Latest News...

Friday 4th March

I had an operation on my knee on Saturday. I was expecting to have a small piece of cartilage removed and be back on court in 6 weeks but after the op the surgeon told me he found more damage than expected.

He removed two large pieces of cartilage, one of which was buried under the meniscus on the inside of my knee. He then found a fairly large hole on the outside of my knee where the cartilage had worn away. He did a procedure called a microfracture on the area, which involves drilling small holes into the bone which bleed and form a clot to fill the hole and act as cartilage.

This requires a period of 6 weeks on crutches and non weight bearing on that leg to allow the blood clot to form and heal properly. During this time I can begin simple exercises and try to get the range of movement back into my knee. Return to sport is usually at about 4 to 6 months but this all depends how things go.

It will be a tough and lengthy rehab programme but I am willing to do it as its the best thing for my knee in the long run. Obviously this is not what I was hoping for but it had to be done and now I need to stay positive to help with the recovery. I will update you as I progress.

Friday 17th February

Latest Update:

I had an MR arthrogram yesterday to allow the specialist to see my knee in more detail. My knee hasn't really improved since I last played in New Zealand over two months ago, I have been working really hard at the rehab and having a lot of physio but I haven't been able to progress very much and it is still painful.

The scan showed some articular cartilage has torn away from where it was and is flapping about in my knee. The surgeon is going to do an arthroscope to remove this and wash out the joint. I will be having this done on the 26th of Feb.

I look forward to getting stuck in to the rehab once the operation is done and I can't wait to get back on court.

Tuesday 1st February

Latest Update:

Unfortunately I am going to have to pull out of the Nationals this year, my knee has not reovered from the injury sustained at the World teams in New Zealand.

I had really hoped to play as the Nationals is always one of the highlights of the year and I always enjoy playing in it. But I have not been on court since the Worlds and my knee is not in a position to start playing squash yet.

I am seeing a specialist next week to discuss what I can do and how to progress from here. I can't wait to get back on court but I am not sure at this moment when that will be.

Friday 7th January

Tania Update on the upcoming National Championships:

I entered the Nationals before I went to New Zealand but my knee has been bad since I played there. I have not been able to do any training since and right now I really don't know if I will be back on court by the Nationals. I had a steroid injection in my knee last week in the hope it will allow me to start some training. I am starting a rehab programme this week and I just have to take it a week at a time and see how I can progress.

I would love to make the Nationals again but right now I really can't say. If things go completely fine over the next month then it is a possibility I could play it.

Saturday 18th December

Tania Update:

My scan results showed the damage to the cartilage in my knee has been extended, but compared to a scan I had over two years ago it wasn't as bad as the physio and doctor expected.

I am beginning a rehab programme to get the muscles around my knee as strong as possible. I will be taking it day to day and seeing how things feel and progress over the next few weeks or so. It is definitely improving though which is good news.

Saturday 11th December

Tania Update:

"...I have had to pull out of the Sharm El Sheikh International due to a knee injury sustained in the World Team Championships in New Zealand.

I had an MRI scan on the knee on Friday and am waiting for the results..."

Saturday 4th December

Note: Tania had to pull out of the Final due to a knee injury but here is the report:

Australia have added yet another Women’s World Team Squash Championships title to its tally.

The second seeds have taken out the 2010 title at the IPC in Palmerston North, after a 2-1 win over England in the final.

Five times world champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald, who came out of retirement to play this event, gave the Aussies a perfect start with a 11-4, 11-4, 11-4 demolition of Sarah Kippax in the opening match.

However, world number two Jenny Duncalf hauled the top seeds back into the tie with an 11-7, 11-4, 11-9 win over Australian number one Rachael Grinham, to send the final into a deciding third match between Laura Massaro and Kasey Brown.

Australia’s Brown raced to a 2-0 lead, but Massaro has already proven she can fight back after pegging New Zealander Joelle King back yesterday. Once again, the world number nine showed her grit, taking the third  . However, Brown would not be denied, reclaiming the ascendancy in the fourth to close out an 11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8 victory.

It is the ninth time Australia have won the Championships, in the 17 times they have been held.

Brown, who played in 2006 when the team finished 10th and again in 2008 when they finished 6th, is rapt to have gotten her side over the line.

“This is the first time I’ve been part of the winning team so, we’ve had such a big history in squash it feels amazing to be part of it”.

Brown says the return of Sarah Fitz-Gerald and Rachael Grinham have played a huge part in the success.  She says team manager Michelle Martin also deserves a lot of the credit.

Friday 3rd December...

Heartbreak for New Zealand at the 2010 Women’s World Team Squash Championships in Palmerston North.

The fifth seeded Kiwis have missed out on a spot in the final, after going down 2-1 to England in a dramatic semifinal at the IPC

The home side looked to have all but booked a spot in the title decider, with the two teams all square at 1-all and New Zealand’s golden girl Joelle King winning the first two games in the deciding match against Laura Massaro.

