High intensity squash causes upsets in the Semi Finals

The North Coast PSA Challenger Tour Semi Finals provided the packed gallery with plenty of high intensity action yesterday. 

In the men’s Semi Finals, Nicolas Calvert and Bryan Lim created upsets in their respective matches. 

Bryan Lim opened against Joe White with a tight first game, before White gained confidence taking out the second and third games. Lim continued to apply pressure by playing at the front of the court and took the fourth and fifth games to record a strong win and progress to the Final. 

Nicholas Calvert continued his impressive form to upset Rhys Dowling in a rollercoaster five games. 

The lengthy rallies pushed both players but Calvert gained the upper hand in the fifth game, as Dowling made too many errors at critical stages of the game. Calvert will now face Bryan Lim in today’s Final.

“I am looking forward to playing Bryan in the Final, we’ve had a lot of quality matches in the past six months, so hopefully today’s is another.”  

In the women’s Semi Final Jessica Turnbull faced Christine Nunn. Turnbull took the first game in a tie break and continued to apply the same pressure to clinch the second. 

Although Nunn made a strong challenge in the third, Turnbull regrouped in the fourth game and didn’t allow any opportunities for Nunn. Turnbull closed the match in four quality games to progress to the Final. 

“It was a really tough match today. It’s always a hard slog against Christine and I’m very happy to take the win today,” said Turnbull. 

In the second women’s Semi Final, Alex Hayden came from behind in the first game against Tamika Saxby. Saxby appeared unsettled early and was unable to find a rhythm in the opening game. 

Saxby raised the intensity in the next two games but Hayden capitalised on Saxby’s errors taking the fourth game and forcing the match to a deciding fifth game. 

Saxby started strongly, taking a sizable lead, applying pressure on Hayden who wasn’t able to bridge the gap. Tamika Saxby will meet Jessica Turnbull in today’s Final. 

“It was a tough match mentally and physically. It wasn’t my best squash but I managed to get the win today,” Saxby said. 

The action continues today at 1pm with the women’s Final, you can watch it live right here: https://bit.ly/3o1Cvr1 

Women’s Semi Finals Results

1 Jessica Turnbull AUS def Christine Nunn AUS 3/1 12/10 11/7 4/11 11/7 (40m)

4 Alex Hayden AUS lost to Tamika Saxby AUS 2/3 11/7  6/11 8/11 11/9  4/11 (55m)

Men’s Semi Finals Results 

1 Joseph White AUS lost to 4 Bryan Lim AUS 2/3 9/11 11/6 11/4 8/11 3/11 (49m)

3 Nicholas Calvert AUS V 2 Rhys Dowling AUS 3/2 11/2 6/11 4/11 11/8 11/4 (55m)

Women’s North Coast Open Final 1pm

Jessica Turnbull AUS V Tamika Saxby AUS

Men’s North Coast Open Final 2pm 

Nicholas Calvert AUS V Bryan Lim AUS