Event Report: A Grade
Group A was won by Mark Fuller but not without some difficulty. Fuller dropped a game first to Billy Jones and then to Dan Soar but his experience saw him through to the final in Nottingham for the forth year in a row. Soar proved to solid for Jones and Ed Walker taking his remaining matches 2-0 to claim second place in the group.
Group A was won by Mark Fuller but not without some difficulty. Fuller dropped a game first to Billy Jones and then to Dan Soar but his experience saw him through to the final in Nottingham for the forth year in a row. Soar proved to solid for Jones and Ed Walker taking his remaining matches 2-0 to claim second place in the group.
It was the Ted Jeal show in group B but Nick Bond
did come close. Bond is improving quickly and will prove a bit of a handful soon but Jeal was to strong on the day. Andy Wood battled hard defeating Mike English (who was also playing in the Over 50's) to set up a second place decider against Bond. It was a good game that Bond took on this occasion but no doubt Wood will be back.
Mark Fuller and Ted Jeal had already met in two finals so far this year, Linpsfield and The Manor. It was 1-1 going into Nottingham but anyone looking forward to a battle was disappointed, Jeal was hitting well and exposed some ragged movement from Fuller, quite one sided in the end 2-0 Jeal and his second title of the series.
It was the Ted Jeal show in group B but Nick Bond
did come close. Bond is improving quickly and will prove a bit of a handful soon but Jeal was to strong on the day. Andy Wood battled hard defeating Mike English (who was also playing in the Over 50's) to set up a second place decider against Bond. It was a good game that Bond took on this occasion but no doubt Wood will be back.
Mark Fuller and Ted Jeal had already met in two finals so far this year, Linpsfield and The Manor. It was 1-1 going into Nottingham but anyone looking forward to a battle was disappointed, Jeal was hitting well and exposed some ragged movement from Fuller, quite one sided in the end 2-0 Jeal and his second title of the series.
B Grade
It was a fantastic entry into the B grade with 20 players competing in 5 groups of 4. The group winners made it through to either the quarter or semi finals depending upon the luck of the draw.
The quarter final was made up of the winners of group D Natalie Lawrence and the winner of group E Jonathan Round. Already with 3 matches under their belts and potentially another 2 to go it was Jonathan Round who made it through to face the group C winner Ryan Loska in the first of the semi finals. Round did not have enough to take the experienced Loska however, Loska picks up everything and rarely makes a mistake which in the end this was just to much for Round.
The other half of the draw saw the group winners head straight to the semi finals. Lee Watson made it through as group A winner and he faced Sam Jeal the winner of group B. It was a contentious affair, both players giving everything with a few heated encounters between Jeal and the referee. In the end it was Watson who made it through 2-1 proving just to solid for Jeal in the end.
In the final Loska again showed his consistence and impassible defence soaking up everything that Watson threw at him to take the match 2-0 and take the title from the biggest field on the day.
The quarter final was made up of the winners of group D Natalie Lawrence and the winner of group E Jonathan Round. Already with 3 matches under their belts and potentially another 2 to go it was Jonathan Round who made it through to face the group C winner Ryan Loska in the first of the semi finals. Round did not have enough to take the experienced Loska however, Loska picks up everything and rarely makes a mistake which in the end this was just to much for Round.
The other half of the draw saw the group winners head straight to the semi finals. Lee Watson made it through as group A winner and he faced Sam Jeal the winner of group B. It was a contentious affair, both players giving everything with a few heated encounters between Jeal and the referee. In the end it was Watson who made it through 2-1 proving just to solid for Jeal in the end.
In the final Loska again showed his consistence and impassible defence soaking up everything that Watson threw at him to take the match 2-0 and take the title from the biggest field on the day.
Over 40's
Andy Wood was solid in group A only dropping a game to Jonathan Leat. Leat finished runner up despite being beaten by the player who finished at the bottom of the group Brendon Bennett. Bennett was beaten by Mathew Wixted 2-0 which decided the final positions of the group.
Group B was a simpler affair with both Ian Fudge
and Marc Thornley winning both their matches before facing off for the decider. On this occasion it was Fudge who overcame the consistent Thornley winning 2-0 and earning himself a place in the final.
Ian Fudge continued his run of good form in the final over coming Andy Wood 2-0. Fudge had a great days racketball, not dropping a single game all day to earn his title.
Group B was a simpler affair with both Ian Fudge
and Marc Thornley winning both their matches before facing off for the decider. On this occasion it was Fudge who overcame the consistent Thornley winning 2-0 and earning himself a place in the final.
Ian Fudge continued his run of good form in the final over coming Andy Wood 2-0. Fudge had a great days racketball, not dropping a single game all day to earn his title.