But the world number nine somehow came back from the dead, reeling the 22-year-old kiwi in to record a stunning 5-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-7 victory.

Earlier, Shelley Kitchen had given New Zealand the early advantage with a 3-1 win over Tania Bailey, just the second time Kitchen has beaten her long time rival during their careers.  However, world number two Jenny Duncalf made it 1-all, bouncing back from a game down to beat kiwi number one Jaclyn Hawkes 3-1.

Massaro is thrilled to secure the victory for her team.  She says she got off to a shaky start, but fortunately she managed to turn things around.

“I just thought, dig in, keep the rallies long and just do the best that you can and that’s all that anyone in my team expects me to do.  I think I did that in the last three games”.

Thursday 2nd Dec - Squashsite report...

Kiwis beat France, it’s England next ...

England joined New Zealand and Australia in the semifinals. The top seeds won the first two matches of their quarterfinal against Ireland, making the third and final match dead rubber.  Ireland’s chances weren’t helped by the absence of their top player Madeline Perry, who sat out the clash with a shoulder problem.

Laura Massaro was simply too good for Laura Mylotte in the opening match, winning 11-2, 11-4, 11-7. World number two Jenny Duncalf then wrapped up the tie, with an 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 victory over Aisling Blake.

Tania Bailey won the dead rubber 11-3, 11-6.

England will play New Zealand in the semis, after the fifth seeded kiwis edged France 2-1.

For full results and news go to:

http://squash.me.uk/wwt/

Monday 29th Nov - Squashsite report...

The top eight seeds all won their opening matches of the Women’s World Teams in New Zealand, but it was easier for some …

USA proved a tough nut to crack for England in the opening round of pool play at the Women’s World Team Squash Championships in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

The top seeds won the tie 3-0, but only after a magnificent fight back from world number 26 Tania Bailey.

The English number three dropped the first two games against world junior champion Amanda Sobhy, but battled back to take the match 10-12, 7-11, 11-6, 11-4 11-4.  That sealed the tie for England, after Laura Massaro had earlier beaten Latasha Khan in straight games.

That took the pressure of world number two Jenny Duncalf, who comfortably downed Natalie Grainger 11-6, 11-5, 11-1.  It is Duncalf’s first win over Grainger on the international stage, having lost their previous two encounters in 2007 and 2009.

Tania's update:

"...We won 3-0. I won 3.2. I was 2-0 down. I didn't play well for the first two games but then improved a lot after that. I totally changed my game plan and didn't allow her to play the way she was. Then she got tired towards the end. It was good to come through the match..."

Englands next game is against the Netherlands on Tuesday.

For full results and news go to:

http://squash.me.uk/wwt/

Tania misses out on 3rd commonwealth games medal...

Tania and her partner Sarah Kippax lost in the quarter finals of the commonwealth games competition to the number 4 seeds Jaclyn Hawkes and Joelle King.

The match was a well contested 55 minutes long despite Tania and Sarah being paired together at the last minute due to injury and also despite Sarah having to play 3 tough matches on the same day (this one being the third).

Tan's Results...

Day Three Results:

Women’s Quarter Finals:

[4] Jaclyn Hawkes & Joelle King (NZL) bt [5] Tania Bailey & Sarah Kippax (ENG) 11-4, 9-11, 11-4 (55m)

Pool 3

[2] Lisa Camilleri & Amelia Pittock (AUS) bt [5] Tania Bailey & Sarah Kippax (ENG) 11-4, 11-9 (26m)

Day Two Results:

Women’s Doubles 2nd qualifying round:

Pool 3

[5] Tania Bailey & Sarah Kippax (ENG) bt Zoe Barr & Madeline Perry (NIR) 11-7, 11-3 (25m)

Day One Results:

Women’s Doubles 1st qualifying round:

Pool 3

[5] Tania Bailey & Sarah Kippax (ENG) bt Nicolette Fernandes & Ashley Khalil (GUY)
11-6, 11-2 (19m)

For full results go to:

http://www.cwgsquash.com/

Tan's Update...

I am pleased with my performances from the Worlds, I would have loved to have gone further in the event but I will take a lot of positives from the way I played.

I played well against Nicolette who is a tough opponent and there was a lot of pressure to win that match, as you get points, hotel and prize money if you make the main draw and you get nothing if you don’t!

Out of the 8 qualifying spots Omneya was one of the toughest but I was really looking forward to the match. I started a bit slowly but once I got in to it I played well, I felt I matched her in a lot of the rallies and just a bit more confidence in my short game and a bit more fitness and I could have won.

I enjoyed the match and I will go home now and prepare to go to Delhi for the Commonwealth Games.

Tan's Update after First Round Win over Joelle King (NZL)...

It was a tough match. I started a bit slowly as Joelle cames out so fast and I took a while to get used to the pace. I lost the first but then settled in and won the next two. The third was really tight all the way and I managed to scrape it 12.10 but put in a lot of effort to win that game. I then went down a few points really quickly in the fourth and thought it was best for me to save my energy and go flat out in the fifth.

