Kempsell masters giant-killer Josh to win Shepparton final
By FIONA YOUNG
After a phenomenal week, England’s unseeded Josh Masters fell at the final hurdle to Scotland’s Doug Kempsell in the final of the Shepparton International in Australia.
Fifth seed Kempsell captured the first two games and was showing no ill effects from the previous day’s marathon 149 minute semi-final against Josh Larkin.
Experience came through in the end with Kempsell taking the third game and the title, with a score of 11-7, 11-8, 11-5.
Semi-finals: Josh jolts top seed Jaymie
England’s Josh Masters overcame top seed Jaymie Haycocks and now meets Scotland’s Doug Kempsell in the final of the Shepparton Open in Australia.
In a marathon 149 minute opening semi-final, fifth seed Kempsell (SCO) finally overcame last year’s finalist and fourth seed, Josh Larkin (AUS) to progress through to tomorrow’s final.
Two blood rule breaks contributed to the lengthy games that saw both players completely sapped of energy at the final point.
In total contrast, unseeded Masters achieved one of the best results of his career when he accounted for vastly experienced compatriot and top seed Haycocks in 11-7, 15-13, 11-5.
This was Masters’ first PSA semi-final. He said: “I’m really happy with my performance today and tomorrow will be my first Tour final.”
2015 Shepparton International Championship:
Final:
Men’s Final: Douglas Kempsell [5] (SCO) def Joshua Masters (ENG) 11-7, 11-8, 11-5.
Semi-Finals:
Douglas Kempsell [5] (SCO) def Joshua Larkin [4] (AUS) 6-11, 11-6, 11-6, 9-11, 13-11;
Joshua Masters (ENG) def Jaymie Haycocks [1] (ENG) 11-7, 15-13, 11-5.
