Beecroft powers through in 69-minute Bangor battle
By TESNI EVANS – Squash Mad Reporter in Bangor
Lucy Beecroft has reached the final of the Karakal Bangor Women’s Classic after starting the tournament as number eight seed in qualifying!
She beat the number two seed Enora Villard of France in a 69-minute battle, fighting back from 2-1 down in games to register another massive career milestone.
It was a tense and fiesty match. Villard started strongly and Beecroft seemed to look a little leggy after her hard matches this week, but she came out firing at the start of the second game and seemed to push on from there.
After taking a crucial second game to level the match, Beecroft found herself down losing the third game in which Enora stepped up playing some great front shots. But Beecroft didn’t go away, taking the fourth game to level the match at 2-2.
It was a great fifth game that was nip and tuck the whole way. Beecroft was first to reach match ball at 10-9, and she managed to sneak it 12-10. It was a great match from both of the girls and thoroughly enjoyable to watch!
Next up was Grace Gear of England taking on Lisa Aitken of Scotland. Lisa proved too strong around the middle, volleying lots and really setting the pace of the match.
Lisa has come quickly through the tournament to meet Beecroft tomorrow, who has had some hard matches. A great match in store for the final tomorrow.
PSA W5 Karakal Bangor Classic, Bangor, Wales.
Semi Finals:
[1] Lisa Aitken (SCO) beat [8] Grace Gear (ENG) 3-0 (11-3, 11-8, 11-8) 27mins
[Q] Lucy Beecroft (ENG) beat [2] Enora Villard (FRA) 3-2 (8-11, 15-13, 8-11, 11-8, 12-10) 69minsÂ
Pictures courtesy of Karakal Bangor ClassicÂ