Razik Wins Cross Courts Invitational

A packed house at Cross Courts Squash Club in Natick, MA witnessed Canada's #1 ranked player, Shahier Razik, beat Australian #1 and World #6 David Palmer in the championship match. Razik won 3-1 [ 7, 14-12, (5) 6 ].

This represents Razik's first win over Palmer. In eight prior meetings, Palmer has won each encounter. Palmer was gracious in defeat, complimenting Razik. "Shahier played well tonight and earned this victory. He deserves the trophy."

U.S. Nationally Certified Referee Andrew Strasfogel noted the match was a thriller. "I've probably seen several hundred pro level squash matches, but yesterday's Razik - Palmer encounter ranks way up there for thrills, drama and sheer athletic brilliance on the part of both players," said Strasfogel.

Razik is one of the world's most patient players. Combined with his extreme fitness, he presents a challenge to every player he sees. In the early stages of the match, Palmer was forcing Razik to cover all corners of the court under great pressure. However, Shahier was able to cover each of his drops and volley his lobs before they fell to the far corners. After sustained rallies, Palmer was often hitting the tin on unforced errors.

After game 2 with Razik up 2-0, the awestruck crowd sensed an upset may be in the making. However, Palmer returned to the court with renewed focus. He was able to take the ball early off the front wall and pressure Razik with his volley drops. In this game, Razik had few answers for the Palmer's stength and speed to the ball. Razik fell 11-5.

Game 4 signalled a return to the early action as Razik was able to retrieve Palmer's shots time and again and keep David from taking the ball early by pushing the ball wide and deep. After being deadlocked at 6-6, Shahier won the final 5 rallies and cinched the match at 11-6 in game 4.

"I got on court and felt my legs were strong. I felt like I could have played for four hours tonight," said Razik. "David was obviously the favorite. So I was playing very loose. He's a wonderful player and tonight was a great match."

The Cross Courts Invitational included 8 National Champions from 7 countries. Tournament players included Razik (Canada #1), Palmer (Australia #1), Julian Illingworth (United States #1), Liam Kenny (Ireland #1), John White (Former World #1 and Former Scottish National Champion), Baset Chauhdry (2 time and reigning U.S. Collegiate National Champion), Preston Quick ( 2 time U.S. National Champion), and Daniel Sharplin (former New Zealand Champion and U.S. 35+ National Champion).