Wael El Hindi
Cleveland Classic Champion
(L to R: Scott Sazima, Ray Lindsay, Wael El Hindi, Amr Ferghany)
Wael El Hindi won the Cleveland Classic in thrilling fashion Saturday night at the Cleveland Skating Club. He beat Canadian Champion Shahier Razik 3-1.
PST Commissioner Joe McManus said he hadn't seen El Hindi play with such intensity in recent times. "I saw it in is his eyes when we shook hands before the match. I knew he meant business tonight.
"Wael jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the opening game and was hitting every nick, forcing the pace, and playing with amazing intensity. He won game one 11-5.
Razik was patient in looking for his opportunities. Razik had a game ball in game 2 but in uncharacteristic fashion served the ball out and ultimately lost 12-10. Razik was more assertive in game three, winning 11-6. The match became more physical as both players jockeyed for position and fought to retrieve magnificent shots.
McManus also noted the strong officiating. "Both players forced tough calls through their intense play. I am continually impressed by PST Director of Officials Mike Riley's ability to maintain order. It was a challeging match to officiate, and he was magnificent."
Razik again had a game ball in game four. However, El Hindi fought back with the intensity he displayed all night long and took game four 14-12 to win the match. This is Wael's second consecutive victory. He will hope to continue this success at the NYC Open starting October 4.
Saturday, Sept. 18
3rd place match: Wade Johnstone beats Tyler Hamilton 5, 8, 6
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
Wael El Hindi beats Tyler Hamitlon 6, 4, 12-10
Shahier Razik beats Wade Johnstone 6, (6,) 4, 7
[Cleveland Rocks]
Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010
Quarter Final Results
The match of the night happened at the Cleveland Racquet Club as Wade Johnstone (AUS) edged past hometown hero Nathan Dugan (ENG). The 52 minute match [12-10, (10-12), 5, (9), 2] was played at Nathan's home club to a capacity crowd. With great rallies and fair play from both players, Mike Riley presided over the tournament's most exciting match thus far.
Wael El Hindi (EGY) announced his presence in Cleveland with a striking victory over Lyall Paterson (SCO). El Hindi, Cleveland's #1 seed won the match is less than 30 minutes with his usual flair and shot making ability.
Tyler Hamilton (CAN) adjusted to the Point Every Rally rules quickly and dispatched Kush Mahan (KEN) in four games. The match featured to young and talented pros. Kush is 22 and Tyler is 21 years old.
Shahier Razik (CAN) beat Graham Bassett (USA) in 3. Razik was his usual patient and precise self as he moved past the U.S. #5 ranked player.
(John Feighan sharing a laugh with Lyall Paterson and Ned Marks)
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010
Opening round update:
The Cleveland Skating Club brought men's pro squash back to Cleveland.
In opening round action, Graham Bassett beat Drewe Williams 3-1. Williams was hitting with great finesse throughout the 59 minute match. However, Bassett's pace and ability to take the ball early everntually won the day in a well played match.
Lyall Paterson beat Ned Marks 3-1. Both players were covering the court with speed and quickness. Paterson was able to move Marks with deception and guile. Marks sustained a mild groin pull which inhibited his movement in later games and allowed an opening for Paterson to exploit.
In the final match of the night, Kush Mahan beat Ian Sly 3-1. The match was characterized by streaks and choppy play. Sly has a great command of the game, but was struggling to keep the ball tight to the wall. Mahan was able to force the pace and keep Sly off balance but hitting shots from unusual angles. It appeated that late in the match that Sly had found his strategy, but in a closely fought fourth game, Mahan was able to close the door.
