New Zealand Open Round Two: Side Courts – Player Reaction

The men’s Robertson Lodges New Zealand Open and the women’s Barfoot & Thompson New Zealand Open continue today in Tauranga and we’ll have reports and reaction from the second round side court matches at the Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre right here.

Canada’s Hollie Naughton and Egypt’s Malak Khafagy kick things off on day two, with the likes of Saurav Ghosal, Adrian Waller, Tinne Gilis and Tesni Evans all in action.

You can watch all the action from the Devoy Centre here, while live scoring is available here.

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Order of Play
(All times are local GMT+13)

13:00 – Malak Khafagy (EGY) v [7] Hollie Naughton (CAN)
13:45 – Andrew Douglas (USA) v [8] Sebastien Bonmalais (FRA)
14:45 – [6] Tesni Evans (WAL) v [WC] Kaitlyn Watts (NZL)
15:30 – [5] Saurav Ghosal (IND) v Leandro Romiglio (ARG)
18:00 – [5] Tinne Gilis (BEL) v Olivia Clyne (USA)
18:45 – Greg Lobban (SCO) v [6] Adrian Waller (ENG)
19:45 – Ka Yi Lee (HKG) v [8] Sabrina Sobhy (USA)
20:30 – [7] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) v Balazs Farkas (HUN)

Naughton Overcomes Tough Khafagy Test

Canada’s Hollie Naughton secured the first win of the day at the Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre, as she got the better of Egypt’s Malak Khafagy in a tight four-game battle.

The pair had never met on Tour, and Khafagy came into the contest off the back of defeating England’s Jasmine Hutton in a surprise result on the opening day.

Naughton started the stronger of the two, and clinched a tight first game 11-8, despite the young Egyptian saving a game ball. The 18-year-old fought back to take the second game, but from there, the Canadian No.1 battled through to win in four, to book her spot in the quarter finals.

“Just happy to get through it really. I woke up this morning feeling a bit flat, and after my hit this morning, I still felt flat, which is not the best way to start a tournament out,” the Canadian admitted.

“I am just really happy that I managed to stick in there and make it tough, and to come out with a win. These kind of wins are the ones that mean the most. I kept saying that to myself. If you can come out with a win when you’re not feeling your best, then it is a successful day.

“There’s so many of them [young Egyptians on Tour] and they’re all so fearless. They used to all have similar games, but I feel like this new batch play very different. Malak was really steady and I thought she mixed the pace really well, which I something a bit different. You just have to be ready to go and to keep trying to do your best against them.

“I am really excited. Luckily I have had some practice on that court [Trustpower Baypark Arena], so I feel quite comfortable on there now. I am just really excited to get back into that stadium. It had a great atmosphere for the Nations Cup, so hopefully it will be the same for the NZ Open this week!”

Result
[7] Hollie Naughton (CAN) bt Malak Khafagy (EGY) 3-1: 11-9, 8-11, 11-6, 11-4 (37m)

Douglas Downs No.8 Seed Bonmalais

USA’s Andrew Douglas caused the first surprise result of the day’s play in Tauranga, as he defeated France’s World No.38 in straight games to move through to the quarter finals. 

The pair had met just six weeks previously at the Cleveland Skating Club Open, where the Frenchman had won in three. This time, however, the American was able to take the opening game, and with it, he held the momentum.

From there, there was only going to be one winner, as the World No.63 dropped just a further seven points over the next two games, taking them 11-4 and 11-3, respectively, to book his spot in the last eight of the Silver level event in Tauranga.

“I feel really good! I feel like I am getting better every tournament, and that’s definitely thanks to my coaches, and to putting in the work every day, and working as hard as I possibly can, so that feels good,” Douglas said.

“On the other hand, I think the conditions definitely suited me today. Seb is really quick, really fast, and today it felt like I was able to use my racket skills a bit more, whereas maybe in Cleveland, I didn’t have the right tactic and the court suited him.

“This will be my first big match, where I wasn’t a wildcard so it feels like I am in a different position! I have played Victor [Crouin] many a time as I am sure both he and I remember, there have been some good matches, and I am just hoping to have another tomorrow, because you never know how many you’re going to get.

“In college, you have all your boys behind you. Here, you have a few friends behind you, but maybe not the same level of support, but I do gain a lot of support from my friends. I have said it before, but the reason I still love squash is because of college squash and the teammates I played with. I will be thinking of them, and thinking of that rivalry we always had tomorrow.”

Result
Andrew Douglas (USA) bt [8] Sebastien Bonmalais (FRA) 3-0: 11-9, 11-4, 11-3 (39m)

Evans Beats Wildcard Watts

Wales’ Tesni Evans is into the quarter finals of the New Zealand Open in Tauranga after getting the better of home favourite Kaitlyn Watts, one of the tournament’s two wildcards.

Watts made it into the second round of the Silver level competition after receiving a walkover from Lisa Aitken, who pulled out of the tournament due to a foot injury.

Evans came in as the No.6 seed, and dropped just nine points in a confident performance, which saw her beat the young Kiwi 11-2, 11-2, 11-5 in just 28 minutes to set up a second clash in three weeks with good friend Sarah-Jane Perry.

