Canada Upsets Hong Kong at World Men’s Team Championships in Mulhouse, France
OTTAWA (ON) – The Canadian Men’s National Squash Team faced another close match today in the 9th through 16th place consolations playoffs at the World Men’s Team Championships in Mulhouse, France, as they upset the tournament #10 seeds Hong Kong.
Canada Upsets Hong Kong at World Men’s Team Championships in Mulhouse, France
OTTAWA (ON) – The Canadian Men’s National Squash Team faced another close match today in the 9th through 16th place consolations playoffs at the World Men’s Team Championships in Mulhouse, France, as they upset the tournament #10 seeds Hong Kong.
After yesterday’s loss to the heavily favoured Egyptians, the young Canadians were looking to capitalize on their good showing against the World’s best and ride that momentum into the Hong Kong match. Dane Sharp started off the action in the #2 spot, taking on Hong Kong’s Leo Au. After jumping ahead in the match with an 11-4 win in the first, Dane fell three straight 11-4, 11-6, 12-10 to give the win to Au.
Shawn Delierre faced Max Lee for what was expected to be a close second match, as both are ranked within the World Top-40. Knowing Canada needed the win to force a third and deciding match, Delierre came out strong with an 11-5 opening game win. Despite a strong effort from Lee in the second, Delierre was able to fend him off and take the straight game win 12-10 and 11-5 to tie the encounter at 1.
It all came down to David Letourneau, the 24 year old from Calgary who is competing in his first World Team Championships, taking on Cheuk Yan Tang. Letourneau has played solid squash throughout the event, and started off the same with a strong 11-1 win. His confidence and good play continued, as he too was able to finish the match in straight games and secure the win for Canada.
Team Canada looks forward to their next match on Friday, which will pits them against 14th seed Pakistan. Despite falling off in world rankings as of late, Pakistan was once a dominant force in international squash. Their last medal was in 1995, but Pakistan has finished in the Top-3 on 12 occassions, including 4-straight World Team Titles from 1981-1987.
This match against Pakistan will be tough but winnable for Canada, who hopes to secure their spot in the 9th place playoff on Saturday.
For More Information Contact:
Danny Da Costa, Executive Director, Squash Canada
Tel: 613 731 7385 x 2301
Email: ddacosta@squash.ca