Over 50's
It was another good turn out in the over 50's and the day started in it's usual fashion with Patrick Osborn, Michael English and Paul Brooks all making it through their groups without dropping a game.
Group B saw some great battles with Akhtar Khokhar getting close to Paul Brooks and just managing to just hang on and get the better of Neil Widdowson 2-1 to take 2nd place.
The final group saw 3 players compete who are used to battling it out at UK-Racketball Series events. All 3 have plenty of titles between them but on the day it was Patrick Osborn who came through as the victor defeating Michael English 2-0 and Neil Brooks in a tight 2-1. Another title to add to the collection for Patrick Osborn.
Group B saw some great battles with Akhtar Khokhar getting close to Paul Brooks and just managing to just hang on and get the better of Neil Widdowson 2-1 to take 2nd place.
The final group saw 3 players compete who are used to battling it out at UK-Racketball Series events. All 3 have plenty of titles between them but on the day it was Patrick Osborn who came through as the victor defeating Michael English 2-0 and Neil Brooks in a tight 2-1. Another title to add to the collection for Patrick Osborn.
Over 60's
Ian Graham proved to solid for group A defeating all his opponents 2-0. The battle for 2nd place however came right down to a 3 way tie between Michael Keogh, Robin Soar and Peter De Bank. All 3 defeated each other to finish on an equal 2 points each.
In group B it was Graham Greensall who came through as group winner to set up the final against Ian Graham. It was always going to be a tight final and it didn't disappoint. Both games went to a tie break with Ian Graham coming through as the victor 14/12, 12/10.
It was another great days racketball at Nottingham with many of the competitors staying on to watch the Semi Finals of the MANTIS Fantasy Squash PSA in the evening.
Next up the tour heads to Devon
In group B it was Graham Greensall who came through as group winner to set up the final against Ian Graham. It was always going to be a tight final and it didn't disappoint. Both games went to a tie break with Ian Graham coming through as the victor 14/12, 12/10.
It was another great days racketball at Nottingham with many of the competitors staying on to watch the Semi Finals of the MANTIS Fantasy Squash PSA in the evening.
Next up the tour heads to Devon
Introduction
Nottingham hosted the first ever UK-Racketball event in 2010 and is now the longest standing venue off the Series. The club is also the home of the UK-Racketball and Fantasy Squash office and shop. This year it was one of the best racketball events in the country, with a BBQ and professional squash on in the evening;
Nottingham is the biggest squash venue in the country and the first venue to become a host for a UK-Racketball Event back in 2010. With 10 fantastic squash courts, including six glass backs and one of the best championship show courts in the country, the club is an ideal host for any top squash or racketball tournament.
In 2010 The Nottingham Racketball Open was the biggest entry in the Series with Dom Hamilton, Mike Phillips, Jonathan Underhill and Rob Watkins all taking titles and setting off our first UK-Racketball Series.
In 2011 Nottingham Squash Club became host to the first annual Fantasy Squash Festival, with the MB-Nottingham Racketball Open running on the same day as the MANTIS Fantasy Squash PSA Final. The Racketball Open attracted almost 100 entrants making it the biggest racketball event of 2011 outside the National Championships; many of the competitors stayed around to watch the PSA Final between Charles Sharpes and Anthony Graham, and the return of squash legend Peter Marshall to the club for an exhibition.
Last year was the biggest of the UK-Racketball Series events all year, with nearly 90 people taking part! The A grade final was an intense match between Craig Chappel and Ted Jeal as they both had a lot riding on the game. When it came down to it though, Ted’s determination to win was too great and it was he who emerged victorious, winning the event and the Series in one go.
In 2014 we are hoping to build upon the success that this event has experienced over the last four seasons and create one of the biggest racketball events in the country. Despite attracting so many competitors the event still retains its inclusivity with players of all abilities and ages competing across the grades. However, if you want to play an event where the A grade is guaranteed to consist of the sport’s biggest names, the Nottingham Racketball Open is definitely it!
This is the flagship UK-Racketball Series event and bound to be another fantastic day’s racketball.
This is the flagship UK-Racketball Series event and bound to be another fantastic day’s racketball.
Nottingham is the biggest squash venue in the country and the first venue to become a host for a UK-Racketball Event back in 2010. With 10 fantastic squash courts, including six glass backs and one of the best championship show courts in the country, the club is an ideal host for any top squash or racketball tournament.
In 2010 The Nottingham Racketball Open was the biggest entry in the Series with Dom Hamilton, Mike Phillips, Jonathan Underhill and Rob Watkins all taking titles and setting off our first UK-Racketball Series.