I played well in the fifth and managed to stay ahead all the way through the game, I am really pleased to have come through, I lost to Joelle 3.0 last time we played and she is a really strong player.I look forward to getting on the glass court tomorrow.

Tans Update after Last 16 loss to Rachel Grinham (AUS)...

I lost to Rachel yesterday 3.0. It was tough after having a hard match the night before, I felt good though body wise which was realy pleasing. I didnt have any soreness in my body and my knee and hip felt fine which is great after hitting for four days in a row followed by two matches.

This is a big step for me to know that I can be on court for that many days in a row and have no reaction. I felt a bit tired and slightly off the pace though which you can't afford to be against the top girls. Rachel is quick and picks up a lot of balls and also her drops land further forward on the court than most of the girls. I felt I played ok though and I gave it my best on there. I will have a rest day today and then do my rehab session tomorrow then get back on court the next day. I will watch the matches today which should hopefully be good.

Tan's Update after the Malaysian Open...

I am on my way home from Malaysia but I am pleased with the tournament, I feel I have played well in all my matches, I was especially pleased to beat Donna 3.0 as I had lost to her here in March and she is a tough opponent. I played really well in that game and controlled the ball well and I stuck to my game plan which worked well.

My match with Al was good and I feel like I have improved a lot over the last few months as I have been able to up my training week by week and I feel it is working. My movement is a lot better and I am quicker around the court and I can maintain playing at a higher pace for longer.

There is still alot of work to do and improvements I want to make but everything is going in the right direction and my body is holding up as well as I could hope right now. I look forward to getting home and doing some more work before I fly to Australia in two weeks time.

Tan's Update...

England squash have announced the team for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October and I am delighted to have been selected.

I love playing for my country and I can't wait to go to Delhi. I have also been chosen to captain the team which is a great honour. I will be playing the womens doubles with Laura Massaro.

I have had a really good few months of training and I am feeling the strongest I have for a long time. I have been managing my injuries really well and I have been able to increase my training week by week. I am going to Malaysia tomorrow and then have a few more events before October.

Tan's Update...

I lost last night to Joelle King. She is one of the younger players who is up and coming and she played well. The first and second games were close but then I couldn't do anything in the third. I am still lacking confidence in my game and my body, The more work I do over the next few months should improve this so I can go on court knowing I can play well and that I am in good shape.

I need to work on my swing and my short game as I am not consistent with my hitting right now and when I do get the chance to put the ball away I am not doing it. I am really determined to work hard and get back to playing the way I can but this takes time and unfortunately I can't rush it.

I am at home next week and then go to the Irish Open the week after so I will see how I can do there.

Tan's Update...

Here is an update on how things have been going for me.

I lost in the last round of qualifying for the Malaysian Open in March. I was disappointed to lose as I had come back from 2.0 down and I had a match ball in the fifth game. On the positive side though my knee and hip held up to 2 days of practise on court followed by 2 matches and I had no adverse reaction. That was the main thing I was hoping for and I know now I can up my training and my body can handle it better.

I feel I can now start to think about playing squash and what I need to work on and improve on rather than my first thought always being about how my body is. The last few weeks have gone well since I got back from Malaysia, I have had some hard matches and also pushed on with my training. I hope I can continue to do this over the next few months.

I am playing the Texas Open this week, my first match is on Thursday.

Tan's Update...

I just wanted to write an update to let you know how things are going and here it is…

"The last few years have been really tough, after working so hard to get my hip stronger from the operation last year I had a set back over Christmas with a chronic sinus infection that took a month to clear and then a flair up with my knee in January. I went to play in Greenwich completely under prepared and struggling mentally. I had a lot of thinking to do after the event to decide exactly where my squash was going and what I wanted to do.

For over 2 and a half years now I have spent so much time recovering from injuries and operations, doing rehab and seeing the phsyio that I barely felt like a squash player anymore. I feel I have been tested to the limit and although I had never seriously thought about giving it all up, recently I have come close. It is not enjoyable going on court and performing a long way below what I know I can and not being able to train the way I want to. The frustration of not being in control of my body is hard to take, I do everything I can to keep myself healthy but my body keeps letting me down. But the desire to get back on court and to play tournaments and play for England has kept me going and I have always believed that I can still play to the standard of the best players in the World. The experiences have made me a stronger person, I have learned so much about myself and I can take so many knock backs and keep trying and working hard.

I have been working hard since I got back from Greenwich and I feel a lot better, in just three weeks my knee is getting stronger and I am getting some fitness back, I still have a lot of work to do but things are going in the right direction. I went to the nationals and it was a massive improvement on my performance in Greenwich, I was pleased with the way I played and I know what I want to do over the next few months to improve.

I feel a lot better now and I am not having the doubts that I was, I have realized how much I really want to carry on playing and I feel really excited about the future, my desire to play is as strong as it has ever been and I am really enjoying the training again. I am going to give it my all for as long as I can. I am not unrealistic and I know it won’t last forever but I will make the most of it while it lasts. 

