All four semi-finals saw the higher-seeded players knocked out at the Roberts & Morrow North Coast Open in Coffs Harbour, Australia, with two unseeded men making it through to the final.
Rex Hedrick, the former World No.48, came up against the tournament’s top seed, Rhys Dowling, in his semi-final, and he required just three games and 34 minutes to get the better of his compatriot.
The other contest in the men’s event on Saturday was a much longer affair, as the unseeded Josh Larkin and No.2 seed Joseph White did battle for 90 minutes at Coffs Harbour Squash and Swim Centre.
Larkin found himself ahead in the match twice, but was pegged back on both occasions by the current Australian No.1. However, he was able to regroup to take the fifth 1-5 to book his place in the men’s final.
The top two seeds were also beaten in the women’s event, but in much simpler fashion. No.4 seed Alex Haydon took down the tournament’s top seed, Sarah Cardwell, in straight games to make the final.
She will face former World No.1 Rachael Grinham, after the 45-year-old defeated No.2 seed Sarah Cardwell in the second semi-final, withholding a possible comeback from her fellow Australian to win in four.
The finals of the Roberts & Morrow North Coast Open will take place on Sunday, February 20 at Coffs Harbour Squash and Swim Centre.
Men’s Semi-Final Results: Roberts & Morrow North Coast Open
Rex Hedrick (AUS) bt [1] Rhys Dowling (AUS) 3-0: 11-5, 11-3, 11-7 (34m)
Josh Larkin (AUS) bt [2] Joseph White (AUS) 3-2: 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 10-12, 11-5 (90m)
Men’s Final Draw: To Be Played Sunday, February 20
Rex Hedrick (AUS) v Josh Larkin (AUS)
Women’s Semi-Final Results: Roberts & Morrow North Coast Open
[4] Alex Haydon (AUS) bt [1] Sarah Cardwell (AUS) 3-0: 13-11, 11-6, 11-7 (34m)
[5] Rachael Grinham (AUS) bt [2] Jessica Turnbull (AUS) 3-1: 11-6, 11-6, 5-11, 14-12 (41m)
Women’s Final Draw: To Be Played Sunday, February 20
[4] Alex Haydon (AUS) v [5] Rachael Grinham (AUS)
Source: PSA
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
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