In 2011 Nottingham Squash Club became host to the first annual Fantasy Squash Festival, with the MB-Nottingham Racketball Open running on the same day as the MANTIS Fantasy Squash PSA Final. The Racketball Open attracted almost 100 entrants making it the biggest racketball event of 2011 outside the National Championships; many of the competitors stayed around to watch the PSA Final between Charles Sharpes and Anthony Graham, and the return of squash legend Peter Marshall to the club for an exhibition.
Last year was the biggest of the UK-Racketball Series events all year, with nearly 90 people taking part! The A grade final was an intense match between Craig Chappel and Ted Jeal as they both had a lot riding on the game. When it came down to it though, Ted’s determination to win was too great and it was he who emerged victorious, winning the event and the Series in one go.
In 2014 we are hoping to build upon the success that this event has experienced over the last four seasons and create one of the biggest racketball events in the country. Despite attracting so many competitors the event still retains its inclusivity with players of all abilities and ages competing across the grades. However, if you want to play an event where the A grade is guaranteed to consist of the sport’s biggest names, the Nottingham Racketball Open is definitely it!
This is the flagship UK-Racketball Series event and bound to be another fantastic day’s racketball.
This is the flagship UK-Racketball Series event and bound to be another fantastic day’s racketball.
Ian Graham proved to solid for group A defeating all his opponents 2-0. The battle for 2nd place however came right down to a 3 way tie between Michael Keogh, Robin Soar and Peter De Bank. All 3 defeated each other to finish on an equal 2 points each.
In group B it was Graham Greensall who came through as group winner to set up the final against Ian Graham. It was always going to be a tight final and it didn't disappoint. Both games went to a tie break with Ian Graham coming through as the victor 14/12, 12/10.
It was another great days racketball at Nottingham with many of the competitors staying on to watch the Semi Finals of the MANTIS Fantasy Squash PSA in the evening.
Next up the tour heads to Devon!
Nottingham hosted the first ever UK-Racketball event in 2010 and is now the longest standing venue off the Series. The club is also the home of the UK-Racketball and Fantasy Squash office and shop. This year it was one of the best racketball events in the country, with a BBQ and professional squash on in the evening;
In group B it was Graham Greensall who came through as group winner to set up the final against Ian Graham. It was always going to be a tight final and it didn't disappoint. Both games went to a tie break with Ian Graham coming through as the victor 14/12, 12/10.
It was another great days racketball at Nottingham with many of the competitors staying on to watch the Semi Finals of the MANTIS Fantasy Squash PSA in the evening.
Next up the tour heads to Devon!
Nottingham hosted the first ever UK-Racketball event in 2010 and is now the longest standing venue off the Series. The club is also the home of the UK-Racketball and Fantasy Squash office and shop. This year it was one of the best racketball events in the country, with a BBQ and professional squash on in the evening;
Grades
It is important to remember that UK-Racketball Series events are designed to be inclusive. Although the A grade does attract the best racketball players in the country the events really are for players of all ages and abilities. We have never had a competitor who felt they were not good enough for an event when they took part.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Beginner – This is for players who have recently started racketball. Players who have previously played squash to a high level and have now started playing racketball may be better off in the A or B grade. To maintain a fun atmosphere for this grade, only trophies will be awarded to the winners however there will also be a reduced entry fee of just £10.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at info@uk-racketball.com and we will be happy to advise you.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play, this has never happened in the last three years.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Beginner – This is for players who have recently started racketball. Players who have previously played squash to a high level and have now started playing racketball may be better off in the A or B grade. To maintain a fun atmosphere for this grade, only trophies will be awarded to the winners however there will also be a reduced entry fee of just £10.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at info@uk-racketball.com and we will be happy to advise you.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play, this has never happened in the last three years.
The Venue
Club Facilities
Nottingham Squash Rackets Club has plenty of onsite parking, a bar open all day serving hot and cold food, a gym to warm up in before your matches and a sauna and steam room to warm down and relax after playing.
Club Location
Along with the facilities and atmosphere the club location is another reason why events at Nottingham prove to be so popular. With the city being central to the UK and the club based only 15 minutes from the M1 Nottingham can be reached easily from all areas of the country.
Nottingham Squash Rackets Club
Tattershall Drive
The Park Estate
Nottingham
NG7 1BX
Tel: 0115 941 7022
Click here to visit the clubs website for more details.
Nottingham Squash Rackets Club has plenty of onsite parking, a bar open all day serving hot and cold food, a gym to warm up in before your matches and a sauna and steam room to warm down and relax after playing.
Club Location
Along with the facilities and atmosphere the club location is another reason why events at Nottingham prove to be so popular. With the city being central to the UK and the club based only 15 minutes from the M1 Nottingham can be reached easily from all areas of the country.
Nottingham Squash Rackets Club
Tattershall Drive
The Park Estate
Nottingham
NG7 1BX
Tel: 0115 941 7022
Click here to visit the clubs website for more details.