And a couple of other things…

My brother and his wife, Mark and Jo had a baby boy on Christmas day, he is called Isaac and he is gorgeous. Congratulations to them both!  

I am getting married to Neil on the 19th February in Stamford, I am looking forward to having a big celebration with everyone!

Tan Updates from Qatar Classic

After loss to World No.8 Laura Massaro in a close match...

I played well today, I feel like it is another step forward and I am pleased to have pushed a top 10 player. I felt good physically and did not tire as quickly as I was doing a few months ago. I can play hard rallies consistently now and stay strong. I did feel my legs getting a bit heavy in the 4th but I was able to push until the end.

I was disappointed to lose the third after being 6.1 and 8.6 up. I felt I played really well to get the lead and felt really good but then I think I relaxed a bit and sat back at that point and Laura got back into it. I need to start attacking a bit more and taking the ball in with more conviction which I will be working on over the next few months. I also need to improve my speed off the mark to get on to the ball earlier.

Overall though I am really pleased with my performance and will take a lot of positives out of the match.

After win over Canada's Alana Miller...

I had never played Alana before so I wasn’t really sure what to expect, I thought she played really well though. She hits the ball well and anytime my shot wasn’t really tight she went for it and hit some good winners. She was getting to a lot of balls too which made it hard. I felt like I played ok in the first and then I was a bit loose in the second and I went a bit negative. I felt like I went a bit stiff in my arm and made a few errors. I played well in the third and fourth and felt like I was more patient and then I started attacking more at the right time.

Squashsite link...

All the results...

Tan Updates from Carol Weymuller Open in Brooklyn, New York

After loss to World No.6 Jenny Duncalf...

The tournament went well for me, it is the first time I have played two competitive matches in a row for a long time so that was good. I felt like I improved from my first round to my game against Jenny. I felt like I was moving well and hitting the ball well, I was 7.2 up in the first so I was disappointed not to win that one but I lost my focus slightly and you can't afford to do that against the top players, especially as Jenny has been playing so well recently.

I felt like I competed well though. Every time I go on court I feel a bit better and every game is a stepping stone forward. Physically I am improving too, I feel like I can play at a faster pace for longer now than I could a few weeks ago. I felt like I was right in the match for the first two games but then faded in the third, the muscles in my hip started to fatigue and I just lost the power I needed to push off anymore in that game, it is nothing to worry about though, it was just because I haven’t pushed it that hard yet and it is still getting stronger and getting used to playing again.

I am delighted with how well my hip is doing and I am really enjoying playing. I am really looking forward to the next few months.

After win over World No.11 Kasey Brown...

"I started well and felt like I was attacking well, I went through stages in the match where I played really well but then patches which were not very good and I started just hitting cross court and not moving my feet. Once I mixed the pace up a bit and straightened up I felt a lot better.

I started each game well and controlled the T, playing some good short stuff but then towards the middle of each game I felt like I went negative and sat back. I felt fine physically though which was great and I feel like that is improving with every match.

I just need to be a bit more confident in my game. I am looking forward to playing Jen and I will see how it goes!"

Squashsite link...

All the results...

Tan Update 17/10/09

"Here is an update to let you know how I am getting on....

I felt really good after my match at the World Open against Vanessa, I felt like I had improved from the match we played in the British and although I lost I took a lot of positives from the match. I felt a bit fitter and I was moving well. I knew I still had a lot to work on but I was looking forward to getting on with some training afterwards.

Unfortunately though I picked up an infection not long after the Worlds and haven’t been able to train since. I also had to pull out of Hong Kong which was disappointing. It’s a slight setback again but looking at the bigger picture I am still really pleased with how things have gone.

My hip is still recovering well and feeling good and I have to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t even expecting to be back playing until November so everything for now is still a bonus. I know I have got a lot of work to do physically and technically but I am very exited about doing this and seeing how I can improve over the next few months. I am hoping that by early next year I will be somewhere close to playing as I was a couple of years ago before all the injury problems.

I take confidence from the fact that I can still play to a decent standard having barely trained or played for over two years now and I believe I still have a lot to give which is what keeps me going when things are bad. I am feeling a bit better each day from the infection and I am going to start getting back on court and doing my rehab a bit more each day until I feel totally better again.

I am due to go to NewYork on the 1st November to compete in The Carol Weymuller Open which I am looking forward to. I will let you know how things go over there."

Tan Speaking to the squashsite - 23/09/09

"Last week I was dead after just one game, so I was actually quite pleased with how well I lasted today. Vanessa knew that I wasn't going to last though, and she made it hard at the beginning.

I haven't really trained for two years now with various injuries, and the doctors told me that I wouldn't be on court before November, and that only next year could I expect to see some improvement, so really anything I do this year is a big bonus.

I can't believe how unfit I am and how bad I feel, people who aren't full time and don't train must feel like this after every match, I've definitely got to get back into training!"

Result:

[11] Vanessa Atkinson (Ned) bt Tania Bailey (Eng) 12/10, 8/11, 11/5, 11/5 (39m)

Other:

Squashsite Link...

