Charles Sharpes top of UK standings as he beats buddy Ben Coleman in Dulwich final
By TIM GARNER at Dulwich Sports Club
Charles Sharpes (World no.62) lifted a first Dulwich Open with a hard-fought victory over Ben Coleman (World no.65).
The two are good friends and often this can have a negative impact on any encounter, but in this instance, as had been the general theme through the tournament, the squash was free flowing.
A capacity crowd were treated to an entertaining match that lasted over and hour and that was filled with full court coverage interspersed with unreachable winners.
Sharpes started the better taking the first, but Coleman was soon into his running and levelled things up before easing to 5-2 in the third and looking like he might take control.
Sharpes pulled things back to parity at 5-5 and the two then traded points before Sharpes was able to breakaway and take the game 11-9 after 20 minutes of pulsating squash.
This seemed to give him the boost he needed opening up a lead early in the fourth and never looking back despite Coleman’s best efforts to wrap up his second win on the JW Cannon UK Grand Prix.
In his post-match speech, Sharpes thanked the Dulwich club for making the players feel so welcome and in particular the free food over the course of the event.
To cap a successful weekend, the victory also confirmed Sharpes’ position at the top of the JW Cannon UK Grand Prix standings and a £500 bonus.Â
Dulwich Open sponsored by Harvey & Wheeler
Final: Charles Sharpes bt Ben Coleman (3-1) 11-5, 3-11, 11-9, 11-7 (63 minutes)
Dulwich draw:
Dulwich Day 3