Irish Open: Perry makes semis, while Gaskin's run ends

Gaskin, on the right, suffered a narrow yet highly entertaining defeat against Chris Gordon

Watchers throughout the world were treated to some high-energy Squash live on aertv.ie – with Chris Collins, Damian O’Reilly and Dan Zilic reporting live on the action.

The day kicked off with Emily Whitlock beating Emma Beddoes in a tough four game encounter, and Chris Simpson fulfilled his number one seeding when overcoming qualifier Jens Schoor in four. Nicolette Fernandes caused the first significant upset beating Samantha Teran of Mexico in straight games, but Omar Abdel Meguid got himself out of trouble in the second against Lucas Serme to win in four.
The the Irish heroes took to the court – and Madeline Perry justified her number one ranking with a comprehensive victory over Misaki Kobayashi of Japan. The crowd were therewith perfectly warmed up for the next Irish encounter, featuring yesterday’s hero Arthur Gaskin. Gaskin showed terrific spirit in his match against Chris Gordon, and remarkably scored ten points in a row when he came back form 1:4 down in the second to take it 11:4. But the efforts took their toll, and despite having Irish Squash coaches Derek and Eoin Ryan in his corner, Arthur lost in four tough games.

Madeline Perry - never in danger of losing today

The night ended with Deon Saffery continuing her run beating Colin Aumard in three impressive games, and Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan, whose birthday it was yesterday, came back from 5:10 down in the first game against Shaun Le Roux, took the game 12:10 and the subsequent games too to win 3:0 – treating the crowd to some rarely seen pick-ups and shots.

Hopes remain on Madeline then, but the crowd can rely on some more terrific action in tomorrow’s men’s semis! Live streaming continues on aertv.ie!

Quarter Finals Women’s & Men’s – Thursday 25th April

Women: 

2pm: Emily Whitlock (ENG) vs. Emma Beddoes (ENG) – 6:11, 12:10, 13:11, 13:11 (64mins)

4pm: Nicolette Fernandes (GUY) vs. Samantha Teran (MEX) – 11:9, 11:9, 11:3 (45mins) 

6pm: Madeline Perry (IRL) vs. Misaki Kobayashi (JPN) 11:9, 11:7, 11:7 (30mins) 

8pm: Deon Saffery (WAL) vs. Coline Aumard (FRA) – 11:7, 11:5, 11:9 (38mins)

Men: 

3pm: Chris Simpson (ENG) vs. Jens Schoor (GER) – 11:9, 11:4, 4:11, 11:2 (52mins)

5pm: Omar Abdel Meguid (EGY) vs. Lucas Serme (FRA) 11:13, 11:9, 11:4, 11:5 (73mins)

7pm: Christopher Gordon (USA) – Arthur Gaskin (IRL) – 11:8, 7:11, 11:9, 11:3 (71mins) 

9pm: Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan (MAL) vs. Shaun Le Roux (RSA) – 12:10, 11:6, 11:6 (40mins)

Semi Finals Women’s & Men’s – Friday 26th April

5pm: Emily Whitlock (ENG) – Nicolette Fernandes (GUY) 

6pm: Chris Simpson (ENG) – Omar Abdel Meguid (EGY)

7pm: Deon Saffery (WAL) – Madeline Perry (IRL)

8pm: Christopher Gordon (USA) – Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan (MAL)

PSA Draw see HERE