All the results...

Next tournament...

Tan Update - 13/09/09

I lost 3-1 to Vanessa Atkinson yesterday in the first round of the British Open. I was really pleased with how things went though. I started the game well but just got tired quickly, I know my fitness is a long way short of what I was and what I need to be but that will improve now that I am playing and training again.

My hip felt totally fine during the match which is great and I really enjoyed playing. I am going to work hard over the next few months and
look forward to the tournaments coming up. It was great to be back at a tournament though and I feel really positive about everything.

Squashsite Link...

All the results...

Next tournament...

Tan Update - 18/08/09

I have decided to enter the British Open. Originally I was told that I would not be ready to play it but things have progressed a lot quicker than we thought, I have been on court several times now and my hip is feeling great. The physio told me last week that I would be fine to play it if I wanted to.

I am delighted to be able to enter and can't wait to be part of a tournament again, especially the British Open. I have worked so hard on my rehab and I have done everything I possibly could to allow my body to heal fully while at the same time gaining strength. I feel really positive bout the future and cant wait for the next few months.

Tan Update - 13/08/09

I just wanted to let you know that I have entered the World Open. The physio is really pleased with my progress and has said that I will be
fine to play it.

I have progressed better than expected which is great, it makes all the effort and hard work worthwhile! My hip and knee feel really good. I
am gaining confidence in my movement with every session. The next step is to start turning on my leg and to increase the speed I am doing
everything. I will continue with the general rehab too. I am so exited to be back on court and I cant wait to be at a tournament again.

Tan Update - 05/08/09

It is now 12 weeks since my hip surgery and I am feeling really good. My hip is doing great and is feeling better every day. I am still having physio every week and doing my rehab exercises every day.

I am able to put some weight on to my exercises in the gym now. I spoke to the surgeon a few days ago and they have given me the all clear to start running and getting back on court. I need to build it up gradually though and see how things feel day to day, if they feel good I can move forward but if I get any soreness I have to take a step back again. This morning I jogged for 5 minutes which is the first time I have done anything where I was putting impact through my hip. Iit felt fine which I am really happy about. I just have to see how it feels the next day before I do any more.

I can also start to do some routines on court, as long as they are simple and I know where the ball is going. I can steadily increase what I am doing over the next few weeks and months. I am not committing to anything yet but if things continue to improve how they have been then I am hoping to enter the World Open at the end of September. I will not rush it though and if it is not ready then I won’t play. I will let you know once I have made a definite decision and keep you informed of my progress as I start hitting again.

Tan Update - 30/06/09

I am now almost 8 weeks post-op, I saw the surgeon 2 weeks ago and have been off the crutches since then. Walking was really strange at first having not put my foot down for 6 weeks but it felt really good to be able to get about again and my leg has improved a lot since.

The surgeon was really happy with my progress, my hip was doing a lot better than they expected, I have started to do more strength work now and will steadily build it up over the next 4 weeks. I can also use the bike more, start on the cross trainer and I will continue to use the pool too.

I am feeling really positive about my progress and I am really pleased with how everything is improving, I will continue to do the exercises and see the physio regularly. I am not sure when it will be yet but I can’t wait to get back on court...

Tan Update - 08/06/09

It is now almost 5 weeks since my opeartion. I go back to see the surgeon in just over a weeks time on the 17th June. I should be able
to put my weight through my leg again and stop using the crutches. I am really exited about that! My hip is continuing to improve, I have
got full range of movement in it now and it feels like it would be fine to walk on ( I just have to wait a bit longer to make sure it has
healed fully and make sure that it it will be good in the future).

My exercises have progressed and I am still going to the pool as often as possible, I can now swim properly using my legs as well as my arms
which is great and I have increased the amount of running I am doing in the water.

I went to Vicky and Stewarts wedding on Friday which was really nice and great to have a few days away. I have physio again tomorrow and look forward to the next few weeks to see how things go...

Tan Update - 27/05/09

"It is now 3 weeks since my operation and everything is going well. I am more confident now on the crutches and my range of movement in my leg is better so I can get out a bit more.

I am also allowed to drive now. I am still seeing the physio twice a week and doing my exercises everyday. I am also going to the pool as often as I can. I have started running in the water wearing an aqua jogger.

I have 3 more weeks of none weight bearing on that leg. Time has gone quick which is great and I look forward to each day to see how things are improving. I will update you again next week."

Pics from Tan...

Tan Update - 19/05/09

"It is now almost 2 weeks since I had my hip surgery. I am feeling good. I saw the physio on Friday and he progressed my exercises slightly and I also had the stitches removed on Friday so I am allowed to go in the pool now. I can walk in deep water and I can also do some simple exercises stood in the water too.

Everything I am doing is still fairly basic but it gives me something to focus on which is great. I feel like each day I am getting more movement back in my hip and it feels like it is getting a bit stronger each day.

I am using my spare time to get on with some studying. I am in the second year of a sport science degree and I have got quite a lot of work to hand in during the summer so at least I have some time to do that. I am seeing the physio today and then again on Friday and I am hoping he will be pleased with how things are going!"

