With qualifier action under way, Rochester was treated to a sneak peak of what the rest of the squash world is to expect in the years to come. This qualifier draw on Thursday was teeming with world class junior talent most of who have represented their nations in the junior rankings emerging as champions and are now making their way into the senior squash circuit.
The morning session saw one of the three locals and also a UR squash team member, freshman Jim Bristow, comfortably make it to the next round beating Colombian Esteban Espinal. Jim met fellow Englishman, Chris Tasker-Grindley in the next round and fought through a long and breathtaking first game. In the end Chris prevailed and took the match to qualify for the main draw.
Another young lad from England (and probably the youngest in this tournament), Alex Ingham, shone in his first ever PSA match overcoming Ben Oliner through some very patient rallies and a hard fought match. He continued his great form in the evening beating Arturo Castillo from Mexico to end the day on a successful note and enter the main round. Rochester prediction: Watch out for Alex Ingham in the years to come!
Canadian Matt Serediak overcame young Karim Samy from Egypt who had earlier won his first match against UR team member Yohay Wakabasyashi. But Karim wasn’t having the best day trying to ward off an illness and finally succumbed to Matt’s play.
The Englishmen were having a great run as James Snell continued his great form from the morning to beat Bernard Reid and earn a place in the main draw.
For pictures/video of the qualifier action check out the photos section.
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