Second
Round - evening
Martin
Bronstein, Squashtalk reporter on the scene at Grand Central Terminal
by
Martin Bronstein, Live at Grand Central Terminal, New York, 21 Feb 2004
All
content © 2004
Squashtalk, photos: © 2004 Debra Tessier
[view the main draw/results] [view the qualifying draw/results]
WILLSTROP RULES THE WORLD SOON
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| 20 year old James Willstrop stops David Palmer in the second round. © 2004 Debra Tessier |
I have seen the future and it is called James Willstrop. Tonight he showed not only the highest skill in beating former world champion David Palmer in 85 totally gripping minutes, but he also demonstrated guts, courage and brains that will not only make him the world champion in a couple of years at most, but probably put him in the same sort of unbeatable bracket as Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan.
This is a 20 year old with scintillating talent. If he has a weak part in his game he hides it well because it is not apparent to me and I would guess to the rest of the 600 people who were held spellbound by this classy squash match. Just before it began, a top ten player, who asked not to be named, said that when David Palmer is fit, he is the best player on the circuit. What then, does this victory make Willstrop?
This match was unknown territory : these two had not played before and Willstrop was understandably nervous.He started with three errors, and then settled down to immediately show that he had earned his place to share a court with Palmer. From the beginning the squash was gripping because of the constant inventiveness of both players. Willstrop, by reason of his reach, can do the most extraordinary things and his touch at the front of the court is just short of perfect. Although much of the match did not need a referee, a couple of decisions in this first game had Willstrop wide-eyed and he admitted later that it affected him. He wanted that first game badly because he feels winning the first game is important. He was close but Palmer just held the edge to lead 14-13 at which Willstrop demonstrated his speed and determination in saving the point twice and then screaming to the front of the court to pick up a cruel Palmer drop. He got there alright, but slightly mis-hit the ball so it came back at his legs and Palmer had that 15th point after 18 minutes.
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| David Palmer places the perfect drop. © 2004 Debra Tessier |
Willstrop described that second game as 'bad squash' and was determined that if was going home tomorrow, he wanted to leave his mark. He came back for third and simply took control. Palmer could do very little but react to Willstrop's constant stream of drops and volleys. The crowd were now totally involved in the match: there were times when you suspected that 600 people were all holding their breath in unison. Willstrop was masterful and took the game in just eleven minutes 15-6.
Could he continue in the fourth? He was in control, three winners and three errors from Willstrop demonstrated that he was. But Palmer worked his way back into the game and the match went up to yet another level as they both realized the importance of this, game. There were points of unbelievable athleticism and guile, rallies that every professional and learner should watch to show how the game can be played. Willstrop led 12-ll, and asked for a let when he hit Palmer's racket. The referee refused the request. Willstrop came out the court and protested: "I hit his racket" and repeated this three times, but the referee stood firm. It was 12-12 and instead of going ot pieces, Willstrop went back to the job at hand and finished the game with two superb winners, one on the forehand and one on the backhand. He had fought his way back into the match with a 15-13 scoreline after nearly 20 minutes of some of the best squash I have ever witnessed.
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| David Palmer and James Wilstrop turn to the referee for a decision. © 2004 Debra Tessier |
The entire match was played in a spirit of sportsmanship that should be an example to all PSA players who feel that referee baiting is part of their job. Willstrop has now beaten every player in the top ten except Peter Nicol and his training partner Lee Beachill. Those scalps will not be long in coming. He plays John White in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, so has a welcome day of rest. White however will not sleep so soundly knowing that Willstrop awaits him.
SECOND ROUND RESULTS
John White (Sco) bt Gregory
Gaultier Fra) 15-7, 14-15, 15-10, 15-4
James Willstrop (Eng) bt David Palmer (Aus) 13-15,10-15, 15-6, 15-13,
15-7
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| Nick Matthew (l) and Martin Heath. © 2004 Debra Tessier | John White
and Gregory Gaultier © 2004 Debra Tessier |