Pics from Tan...

Tan Update - 08/05/09

"I had my hip operation on Wednesday 6th May. I had it done at the Wellington hospital by Richard Villar. The operation was bigger than
originally thought but it all went well.

The surgeon smoothed off the rough cartilage, removed loose cartilage and did a microfracture of the femoral head. I will be on crutches for 6 weeks.

I have already started simple rehabilitation exercises and will start to work with the physio at the end of next week."

Results

FINAL

CHAPEL ALLERTON BT DUFFIELD 3-2

For all the results click here:

Excerpt from Howard Harding Report...

Media

For all the news from the tournament see the squash site...

Results

FINAL

ENGLAND BT NETHERLANDS 3-0

SEMI FINAL

ENGLAND BT FRANCE 3-0

For all the results click here:

Pictures

Tans Pics...

Squashsite Pics...

Tournament Report...

England retained their European Teams Title in Malmo (Sweden) on Saturday by beating the Netherlands 3-0 in the final.

In the final, Jenny beat Natalie Grinham, Alison beat Vanessa Atkinson and in the dead rubber Laura beat Annelize Naude.

Tania had played in the earlier league matches, beating players from Ireland, Germany and Belgium.

Next up for Tania is an appearance for Duffield in the National league final and then its her hip operation the day after...

Media

For all the news from the tournament see the squash site...

Results

SARAH KIPPAX BEAT TANIA

11/9 12/10 11/7

TANIA BEAT MANUELA MANETTA

11/7 8/11 11/7 11/7

For the other results click here:

Tournament Report...

Mark Bailey reporting from Dublin...

The story of Tania's Irish Open tournament started on the Saturday before, when she realised she had a chest infection. She quickly got some anti-biotics and hoped she would be better by the Wednesday when she was due to play.

She was feeling a lot better by the time she was due to play so she went on court in the first round and managed to beat Manuela without ever being too physically tested as both players were going for some quick winners.

Tania was still feeling ok before going on court with Sarah and she was in fine form as she took a 7-3 lead in the first game. But then it struck! After a very long and physically draining rally Tania seemed to be struggling to get air in. Sarah came back into the game and Tania was struggling to come to terms with her loss of breath.

Tania was unable to play her usual steady eddie game and due to her shortness of breath was having to force it. Her breathing was also getting worse and Kippax seem to extend the rallies as she noticed Tania was struggling.

Tania lost the first and second games despite heroic efforts in the circumstances and she came off after the second game wheezing painfully and unable to get any air in at all. I told her to give up and that she wasn't well but she wouldn't have any of and went back on to finish the match.

She was still struggling with her infected lungs but just went for quick winners that sometimes came off but sometimes didn't. She actually hit some fantastic shots and managed to get a good number of points considered her illness but Kippax was playing a patient game and was doing her best to continue to get the ball back.

Unfortunately the timing of Tanias illness limited her progress. She hasn't had much luck with illnesses during her career! And not even the luck of the Irish could help her here.

She now has a day or so to relax before she is off to Malmo in Sweden to represent England in the European Team championships.

After that she will play for Duffield in the National league final and then have a hip operation the day after...

Tania's update:

"...I was struggling with a chest infection in Ireland and didn't realise how bad I was going to feel until I tried to play.

But I am feeling better now and am looking forward to playing in Sweden..."

Part of Tania's chat with the Peterborough ET before the tournament...

"To be honest my frame of mind is quite strange right now with needing
an operation on my hip in a few weeks time.

They are going to repair the torn cartilage as it is gradually
getting worse and there is no other option. The surgeon and physio
are very positive that the outcome will be good and that I can
resume training and playing fully.

I will know more about the amount of time I will be out once the
operation has been done but I am excited about the end of the year
as there are a lot of big tournaments.

I still feel I have many good years ahead of me. I know I've had a
few setbacks but the best thing is my knee is good and that was my
biggest worry.

I am willing to work really hard to get back playing again. I have
learned a lot about myself and my game and I feel I will be be a
better player for it."

Media

For all the news from the tournament see the squash site...

Results

Final - TAN (5) bt MADELINE PERRY (1)

11/5 11/8 11/4

Semi Final - TAN (5) beat VANESSA ATKINSON (2)

11/2 12/10 11/3

1/4 Final - TAN (5) beat SHELLEY KITCHEN (4)

7/11 11/8 11/7 11/3

Last 16 - TAN (5) beat DONNA URQUHART

9/11 11/6 11/1 11/3

For the other results (when they appear) click here:

Tania's photos...

Wispa Report...

Tania Bailey triumphed in today's final of the NSC Series No5 Squash Championships to bring the five-event series of international Squash events at the Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to a close.

Tania celebrated her first WISPA World Tour title success for almost three years - and the biggest of her career - when she beat Madeline Perry, the top seed from Ireland, in the climax of the women's $25,000 championship.

