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NetSuite Open Day Three - As It Happens

Follow us here for reports and reaction from day three of the NetSuite Open, where Women's World No.1 Laura Massaro goes head-to-head with World No.11 Joelle King in a mouthwatering semi-final clash

Former World No.1 James Willstrop, fresh from a superb win over 'Colombian Cannonball' Miguel Angel Rodriguez in the previous round, is also in action against Germany's Simon Rösner, while qualifiers Diego Elias and Gregoire Marche also meet.

You can watch the action LIVE on SQUASHTV and Eurosport Player.

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Here’s Today’s Order of Play
(All times are local PDT)
19:00 [WC] James Willstrop (ENG) v [6] Simon Rösner (GER)
19:45 [1] Laura Massaro (ENG) v [4] Joelle King (NZL)
20:45 [Q] Diego Elias (PER) v [Q] Gregoire Marche (FRA)

Stunning Fightback Sees Willstrop Down Rösner

Former World No.1 James Willstrop produced a superb comeback to overturn a two-game deficit and eliminate Germany’s Simon Rösner in the quarter-final stage of the NetSuite Open, PSA M100 tournament taking place on San Francisco’s Justin Herman Plaza.

The Englishman looked down and out after some powerful play from Rösner saw the World No.12 open up a two-game lead, leaving him on the cusp of a third straight win over his opponent.

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But tournament wildcard Willstrop dug in superbly and used all of his 17 years of experience to battle back, taking three games without reply to earn a 9-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-2, 12-10 victory to set up a semi-final meeting with either Frenchman Gregoire Marche or Peru’s Diego Elias.

“I think the quality of the squash was so good,” said Willstrop.

“It was a pretty high standard, we were both hitting the ball accurately. It’s cut-throat stuff, the ball was flying around and you have to have such control to stay in it. His pace and control was a little bit better in the first two games.

“He won the crucial points in the second, but it was close. The key is that I didn’t panic, it’s a difficult psychological deficit to overcome when you’re 2-0 down. The statistics show that people don’t do it often, so I just had to keep making him play and I knew that I might be able to find a way in.

“I knew that if I could find my level and keep it, then I could have a crack in the next three games.”

Willstrop, known on Tour as ‘The Marksman’, led the head-to-head record 8-2 coming into the encounter after winning all of their opening eight matches, but Rösner had got the better of the Yorkshireman on the previous two occasions.

The duo were locked in a fascinating tactical battle from the start, with Rösner’s volleying and driving prowess enabling him to pull away and open up a one-game lead. Game two followed along much the same vein, with Rösner holding his position on the ’T’ and firing in a series of devastating drives to Willstrop’s backhand.


After losing the second game, the Englishman responded by slowing the pace down and lobbing the ball more in a bid to move Rösner out of the middle and into the back of the court. The approach worked well and the World No.18 kept his opponent at arm’s length to claw a game back before wearing down a tiring Rösner in the fourth game to restore parity to proceedings.

A climactic fifth game saw both players trade blows, with Willstrop’s superb accuracy and Rösner’s severe hitting making for a highly compelling contest. Willstrop looked to have found a breakthrough after going 9-6 up, only to see Rösner fight back to claim a game ball. The next two points went in Willstrop’s favour though and, after a succession of lets intensified the drama, he eventually broke Rösner’s resistance to emerge victorious

After seeing his first round match with Miguel Angel Rodriguez moved to a different venue because of slippery court conditions, caused by a sudden drop in weather temperature, Willstrop had special praise for the tournament organisers, who were able to return the court to a playable condition.

“I’m really happy to get on that court and the people behind the scenes have obviously done the right work, they’ve researched the court and what was going on. They’ve put a lot of effort in, they’ve got the heaters in, so great credit to them for listening to us players.

“One of the things I’m really happy about tonight is being able to have a game of squash where I can lunge around with no issues. Hopefully that continues for all the players.”

Result – Quarter-Final: Men’s NetSuite Open 2016
[WC] James Willstrop (ENG) bt [6] Simon Rösner (GER) 3-2: 9-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-2, 12-10 (79m)

Massaro Marches on to Final After Defeating King

England No.1 Laura Massaro became the first finalist in the Women’s PSA W50 tournament after overcoming New Zealand’s Joelle King in a clinical straight games victory.

Massaro had beaten King four times over the past three years, but it was the latter who started on the front foot, with her accuracy and consistent hitting seeing the World No.11 build up two game balls in the opener.

World No.2 Massaro found her rhythm though and came back to win it on the tie-break, before King struggled to replicate her start to the match in game two as Massaro’s devastating volleying saw the Lancastrian double her lead for the loss of five points.

Massaro refused to let up in the third and an imperious display saw her cruise to a comfortable 12-10, 11-5, 11-4 triumph to ensure she will lock horns with either eight-time World Champion Nicol David or home hero Amanda Sobhy, who play tomorrow, in the final.

“I was way down in that first one, and I think it just shows that if you’re not completely focused, then her skills are just too good, so it was about making sure that I was 100 per cent focused on the game plan that I set out before,” said Massaro.

“Being able to stick to a game plan is probably one of my biggest strengths and as long as I do that, I’m happy win or lose, so that’s my only focus when I’m on court.

“I’m loving my time in San Francisco, it’s an amazing event and a wonderful location to put a squash court.”

Result – Semi-Final: Women’s NetSuite Open 2016
[1] Laura Massaro (ENG) bt [4] Joelle King (NZL) 3-0: 12-10, 11-5, 11-4 (33m)

Elias Reaches Maiden PSA M100 Semi-Final

Two-time World Junior Champion Diego Elias secured a place in his first ever PSA M100 semi-final after a superb performance from the 19-year-old Peruvian saw him overcome France’s Gregoire Marche – and he will take on former World No.1 James Willstrop for a place in the final.

Elias was at his best from the outset, with the World No.34 cutting a composed figure as a clinical showing from the teenager saw him nullify Marche’s attacking game plan.

The fixture featured a clash of styles, with Marche’s all-action style contrasting with the languid one of Elias, and it was the latter who rose to a two-game lead courtesy of some intelligent court craft and fine winners.


Marche had beaten three-time World Champion Nick Matthew in the previous round, but was frustrated time and time again by the prodigious talents of Elias, who eased to victory in game three to wrap up an 11-8, 11-9, 11-4 triumph in 40 minutes.

“I’m really happy, it’s my first win on SQUASHTV,” said Elias.

“I was focused, I wanted to enjoy the match and I played my best. It has been an amazing experience, I knew the court was a bit tricky, but I’m happy I was able to play well on it.

“I had so much fun and wanted to thank everyone for supporting me.”

Result – Quarter-Final: Men’s NetSuite Open 2016
[Q] Diego Elias (PER) bt [Q] Gregoire Marche (FRA) 3-0: 11-8, 11-9, 11-4 (40m)

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