Toronto (ON) – Friday was the last day of the squash competition at the Pan American Games in Toronto and the Canadians saved the best for last. Having clinched a spot in the Finals in both the Men’s and Women’s Team event the day earlier, the Canadians had guaranteed at least two more silver medals and a medal in every squash event.
The final day saw the women play the USA in the gold medal match, while the men took on Mexico. Here’s what unfolded:
Toronto (ON) – Friday was the last day of the squash competition at the Pan American Games in Toronto and the Canadians saved the best for last. Having clinched a spot in the Finals in both the Men’s and Women’s Team event the day earlier, the Canadians had guaranteed at least two more silver medals and a medal in every squash event.
The final day saw the women play the USA in the gold medal match, while the men took on Mexico. Here’s what unfolded:
Women vs USA
Match #1 – Olivia Blatchford def Hollie Naughton 3-0 (11-4, 12-10, 11-8)
Second strings Hollie Naughton and Olivia Blatchford took to the court first to start off our gold medal matches. Olivia claimed the silver medal in the Women’s Individual event, but Hollie had the latest win, defeating Blatchford in a WSA final in December.
Their first game traded points to start before Blatchford pulled away and eventually took it 11-4. Naughton came back firing and really made the second a battle, tying it at 5s, 7s and 10s. A nifty winner from Blatchford and a tin from Hollie gave Blatchford the 12-10 win.
Blatchford opened the third with a 5-2 lead before Naughton battled back to again bring it to 5 all, 6 all, 7 all, 8 all, before the referees were called upon to make a few decisions in a row, each going in Blatchford’s favour to finish the game and match at 11-8.
Match #2 – Amanda Sobhy def Samantha Cornett 3-0 (11-3, 11-2, 11-8)
Team number ones Samantha Cornett and Amanda Sobhy were in match number two, where Cornett knew she was in deep against the Top 10 ranking. Sobhy wasted no time showing the crowd the game that’s made her worthy of her impressive squash feats, and took the first 11-3.
The second game was even more Sobhy, as she ran Cornett around the court, controlling long rallies and making beautiful winning shots. Cornett made a few unforced errors and was unable to find her game, giving the second to Sobhy 11-2.
Timely nice shots from Cornett keep it close in the opening points of the third. Back and forth points had the game tied at 5. Cornett gained momentum with some winning shots, then lost the lead with an unforced error. She was able to battle back and tie it again at 9. A winner by Sobhy and a called stroke at 10-8 gave Sobhy the game, match, and gold medal for the United States.
Match #3 Nikki Todd def Natalie Grainger 11-9, ret
The dead rubber ended up being a close game between the wheels of Nikki Todd versus the incredible shot making of Natalie Grainger, a former World Number 1. The game was back and forth, though it was evident that Grainger was battling her knee ailments and Todd found her confidence. Todd took the first game 11-9, after which Grainger retired.
Congratulations to the women on their silver medal and their performances throughout the Games! The Canadian women walked away from Toronto with two silver medals (Team and Doubles) and a bronze (Singles). Well done ladies!
Team Canada Men vs Mexico
Match #1 Andrew Schnell def Eric Galvez 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-8)
Schnell came out firing but Galvez’s determination and fight didn’t give in easy. There were a lot of long rallies ended with beautiful winners, where Galvez showcased his physicality and finesse. Schnell took the first 11-9, leaving the court to a standing ovation.
The second game saw Schnell find his groove early, jumping to a 5 point lead. Though Schnell seemed to control the rallies and much of the game, Galvez brought the score within two at 9-7. Andrew outlasted in the next two rallies to take the second game 11-7 with another huge cheer from the Canadian fans.
An even bigger start in the third saw Schnell gradually build his lead to 9-3 with lots of controlled rallies and well timed shots. Galvez maintained his composure and gathered four quick points to bring it to 9-7, then 9-8. With the support of the crowd and giving it everything he had left, Schnell closed it out 11-9 to take the match 3-0 and a 1-0 lead for Canada.
Match #2 Shawn Delierre vs Cesar Salazar 3-1 (7-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-7)
Both bronze medalists in the Men’s Individual event, Salazar seemed to catch Delierre off guard to start the match and climbed to a 7-3 lead. Delierre battled back to tie it at 7, but Salazar pulled away again after long, impressive rallies of dives and recoveries from both players. 11-7 Salazar.
Shawn came out to an early lead in the second 4-1, before a classy move of admitting contact on the swing, which led to a let and killer winning shot by Salazar. The physical game continued as the referees were called upon to make a few decisions in a row following long rallies that moved to all corners of the court. Delierre grew the lead to 6-2, before a stroke call to Mexico and a short winner from Delierre pushed it to 7-3. Points traded again to 8-4, before Delierre pulled away with a stunning drop shot and two more winners to take the second 11-4.
The short game was present all game, especially to start the third where shots were moving all around and allowed Delierre to pick up two quick winners and force a tin by Salazar. Through no lack of effort from Salazar, Delierre controlled the third game and came out on top of nearly every long rally, wearing Salazar down with each shot. Third game 11-5 to Delierre.
Salazar started the fourth game having found another gear, this time being the one to capitalize on long rallies and reaching a 7-2 lead. Delierre answered, as he had all match to bring it to 7 all and take the lead at 8-7. To a thunderous crowd he completed the game 11-7 and secured the gold for Canada.
What a performance to end the squash event at the Pan American Games! The men finished the Games with a gold (Team), silver (Doubles) and bronze (Singles). Well done boys!
Squash Canada would like to thank all involved in the Pan American Games including the athletes, coaches, trainers and volunteers who made this event so special and memorable! This was a great showcase of squash talent. Good luck to the rest of the athletes competing in the Games. Go Canada Go!
For full event results, schedules and more, go to: http://results.toronto2015.org/IRS/en/squash/schedule-and-results.htm
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Go Canada Go!
For More Information Contact:
Steve Wren, Acting Executive Director, Squash Canada
Email: swren@squash.ca & swren@datagroup.ca