It was the 29-year-old fifth seed from Lincolnshire's third successive upset in three days, after notable victories over fourth-seeded New Zealander Shelley Kitchen in the quarter-finals and former world champion Vanessa Atkinson, the second seed, in the previous round.

Bailey's triumph comes after an injury-stricken period which included knee surgery last year and necessitated a four-month Tour layoff.

The former world No4, who finished outside the top 20 at the end of last year, can now look forward to a significant rankings boost in next month's WISPA list.

Tania's updates:

After Final...

"...I played well, I was hitting the ball really tight and my length was good. I felt like I was moving well too. Madders made a bit of a comeback in the second and I got a bit edgy but managed to pull through it ok.

It feels so nice to win a tournament! It has been such a long time since I did, I feel proud of myself for what I went through last year and all the hard and painful work I put in. It feels good to see a reward for it

Thanks to all the people who helped me from my family at home, (Mum, Dad, Neil, Mark and Jo) to all the physios in Manchester and all the other support staff who have worked with me. Including Adam Wright who has been doing some psychology with me, England squash and the coaches who have kept supporting me all the time I wasn't playing. I didn't get to make a speech but I really wanted to say thanks..."

After Semi Final...

"...I am really pleased to have won today. I played well, my length was good and I was moving well. I was also taking the ball in short and making vanessa move around the court.

She mixes the pace up and holds the ball well so I had to really watch and keep on my toes. The second game was really tight and vanessa had a game ball so I was really pleased that I focused and won that game.

I look forward to my match with madders tomorrow..."

After 1/4 final...

"...I am pleased to have won, didn't really expect to after last week. Shelley started really strongly and I was just trying to hit hard with her which wasn't working. I started to mix the pace up in the next three games and started to hit my targets better, I was playing straighter too.

I was moving quite well and felt like I could get to most balls. I look forward to my match tomorrow and will see how it goes..."

After round 1...

"...my match was ok, Donna started really well and she was putting me under a lot of pressure in the first. She was hitting the ball really well, I felt like I was a bit slow to start with and my movement wasnt too good.

I felt better in the next three though and my length and width were better and I straightened up and I was getting on to the ball at the front and able to attack better.

I am happy to be through to the next round and look forward to my match with shelley..."

Media

For all the news from the tournament see the squash site...

Results

Semi Final - Vanessa Atkinson (1) bt Tania

11/4 11/1 11/7

1/4 Final - Tania (3) beat Delia Arnold (5)

12/10 11/4 11/4

1st Round - Tania (3) beat Low Wee Wern

11/5 11/1 11/9

For the other results (when they appear) click here:

Tania's photos...

Tania's updates:

After semi final...

"...Vanessa played really well and didnt give me a chance to get in to it..."

After quarter final...

"...My match went ok tonight, the first was tight and I was 10.8 down so I did well to pull it back. My length was a bit short and I was cross courting too much but then it got better in the next 2 games.

I felt I was moving ok and started to control the ball better. I play vanessa tomorrow, which will be tough but I will give it my best and see how it goes..."

After round 1...

"...The first two games were good then I sat back a bit in the third and she started playing better so it got a bit tight. It was nice to get started and get the first match out of the way..."

Media

For all the news from the tournament see the squash site...

Results

1/4 Final - Alison Waters (2) beat Tania (6)

11/9, 5/11, 11/8, 5/11, 11/8 (65m)

1st Round - Tania (6) beat Emma Beddoes

11/7, 11/8, 11/9 (32m)

For the other results (when they appear) click here:

Squashsite Pictures

1/4 Final

Pic 1...

Pic 2...

Pic 3...

Pic 4...

Pic 5...

Round 1

Pic 1...

Pic 2...

Pic 3...

Tania's photos...

Tournament report

Mark Bailey reporting from Manchester...

Tania put in a superb performance in the nationals quarters and almost knocked out the champion. In the end it was a champions performance from her opponent a couple of shocking refereeing decisions and an injury break that combined to end her run this year.

The 3-2 scoreline suggests it was a battle and it certainly was. It was tight all the way and the almost capacity crowd (and the thousands watching live coverage on the internet) were treated to womens squash of the highest order.

It was the sort of game that neither player deserved to lose and while Tania was playing some of her best squash in recent times and hitting some fantastic winners, Alison was matching her with some superb retrieving and disguised winners of her own.

Having had very little training in the lead up to the match Tania would have been hoping to at least take the first game and although it was tight all the way alison managed to nudge it 11-9.

In the second Tania came out all guns blazing and managed to draw level at 1-1. She then lost the third and her supporters thought it was all over. But once again she dug deep and with some excellent squash drew level again.

The fifth and deciding game was tight once more with Tania taking a couple of points lead at 4-2 and then alison going up 8-6. Then at 8-7 an unfortunate combination of events helped decide the match.

The first incident saw Tania strike Alison with her back swing. Very few people in the crowd, if anyone, would have ever seen a ref give anything other than a stroke in this situation. That was until tonight. Tania was shocked by the decision and confusion ensued as Alison took an injury break while Tania had deep discussions with the marker who would not explain his incorrect decision. This cost Tania a vital point at a vital stage of the game and seriously disrupted her focus.

