Hutton Overcomes Malik In All-England Duel On DAC Pro Squash Classic Opening Day

7 February 2024

England’s Jasmine Hutton saw off the threat of compatriot Torrie Malik in a tough four-game encounter to book her spot in the DAC Pro Squash Classic second round.

Hutton started the match at lightning speed, securing the first game by an 11-4 scoreline with just six minutes on the clock. The fast-paced nature of the match resulted in sharp and short rallies, with both players looking dangerous in the front two corners.

The World No.25, who is a two-time British Nationals champion, continued in a similar vein in the second to double her advantage, but from there, 19-year-old Malik began to work her way into the match.

Despite falling 5-2 down in the third, Malik won five consecutive points to take control of the game and subsequently reduce the deficit to 2-1. The teenager, who currently sits 36 spots beneath Hutton in the current World Rankings, progressed to 5-5 in the fourth, but it was Hutton who eventually proved too strong in the latter stages, sealing victory through an 11-9 scoreline and walking off court after 37 minutes of action.

After the match, Hutton said: “I was really pleased with my performance in the first two games and then my concentration slipped a bit and Torrie actually got better as the match went on.

“I got a little edgy at the back end of those last two games and it didn’t feel like there was much rhythm there. It was very stop-start and lots of three-shot rallies, and I don’t really like to play that type of game.

On her upcoming tie against No.8 seed Lucy Beecroft, she added: “I’m excited. I came all this way and I’ve played two English players! I’m looking forward to it because we are both clean players and good friends and teammates, so it should be a good game.”

Elsewhere, fellow Englishwoman Alicia Mead needed just 27 minutes to seal a straight-game victory over Ineta Hopton, while Malaysian 19-year-old Aira Azman started the day off with a composed four-game win over Jessica Turnbull.

Switzerland’s Cindy Merlo scored an impressive victory as she overcame a spirited comeback from England’s Mille Tomlinson to progress to the second round in Detroit.

Despite Merlo taking a two-game advantage, Tomlinson came charging back into the match in the third, taking it by an 11-4 scoreline, and subsequently holding three game balls in the fourth to force a decider. However, from there, Merlo rattled off five straight points to clinch victory in a tie-break and set up a tie with No.7 seed Melissa Alves in the next round.

Cindy Merlo during her victory over Millie Tomlinson.

After the match, Merlo said: “I am grateful for the experience to be through into the second round of a silver event. I’m pleased with my performance and I’m ready for the next round.

“I lost my length in the third and I kept on getting punished. It was unnecessary from my side – I just didn’t hit my targets. Going into the fourth I just knew I had to hit them. I think she pushed hard and played much better, and I’m just glad I came from 10-7 down to win it.

“At 10-7 down I just didn’t feel any pressure and I was just letting it go. I was going for my shots without any risk and hitting my length the way I wanted. I felt comfortable and there was some bite there.”

Elsewhere on day one of the PSA World Tour Silver event, there was plenty of success for the five Egyptian players on show, with Hana Moataz, Kenzy Ayman, Nadine Shahin, and Menna Hamed all progressing to Round 2 without fail.

Ayman, who impressed when defeating World No.24 Emily Whitlock in a five-game thriller at the Cincinnati Gaynor Cup last week, continued her fine form by seeing off compatriot Haya Ali, while Hamed came through her clash against Anna Serme to set up a tie against World No.3 and 2021 champion Nouran Gohar.

Day two of action from the DAC Pro Squash Classic commences at 16:45 (GMT-5) on Wednesday, 7th February, with every second of action available to watch live on SQUASHTV. For more information on the DAC Pro Squash Classic, visit the PSA website or follow the PSA on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Results: DAC Pro Squash Classic 2024 RD1

Aira Azman (MAS) bt Jessica Turnbull (AUS) 3-1: 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-4 (32m)

Hana Moataz (EGY) bt Marta Dominguez (ESP) 3-1: 11-8, 11-9, 2-11, 11-8 (38m)

Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bt Torrie Malik (ENG) 3-1: 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9 (37m)

Cindy Merlo (SUI) bt Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 3-1: 11-4, 11-8, 4-11, 12-10 (38m)

Kenzy Ayman (EGY) bt Haya Ali (EGY) 3-1: 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4 (31m)

Menna Hamed (EGY) bt Anna Serme (CZE) 3-0: 11-8, 11-9, 11-5 (23m)

Alicia Mead (ENG) bt Ineta Hopton (LAT) 3-0: 14-12, 12-10, 11-7 (27m)

Nadine Shahin (EGY) bt Saskia Beinhard (GER) 3-0: 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 (23m)

Draw: DAC Pro Squash Classic 2024 RD2

[7] Melissa Alves (FRA) v Cindy Merlo (SUI)

[4] Nada Abbas (EGY) v Kenzy Ayman (EGY)