Top Seed Kennedy Knocks Out Compatriot Beecroft to Claim Semi-Final Place

England’s Georgina Kennedy defeated fellow Englishwoman Lucy Beecroft to round off the first day of quarter-finals at Squash in the Land.

The pair had never faced each other on the World Tour, with their only PSA encounter coming on the Challenger Tour where Kennedy won in straight games.

Their meeting in Cleveland started with a strong showing from Kennedy as she accrued three unanswered points, the third of which coming in the form of a deceptive backhand straight drive.

Kennedy kept ahead throughout the game and converted the lead with a convincing 11-2 win to take the first game.

The top seed continued her dominance in the second game as she took another resounding lead, concluding the second game with a exacting forehand drop to win 11-4 and bringing herself a game away from the semi-final.

Kennedy carried her momentum into the third game, taking four consecutive points in clinical fashion. The World No.6 earned herself six match balls and capped off a stellar performance with a forehand drop to secure her place in the next round in just 23 minutes.

“We get on really well off the court,” said Kennedy after the match. “Even though the scoreline looked convincing on paper, she is such a skilful player. One of the most talented you’ll see.

“I told her at the end, she makes me raise my level every time, so although the scoreline looked convincing, it didn’t feel that way. I felt very stressed out there.

“This is 100% my favourite tournament on the PSA World Tour. I love everything about this event. The amount of support you guys bring is amazing.”

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Result: Squash in the Land Presented by Greater Cleveland Squash 2024 Quarter-Finals
[1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [8] Lucy Beecroft (ENG) 3-0: 11-2, 11-4, 11-4 (23m)