Season Opening Kick-off Tournament a Big Success

Only one year removed from having to cancel the tournament for a lack of players, Kick-off Tournament Director Arturo Manzur this year was forced to start the tournament a day early to accommodate the overwhelming number of local squash players eager to spend an October weekend engaged in competitive squash matches. Manzur, the host club’s squash pro, did a commendable job of organizing the tournament and keeping play on track throughout the four days of competition.

Jay Del Carmen, the reigning state champion, took on Hannu Koho, the “Finnish Flash”, in the final of the 5.0 division on Saturday afternoon. Koho came into the final confident after an impressive semi-final over Manzur. Del Carmen hadn’t lost a game entering the final and appeared in good form. The match’s first point gave the crowd on hand an early look at the quality of squash they were to witness over the next four games. The point lasted minutes and had the crowd commenting on the skill and fitness level of the two players. After the point resulted in a hand-out to Del Carmen, Koho turned to the crowd gathered behind the glass back wall and exhaustedly said, “I can’t keep this up for three games.” He did, however, keep it up impressively over an epic first game and walked off-court up 1-0.

The match turned in Del Carmen’s favor during game two. He controlled play during the majority of points and by mid game it was clear he was wearing down Koho physically. Del Carmen executed his strategy with precision throughout games two and three to take a 2-1 lead. Del Carmen raced to a 5-1 lead in game four. Koho wouldn’t go quietly, however, and he fought back to 4-5. After a tense and high quality point that resulted in a hand-out, Del Carmen served out the game to win the match 3-1.

The combined 4.0/4.5 division final was contested between Leif Erickson and Paul Bischell. Erickson, racquet wrapped in pink grip tape to commemorate breast cancer awareness month, got off to a fast start and had Bischell on the run throughout the match. The ultra-fit Bischell never wore down, but his counter-attacking style didn’t pressure Erickson enough to allow him to dictate play. Erickson’s play was solid and mostly error free with the result being a 3-0 victory.

Kren McManus and Bill Scott battled their way through a tough draw on their to the 3.5 divsion. McManus' rigourous preparation schedule for the upcoming Howe Cup left her in excellent form coming into the final. Scott was hoping to use his extensive tournament experience and savvy court sense to neutralize McManus' game. A well played match resulted in McManus walking off court with her first tournament title

The 2.5/3.0 division final pitted Nicole Kirchhof against Melissa Lee. Lee’s run up to the final was impressive considering it was her first tournament competition in over five year. Kirchhof, a member of the region’s Howe Cup team, wasn’t seriously challenged in her matches leading up to the final against Lee. Kirchhof continued her strong play throughout the final and walked off court with a 3-0 win.

Thanks to all participants for making the season opening Kick-Off Tournament a successful event.