CIB Black Ball Open: Clyne on Top Against Metwally

USA’s World No.13 Olivia Clyne came from a game down to beat Egypt’s Mariam Metwally 8-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-8 on the opening day of action at the CIB Black Ball Open.

World No.31 Metwally, who has just made her return to competitive action following surgery on a knee injury, took control of the first game with Clyne struggling to test the movement of the Egyptian as Metwally played her natural attacking game to take the lead.

Clyne came back strongly in the second, however, as she began to utilise her length to push Metwally into the back corners and use her speed around the court to her advantage to draw back level.

Metwally kept trying to fight back and did well to stay in a close contest with the American but the damage had already been done and it was Clyne who secured her place in the second round where either Wales’ Tesni Evans or England’s Lucy Turmel awaits.

“I felt like I prepared really well,” said Clyne to the SquashTV cameras following her win.

“I watched and I thought you’re going to have to chase after some really good boasts and be ready to be taken in at any time. I think I actually didn’t get caught off any crosscourt nicks off the serve, so that was kind of an achievement for me. She’s fantastic around the middle, I know she’s been injured and she’s just come back from a surgery but to me, it felt like she was moving great and even when I tried to attack her and make the court big, if I wasn’t perfect it was a disaster.

“I’m trying to find what really is me. Sometimes I go for the trick stuff and then I watch it back like “who do you think you are- that’s not a good idea”. I think it’s less about the type of squash and more the mentality of being able to stick it out, which I didn’t do very often but I’ll take it.

“This is kind of my first win in this weird season, I’ve had a tough nine months but I’m really happy to say I get to play again here.”

Result:
[12] Olivia Clyne (USA) bt Mariam Metwally (EGY) 3-1: 8-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-8 (40m)