Stevo47 - that was a good effort for a district tournament to offer that in prizemoney.
I am sure other top players would have been there had they not been chasing the overseas dollars.
What did it take for that tournament to be PSA listed?

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After reading a report on the winners of this tournament it sort of jogged my mind.
I saw the women's final which was between two AIS Scholarship holders.  Both tall girls (the squash players are getting taller by the way, as once to be a bit shorter made for better agility and suited the tactics of the game..) 
The favourite was Peta Hughes who has just been ranked 46 in the WSF rankings - did not work too well under pressure and showed a bit of annoyance - bad idea - and was distracted by Donna (a left hander) who kept fairly cool during the match. 
My comments about the overall play are:

• The technique and fitness of these players is exceptional with a nice clean swing, good volleying, excellent recovery, length generally ok - 90% of the shots went to the back area, with occasional drop shot, a couple of tickle boasts up the front - yep they were running beautifully up and down the court and from side to side, both playing the same game, and trying to beat each other at the same stuff - bad idea.  Very steryotyped I thought.  The sort of play tall people like I suppose too.
  
• For about 4 points in the first game Donna (the winner) hit a few quick angles and Peta sort of had to get into position quickly and did not look too comfortable and was struggling to get into position for the next shot....then, dunno what went through their heads but away they went again up and down, up and down, volley, length, voley drop, length - heavens a little volley boast, or a running boast thrown in would have really changed the game around - but hit and run is so much easier on the brain is all I can think about in my head - boring.

I hope at some stage in the future these girls realise it is about dishing up the game that upsets the opponent's game/style, puts the opponent under pressure of movement, upsets their rhythm, exploits their weakness - you are not playing yourself, you are playing an opponent! 

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The tournament actually carried over $4,000 in cash plus other prizes.

The Mens Open draw had $2,200.00 in cash prizes. and the womens $1,250

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Quote :

"where the centre operator (lessee) is very keen."

Top work =  

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It is a town north of Brisbane ( a one hour drive) on the way to the Sunshine Coast where the centre operator (lessee) is very keen.  The results of the Open went online immediately to be accessed on the net.  The prize was US$500 and the results will be no doubt forwarded onto the selectors.

I asked Dan what he proposed to do in the future with his squash, and he is considering going overseas and looking out for a coaching/playing position. 

Another one bites the dust for Oz!.

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Where on earth is "Caboolture"

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The matches were well fought.  Nathan Stevenson, who played in the World Junior in NZ this year played exceptionally well, and if he keeps going at this rate should go further up the rankings. Well done Nathan to defeat Craig Rowland in five games.

Dan Jenson was the tournament winner in 3 games.  The score did not  reflect  the degree of effort and stroke play that made this match good to watch.

The AIS unit was there to support the tournament.  Once again I must say I am disappointed at the lack of tactical play in many of the games.  The fitness and power is good but the lack of strategy makes for a boring match. ... Well just my opinion of course.

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