New English U11 Champions crowned

Day two of the English U11 Championships in Manchester as two new champions were crowned … Stephen Wright reports …

Boys Quarter Finals

No1 Seed Perry Malik was given a stern test in his quarter final match against Max Forster. The first 2 games were close with Malik clinching them 11-9, 11-6, Max Forster dug in to take the third game 8-11. Not willing to let his chance slip away Malik came out strong in the fourth winning 11-7 letting out a loud ‘COME ON’ and booked his place in the last 4.

Sam Todd wasted no time in his quarter final beating Nathan Mead 3-0. Mead was competitive in each game however Todd had too much in his arsenal for Mead to deal with and claimed his spot in the semis.

Joshua Perkins came from 2-1 behind against Benjamin Sockett in his quarter final match to progress through to the semi final. Perkins will play Jared Carter who dispatched of another opponent in impressive style beating last years runner up Jack Mitterer 11-4, 11-3, 11-2.

Girls Semi-finals

Keira Marshall picked up right from where she left off as she dispatched of yet another higher seed. 3/4 seed Margot Prow was unable to stop Marshall moving in to the final. Marshall played some superb squash in the first 2 games winning 11-3, 11-4. Prow did put up a tough fight in the third however Marshall clinched the game 11-9 making it 3-0.

Unseeded Olivia Taylor has made sure her name will be one to remember as the unseeded player had another remarkable victory, this time beating 5/8 seed Lucinda Cross in an epic 5 set match.

Boys Semi-Finals

Another name to remember from the Pontefract dynasty, Sam Todd. Todd made his place in the final secure after beating No1 Seed Perry Malik in a convincing victory. The first match was close with Todd winning 11-8 however in the second and third he took his game to the next level and won 11-2, 11-5 to ensure a 3-0 victory.

Jared Carter steamed into the final after punishing his opponent in the semi-final. Joshua  Perkins who had had a great tournament so far was unable to match an in form Carter who won 11-5, 11-5, 11-2.

Finals

Keira Marshall made sure that her appearance in the final was worthwhile as she took only 13 minutes to beat Olivia Taylor and take the title of champion.

Marshall started well taking the first game 11-3 and never looked back taking the next two game 11-1 & 11-4. Although Taylor will be disappointed in her last match of the tournament she can take real heart from her performances over the weekend.

The boys final was set to be a close one on paper as both player arrived in the final yet to drop a game.

The first game was close with both player neck and neck at 9-9 but Carter was able to just go that extra bit and won the first 11-9. In the second Carter started to read Todd’s game and was soon retrieving excellently, forcing Todd to lose cheap points and eventually the game 11-1.

Todd fought courageously in the third but again could find no answer to Carters game and Carter took the last 11-8 and the title of Boys Under 11 Champion 2012. No doubt these two names will be around for a while and will be in many more finals together.

Overall it must be said that the tournament was a major success and a thoroughly enjoyable for all those who took part. Thanks again to the players, parents, coaches and referees for a great weekend.

Stephen Wright

Bu11 Results | Boys Under 11 Later Stages | Girls Results