. The Hungarian exhibited great solvency in the front of the court, but he became imprecise when he started to lose his air.
WISPA Nayelly Hernández (Mex) vs Imelda Salazar (Mex) 11-13,11-5,9-11,11-7,11-3 (54m). The best match of the Women’s Draw was held today between the two Mexicans, Hernandez and Salazar. It took almost an hour to resolve a match that had a constant proposal of lengths and cross courts combined with great physical reaction and long rallies. In the first game, an unfortunate hit defined the tie break, but onwards Hernandez was more precise and managed to tie the game. Nonetheless, Salazar played more aggressively and won the third game. The parity arrived in the fourth due to Hernandez’s tranquility. For the final game the constant errors and tins made by Salazar gave Hernandez the lead.
PSA Arturo Salazar (Mex) Jonathan Ramos (Mex) 11-4,11-5,11-3 (29m)
The consistency, security and experience from Salazar made a rapid difference against his compatriot that became the tournaments revelation after arriving from the qualy round. Salazar pressured with a varied game, moving his rival all around the court, attacking with precision and changing the rhythm of every shot.
WISPA Thaisa Serafini (Bra) Alex Clark (Sco) 11-3,11.9,11-4 (24m)
The Scottish player, 23, seemed impotent against the deep and varied game of the best South American player of the moment. The Brazilian Serafini seemed serious, technical and precision. The Scottish tried to prove her talent and strength, but had to decline against the Brazilians movements in court.
PSA Stephane Galifi (Ita) Gonzalo Mirada (Arg) 11-6,11-9,11-9 (33m) With great effort and sacrifice the Argentinean proved his maturity and experience against the Italian Galifi, who at his 32, exhibits a great talent to walk the court and surprises his opponents with every shot. It was a great exhibition from the Italian and a demonstration of the Argentineans physical strength.
WISPA Milou Van der Heijden (Ned) vs Pamela Ankerman (Gua) 12-11,11-2,11-5 (25m) The constant pressure on front of the court from the Dutch Van der Heijden finished the Guatemalans illusion that played a good first game, but couldn’t keep her rhythm the following games. The Dutch pressured constantly and eventually wore out her opponent.
PSA Miguel Rodríguez (Col) vs Eric Tepoz (Mex) 11-1,10-12,11-4,11-3 (36m)The solvency and velocity of the Colombian were fundamental in defeating the strength of the Mexican Tepoz. The first game was clear, but for the second game, Tepoz played more precise, waited for the Colombians errors and tied up the match. By the following two games the Colombian had patience to wait for the precise moments to attack, committed no mistakes and picked every shot up. The No. 1 seed of the tournament showed his exceptionality.
Octubre 14. Draws de PSA y WISPA
Ramos (Mex) - Hamilton (Can) 11-4, 8-11,11-8,11-8 (47m)
The unforced errors committed by Hamilton defined the path of the match. In some moments, he played consistently and added points, yet, after three straight wins came three straight errors that finished the match. The Mexican Ramos, 20, proved today he is the tournaments revelation by advancing to the second round with amazing physical strength and consistent patience that gave him the victory.
Salazar (Mex) vs De Paul (Mex) 11-4,13-11,11-7 (22m)
With a great level, playing every point with patience and serenity the Mexican Salazar was overwhelming in the three consecutive games against his compatriot De Paul.
Tepoz (Mex) vs Truswell (Eng) 11-5,11-9,11-9 (37m)
Tepoz’s consistency defeated the English’s height who played an imprecise match since the beginning. When the English found the way to control the bounce of the ball, it was already too late. Tepoz committed no mistakes; he was practical, accelerated his shots in the precise moments and made his way to the next round.
Krajcsak (Hun) vs Torres (Col)5-11,11-6,11-5,11-2(40m)
The constant collision between these two players disfavored the technical game that was being exhibited. The Hungarian imposed his shots from the back with long cross courts and lengths that were combined with rhythm changes. This strategy wore out the talented Colombian, who at the end of the match lost his focus due to his constant conversations with the referee.
Miranda (Arg) - Brinkman (Can) 11-7,11-7,11-4 (31m)
The Argentinean Miranda, 20, showed how his capacity to reach every single shot was overwhelming and fast. It was only 2 years ago that he became a professional and today he passed on to the second round. Brinkman exhibited a classical game, with minimum attack allowing the Argentinean to win.
Galifi (Ita)- Facchini (Ita) 13-11,11-5,11-7 (34m)
The two Italian veterans, 32 and 38, showed their great level. Galifis strategy was stronger because he waited patiently to attack and deceived his opponent with various unpredictable balls that gave him the victory.
