By TIM GARNER
The 2016 edition of the Dulwich Open sponsored by Harvey & Wheeler saw a new
winner a new winner inscribed on each trophy. Ben Coleman going one better
than in 2015 in the Men’s event , and Georgina Kennedy lifting the inaugural
Women’s Dulwich Open.
World no.51 Coleman dominated the tournament but was made to work hard for his third BSPA title by World no.77 Nathan.
The 60-minute final saw some breathtaking retrieving as both players worked hard for position. In the end it was Coleman who managed to keep the upper hand winning 3-1 to cap a fine season.
Earlier in the weekend, there were outstanding wins for youngsters Chris Leiper and James Peach over seeded opponents.
However, the shock of the weekend was reserved for the Women’s event, with 15-year old Elise Lazarus beating British Open Over 35 Champion Lauren Briggs.
Lazarus raised her game to sneak past her opponent in five tough games. Seemingly unaffected she came back the next day and took the first game off English Under 19 Champion Georgina Kennedy. However, Kennedy was unfazed and after four high quality games, she was the one lifting the cup.
The Dulwich Club was a superb host to the final BSPA event of the regular season. Players were fed and housed for free, and capacity crowds came along to support the players. The last stop of the year will be at Roehampton Club (May 12-14th) for the JW Cannon Grand Prix Finals.
BSPA Dulwich Open sponsored by Harvey & Wheeler, Dulwich Squash Club, England.
Womens Final: Georgina Kennedy bt Elise Lazarus 3-1 (9-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-8).
Mens Final: Ben Coleman bt Nathan Lake 3-1 (11-3, 11-8, 6-11, 11-5).