Gibraltar Open Preview: Downer’s Motivation “Never Been Higher”

The first of two events on European soil on the Challenger Tour this week will be the Gibraltar Open, which will take place at the Europa Squash Centre from Wednesday 20 October.

The tournament features a men’s and women’s event, both Challenger 5 level, with 28 players in action this week aiming to take home the titles come Sunday afternoon in Gibraltar.

The women’s draw is headed up by Dutch No.2 Tessa ter Sluis, with the World No.62 facing competition from three other members of the world’s top 100, in Scotland’s Alison Thomson and England’s Anna Kimberley and Grace Gear.

Spain’s Sofia Mateos and Marta Dominguez Fernandez, the latter of which won her first Challenger title earlier this year, will also be in action, with Germany’s Aylin Gunsav and Norwegian No.1 Andrea Fjellgaard.

The men’s draw also has a European flavour to it, with Belgium, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Wales all represented.

The English duo of Robert Downer and Nick Wall will be the top two seeds, with German Valentin Rapp and Spain’s Hugo Varela amongst the nearest competitors.

We spoke to Downer ahead of the event, and he admits that he now has more confidence in his game, thanks to taking parts of it to new heights.

“Well firstly, I think this year I managed to take my physicality and movement to a level which gave me more confidence on the court. The confidence under pressure was for sure what was needed to start winning some tournaments otherwise it would have been just like before playing well but not enough of winning well,” he explained.

“I feel open minded about my current level, I’m fit, healthy and I’ve done some great work on my game this year. I was playing really good squash in Pakistan last week but my opponent was simply on fire there.

“Maybe my best squash surfaces in Gibraltar, maybe it doesn’t, but I’m looking forward to this next phase of events between now and Christmas where I’m sure there will be some battles and necessary experiences to take my game to the next level.”

Downer made the trip to Pakistan last week to play in the CAS – Serena Hotels / Combaxx International Squash Championships, and although he exited the tournament early, he still enjoyed his experience in Islamabad.

“Playing in Pakistan is definitely a unique experience every time, the local people and organisation make you feel incredibly welcome as they are just so damn passionate about squash,” the Englishman explained.

“Communication can feel a little slow at times so you must have a little patience and make sure you are well organised before going. But this time just like few years ago when I first went I felt I learned so much and still managed to really enjoy it even after an unfortunate first round exit.”

Downer claimed his maiden PSA title earlier this year at the Czech Pro Series 2, and went on to win again in Germany soon after. He admits it took a long time, but it has helped him to grow.

“Getting that first title earlier in the year was a long time coming for me and just so important to finally have the chance to process and realign myself towards new goals and aspirations,” he said.

“The level of motivation has never been higher these past 18 months and I see that clearly when I look at what I have done to stay progressing and how I managed to create an effective training environment where I can see the best ways forward to self improve.

“[I am] open minded what the future holds but I’ll be of course working towards the best one possible and hope the reality can reflect my dream or better!”

The event takes place from Wednesday 20 to Saturday 23 at the Europa Sports Centre where Robert Downer is the top seed for the men’s tournament. Follow the PSA Challenger Tour on Twitter and Facebook for daily updates from the event.

Men’s First Round Draw: Gibraltar Open
[1] Robert Downer (ENG) v Ben Smith (ENG)
Augusto Ortigosa (ESP) v [5] Miles Jenkins (ENG)
[6] Ivan Perez (ESP) v Manu Paquemar (FRA)
Joeri Hapers (BEL) v [4] Hugo Varela (ESP)
[3] Valentin Rapp (GER) v Simon Herbert (ENG)
Marc ter Sluis (NED) v [8] Elliott Morris Devred (WAL)
[7] Roshan Bharos (NED) v Aron Astray (ESP)
Hasnaat Farooqi (ENG) v [2] Nick Wall (ENG)

Women’s First Round Draw: Gibraltar Open
[1] Tessa ter Sluis (NED) – [Bye]
Tashy Baker (ENG) v [5] Katriona Allen (SCO)
[6] Sofia Mateos (ESP) v Marta Dominguez Fernandez (ESP)
[4] Grace Gear (ENG) – [Bye]
[3] Anna Kimberley (ENG) – [Bye]
Lara Newton (ENG) v [7] Katie Wells (ENG)
[8] Aylin Gunsav (GER) v Andrea Fjellgaard (NOR)
[2] Alison Thomson (SCO) – [Bye]