Dunlop British Open, Manchester - Season 2007-2008 - 18-24/09/07

Left:- James Henderson and Wael Ali Tabbalat (Jordan)

Thurso Squash Club's, James Henderson, recently entered, arguably, the World's most prestigious Squash event, the British Open at the National Squash Arena, Manchester Sport City.

Although his entry was for the Over 45's Masters event, competition was fierce with a large field of players vying for the title.

James's first opponent, Lluis Planell (Spain) proved to be a tough nut to crack with endless long rallies, major exertions and tight drives culminating in the longest match of the entire Masters' events, which range from Over 35 - periodically every 5 years, up to Over 65's. Unfortunately, no prizes are given for this accolade, but after approximately 85 minutes hard graft, it was his opponent who qualified to continue in the tournament, winning in the final game by 9 points to 7.

Qualifying now for the plate event, James skipped past his first opponent 3-0 and onto a semi-final clash versus, Wael Ali Tabbalat, Jordan.

Wael, played a precise and technical match - slowing the speed of the game down, leaving James to battle for points on numerous occasions and eventually won the tie to continue onto the final.

After a brief discussion, James mentioned, "the whole event was a great experience, excellent to mix with players of ALL nationalities from around the world and he would definitely be coming back next year".

Photos

Ali pushes everyone out of the way for the signature...	Ali gets her photo with ex-World Number 1, Jahangir Khan
Ali and World Number 1, Amr Shabana	David Palmer and Ali

Ali with all the Egyptians

Bird and Ali enjoying the squash...  Well, a pint, anyway....

Bird v Wael Ali Tabbalat (Jordan)

Bird v Lluis Planell (Spain)

Bird in first round of plate

Gareth managed to appear at Masters, aswell... and win the Over 45 title.  It's really Phil Whitlock, Oor Gaz' mate from back home.

Phil v Mark Woodliffe in Over 45 final

Bird wisna happy with the Manchester Hilton building hinging oot like that.....

Aah, lovely.....

The artwork set in place for the Commonwealth Games.

Front door of Manchester City FC ground.

Some of the older players going at it hammer and tong...

Men and Ladies' final's winners and runners-up

Gregory Gaultier and Jahangir Khan

Thierry Lincou and Gregory Gaultier warm up for final

It's all go in the final with the players pushing each other into the corners

Rachael Grinham and Nicol David warm up for final

Rachael Grinham delighted with win	French pals happy in victory and defeat

Nick Matthew and Amr Shabana

James Willstrop and David Palmer

An unhappy David Palmer after losing his semi-final match versus Thierry Lincou	Nicol David commenting to Sarah Fitzgerald about getting to the final
Gregory Gaultier and Amr Shabana	Natalie Grainger v Nicol David in semi
Ladies quarter final match	Sarah Fitzgerald interviewing Peter Barker

Early Men's matches

ALL Masters' winners and runners-up

Sarah Fitzgerald - Over 35 Ladies champion

End-of-Document