“I can’t really complain about how I played today, I was really happy with that. The first match of a tournament is always important to feel confident, and I just wanted to go out there and play my best squash,” the Welshwoman said.

“I think the score was harsh, because we had some really good rallies in there, Kaitlyn was moving really well, so I do think the scoreline was harsh but I thought it was a good match, and some good squash.

“I am looking forward to it [playing Sarah-Jane Perry]. We obviously had a good match in Zurich, and that one went my way. We tend to go back and forth quite a lot so I am hoping that won’t happen this time, but I just know it will be a good match, a fair match, and it will be a battle like we always have. Just looking forward to having another match against SJ, and looking forward to giving it everything I have got.

“I love coming to New Zealand so it has been a real pleasure to come and play a PSA event here for the first time. Obviously, us lot that were watching the Nations Cup, we were all hoping we were able to come down and look at the glass court and play there. It is like starting a new tournament when you get to a new venue, but yeah, I am really looking forward to it. It looks a great set up and hopefully there is a big, drunk crowd watching, because that’s what makes squash great!”

Result
[6] Tesni Evans (WAL) bt [WC] Kaitlyn Watts (NZL) 3-0: 11-2, 11-2, 11-5 (28m)

Romiglio Secures Biggest Win Of Career

Argentina’s Leandro Romiglio is through to the quarter finals of the Silver level Robertson Lodges New Zealand Open after coming through a tough battle against World No.15 Saurav Ghosal.

The Argentine got the better of Martin Svec on day one of the competition, and he started strongly on day two, with his fast-paced game proving to be too much for the Indian No.1 in the early exchanges.

Romiglio was 2-0 and 8-3 up, and looking like he would take the win in straight games, but Ghosal fought back. The Indian won the next eight points to take the third game 11-8, and he then also battled back from 5-0 down in the fourth to win it 11-7, as the Argentine lost his focus.

The World No.68 found himself with a big lead once again in the deciding fifth game. Ghosal threatened to come back once more, but in the end, Romiglio got over the line to secure the biggest win of his career, and to set up a meeting with World No.4 Mohamed ElShorbagy on Friday evening.

“Amazing, amazing! I knew from that the beginning it would be tough, Saurav is so talented, a legend of the game,” Romiglio said.

“I started really solid in the first two games and then he started to play in the third and fourth. He found his way back into the game, and so I am really happy to finish it off in the fifth, really.

“I guess that I didn’t believe that I was up and could convert and win in three. He hit a few good shots, and I think I was up like 8-3 or 8-4. All credit to him to come back in that one, and then in the fourth he came back again. In the fifth I was 5-0 up and he came back, so I need to work on those situations to keep it solid!

“I played here yesterday, and today I felt much better than yesterday. Maybe for him, it was a bit different. I was more confident with the shots into the front, finding the tight balls. I went for a couple of winners and they went in, so that was good for me!

“I am playing Mohamed [ElShorbagy]? Oh! That’s tough! It is going be tough, with ‘the Beast’. We have been training in Prague a bit since he has been training with Greg [Gaultier]. We have been hitting a lot and we all know that Mohamed is Mohamed, so I look forward to spending time with him on court and I am going to go for the win, why not?!”

Result
Leandro Romiglio (ARG) bt [5] Saurav Ghosal (IND) 3-2: 11-7, 11-4, 8-11, 7-11, 11-7 (67m)

Gilis Overcomes Clyne To Advance

Belgium’s No.5 seed Tinne Gilis is through to the quarter finals in Tauranga after getting the better of the USA’s Olivia Clyne in straight games on Wednesday evening.

This was the fourth meeting between the pair on the Tour, with Clyne holding a 2-1 advantage. However, Gilis had won the most recent battle between the pair, which came at the Cleveland Classic at the start of 2022.

It was plain sailing for the Belgian in the opening game, but the second was much tighter, and Gilis had to save a game ball at 10-9 down. She did, and went on to win it 12-10, keeping the momentum in her favour, as she went on to win in straight games.

“Definitely, to have Olivia in the second round, the first match for me, is brutal,” Gilis explained.

“Usually the first round matches are more trying to get into the tournament, but playing a top 20 in the second round is a reality check. You have to make sure you are good from the beginning to the end. I have been here for a couple of weeks now, so I have been really focusing on that match, and that worked pretty well. I am happy to get the win in three.

“I mean, 2-0 and 1-1 is a big difference. 2-0 up, you have more confidence, while at 1-1, the nerves are coming back. That second game was very crucial.

“I am excited, it is an amazing venue. I haven’t played on the court yet, though. Whoever wins, I know it is going to be a hard match. I have never played Salma [Hany] and I played Satomi [Watanabe] for the first time a few weeks ago. They are both very good players, so we will see! I am ready!”

Result
[5] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bt Olivia Clyne (USA) 3-0: 11-5, 12-10, 11-5 (33m)

Waller Exacts Revenge On Lobban

Less than two weeks after losing to the Scotsman in the semi-finals of the City Tattersalls Club Australian Open, England’s Adrian Waller exacted revenge to defeat Greg Lobban in the second round in Tauranga.