Rodríguez (Col) vs Ravelli11-6,11-8,11-4 (24m)
The traditional velocity of the Colombian to pick up every single winning shot of his opponent and transform them into his winning shots proved his superiority against the Dutch who arrived from the qualy draw.
C.Salazar(Mex) - Chacón (Ecu) 11-8,11-5,11-7 (29m)
The hope of the local crowd with his best player was evaporated by the security and physical strength of the Mexican player, who summed winning balls, pressured his rival consistently and wore the local player out slowly. Chacon showed his best game, but couldn’t defeat the solid Mexican.
Anckerman (Gua) - Guarderas (Ecu) 11-2,11-0,11-2(17m)
The Guatemalan imposed her experience agaisnt the debut of local player Guarderas aged 15.
Díaz (Mex) vs Walker (Ecu)11-4,11-3,11-6(16m)
The Mexican, who was adapting to the environment, was clear against the Ecuadorian veteran player, who in spite of her age and being the mother of two teenagers showed there’s no age for playing squash.
Heredia (Mex) vs Ponce (Ecu) 11-5,11-7,11-3 (18m)
The clarity and experience of the Mexican Heredia allowed her to advance to the next round after defeating the Ecuadorian player. Ponce played her best but couldn’t respond against the strength and power of the Mexican.
Salazar (Mex) vs Suquillo (Ecu)11-2,11-1,11-9 (19m)
With only 14, the Ecuadorian player Suquillo played against the experienced and strong Mexican Salazar who used the match to get accustomed to the altitude.
Van der Heijden (Ned) vs Costa (Bra)11-2,11-3,11-6 (18m)
The No. 1 seed of the tournament, the Dutch Van der Heijden played with power and precise drops defeating the Brazilian Costa, 20, who played with her best attitude in her second WISPA tournament.
Serafini (Bra) - Bueno (Ecu) 11-1,11-4,11-2 (18m)
The Young Ecuadorian, 14, gained experience after playing against the best South American player, the Brazilian Thaisa Serafini who showed her squash level and passed to the next round.
Hernández (Mex) - Dávila (Ecu) 11-2,11-4,11-2 (17m)
Security, varied shots and minimum mistakes were portrayed today by the Mexican Hernandez who defeated the No. 1 Ecuadorian player, 19, who couldn’t minimize her opponent’s strategy in her WISPA debut.
Octuber 13th. Qualy is defined
Two Mexicans, one Dutch and one Colombian obtained the four most desired positions of the qualy draw that was disputed on the two initial days of competition. This exceptional beginning promises an unforgettable PSA and WIPSA main draw.
De Paul (Mex) - Brinkman(Can) 8-11,11-13,11-7,11-8,11-6 (54m)
In the best match of the night, the Mexican De Paul turned over a 2-0 advantage and defeated the exception Canadian player, Brinkman. The Canadian played with honorability and fair play. It was a fast match, filled with attacks from both players; yet, the Mexican was convinced and won the match.
Ramos (Mex) - López (Mex) 11-6, 11-2, 11-6 (26m) The Mexican Ramos, 20, imposed his rhythm, velocity and display against the solid Lopez, who in spite of his inputting pressure couldn’t win the decisive shots that gave advantage to his compatriot.
Torres (Col) - Martínez (Mex) 14-12,11-7,12-10 (41m) This was an intense and well played match. Both players had possibilities but it was the Colombian who seized every definition allowing him to have the advantage over a leveled match. The Colombian didn’t allow the Mexican Martinez to take advantage in the key moments of the match.
Ravelli (Ned) - Romero (Ecu) 11-6,11-3,11-5 (21m) Once again the Dutch proved his solvency and precision, imposing a technical game against the delivery of the only Ecuadorian who passed on to the next qualifying round. The Ecuadorian gave his all but couldn’t decipher a strategic plan to defeat the Dutch.
Octuber 13th. Today the finals qualifiers are defined.
The Mexican representation will be present in the four keys in search of the conquer of the main draw.
Brinkman(Can) – De Paul (Mex)
López (Mex) – Ramos (Mex)
Martínez (Mex) – Torres (Col)
Olguín (Mex) – Ravelli (Ned)
October 12th .Mexicans advance and are the qualy favorites
Ramos(Mex)-Lalama (Ecu) 11-5,11-9,11-3 24m With a stronger endurance the Mexican inaugurated the tournament with his debut in this important event.
Martínez (Mex)-Merino (Ecu)11-2,11-4,12-10 (19m) Martinez’s experience was more clear against his Young local opponent, who debuted in the PSA with on 15.
López (Mex) – Guarderas (Ecu) 11-3,11-5,11-7 (26m) The local player tried to advance, but the Mexican imposed his rhythm, managed timing and entered the final qualy draw.
