Matthew Wins Westchester Invitational

Nick Matthew, the British National Champion, earned top honors at the Westchester Invitational with a victory over David Palmer, the reigning Australian National Champion, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9. 

The pace of play was exceptionally fast throughout the match with each player aggressively taking the ball early, trying to put pressure on the other, and take advantage of any sign of a loose shot. Adrenaline was running high. On four different occasions, Matthew hit the ball off the back wall and out of court over the front wall.  

Ultimately, Nick’s legs were a little fresher, and he outlasted Palmer in 50 minutes. On the world tour, the two have faced each other on 10 occasions with Matthew having a 6-4 edge over Palmer. 

Matthew advanced to the finals with wins over 3-time Colombian Champion Bernardo Samper, touring pro in residence at Westchester Country Club, and Wael El Hindi, ’08 Egyptian Champion now in residence at City View Club in New York. The match with El Hindi was particularly tight with Matthew winning 11-9 in game 5. 

Palmer’s legs may have taxed from the previous night’s semi-final marathon against Thierry Lincou. The second game alone was 30 minutes long and inspired a standing ovation from the crowd.  

Tournament referee Mike Riley was impressed by the intensity of play throughout the tournament. “I enjoyed seeing the boys play the ball and not look for cheap lets and strokes. It made them work a little harder, but the quality of play was better for fans,” he noted. 

The Westchester Invitational featured 8 Players, including 3 former World #1’s, David Palmer, Thierry Lincou, and John White. In this intimate setting, fans were able to get acquainted with players during the week at post-match receptions as well as in player clinics. 

The next stop for US Pro Squash is Franklin and Marshall College for another Invitational tournament, which will again feature Palmer, White, and El Hindi. US #3 Chris Gordon will be making his US Pro Squash debut in Lancaster.

At www.prosquashtour.org, you can also find a full schedule of US Pro Squash Tour events, including upcoming tournaments in New York City, Rochester, Philadelphia, New England and California.

US Pro Squash Tour’s large schedule of events is a testament to the growing interest in squash throughout the United States.