Maidstone event back on the calendar after 10-year absence
By Squash Mad Reporter
The Maidstone Open title went to Ondrej Uherka of the Czech Republic as the tournament returned to the calendar as a $1,000 PSA satellite event after a 10-year absence.
Uherka hit back from 2-1 down in games to beat British Under-19 champion James Peach from Yorkshire 3-2 (11-7, 4-11, 8-11,11-7, 11-3) in a thrilling final lasting 62 minutes.
Ondrej beat Brad Masters in a hard 3-1 in his semi final, while James had a comfortably win over Steve London 3-0 in the other semi final. Masters had earlier produced a superb performance to beat Phil Nightingale 3-2 in the quarter-finals.
Locals Jack Peel, Ben Goodayle and Jason Goodayle all played well in the first round but all lost 3-0 to world-ranked players.
The organisers hope to add a PSA women’s event to next year’s Maidstone Open.
Maidstone Open, Maidstone Squash Club, Kent:
Final:
Ondrej Uherka bt James Peach 3-2
Semi-Finals:
James Peach bt Steve London 3-0
Ondrej Uherka bt Brad Masters 3-1
Quarter-Finals:
Steve London bt Cai Younger 3-0
James Peach bt David Haley 3-2
Brad Masters bt Phil Nightingale 3-2
Ondrej Uherka bt Robert Dadds 3-0
First round:
Steve London bye
Cai Younger bt Dan Bergin 3-0
James Peach bt Paul Rawden 3-0
Dave Haley bt Jack Peel 3-0
Phil Nightingale bt Ben Goodayle 3-0
Brad Masters bt Jason Goodayle 3-0
Robert Dadds bt Chris Wiggins 3-0
Ondrej Uherka bt Gary Nisbet 3-0