Fiechter Defeats Clyne In All-American Final To Claim Chestnut Hill Classic Title

USA No.2 Olivia Fiechter has claimed her second World Tour title after beating teammate Olivia Clyne in four games at her home club – the Philadelphia Cricket Club – to lift the Chestnut Hill Classic 2023 Presented By Springside Chestnut Academy.

Fiechter and Clyne were facing each other for the fourth time in as many tournaments last night. Clyne had come out on top in two of the three recent encounters and was looking to make it a hat trick of wins to claim her first title since 2019. Fiechter was determined to level the recent head-to-head scores as she looked to claim a second World Tour title but this time in front of many friends and family, at her home club in Philadelphia.

With both players knowing each others games so well, the rallies were unsurprisingly close throughout, with both players determined to not give an inch away. Fiechter started strongly in the first game and earned herself a two point lead at 7-5 and never surrendered that advantage as she went on to take the game 11-8 and draw first blood in the final.

Clyne responded however and after the score reached 6-6, the World No.14 won five of the next six points to take the game 11-7 and draw level.

The next two games followed very similar patterns as close and hard fought rallies controlled the early stages of each game. The score reached 7-7 in both the third and fourth games but it was the higher ranked Fiechter who managed to play the big points better and ran through to take the third game 11-7 to lead 2-1 and then produce a similar run in the fourth game to win 11-8 and claim her second World Tour title and a fifth PSA title of her career.

“I can’t believe it. It almost feels too good to be true!” said Fiechter after her win.

“It was just such a battle from the very first point to the very last – I really had to earn every single rally. Liv [Clyne] has been playing some great squash so I went into the match ready to mentally and physically leave it all out there. 

“To win one of my biggest titles on the courts where I learned the game, in front of my family, friends and community, I just don’t think it gets any better… this will without a doubt be a night that I cherish forever. Moments like this don’t happen without an incredible support system around you so thank you Graeme, Peter, Danny, Moose, Beng Hee, Francisco, Mark, and Brigitte for all you do to help me be the best version of myself through the highs and the lows. And thank you Abir, US Squash, and Head for your unconditional support. I’m so grateful to Rich, PCC and everyone who made this event possible and I really hope I get the chance to return next year to defend the title!

Results: Final

[2] Olivia Fiechter (USA) bt [3] Olivia Clyne (USA) 3-1: 11-8, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8 (55m)