The finals of 2011 World Squash Doubles Championships, featuring $50,000 in prize money, were held last night (May 9, 2011) in front of a capacity crowd at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club.
In the Men’s final, Team Australia (Damien Mudge / Ben Gould) defeated Team England (John Russell / Clive Leach) 3-2 in a 1 hour and 45 minute match showcasing the power, finesse, unbelievable retrieving and athletic ability with which the men’s game has become synonymous.
The Women’s final, Canada’s own Stephanie Hewitt and Seanna Keating defeated Team Australia (Narelle Krizek / Natarsha McElhinny) 3-2 (15-12 in the 5th). It was an exciting match that displayed the best of women’s doubles squash and highlighted why the women’s game has grown so much over the last few years.
The World Doubles Championship’s format, with teams playing for their respective countries, was an overwhelming success. If not for a couple of last minute withdraws (injuries to members of Team India and Team Zimbabwe) the event had participation from 10 countries, in a 16 team Men’s draw and a 6 team Women’s draw.
The tournament was played at 6 host clubs (Cricket, B&R, Mayfair Parkway, TLTC, TRC and Cambridge Club) around the city and an estimated 600 people came out to watch the professional matches.
Another 55 amateur players participated in the various Pro-Ams teaming with the professionals making this truly an extraordinary weekend of squash.
Thank you to title sponsor Harrow Sports, and to sponsors Medcan Clinic, Roundtable Capital Partners, Ridley Window and Doors, Sun Life Financial, Corvin Building Maintenance, Superior Energy and Cameron’s Brewing Co. for making this a world class squash event.
Men’s quarter-finals:
[1] Ben Gould & Damien Mudge (Australia) bt Imran Khan & Khayal Khan (Pakistan)
15-9, 15-8, 15-10
[3/4] Greg Park & Preston Quick (USA) bt Willie Hosey & Michael Pirnak (Canada)
15-9, 15-10, 10-15, 15-11
Mark Chaloner & Jonathan Smith (England) bt [3/4] Matt Jenson & Paul Price (Australia)
14-15, 15-13, 15-13, 15-13
[2] John Russell & Clive Leach (England) bt James Hewitt & Fred Reid (Canada)
15-11, 12-15, 15-12, 15-12
Semi-finals:
[1] Ben Gould & Damien Mudge (Australia) bt [3/4] Greg Park & Preston Quick (USA)
15-8, 15-8, 8-15, 15-9
[2] John Russell & Clive Leach (England) bt Mark Chaloner & Jonathan Smith (England)
7-15, 15-12, 15-12, 7-15, 15-12
Final:
[1] Ben Gould & Damien Mudge (Australia) bt [2] John Russell & Clive Leach (England)
15-7 13-15, 12-15, 15-5, 15-9 (105m)
Women’s quarter-finals:
[3/4] Emily Lungstrum & Dana Betts (USA) bt Karen Jerome & Rebecca Hazell (Canada)
15-8, 15-9, 15-8
[3/4] Amy Milanek & Dawn Gray (USA) bt Marcia Sier & Adriana DiMauro (Canada)
15-6, 15-12, 15-13
Semi-finals:
[1] Narelle Krizek & Natarsha McElhinny (Australia) bt [3/4] Emily Lungstrum & Dana Betts (USA)
15-9, 15-14, 13-15, 15-14
[2] Stephanie Hewitt & Seanna Keating (Canada) bt [3/4] Amy Milanek & Dawn Gray (USA)
9-15, 15-13, 15-9, 8-15, 15-14
Final:
[2] Stephanie Hewitt & Seanna Keating (Canada) bt [1] Narelle Krizek & Natarsha McElhinny (Australia)
7-15, 11-15, 15-7, 15-11, 15-12
For further information, visit the World Doubles website at www.worlddoubles.com