Torres (Col) - Rodríguez (Ecu) 11-7,11-6,11-3 (23m) Convinced of his proposal, the Colombian passed on to the next round against the passion of the local player. He`s consistency was superior.
Romero (Ecu)- Olguín (Mex) 9-11,11-5,11-1,11-5 (31m) The Ecuadorian Romero concentrated and he became the only local player to pass on to the final qualy round.
DePaul (Mex) – Dávila (Ecu) 11-1, 11-5, 11-8 (24m) A good exhibition from the Ecuadorian Davila that is just starting. Nonetheless, De Paul proved his Mexican blood and has wide expectations.
Ravelli (Ned) – Castro (Ecu) Dynamic and strong, the Dutch Ravello demonstrated his higher level in round one.
Brinkman (Can) – Mariño (Ven) The Venezuelan played his best game, but the Young Canadian managed to win despite of the altitude and won the decisive points.
September 16. WISPA draw ready. One Dutch and one Brazilian lead the draw.
The dutch Van Der Heijden and the Brazilian Serafini will be the two top seeded players of the WISPA main draw of the Ecuador Squash Open. This tournament reunited players from all around the world and promises to be a disputed tournament due to the equal technical level from all the players. The conquest of the women’s title will be enjoyed in October.
The two seeded players will have as rivals, 5 young Mexicans that are known for winning various junior tournaments, they are Imelda Salazar, Ivonne Diaz, Nayelly Hernandez, Graciela Lopez and Karina Heredia. Ecuador will count with the representation of 5 players, Ana Cristiana Davila, Claudia Ponce, Daniela Suquillo, Danna Walker and Maria Jose Guarderas. All the Ecuadorian players are debutants in the WISPA tour.
The draw is also completed by the Brazilian Marina Costa, the Scottish Alex Clark and the American Mei Li Ong.
September 10. Excelent level in the PSA entries.
With a group filled with exquisite squash, led by the best player of the continent; the Colombian Miguel Angel Rodriguez and one of the most charismatic and experienced players from Europe, the Italian Stephane Galifi the draw of the Ecuador Open was sorted.
The top seeds of the Men’s Draw are completed by the Hungarian Mark Krajcsak and the Mexican Salazar brothers who are considered the most optioned candidates for the title accompanied by the two top of the tournament.
Rodriguez will be among the top 25 players by October due to his important triumph of the Colombian Squash Open where he defeated the Finnish Olli Touminen. The Italian Galifi, 32, arrives to the tournament after conquering a pass to the World Championships that will be held in Saudi Arabia.
The Hungarian Krajcsack is enjoying his best moment, currently he’s PSA No. 47. He has been the best player in his country for the past 6 years.
The Salazar brothers are currently the No. 1 and No.1 players of Mexico with only 22 years of age. They have had the best performance in the last 12 months. Arturo is among the top 50 players of the world, while Cesar occupied the No.69 place.
The draw is completed by solid Mexicans Jorge Baltazar and Eric Tepoz, the 22 years old Argentinean Gonzalo Miranda, the 21 years old Canadian Tyler Hamilton, the British Chris Truswell aged 26, and the Italian veteran Jose Facchini with 38s, who reached the No.60 ranking in the PSA.
These are the 11 PSA players that enter the draw due to their rankings; meanwhile the best Ecuadorian player with a wide international experience Juan Sebastian Chacon completes the 12th place of the draw. Chacon won the tournaments wild card after winning the classifying national tournament.
June 2. WISPA and PSA tournaments in the Ecuador Squash Open.
Professional squash returns to the Quito Tenis and Golf Club in October. This time, the tournament will have a PSA Open for men and a Wispa Open for women. It will be a unique opportunity to see the greatest exhibitors of world squash in the fourth edition of the Ecuador Squash Open.
From October 12th until October 17th the courts of the Quito Tennis and Gold Club will welcome the worlds best squash players, who will compete in a level 1 PSA star tour of USD$12,000 and a level 4 WISPA tournament of USD$6,000.
The players from this region will have an exceptional opportunity to advance in the PSA and WISPA rankings with the participation of the best players of the continent.
This event will begin on Tuesday October 12th with two qualy draws, PSA and WISPA, both will have 16 places. The qualy rounds begin on Wednesday October 13th and 4 players will pass to the main draw.
The main draw will be composed of 16 players, they will all dispute round by round starting on Thursday, October 14th, quarterfinals will be played on Friday October 15th, semifinals on Saturday October 16th and the final on Sunday October 17th.
The Quito Tenis and Gold Club is known for its hospitality, the warmness of the Ecuadorian people and the players will be the especial guests in an unforgettable event.