Event Report
This was the biggest UK-Racketball Series event all year, with nearly 90 people taking part!
Click here to see the event photos
Click here to see the results
Click here to see the event photos
Click here to see the results
A grade
Group A
Ted Jeal was the top seed in Group A and he was joined by Nick Bond, Craig Bartlett and Dan Soar – not an easy group by anyone’s standards! He played Craig and Dan and fought through to win each 2-0. Nick against Craig was a battle that went to three, but in Nick’s favour. Nick wasn’t as lucky against Dan, who overcame his opponent in straight games.
Ted Jeal was the top seed in Group A and he was joined by Nick Bond, Craig Bartlett and Dan Soar – not an easy group by anyone’s standards! He played Craig and Dan and fought through to win each 2-0. Nick against Craig was a battle that went to three, but in Nick’s favour. Nick wasn’t as lucky against Dan, who overcame his opponent in straight games.
Group B
Craig Chappel was the top seed in group B which was another tough ask; he faced Mark Fuller, the finalist from the Chapel A Open, Justin Monson, David Allen and Andy Warmington. Despite being unseeded and unranked in the event, it was David Allen who beat his rather considerable opponents to make it through to the final with 7 out of a possible 8 points. However, he left before the final was played and so it fell to the next highest scorer to go through. Mark Fuller and Craig Chappel were both tied on 6 points so it was decided by the winner of their match – which was Craig!
Final
The final was a big deal for Craig; he came second to Ted at Leamington and would be looking to make sure he made it to first this time around. It was also a big deal for Ted; if he won this event, he would win the 2013 UK-Racketball Series. There was a lot riding on the match! 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.
Craig Chappel was the top seed in group B which was another tough ask; he faced Mark Fuller, the finalist from the Chapel A Open, Justin Monson, David Allen and Andy Warmington. Despite being unseeded and unranked in the event, it was David Allen who beat his rather considerable opponents to make it through to the final with 7 out of a possible 8 points. However, he left before the final was played and so it fell to the next highest scorer to go through. Mark Fuller and Craig Chappel were both tied on 6 points so it was decided by the winner of their match – which was Craig!
Final
The final was a big deal for Craig; he came second to Ted at Leamington and would be looking to make sure he made it to first this time around. It was also a big deal for Ted; if he won this event, he would win the 2013 UK-Racketball Series. There was a lot riding on the match! 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.
B Grade
Group Stages
In group A, Ian Furlonger triumphed over Jack Gilchrist, Joe Faulkner and Charlie Manthorp to take his place in the first semi-final. Who faced him was decided in group B; Ian Scanlan, Andy Stott and Brian Hibbotson were contesting. Brian retired injured after the first game against Andy, and so the match between Andy and Ian decided the first semi-final; in the end it was Andy who made it through.
In group C, Andy Wood went head to head with Brendon Bennett and Mike Keogh. Brendon and Andy both succeeded over Mike and so it was down to a decider between Andy and Brendon. Andy fought his way into the second semi-final! In group D it was Billy Jones - who got to the final in the Chapel A Open last month - who faced off against Gary Slator and Natalie Lawrence. The unranked Natalie beat Gary 2-0, as did Billy. So it was left to a decider between Natalie and Billy as to who took that last semi-final spot. Spurred on by his determination to win the B Grade after coming so close in the previous attempt, It was Billy who went through.
In group A, Ian Furlonger triumphed over Jack Gilchrist, Joe Faulkner and Charlie Manthorp to take his place in the first semi-final. Who faced him was decided in group B; Ian Scanlan, Andy Stott and Brian Hibbotson were contesting. Brian retired injured after the first game against Andy, and so the match between Andy and Ian decided the first semi-final; in the end it was Andy who made it through.
In group C, Andy Wood went head to head with Brendon Bennett and Mike Keogh. Brendon and Andy both succeeded over Mike and so it was down to a decider between Andy and Brendon. Andy fought his way into the second semi-final! In group D it was Billy Jones - who got to the final in the Chapel A Open last month - who faced off against Gary Slator and Natalie Lawrence. The unranked Natalie beat Gary 2-0, as did Billy. So it was left to a decider between Natalie and Billy as to who took that last semi-final spot. Spurred on by his determination to win the B Grade after coming so close in the previous attempt, It was Billy who went through.
