Ruudi Clarke (Eng) 3-1 Matt Gregory (Eng) 10-12, 11-4, 11-5, 11-6 (43m)
“Third Time Lucky” commented our MC Vanessa Atkinson as Ruudi won the good and fair encounter.
To be honest, I truly enjoyed that match, such a refreshing moment to see good, clean, clear, honest squash, no blocking, no pushing, just excellent movement from both, honest calls, fluid squash.
A bit of two different styles on court today, with Matt being a bit stronger physically I would think, putting a lot of work in his tall opponent’s legs in the opener. Although the Homeboy lost that game 12/10 in 13m – longest game of the match – he collected the dividends in the next two games.
As Matt got his second wind in the middle of the fourth, he clawed back from 4/1 down to 5/5, 6/6. But Ruudi was just too much in control physically by then, and the St George’s boy managed to find some lovely shots to close out the match.
To be noticed, some superb shots from Matt, who knows how to get a roller on there, using his height to perfection.
All around great match.
Ruudi
“It was a little bit shaky at the start, but the last three games I thought I played some good squash. I’m really happy to get through to the second round of qualifying.
“The crowd 100% helped me out here today. I just want to thank everyone who came out to support me.
“I’m looking forward to my match later against Ben Smith, I’ve never played him before and I’m looking forward to the test.”
