Nash Cup: Naughton and Baillargeon Complete Canadian Double

The Nash Cup had two Canadian winners for the first time ever, as Hollie Naughton and David Baillargeon lifted the trophies in London, Ontario. 

World No.19 Naughton came into her final against Egypt’s Salma Eltayeb as heavy favourite, sitting 31 places above her in the world rankings, but had to do things the hard way after dropping the opening two games. 

The 28-year-old was staring down the barrel of defeat just 15 minutes into the match, winning just 11 points across the first two games. 

The third game was a different story, though, Naughton racing into a 3-0 lead before closing it out 11-5. 

From there, momentum was on her side and she controlled the next two games to secure victory, earning herself a fourth PSA Tour title. 

Baillargeon’s path to victory on home soil was only marginally more straightforward, with the USA’s Faraz Khan pushing the Canadian hard in a four-game encounter that lasted more than an hour. 

Having taken the opener 11-8, Baillargeon was pegged back in the second game, losing 14-12 after squandering a game ball of his own at 11-12. 

Like Naughton, though, he was able to wrestle momentum back in his favour by winning the third 11-9. 

The fourth was far more one-sided, with the Montreal left-hander winning seven straight points to end the match, cruising from 4-2 to 11-2 to close out victory.

Result: Men’s Final

[3] David Baillargeon (CAN) bt [4] Faraz Khan (USA) 3-1: 11-8, 12-14, 11-9, 11-2 (63m)

Result: Women’s Final

[1] Hollie Naughton (CAN) bt [4] Salma Eltayeb (EGY) 3-2: 5-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7 (41m)