Semi-Final
The first semi was between Ian Furlonger and Andy Stott; these two last came head to head in the first event of the Series at the Manor. On this occasion, it wasn’t the semis but the final and it was Ian who triumphed, beating Andy 2-0. Andy was definitely looking for some revenge this time as the score line went in completely the opposite direction – he beat Ian 2-0 and headed into the final.
The second semi was between Andy Wood and Billy Jones; in the last UK-Racketball event, the Chapel A Open it was these two that contended the final, with Andy taking the win 2-0. Perhaps it was that he was not expecting to meet his nemesis so early, or perhaps Andy remains a stumbling block for Billy, he was not able to turn his fortunes this time around and Andy headed into the final after beating Billy 2-0.
Final
It was the final of the two Andys; Stott versus Wood. It was a really close call as both players put up a fight. But coming off the back of a win in Chapel A, Wood had the confidence and just slightly more in the tank than Stott, and won the match and the title.
The first semi was between Ian Furlonger and Andy Stott; these two last came head to head in the first event of the Series at the Manor. On this occasion, it wasn’t the semis but the final and it was Ian who triumphed, beating Andy 2-0. Andy was definitely looking for some revenge this time as the score line went in completely the opposite direction – he beat Ian 2-0 and headed into the final.
The second semi was between Andy Wood and Billy Jones; in the last UK-Racketball event, the Chapel A Open it was these two that contended the final, with Andy taking the win 2-0. Perhaps it was that he was not expecting to meet his nemesis so early, or perhaps Andy remains a stumbling block for Billy, he was not able to turn his fortunes this time around and Andy headed into the final after beating Billy 2-0.
Final
It was the final of the two Andys; Stott versus Wood. It was a really close call as both players put up a fight. But coming off the back of a win in Chapel A, Wood had the confidence and just slightly more in the tank than Stott, and won the match and the title.
Women's
Group Stages
The women’s grade seems to be getting stronger and bigger in number every event this year!
In group A of the women’s grade, Natalie Lawrence (who was also playing in the B Grade) was joined by Sinead Devaney, Charlotte Jagger and Beverley Bailey. Natalie was really strong on the day and she won all of her matches in the group stages 2-0.
In group B it was last year’s Series winner Jo Moseley who faced Chloe Widdowson, Rachel Woolford and Vicky Toates. Despite being unseeded and unranked, it was Rachel who topped her group; winning all her matches without dropping a game!
In group C it was Nina Parker who made her way into the winner’s group by overcoming Series regular Elaine Gilchrist and Holly Moore 2-0 each.
The women’s grade seems to be getting stronger and bigger in number every event this year!
In group A of the women’s grade, Natalie Lawrence (who was also playing in the B Grade) was joined by Sinead Devaney, Charlotte Jagger and Beverley Bailey. Natalie was really strong on the day and she won all of her matches in the group stages 2-0.
In group B it was last year’s Series winner Jo Moseley who faced Chloe Widdowson, Rachel Woolford and Vicky Toates. Despite being unseeded and unranked, it was Rachel who topped her group; winning all her matches without dropping a game!
In group C it was Nina Parker who made her way into the winner’s group by overcoming Series regular Elaine Gilchrist and Holly Moore 2-0 each.
Winner’s Group
As there were three groups, the winner of each went into a winner’s group where they played a round robin. Nina Parker, Rachel Woolford and Natalie Lawrence were the three that contested the title. Rachel and Natalie both beat Nina, so it was down to a match between the two of them that decided who would walk away with the victory. Playing in the B Grade as well as the women’s definitely did not have an effect on Natalie as she Rachel in a gruelling 2-1 match that showed the strength of the women’s grade.
As there were three groups, the winner of each went into a winner’s group where they played a round robin. Nina Parker, Rachel Woolford and Natalie Lawrence were the three that contested the title. Rachel and Natalie both beat Nina, so it was down to a match between the two of them that decided who would walk away with the victory. Playing in the B Grade as well as the women’s definitely did not have an effect on Natalie as she Rachel in a gruelling 2-1 match that showed the strength of the women’s grade.