Alison took a while to recover and when they eventually went back on Tania managed to win the point for the second time this time with the marker not forcing her to replay it again this took it to 8-8.

Alison got a lucky nick to take it to 9-8 and then after a long rally Tania asked for a bog standard let which the marker had been giving all night and he said "no let" to everyone's astonishment. So as Tania was still reeling from his last mistake she then took another blow. This one possibly finished her off as it was match ball and Alison went on to win the point and with it the match.

It was a shame that the match was decided in this manner and not by the superb squash that had been on show all night. You can't say that the decisions changed the outcome and Alison may well have gone on to win anyway. It was just disappointing that incorrect decisions had to have such an influence at such a vital time.

Despite the bitter end and disappointment of coming so close, Tania was pleased with her performance and reflected that she enjoyed it and was happy to have pushed a top 5 player all the way.

She will now be hoping for a prolonged period of training ahead of two tournaments in Malaysia where she will be hoping a little luck and some increased fitness might help her get back to winning ways.

Tania's update:

After quarter final...

"...I am extremerly disappointed to lose as it was so close but really happy with my performance, I really enjoyed being on the main court and the atmosphere was great.

I feel I am improving with every match and I look forward to having some time now to do some training and technical work before I go to Malaysia on the 14th March..."

After round 1...

"...I feel like I played well tonight, I didn't feel my hip at all which I was really pleased about as I didn't really know how it was going to be. Emma played well and it was a tough match, I felt like I was volleying well and moving well.

I was 6.1 up in the third and then relaxed a bit and Emma went 9.7 up, then I re-focused and managed to finish it 11.9, I am pleased to get through, Emma was one of the tougher draws I could have got, I am really looking forward to getting on the glass court on Friday and will see how it goes against Al..."

Media

For all the news from the tournament see the squash site...

Results

1/4 Final - Rachel Grinham (1) beat Tania

11/5 11/5 11/8

1st Round - Tania beat Madeline Perry (6)

11/3 7/11 11/4 11/3

For the other results (when they appear) click here:

Tans Pics from Ohio...

Tania's update:

After 1/4 Final...

"...I hurt my leg at the end of my 1st round match and I saw the massage guy before I played against Rachel and he said I had strained my hip flexor. It was quite sore when I woke up in the morning.

During the match I managed not to make it any worse as I didn't stretch myself and I used my other leg to lunge on most of the time. With a bit of rest and treatment it should be fine for the nationals..."

After round 1...

"...I won 3.1. I was pleased with the way I played and I felt good on court. I was moving well and felt strong. I am looking forward to my match tomorrow..."

For all the news from the tournament (when it appears) see the squashsite...

Squashtalk updates...

Tania next tournament is the National Championships in Manchester starting on the 11th of Feb...

Results

1/4 Final - Tania lost to Laura Lengthorn (3)

12/10, 6/11, 7/11, 11/9, 3/11

1st Round - Tania beat Jaclyn Hawkes (5)

11/7, 11/8, 11/6

For the other results (when they appear) click here:

Tans Pics from Greenwich...

Tournament Report

Tania was back in action for the first time this year as she flew to New York to take part in the Greenwich Open. Due to her recent knee injury she has slipped down the rankings and was therefore unseeded for the tournament.

This did not phase her in the first round as she took out the fifth seed Jaclyn Hawkes in straight games. Tania was tested by Jaclyns determination but was able to pull through by moving sharply and controlling her shots well.

In the second round she faced a sterner test in the shape of compatriot and world no.8 Laura Lengthorn who is now 10 places above Tania in the rankings. Despite this it was a very close encounter and Tania pushed Laura all way before going down 3-2 in an hour and 10 minutes.

It was a great game that was tight all the way and despite losing Tania was pleased to have had two tough matches in the tournament and come through them strongly.

Tania's update:

After 1/4 Final...

"...I played well in patches, Laura is playing well at the moment so I can't be too dissappointed. I just feel like I still have a lot of work to do and its frustrating that my fitness is still a long way off what it was.

The way i like to play takes a lot out of you physically so I feel I have to step back a bit and can't get on to the ball and attack as much as I would like. I seem to play well then I have to sit back for a bit. I am still happy to be playing again though and for my knee to be holding up.

In the fifth I had nothing left in my legs and lost it pretty easily.The match was quite long though so it is pleasing to see that my knee can handle a couple of hard matches."

After round 1...

"...It was a hard game, Jackie gets a lot of balls back and is really determined and always gives 100% effort so I had to play well to win. I was really pleased with the way I played. I felt like I was moving quite well and controlling the ball well.

I am pleased to get through. It will be another step up tomorrow against laura but I will get stuck in and see how it goes..."

For all the news from the tournament (when/if it appears) see the squashsite...

Squashtalk updates...

Tania will now stay in North America and compete in the Burning River Classic in Ohio in 2 weeks time.