European Small Nations Squash Tournament

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Last Updated on Sunday, 19 August 2012 19:57

Luxembourg squash claims double gold in Iceland.

The Luxembourg men's and women's squash teams recently competed in the annual European Small Nations Squash competition, this year held in Reykjavik, Iceland. Last year Luxembourg, for the first time in the history of Small Nations squash won both titles, with the tournament being held in Luxembourg. The challenge this year was to defend the titles away from the Grand Duchy and complete a 100% record in the matches.

 

The national coach, Nathan Sneyd had the luxury of picking from virtually the same squad as last year, with the only addition being Vincent Pauli, who made his debut in this year's competition.

The teams:               

The competition was played over four days with the opposition being Iceland, Monaco, Liechenstein and Cyprus.

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Day 1                           vs. Liechenstein

Results            Men                4/1
 Women            3/0

The first match for the men was Vincent Pauli, making his debut in the competition. Early nerves cost him the first set 10/9 but then he settled down to win comfortably 3/1. Niall Woodger had an easy win 3/0 and Danny Hutchines also achieved a 3/0 victory. Both Hutchines and Woodger were undefeated in last year's competition and were on course to retain their impressive records
Stephane Ayache, playing at position 2 this year struggled in his match and lost 0/3, despite having two games go to 10/9. Sanjay fought hard to win his match 3/2 using his tactical knowledge to dictate the pace of the game to suit himself.

The women's team started with both Francoise Donven and Claudia Mich having comfortable 3/0 victories vs. their opponents. Sandra Dennis, Luxembourg No 1 also managed a comfortable 3/0 victory vs. Nicole Rothman

Day 2                           vs. Cyprus

 

Results            Men                3/2
                        Women            3/0

This was the crunch match for the men's team as last year Cyprus managed a 3/2 victory over Luxembourg. Neal Raval's presence strengthened the team with Vincent Pauli stepping down from the previous day's line up. Niall continued his winning ways with a 3/0 victory and Danny, although dropping a set also managed a win, 3/1. Neal Raval secured the win for the team with a 3/1 victory a number three. Unfortunately Stephane and Sanjay could not complete the clean sweep with Stephane losing 3/0 and Sanjay losing 3/1 to his main rival in Small Nations Squash, Panos Hadjiphippou.

The women's team were got off to a strong start with both Claudia and Francoise once again recoding easy 3/0 wins. Sandra, playing Vaso Hambides, recent semi finalist in the British Open over 40's was in for a tough match. However Sandra was up for the challenge and managed to win the game 3/1 and also became the first ever player in Small Nations history to inflict a defeat on Vaso.

Day 3                           vs. Monaco

 

Results            Men                4/1
                        Women            2/1

The men's team were once again given an excellent start with Niall continuing his excellent form winning again 3/0. Danny continued his undefeated run with a hard fought 3/0 win. The third match saw the Monaco player injure himself in the second game whilst holding a 1/0 lead. He was unable to continue so the tie was awarded to Luxembourg 3/1. Stephane, after two close games managed to secure his first individual victory in the competition, winning 3/1. Unfortunately Sanjay could not complete the clean sweep, being outplayed by the Monaco no 1   Christian Billard.

The third day's match was crucial for the women's team as a victory would ensure a fourth consecutive win in the competition. Monaco had changed the order of their team from last year resulting in Claudia having to play previous no 1 Violaine Del Ponte. She lost the game 0/3, however Francoise continued her good form at number two once gain securing a 3/0 win. Sandra completed the win with an easy 3/0 result, and victory in the competition.

Day 4                           vs. Iceland

 

Results            Men                5/0
                        Women            2/1

The men's team required a win on the final day to ensure they retained the championship. Once again Niall and Danny got the team off to a flying start with 3/0 wins. Neal clinched the championship with a victory at number three and both Stephane and Sanjay completed a clean sweep.

The Women's team managed another victory with wins for Francoise and Sandra, with Sandra defeating the Icelandic No 1, Rosa Jonsdottir, who is on the verge of turning professional. The final day's results meant that in the men's team Niall Woodger, Neal Raval and Danny Hutchines were undefeated and both Sandra Dennis and Francoise Donven for the women's team.

Coach, Nathan Sneyd commented on these excellent results, The results of this tournament comes down to being more dedicated to training and having a little bit of sacrifice, not only the individuals involved in past years but to the squad that are still developing too. And we can still do more should the will of the Squad and the FSL choose."

"Each player has all played their part every match - that is why we have the best teams in the competition"

Final table