Over 40's
Group Stages
In group A, it was Series regular James Powley who was seeded to win when he faced Clyde Finch, Adrian Murphy, Jamie Jones and Simon Faulkner. James has gotten to the final in three out of the last four UK-Racketball Series events and so the pressure was on for him to do it again. And he did, dropping a game to the only unranked player in the group, Simon Faulkner.
In group B, Jason Russell was also the top seed of his group, coming up against Phil Perchard, Matthew Wixted, Alan Voyce and Karl Murray. Despite being seeded three in the UK, there hasn’t been a final set up between Jason and Powley all year. If he topped his group, it would happen at the Nottingham Open. And it did!
Final
So the final was set: the number one ranked player Powley versus the number three ranked player Russell. Both were playing after already playing four tough matches in the group stages, so they needed to keep the engines going for one final match. The score line did not represent how close these games were and how long this match was, but Powley took it 2-0 and waked away again with the Over’40’s title.
In group A, it was Series regular James Powley who was seeded to win when he faced Clyde Finch, Adrian Murphy, Jamie Jones and Simon Faulkner. James has gotten to the final in three out of the last four UK-Racketball Series events and so the pressure was on for him to do it again. And he did, dropping a game to the only unranked player in the group, Simon Faulkner.
In group B, Jason Russell was also the top seed of his group, coming up against Phil Perchard, Matthew Wixted, Alan Voyce and Karl Murray. Despite being seeded three in the UK, there hasn’t been a final set up between Jason and Powley all year. If he topped his group, it would happen at the Nottingham Open. And it did!
Final
So the final was set: the number one ranked player Powley versus the number three ranked player Russell. Both were playing after already playing four tough matches in the group stages, so they needed to keep the engines going for one final match. The score line did not represent how close these games were and how long this match was, but Powley took it 2-0 and waked away again with the Over’40’s title.
Over 50's
This was the biggest grade of the event with some of the top players in this category showing up to battle it out.
Group stages
There were five groups in the Over 50’s; the winners of groups A to C went straight through to the semis and the winners of group D and E battled it out for the final place.
In groups A to C, it was the top seeds that made it through. In group A, Paul Haigh beat Jack Gilchrist, Nigel Millington and Terry Horne. In group B, Mike English beat Peter Seddon, John Farrow and Mike Fleming. In group C, Buzby Williams beat Stephen Uttley, Paul Devey and Peter Scott.
In group D, Paul Brooks beat Greg Marsters, Mike Coombes and Dave Scurlock and in group E Peter Fielding beat Andrew Laker and Chris Hawken. Paul Brooks and Peter Fielding therefore had to face each other to see who gained the last semi-final spot and it was Paul who did this, winning 2-0.
Semis
The first semi was between top seed Paul Haigh and Series regular Mike English. Despite a good fight from Mike, Paul was destined to make the final; and he did.
The second semi was between Buzby Williams and Paul Brooks. Paul went straight on court after his play-off against Peter Fielding (as had Buzby) and playing Buzby without much a break was one push too far for him. Buzby went through to the final.
Final
Paul Haigh and Buzby Williams contested the Over 50’s final after tough route to the final for both of them. It was a close but fair final and it really could have gone either way as both are really strong playes in the cateogry that have been sucessful this year. But it was Buzby who took the match along with the title.
Group stages
There were five groups in the Over 50’s; the winners of groups A to C went straight through to the semis and the winners of group D and E battled it out for the final place.
In groups A to C, it was the top seeds that made it through. In group A, Paul Haigh beat Jack Gilchrist, Nigel Millington and Terry Horne. In group B, Mike English beat Peter Seddon, John Farrow and Mike Fleming. In group C, Buzby Williams beat Stephen Uttley, Paul Devey and Peter Scott.
In group D, Paul Brooks beat Greg Marsters, Mike Coombes and Dave Scurlock and in group E Peter Fielding beat Andrew Laker and Chris Hawken. Paul Brooks and Peter Fielding therefore had to face each other to see who gained the last semi-final spot and it was Paul who did this, winning 2-0.
Semis
The first semi was between top seed Paul Haigh and Series regular Mike English. Despite a good fight from Mike, Paul was destined to make the final; and he did.