That win was Lobban’s first against the Englishman, but it was Waller who started the stronger of the two, securing the first game 11-8. Lobban fought back to take the second game to level it up, but a quick start from the left-hander was crucial at the beginning of the third.

Waller flew into a lead at the start of that third game, one he would not relinquish. He then carried that momentum on into the fourth, which he claimed 11-7, despite a late Lobban run. Waller will now face New Zealand’s Paul Coll in the last eight on Thursday night.

“I guess that is 1-1 in the last two weeks, because of that [the loss in Sydney]. He is a good player and coming off the loss against him, I was eager to do well,” Waller explained.

“I think it was the same gameplans for both of us but the court conditions were completely opposite. Last week in Sydney we played when it was 27 degrees and extremely humid so we could hardly find the front of the court. Today, that was what you wanted to do, the court rewarded short balls, but likewise, if you didn’t get it right then you were going to get punished on the counter.

“I got on a few runs, especially at the beginning of the third, to get too far in front in the game, really, and it helped me relax a little bit. He is always going to stay in there, he is not going to let me have it easily. I knew I was going to have to dig in there and I just got over the line.

“Any player that you play when they’re in front of their home crowd is a joy and it is nice to play in front of keen enthusiastic people. Even if they are not cheering for you, it is nice to be in a good atmosphere. Because I am the underdog, he [Paul Coll] is the home player, I have nothing to lose, so I will try and have. Smile on my face and enjoy the game, and that’s usually when I play my best.”

Result
[6] Adrian Waller (ENG) bt Greg Lobban (SCO) 3-1: 11-8, 6-11, 11-3, 11-7 (43m)

Sobhy Fights Back To Defeat Lee

No.8 seed Sabrina Sobhy had to battle back from being two games down in her opening match of the Barfoot & Thompson New Zealand Open, eventually winning in five against Hong Kong’s Ka Yi Lee.

The Hongkonger got off to a flying start in their contest, having the experience of playing on the glass court at the Devoy Centre yesterday. She moved into the lad thanks to taking the first game 11-8. The second game then went deep into a tie-break, with both women having their chances. Eventually, Lee took it 15-13 to go two games to the good.

However, the American regrouped, and dropped just two points in the third game to bring herself back into the contest. The fourth was much tighter, with Lee trying to end the match, but it was Sobhy that claimed the win in that game as well to send the match into a decider. The American continued with the momentum and went on to take victory, to set up a clash with top seed and home favourite Joelle King in the quarters on Thursday.

“It was tough! She has some of the backhand drop shots I have seen on Tour. She is a smart player as well,” Sobhy said.

“I haven’t been feeling physically safe and sound, so I think I was a bit hesitant in the beginning, and tentative with my movements. I guess, the adrenaline and the desire to persevere to get through to the next round kicked in, and pushed me to keep fighting.

“I was frustrated with my lack of capability of my movement and physicality that I had a couple of tournaments ago. I guess that’s just a part of the journey and the life as a professional, maintaining that physicality and the injury prevention, so that was going through my mind a little bit.

“I am looking forward to it [playing Joelle King] for sure, I am just hoping my body can hold up!”

Result
[8] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) bt Ka Yi Lee (HKG) 3-2: 8-11, 13-15, 11-2, 11-8, 11-7 (49m)

Tamimi Downs Farkas 

Qatar’s Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi was the last man to book his spot in the quarters at the Devoy Centre on Wednesday, after a commanding performance saw him overcome the tricky challenge of Hungarian No.1 Balazs Farkas.

The Hungarian had gotten the better of Al Tamimi’s compatriot, Syed Azlan Amjad, on day one, but the World No.28 was too good for him on the second day of competition in Tauranga.

The first game was tight, with the pair putting on a show for the crowd, but it was the Qatari who was able to clinch it 11-8, and from there, he was in complete control. He dropped just eight more points across the rest of the match, winning in straight games to move through to the quarters, where he will face either Colombia’s Miguel Rodriguez or Canadian No.1 David Baillargeon.

“He is a really talented player. He has had some amazing results this season so I knew it would be tough. I saw him defeat my countryman [Amjad] and I can see how skilful if he has time on the ’T’,” Al Tamimi explained.

“If he gets in front of you then it his hard to see the ball. I had a gameplan to lob the ball more off his lobs. He likes to lob to get you behind him and then wait for you to do something and then get on top of the ball quick. That was the best I have er lobbed in my life today, I couldn’t miss one lob!

“I am really happy with the performance today, to win against him in three. I hope I can keep the same concentration tomorrow. I also had extra motivation today because I didn’t play the U.S. Open, I had to go home for the family. I miss playing on Tour and I am glad I could see Geoff [Hunt, Al Tamimi’s coach and mentor].

“I knew I won’t be mentally as well as the start of the season, with the family issues. I am glad he is in my corner this week, and I wanted to show him that when he left me in 2019, that he left me in good hands. Hopefully, I am showing him what he expected from me!”

Result
[7] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) bt Balazs Farkas (HUN) 3-0: 11-8, 11-2, 11-6 (27m)