Selby sinks Grant after Jaclyn’s joy at springing a shock in women’s final

By PAUL LINDSAY – Squash Mad Reporter

Jaclyn Kemp and Daryl Selby won the Reliable Networks BSPA Grand Prix Finals at Roehampton, with the now-retired Kemp overcoming world No.6 Alison Waters to win the women’s title.

Jaclyn takes Grand Prix Title

Jaclyn Kemp was clearly happy with her performance to win the Reliable Networks BSPA Grand Prix Finals in a tough five-game victory over Alison Waters.

A fast start from Ali in the first racing to a 5-1 lead gave Jaclyn little time to settle, although Jaclyn was moving well and battling to get back into the game. Ali took the first 11-6.

The second seemed to be a repeat of the first game as Ali led 5-1 but Jaclyn was now moving well, hitting good length and using her boast at the right time to take control to go 8-5 up. The excellent play continued but Jaclyn held on to take the game 11-9.

The third was nip and tuck as both players tired to take control and much to the crowds surprise Jaclyn took the lead 8-5 and remained there taking it 11-8.

The fourth was also close throughout with the crowd applauding the squash on show as 3-3 became 6-6 then 9-9. Ali dug deep to take the game 11-9 and force a decider.

The fifth proved to be one-sided as Ali could not find a way into the game. Jaclyn was relentless in her determination to retrieve every ball and move Ali around the court. A ‘no let’ call at 6-2 seemed to take the stuffing from a tired Ali as her errors increased and Jaclyn closed out the game and match deservedly 11-4.

Jaclyn was clearly delighted with the win, telling the crowd how much more she is enjoying playing without any pressure on her since her retirement from the professional tour. She thanked the Roehampton Club and Reliable Networks for staging and sponsoring the tournament.

Daryl’s delight but he takes nothing for Granted

Daryl Selby took the Reliable Networks BSPA Grand Prix Finals with a hard fought victory over fellow England international Adrian Grant at the Roehampton Club.

A repeat of the 2013 Final, it was Daryl who started quickly racing to 4-0 lead and this proved enough of a cushion to take the 1st 11-5.

The second game started closely as Adrian looked like he was now getting himself into the match but a 5-2 lead was soon to disappear as Daryl took control to go 8-5 with a mix of determined rallying and wonderful shot making. There was no answer to this from Adrian in the second and Daryl took the game 11-6 to build a 2-0 lead.

The third was a different story. Adrian, looking focused and using his short kill shots to good effect, reeled off six points in a row to go 9-2 up, and some unforced errors from Daryl gave Adrian the game 11-4 and hopes to retain his title.

Into the fourth and both pushed early to find an advantage, Adrian seeming more confident hitting some wonderful winners to go 3-2 up, but Daryl stayed patient and his retrieving combined with his excellent shot making gave him an 8-3 lead. A spirited effort from Adrian to get back to 7-8 but Daryl took control and closed out the game and match 11-7 taking the title.

They both now prepare with the England Squad for this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Daryl appropriately thanked those involved in the event at the Roehampton Club, including sponsors Reliable Networks, and looked forward to returning next year to defend the title.

Reliable Networks BSPA Grand Prix Finals, Roehampton.

Men’s Final: Daryl Selby beat Adrian Grant 3-1 (11-5, 11-5, 4-11, 11-7) 45min

Women’s Final: Jaclyn Kemp beat Alison Waters 3-2 (6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9 11-4 (65min)