The second semi was between Buzby Williams and Paul Brooks. Paul went straight on court after his play-off against Peter Fielding (as had Buzby) and playing Buzby without much a break was one push too far for him. Buzby went through to the final.
Final
Paul Haigh and Buzby Williams contested the Over 50’s final after tough route to the final for both of them. It was a close but fair final and it really could have gone either way as both are really strong playes in the cateogry that have been sucessful this year. But it was Buzby who took the match along with the title.
Over 60's
Group Stages
In group A, after a player pulled out on the day, Ian Graham, Graham Greensall and Ernest Radford were left to fight for a place in the final. The players played each opponent twice to have a total of up to 8 points. Ian Graham topped his group with a staggering eight points with only one game dropped.
In group B Roy Burns faced Ed Smith, Dave Scurlock, Mike Keogh and Phill Crane. This group was really tight, with Roy Burns, Dave Scurlock and Phill Crane all winning three games each. It all came down to Roy Burns who picked up an extra point against Dave that gave him seven points over the other two’s six, which took him into the final.
Final
So we had ourselves another final in the Over 60’s between Ian Graham and Roy Burns. They have played each other several times over the Series but the first time they met in the final was at the last event at Chapel A. In this meeting it was Ian Graham who came off with the upper hand, so Roy had a lot of work to do to change things around. Unfortunately, on the day Ian just had a bit more in the tank than Roy at the end and he beat his opponent 2-0 to take the Over 60’s crown for the fourth time this year.
In group A, after a player pulled out on the day, Ian Graham, Graham Greensall and Ernest Radford were left to fight for a place in the final. The players played each opponent twice to have a total of up to 8 points. Ian Graham topped his group with a staggering eight points with only one game dropped.
In group B Roy Burns faced Ed Smith, Dave Scurlock, Mike Keogh and Phill Crane. This group was really tight, with Roy Burns, Dave Scurlock and Phill Crane all winning three games each. It all came down to Roy Burns who picked up an extra point against Dave that gave him seven points over the other two’s six, which took him into the final.
Final
So we had ourselves another final in the Over 60’s between Ian Graham and Roy Burns. They have played each other several times over the Series but the first time they met in the final was at the last event at Chapel A. In this meeting it was Ian Graham who came off with the upper hand, so Roy had a lot of work to do to change things around. Unfortunately, on the day Ian just had a bit more in the tank than Roy at the end and he beat his opponent 2-0 to take the Over 60’s crown for the fourth time this year.
Beginners
In the beginner’s grade, Stewart Lowth was joined by Ben Marsters, Simon Jackson, Alex Webster and Dominic Smith. Dominic was a strong candidate to win this as he won three out of the four matches, only losing out to Ben 2-0. However, this loss would end up being a crucial one as Ben won all his other matches and thus the group with 8 points.
Event report written by Victoria Clark.
Event report written by Victoria Clark.
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 is set to be one of the biggest racketball events in the country, with a BBQ and professional squash on in the evening; definitely not one to miss!
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 the event was another fantastic success with a large number of entries into all grades. The event again ran on the last weekend of the MANTIS Fantasy Squash PSA, this time falling on the Semi Finals night. The 2012 semi finals were both Egypt verse England and a real treat for the racketball players who stayed for the food and squash. In the end Zahed Mohammed and Karim Ali Fathi made it through to set up one of the best finals Nottingham has ever seen.
For all racketballers wishing to stick around to watch the squash this year, a £5 ticket gets you entry to watch the squash and your food for the evening.
In 2013 we are hoping to build upon the success that this event has experienced over the last three 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.
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 the event was another fantastic success with a large number of entries into all grades. The event again ran on the last weekend of the MANTIS Fantasy Squash PSA, this time falling on the Semi Finals night. The 2012 semi finals were both Egypt verse England and a real treat for the racketball players who stayed for the food and squash. In the end Zahed Mohammed and Karim Ali Fathi made it through to set up one of the best finals Nottingham has ever seen.
For all racketballers wishing to stick around to watch the squash this year, a £5 ticket gets you entry to watch the squash and your food for the evening.
In 2013 we are hoping to build upon the success that this event has experienced over the last three 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.
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
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
